While genres may sometimes be arbitrary, learning their historical and geographical roots is essential to add context. Before diving into this week’s picks, I wanted to highlight some excellent guides that can help you learn more about garage.

MusicRadar.’s beginner’s guide is a great starting point. Not only do they give you a comprehensive breakdown of garage, but they also list some songs that defined its early beginnings.

Music Is My Sanctuary created a family tree and visual timeline of the 20 years of UKG.

Real heads will love the UK Garage music guide by MasterClass. Not only will you learn about the symbiotic relationship between the US and UK when it comes to garage, but you’ll also discover the technicalities of the genre.

New Releases of the Week

Soulecta x Zefer - Sweet Feeling

Soulecta and Zefer are two UKG producers you’ve got to keep an eye on, and “Sweet Feeling” is a primary example of why. The saccharine song boasts wavy synths that smoothly swim through the clangorous drum pattern. You’ll be in a better mood once you press play.

Follow Soulecta on Instagram | Twitter | Spotify | SoundCloud | TikTok

Follow Zefer on Instagram | Twitter | Bandcamp | Spotify | SoundCloud

Erykah Badu - Didn’t Cha Know (chriz javey edit)

Take two of music’s greatest gifts—in this case, Erykah Badu and garage—and you’re bound to make something beautiful. Chriz javey did exactly that with his edit of “Didn’t Cha Know” and stayed true to garage house’s soulful roots. 

Follow chriz javey on Instagram | Twitter | Bandcamp | Spotify | SoundCloud

Mix of the Week: Eliza Rose in The Lab LDN for Mixmag

With an effortless swagger, Eliza Rose blesses music lovers with a special garage and house set for Mixmag’s The Lab LDN series on YouTube. While the DJ/producer/vocalist stays firmly focused on the CDJs for the most part, there are moments she charmingly reciprocates the crowd’s exhilarating energy and dances along with them.

Follow Eliza Rose on Instagram | Bandcamp | Spotify | SoundCloud | TikTok

Throwback of the Week: Krept & Konan x Tabitha - Pour Me Another One (Conducta Remix)

Even people who don’t know what garage is, know Sunship’s edit of “Flowers” by Sweet Female Attitude, but I have to highlight Conducta’s 2018 remix of Krept & Konan and Tabitha’s interpretation of the Y2K hit. It’s fresh as much as it is nostalgic, proving why people call Conducta the prince of UKG.

Follow Conducta on Instagram | Twitch | Spotify | SoundCloud