Considered the first project of its kind to focus on Punjabi garage, the documentary aims to explore the genre’s early roots all the way up to modern-day collectives. One such collective covered in the film is Daytimers UK. Provhat Rahman, a DJ and producer from east London, is a co-founder of the group whose aim is to empower and showcase talent emerging from the South Asian diaspora.

a lil teaser for the documentary i co-produced on the early punjabi garage scene.

featuring @SurinderRattan @SurjRDB @metzntrix, Indy Sagu, myself & a few special cameos ?

dropping soon on the @ministryofsound channels ?

18/11/21 ? pic.twitter.com/PBmRp0qk3B

— yung singh (@yungsingh35ol) November 8, 2021

The film’s co-producer, Yung Singh, said the film was “just the start of the conversation” in a recent Twitter post. “Hopefully it provides insight into how things got started,” he went on.

Featuring archival footage of artists producing music in their garages and home studios, the film aims to explore race, identity, and culture by showcasing South Asian contributions to the early 2000s UK garage scene. Artists featured in the documentary include Sunrider Sattan, SurjRDB, Metz n Trix, Indy Sagu, and Yung Singh.

Back in August of 2021, Singh played a set for broadcasting platform Boiler Room. With his newly raised profile, he aims to honor the artists that came before him with the film.

Independent artist and record label Peaky Beats has been making waves lately with his classic UK garage sound. Garnering support from the likes of Disclosure and Floating Points, the skilled producer has seen two of his tracks featured on BBC Radio 1 in the last year.

Now, Peaky Beats returns with his fourth release, PBR004. Label mate Eliza Rose features on the A-side for two stellar collaborative efforts, “Free Your Mind” and “Zen Mode.” Both are shining examples of Peaky Beats’ penchant for nailing timeless yet upfront concepts within each track. “Free Your Mind” and “Zen Mode” exude a danceable two-step vibe with swingy, syncopated drum work and enticing bass lines.

On the flip side, Peaky Beats takes things deeper with two solo offerings. The aptly titled “2001” delivers a classic UK bassline sound reminiscent of that era, but forward thinking in its own right with clean sound design. “10 Rounds Of Dub” also delivers on its name, taking a nostalgic dubstep approach that doesn’t shy away from the traditional elements of the genre.

Peaky Beats’ latest release serves as an effective showcase of the producer’s breadth of talent, remaining true to the sound he’s been cultivating over the last two years. His previous work “Up North” was a popular feature in Disclosure’s BBC Radio 1 radio show, and “Sheade” was championed by Floating Points in the same manner last year.

PBR004 is now available for pre-order via the Peaky Beats Records store.

British-Brazillian artist Wax Wings has enlisted the magnetic London queer scene duo NIMMO for their debut on the He.She.They. imprint. An extension of the brand’s event series, He.She.They. continue their label series on the heels of their first-ever release last October. With a focus on the founding ethos of the dance music movement – inclusivity, positivity, and breaking down barriers – He.She.They. aim to return the community to its ideological roots.

As the opening synth stabs reverberate, NIMMO’s captivating vocals immediately grab ahold of the listener. A subtle bed of pads supports an emotionally reverent vocal, and a driving 2-step garage beat. Beautifully understated, “Reclaim Me” proves that dance music can be at once sentimental and dance floor focused.

Wax Wings draws just as much inspiration from the likes of Nine Inch Nails as he does from frequent collaborator Maya Jane Coles. A The Weird & The Wonderful label mate, Coles played an early role in his career. She’s not only enlisted him as an official opener for her DJ sets, but also frequently joins him in the studio. Wax Wings isn’t just a musician; he also stamps his eclectic style across the worlds of fashion, photography, and graffiti.

NIMMO was formerly a five-person band, yet they really have begun to find their groove as a duo. Sarah Nimmo and Reva Gauntlett are childhood friends who have become icons in the London queer community. They celebrate the work of other artists in the London scene through collaborations from filmmakers to DJs. Not only have they struck upon a sound that highlights the power of their collective voices – they’ve also helped uplift other queer female artists ho share their creative vision.

Image credit: Roxy Lee