SWANO'S 10 [VOLUME 3] PT.14


Curated by Imani Wj Wright 
Here at SwanoDown, we listen to a ton of music on a DAILY basis. And during these days, of course, there are standout tracks. Below you'll find the 10 compositions we feel you should check out tonight, (or soon). We find these artists to be the most cutting-edge. And oh yeah, this is in no particular order... You decide!
Compositionally elevated songs by artists like DannyKBeats, Kiki Cubb, and loophole, are all featured today.

Jomy- Pear

Hell yeah. This is the way to start this Volume 3. I'll be completly honest, the atmosphere and movement of this piece has my hands moving a thousand miles per minute as I type this. The work put in on this cut shows. Structuring is everything here. Standing alone, the melodies could go up against some of the best, but the way Jomy transitions and implements the samples and percussion truly makes this thing whole.

Dan Del Negro- Chillin’ at the Crib

As soon as this piece comes on, Del Negro takes no time to lure you right in with an incredibly inviting display of Jazz. Listen to the assertive subtleness of the drumkit, coupled with an evergoing flow of the keys.

Brendan Eder Ensemble- Discovery at the Beach

I'm being genuine when I say this, I actually rediscovered something while listening to this piece. Yes, please excuse the irony in which I voluntarily walked myself into. Now, I'll continue... Since my first introduction to Jazz at the early age of around 5, I've had an intense love for the Saxophone. While listening to the Sax work elegantly over this steady backing rhythm, I fell in deeper love with Adolphe Sax's invention.

loophole- Orbit

If I was given the task of booking a smooth and professional band for an event in Switzerland this week, loophole would be the first set of musicians on my mind. Their undoubted coolness and professionalism makes for a simply enjoyable listening experience. And may I add, they're quite funky too!

Soulstice- Perseverance

Soulstice is showing us his true talent through this record. His ability to use the silence and/or presence of specific melodies and percussion is a thing to see. When he lets the percussion rock by itself, you can feel the pulsation of the record, when the leading melody returns, you're quickly reminded of the beauty. 

Soulstice- Dreamlike

Wait.. Soulstice? Again? Two songs in a row? Yes! This joint is as smooth and cool as its cover art. Soulstice creates a space for his listeners to have a moment of peace and tranquility. "Dreamlike" is only 1:14 long, but hey, that's why we have a replay button, right? Keep the peace my friends!

DannyKBeats- Gutter Symphony

DannyKBeats is one of the most creative guys in the instrumental sphere right now. We'll be getting into another one of his records later on this week, but let's dive into this one for now. "Gutter Symphony" has this genuine feeling of minimalism, matched with a grooving bassline and subtle but effective drums. What really takes this thing to the next level is the sound of someone telling you to "shh" every couple bars. It gives a little feeling of beatboxing as well. This won't be the last time we feature DannyKBeats here, this brother is the truth.

Kiki Cubb- Savage Sea

Ah yes, I'm always touched when I hear pieces that remind me of my days at Peabody Institute. Listening to some of the top pianists in the world rehearsing at 10 in the morning was more than music to my ears (pun intended). This piece gives a glimpse of the beauty in which human beings can create, and the  undeniaabl emotions that can be invoked through sound. When you turn this on, let your mind be free, and respect the moment.

All Good Funk Alliance x Ian Urbina- Time For A Break

Have you ever had a long day and couldn’t wait to have some time to yourself? When that moment finally comes, the pure elation that arises is great. Well, that's how this record feels! Pure jubilation. I also dig the vocal samples here, They remind me of some of the vocals you hear on Pink Floyd's "Another Brick in the Wall."

Bass Dreams minus B- Wanna B in A

While listening to this piece, I feel like I'm taking a trip down memory lane in an era that I didnt even live in. The soundscape and guitars here put me in the middle of a movie theatre during the mid 80s. I imagine it was something like this record.


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