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Artist Spotlight: Anjunadeep Explorations 24
The Anjunadeep Explorations EP series returns for its 24th instalment featuring nine original tracks. The various artist series, a showcase of fresh and emerging talent from the global electronic music scene, has previously paved the way for many much-loved Anjunadeep mainstays over the years including Marsh, Simon Doty, Luttrell and CRi.
The newest EP features music from Anton Tumas, TRU Concept, Arina Mur, Arley & Descend, Julian Wassermann, M.O.S., Christian Burns, Nhar, LOR, Luigi Sambuy and Pergola.
Anton Tumas
First up on the compilation is LA-based artist Anton Tumas. As well as a producer, previously releasing on labels like All Day I Dream, Tumas is a DJ, promoter and label owner, who's played at Burning Man's iconic stages Robot Heart, DISTRIKT and Mayan Warrior, as well as festivals such as Lighting in a Bottle and Desert Hearts. 'Calling Los Angeles' is an anthemic track that reimagines Deadmau5's instantly recognisable classic 'Faxing Berlin'.
“I started DJing around 2007, and the sound of early 2000s progressive house has shaped my taste in more ways than I can possibly imagine. To this day, I always weave those nostalgic moments into every set that I play, as I try to create timeless dance floor moments. 'Calling Los Angeles' is a cover of the enduring hit 'Faxing Berlin'. Having played it countless times over the years, I decided it was time to make my own interpretation of it, using the epic chord progression of the original, but with modern sound design, the result is a track that can move dance floor in a very powerful way (as I’ve seen in my own sets). Taking on such a classic is no small feat, but in the end, I was able to pay my homage to it in a unique way.”
TRU Concept
Birmingham-based producer TRU Concept returns to Anjunadeep with 'Give No More', featuring longtime collaborator Romany, following the pair's label debut on Explorations 16 with 'Runaway'. TRU Concept has also released on Armada, and been supported by SiriusXM, BBC Radio 1, Diplo, Martin Garrix, and SELECTED. 'Give No More' pairs Romany's dreamy chopped vocals with a driving bassline and dynamic drums to create an irresistible dancefloor-ready cut.
"With 'Give No More' I wanted to create something that spoke true to me and my style of production. I always had in mind for it to be a song full of emotion in its melody and beat, which hopefully I accomplished. Also, it was great being able to collaborate on this record with my sister Romany who helped co-write and sing the vocals."
Arina Mur
Russian artist Arina Mur is also welcomed back to the label having previously featured on the 11th iteration of the Explorations series with 'Magic Wand'. Her track 'Together Again' is a fine example of ethereal deep house, awash with ephemeral melodies and inviting pads and strings. Arina reached #3 in Beatport's Organic House charts in May this year with her track 'Spin The Dawn', and has been supported by esteemed DJ's such as Tim Green, Jody Wisternoff and Enamour.
“The track 'Together Again' was conceived and created during the pandemic. That feeling inside when you expect that we are about to dance together again with loved ones to your favourite and heart-stirring music. I think the track really managed to convey the feelings and emotions that I put into it. The time of the pandemic is over, but the idea of the track, namely the meeting after separation, I believe will resonate in your hearts.”
Arley
German act Arley teams up with Amsterdam-based artist Descend for their track 'Can't Get To You', featuring emotive synths and the vocals of frequent collaborator Julene. Arley & Descend have recently released collaborations together on reputable labels such as Enhanced Chill and Armada Chill.
Descend
“Charles (Arley) and I met in Bali in 2017, and our friendship has been an incredible journey ever since. Our shared passion for music became the foundation of our collaboration. Charles played a big role in inspiring me to embark on my production journey. With his seasoned expertise, he guided me, and our collaborative efforts blossomed.
Two years ago I shared an idea with Charles. Together, we transformed it into what you're about to experience. Julene, who proved the beautiful vocals, was the missing piece needed to elevate the track to a heart-touching piece. I couldn't have imagined a better label to release this creation.“
Julian Wasserman
Munich-based producer Julian Wassermann makes his label debut with the synth and arpeggio laden 'Invisible'. Through his previous releases on reputable labels such as Einmusika, Last Night On Earth and Stil Vor Talent, Julian boasts an extensive list of tastemaker support, including Tale Of Us, Kölsch, Pete Tong, Eelke Kleijn, Lane 8 and more.
