Selector’s Afrofuturist series highlights the work of emerging BIPOC talent in U.S. electronic music.
North Carolina’s RXPHY (pronounced Raphy) works in a multi-genre patchwork of smooth, synthy melodies and sharply accented rhythms. His Radiant compilation spans the electronic music spectrum from dreamy downtempo to edgy glitch. It exhibits a true sense of sonic diversity while maintaining a fluid, well-defined aesthetic throughout.
“Lively” is a dive into poolside deep house. Equally beautiful and danceable, it opens with a pulsating bed of slippery synths and moves through a world of evolving thematic elements. The jazzy chord structure and slap-happy bass line come straight to the front, adding to the sunny atmosphere. The drums, namely the use of a snap, make for an organic feel. Taking a more energetic approach to the theme in the second half he twists the lilting synths into a shoulder-popping rhythm never losing the serenity of dancing in the warmth of a summer sunset.
RXPHY is ambitious to say the least. With the ease at which music can be released, anyone can make an attempt to be prolific in terms of quantity. Releasing high-quality content in bulk is another story. His first full-length release comes only a few short years into his career and features 20 tracks, many of which are collaborations with friends across the genre spectrum. Each is wonderfully composed and could stand alone as a single release.
Considering his growing presence on YouTube and attempts at growing a collective of emerging artists, it’s clear that RXPHY is not only establishing a place for himself in music, but attempting to build a community that includes his cache of talented friends.
Stream the entire album on Soundcloud, Spotify, and Apple Music, or purchase the full album on iTunes.
