This Week In Garage: Dominus, Bklava, Craig David
Dance music is in shambles as the biggest pop stars in the world begin to dabble in the genre, but UKG beats have consistently been a backdrop for some of the most crowd-pleasing pop tunes. Check out some new new, an incredibly fun mix, and one of the most iconic UKG pop songs.
New Releases of the Week
Dominus - Psycho Blud
UK-based Dominus is joining Shall Not Fade’s UKG-centric “Time Is Now” white label series with his forthcoming In The Shadows EP on July 29. But until then, he’s giving a taste of his esoteric, brooding sound with the project’s debut single, “Psycho Blud.” Modular synths contrast the tune’s organic drums and vocal chops exquisitely, creating a lush, dynamic, extended listening experience. The producer aims to inject his Turkish heritage into the EP, so we’re excited about its full drop.
Follow Dominus on Instagram | Bandcamp | Spotify | SoundCloud
poolsideconvo - the come up EP
Poolsideconvo takes a lofi approach to garage through his soothing the come up EP. For people craving garage but can’t handle its typically bombastic bassline, this project overflows with tracks you can even use to soundtrack a hectic work day. Don’t take it for granted, though—the come up is as evocatively penetrating as it is a bubbly, fresh take on UKG.
Follow poolsideconvo on Instagram | Twitter | Bandcamp | Spotify | SoundCloud
piri x Tommy Villers - words (Higgo Remix)
The original version of “words” is no less a garage track than Higgo’s remix, but the new rendition’s addition of horns and wobbles is delightful. Piri’s pixie-like voice atop Higgo’s dreamy, expansive production makes for a club-ready tune for the summer.
Follow Higgo on Instagram | Twitter | Spotify | SoundCloud
Mix of the Week: BKLAVA | Boiler Room x AVA Festival 2022
I spent all week listening to these YouTube Boiler Room x AVA Festival sets. I couldn’t help but feel FOMO when all my UK friends posted how good of a time they were having at the Belfast fest. Bklava is known to blend UKG, breaks, and house in her music, and she showcases it exquisitely with this DJ set. What makes her so fun to watch is how much she dances behind the booth and feeds off the club’s energy. Usually, when electronic producers use their own vocals, it rarely translates in a live setting, but Bklava effortlessly sings over her originals, and the crowd never slows down.
Follow Bklava on Instagram | Spotify | SoundCloud
Throwback of the Week: Craig David - Fill Me In
As dance music makes its way to the forefront of the conversation in pop music, those of us who’ve been here for a long time know that Drake and Beyonce aren’t the pioneers of the movement. In my inaugural post for the column, I mention Jorja Smith and Preditah’s “On My Mind,” but Craig David’s “Fill Me In” (produced by Mark Hill) comes 17 years before, fusing garage and R&B in an incredibly smooth and seductive way.
Follow Craig David on Instagram | Twitter | Spotify | SoundCloud
