Nathan ClareBandcamp Fridays are back! Bandcamp has recently announced that Bandcamp Fridays will return on the first Friday of each month for the remainder of 2022. Starting with today, September 2nd. We decided to choose 10 recent releases to celebrate this fantastic news.
As you may already know, Bandcamp has revolutionised the way that independent musicians release music and earn a living over the last few years. They usually take a small percentage of each purchase since they provide the platform for people selling music, merch, sample packs and items of a similar nature.
Though over the course of the pandemic they waived their fees on Fridays to help artists who use their platform and were under additional financial struggle which turned out to be a roaring success. So much so that they have continued to waive their fees and have a Bandcamp Friday on the first Friday of every month. We sat down and chose 10 new releases to check out for this months Bandcamp Friday.
1: Mix & Fairbanks – Labyrinth [House of Disco Records]
Mix & Fairbanks make their long awaited return to House of Disco Records with their first solo ep on the well regarded imprint. You can expect bundles of groove throughout, with sprinkles of synths and a dose of euphoria for good measure. This is true Friday feeling listening. Dig in.
2: Rick Wade – Late Right EP [Shall Not Fade]
Rick Wade’s latest release ‘Late Right’ on Shall Not Fade is a fresh take from one of the pioneering ‘Detroit Deep House’ producers from the last 20 years. Combining elements of acid, tribal, ghettotech and jazz across the body of work is really refreshing to hear. Definitely check this out.
3: Amy Dabbs – Baddest Gal EP [Cheeky Music Group]
For those of you who are a fan of jungle and breakbeat, this superb release from Amy Dabbs is filled with energy and emotion on the incredibly consistent Cheeky Music Group. A true delight from start to finish.
4: Oscar Escapa – Berlin Feeling EP [Planet Rhythm]
If you are a fan of thrilling techno, then this latest release by Oscar Escapa might be for you. Dark, murky techno combined with infectious grooves across the 3 tracks of the EP make for a really solid release. What a buzz.
5: Chontane – Matter of Time [Lobster Theremin]
Chontane’s latest release consists of a lovely 4 tracker, courtesy of Lobster Theremin. Be prepared to immerse yourself in some colourful sounding techno, with elements of breakbeat thrown in for good measure. There’s lots of groove to be heard among these tracks too. Overall a really enjoyable release.
6: Lauer – Cycling Days [Running Back]
Frankfurt based Lauer has dropped a mini LP that encapsulates a super unique sound that is inherently his own. Combining indie-dance, Italo, pop and house music that is super smooth on the ears and really welcoming to dance to. This is a fantastic release, and is one that suits the Running Back sound perfectly.
7: Pete Cannon & T-Cuts – N4 Records & Mined Records Collab [(N410 – MINED14)]
This collaboration release between Pete Cannon (N4 Records) and T-Cuts (Mined Records) is for all the junglists who are interested in uncovering some modern day hardcore and jungle music that has been crafted on older gear in the modern day. Lots of raw energy and emotion coming from these tracks and still sounding as nostalgic as ever. The only difference is that it was released today.
8: International Chromies Vol.11 – [International Chrome]
Jensen Interceptors and Assembler Code’s International Chrome is back with its 11th Various Artists compilation. Tracks come from Djedjotronic, Lord Jalepenos, Exzakt, Frenquency and Jensen himself. Lots of eerie and upbeat electro to be uncovered in this release from a range of artists that really show their diversity in sound. Very refreshing overall.
9: Biodive – From The Taxi To The Club EP [Craigie Knowles]
Biodive has released a slamming house four track EP on Scottish based label Craigie Knowles. Booming basslines and ever evolving grooves are deeply present in this release. Some acid can be heard throughout too, absolutely no complaints here.
10: Lee Holman – NECHO20 [NECHTO Records]
Lee Holman’s debut on Nastia’s Nechto Records is a fine example of immersive and atmospheric techno. You can hear throughout the release that the soundscape does vary quite a bit while still remaining within the genre which makes for a really interesting journey.