“I produced ‘Invisible’ over two years ago. Being a fan of RÜFÜS DU SOL, I got inspired and wanted to create a similar vibe while still sharing my own vision and style. With Anjunadeep as a label, a dream has come true at the same time. The long wait has been worth it.”
M.O.S.
Russian duo M.O.S. return to the label with 'Why', an uplifting organic house collaboration with UK producer Christian Burns. M.O.S. have released three standalone releases with Anjunadeep following their 2019 label debut 'Volga / Bengali', and regularly release on All Day I Dream and Shanti Radio, as well as on their own imprint Melody Of The Soul. Christian Burns is a multi-platinum award-winning producer, with collaborations including Tiësto, Benny Benassi and Armin Van Buuren.
“The Anjunadeep Explorations compilation series means a lot to us, because M.O.S.'s discography on Anjunadeep began with this legendary VA back in 2019 (Anjunadeep Explorations 08) when we released our track 'Native Therapy' with Zone+.
Now we are very happy to be back with a collaborative track called 'Why' with our dear friend Christian Burns. We met Christian a few years ago thanks to the opportunity to record a remix of his collaboration with Jody Wisternoff called 'The Spark' (many thanks to Jody and Anjunadeep crew for that) and honestly, it's a very special moment to release this beautiful track together with Christian on Anjunadeep. This is our home, that gave us friendship with such a talented musician and vocalist. Hope you enjoy the music.”
Nhar
French DJ and producer Nhar is welcomed for his label debut 'Carry On'. The track elegantly combines playful melodies and soft, warm textures, and demonstrates why his music has been supported by the likes of Sasha and Eelke Kleijn and Hernan Cattaneo.
"I produced this track at the end of 2020, I remember having the first elements for months and it took me a little while before managing to turn it into a complete track. I think ‘Carry On’ is all about setting a soft and positive vibe, dreamy melodies and a bit of 80's feel. I really appreciate that the music naturally found its way onto this excellent Anjunadeep Explorations 24!"
LOR
LA-based producer LOR also makes his label debut with 'Kingdom Falling', an introspective and emotionally charged melodic house track featuring modulated vocals and a crunchy percussion.
“With ‘Kingdom Falling’, I tried to tell a story that blurs the line between mournful doom and eternal hope. It's a very special track in my journey as a producer, as it marked the genesis of LOR – my solo project where I fuse the mystique of the cosmos, the wonders of futurism, and the raw emotion of the dance floor into songs that disregard the walls between genres. This track, my debut on Anjunadeep, emerged from my first experiment to transport listeners to the otherworldly realm I call LOR – a place where dance music isn't just about movement, but also a deeper exploration of our reality, imagination, and place in the universe.”
Luigi Sambuy
'Disincanto' marks the return of Luigi Sambuy to Anjunadeep, a collaboration with fellow Italian DJ and producer Pergola. Since debuting on Anjunadeep Explorations 11, Luigi has featured on consecutive flagship label compilations Anjunadeep 11 & 12, as well as releasing his three-track 'Paper EP' in 2020. 'Disincanto' combines moody and suspenseful synths with a steady, driving beat, earning its first support from label boss James Grant in early 2022.
“'Disincanto’, before we called it like this, was just a four-bar loop sitting on my computer. I initially came up with the idea of layering stacks and stacks of ambient noises that together would form various chords. I brought the idea to Francesco shortly after meeting him, and I knew I could rely on him for a strong arrangement, various arps and drums.
This is actually the very first idea we worked together on and I am so glad it's seeing the lights of day. Cumulatively, we managed to play this one out in so many corners of the world, from Egg in London to Volt Milan and finally San Francisco's Midway. I always learn so much when working with Francesco and this is the track that started it all.”
Pergola
“I met Luigi in January 2021 during one of my performances in Florence. A great human and artistic understanding immediately emerged which then transformed into a true and sincere friendship. Soon after we decided to try working together, among the demos he had there were many that impressed me and had great musical potential. In that period 'Disincanto' was born from a downtempo musical sketch by Luigi, so I took over to work on the arrangement and mix. 'Disincanto' also paved the way for another collaboration, 'Tunnel'. Luigi is an important reference for me, a special friend and a close collaborator, present in all my solo projects.“
Click the button below to listen to Anjunadeep Explorations 24.
Written by Angus Owen