As much as we wish we did, most of us don’t have the time to spend countless hours trawling for new music. With the sheer volume of it released on a daily basis, some great tracks fly under the radar.
Crate Digging is a monthly roundup of top-tier tunes you might have missed from across the electronic music spectrum. From obscurities uncovered during trips down Bandcamp rabbit holes to the latest releases from legendary artists, Crate Digging is here to keep your collection up to date.
Note from Andrew Wowk: This is the final edition of Crate Digging for Selector. Thanks to everyone who has followed the piece each month — I really hope you have enjoyed the selections and discovered some new artists and labels to follow! I will be looking to publish the piece elsewhere in the future. Until then!
1. Out Of Fuel – Kohti [Initiate Records]
Out Of Fuel goes deep with “Kohti,” an atmospheric drum and bass trip that eschews big, aggressive drops in favor of creating a subtle, unfurling soundscape punctuated by tight percussion and gritty low end.
2. not without friends – Loco [Rose Avenue]
No-nonsense, big room tribal house from not without friends. “Loco” is continuously propelled forward by thunderous drums, playful carnival-inspired percussion, and gnarly effects.
3. vakhtang gorgasali – queen’s loop [Self-Released]
Centered around a hypnotic, bleepy synth sequence and stripped-down percussion, “queen’s loop” sees Georgian producer vakhtang gorgasali demonstrating that you can do a lot with a little.
4. Dycide – Swamp [IO-Records]
“Swamp” lives up to its name, combining a rich blend of organic tribal elements with Dycide‘s futuristic, sci-fi-inspired sound design. This is the theme song of an ancient alien civilization from the outer reaches of space.
5. Lemon D – High Tech Souls [Infrared Records]
Veteran jungle producer Lemon D lands on longrunning imprint Infrared Records with “High Tech Souls” — a lush, soulful roller that’s equal parts delightful and deadly.
6. Mark Williams – Take My Love [Hardgroove]
Mark Williams ends 2024 on a high note, delivering his second EP for Hardgroove. “Take My Love” is quintessential Mark Williams and Hardgroove: Pounding low end, rugged percussion, funky melodic elements, and soulful vocal samples.
7. Sublee – Metime [RAWAX]
Sounding like it could have come right out of the golden era of progressive house, “Metime” is nine minutes of beautiful, subtle melodies, warm atmospheres, and classic drum grooves.
8. Jones&Roth – Schneller Chili Salat [W133]
“Schneller Chili Salat” is playful deep house that incorporates elements of electronica and chillout to excellent effect. Jones&Roth channel the spirit of Kruder & Dorfmeister for this vibrant, low-slung cut.
9. Missterspoon – Morgan [Self-Released]
Slow-burning, gnarly acid house from Missterspoon. A wonky 303 line snakes around crisp, analogue drums in “Morgan,” creating a twisted, infectious groove.
10. Skin Teeth – Caustic Soundboy [Torre]
You can never go wrong with a free download, especially from a label as consistently high quality as Torre. “Caustic Soundboy” from Skin Teeth is a raucous breakbeat banger ready to smash up sound systems.
