Selector’s Afrofuturist series highlights the work of emerging BIPOC talent in U.S. electronic music.
“Close Enough” is the kind of deep house gem that results from four dynamic minds working as one. Thomas Garcia, production duo Joluca, and SOHMI have laid down a buttery jam dripped in laid-back soul via Whoyostro White.
The song is anchored by snappy drums and bass line that’s felt as much as it is heard. Hazy arpeggios give way to a jazzy, straightforward chord that holds the composition together. All the while, the keys jump straight out in front with some ultra funk that sounds like it was ripped straight from a jam session and SOHMI’s sultry vocals dot the landscape, painting a picture of deep house bliss.
L.A.’s Thomas Garcia’s motto is “I make what I like, and I play what I love.” It seems to be working out well for him considering he’s released regularly on labels that have redefined the sound of house music. House Of Hustle, My Techno Weighs A Ton, Elrow, and In/Rotation have all picked up work from this talented young producer. He also works the 9-5 thing with Create Music Group.
Joluca are Adam Johan and David Luca, two producers also based in L.A. but originally from Edmonton. They’d already become well-established names at home when they took the plunge and moved to a sunnier locale. Since relocating, they’ve found a new home at IO Music Academy, sharing the production knowledge that has led them to release on landmark labels like Desert Hearts and Psycho Disco.
Korean-American artist SOHMI has quickly established herself as one to watch. She has coveted festival sets under her belt for the likes of Ultra Korea and CRSSD Festival, and she’s also been tagged in by Claude Von Stroke for The Birdhouse on Sirius Radio and the now-legendary Desert Hearts Twitch stream, a necessary stop for house heads looking to raise their spirits in quarantine.
“Close Enough” is available for free download via Music Is 4 Lovers.
