Youthful spirits with the feelings of running free, the transition into the next chapter of life - sometimes embraced, sometimes appalled...the rebel yells are fiercely heard. The words scream of love and lust, happiness and hurt, yet all ring out with a charismatic lilt. Enter the world of Sanna Kalla and Rebecka Digervall, the Swedish duo known as The Magnettes.
Raised in the northern town of Pajala, Kalla and Digervall formed a band in their early teens, playing in local establishments. Influenced by a variety of styles ranging from punk to folk, by 2012 the two released their debut single 'Paper Cuts', a lofty pop rock song that showcased their rapidly matured new sound and star-like quality.
Norwegian singer Mariann Rosa may label her music as 'Sci-Fi Pop' or #WTF, however it is more of a soundtrack to a world where exploration and experimentation operate like the sciences of life, and the one chief rule to live by is, there are no rules. Perhaps this mantra is why creatively the Stryn-raised artist has always taken a fearless approach to her music, fashion and art.
Like the beauty which lies in the very definition of their name, Kaleida, the London duo consisting of Christina Wood and Cicely Goulder, emulate its very meaning spot on, as their music is a shining reflection of refinement, elegance and poise with content that is of emotion and depth. Both visually striking, the high asthetic of fine performance and captivating visuals in their videos and imagery, have also added to the band's allure.
To be an artist from Stockholm, Sweden is like arriving from birth, instantly falling into a baptism of pop purification. There is something about the Scandinavian blueprint of pop music that works...and works well. However, Ninsun Poli is not your ordinary Swedish pop artist. Her intensely powerful vocals command with the might of a soulstress, making you feel every note delivered. Integrating the darker tones of pop and electronica, she has created a compound of sound that moves you with sheer impact, instantly bringing you along the course of her journey.
Critically praised albums, a MOBO Award, collaborations, remixes and features which include iconic artists such as Nas, Ziggy Marley and Tricky, an official recording for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, worldwide performances including shared stages with Gnarls Barkley, Femi Kuti and Lenny Kravitz, not to mention the ever constant comparisons to Lauryn Hill by the press: for many artists, these sort of credentials would be like holding a lucky lottery ticket, however for Nneka Egbuna, the mission of her work weighs heavy with far more importance.
When Prok & Fitch release a piece of music, that track typically skyrockets on the Beatport Charts, DJs get excited, dance floors get packed...simple. The reasoning, again, simple...quality and consistency. These two things are what Brighton-based Ben Prok and James Fitch have built a firm reputation on throughout the world of electronic music.
Whether working with legendary Roger Sanchez for the 2012 track 'Take You There' or releasing various cuts such as 'Freekshow', 'Dope Drop' and 'Rebound' on Mark Knight's Toolroom Records, Prok & Fitch's music has stood the test of time, gaining support from the likes of Pete Tong, Carl Cox and loads more.
Eelke Kleijn isn't your average, run-of-the-mill electronic producer, he's truly a composer. Having studied piano since the age of 12, his production is ripe with lush instrumentation whether it be husky tech or melodic deep house. Embraced by the likes of Pete Tong and Fatboy Slim, just to name a few, the Rotterdam native has released original records and remixes on Global Underground, Ultra, Toolroom, EMI, Spinnin', Eskimo and more (including his imprint Outside The Box), with acts ranging from Nadia Ali to Benny Benassi and John Legend all being officially reworked by the musical wizard.
To say that Scottish producers Illyus Brown and Ivan Barrientos are riding high with a wave of momentum would be a definite understatement. Better known as Illyus & Barrientos, the pair's production have blossomed from Glasgow's ever vibrant electronic scene to an international playing field. Having released records like "Do What You Wanna", along with EPs such as Stranded EP and Need Me, their CV includes remixes of Gorgon City's "Go All Night" featuring Jennifer Hudson, Lovebirds' "Want You In My Soul", Alex Adair's "Make Me Feel Better", "Joshi Mami's "I Need Your Love" and more. Signed to Kevin McKay's Glasgow Underground label, Illyus & Barrientos have drawn support from industry heavyweights Annie Mac, Danny Howard and dance music taste maker Pete Tong, who recently aired their After Hours mix for BBC Radio 1. With projects in the works for Defected Records and Red Bull Records, as well as a stream of shows this year, Illyus & Barrientos' tide is only going to continue to rise.
Girls, fashion, fun and sun can be attributed to the music of Italian group The C.I.P. Consisting of Michele Scheveger and Simone Cavalli, their songs are like soundscapes to month long parties on a beach filled with beautiful people and hedonistic escapades.
Formed in 2013, the duo quickly caught the attention of the press with their radiant sound of 80s pop, nu-disco and electro, not to mention winning an MTV Music Award for Best New Generation Electro.
There are people who loosely get pinned with the 'legend' title and then there are those who truly deserve such status. To call DJ, producer and radio presenter Graeme Park a legend would be an understatement. As one of the pioneers of house music in the UK, Park's musical CV is extensive, which includes his tenure at the iconic Haçienda in Manchester, 20 years on radio, having played countless gigs around the globe, and remixes for acts such as The Brand New Heavies, New Order, Inner City and loads more. For many, he has provided the soundtrack to the some of the best moments of their lives.
