SWANO's 10 [Volume 3] pt.6


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 gifted artists like Chafa, Cologne, and Piano Cake, are all featured today.

Chafa- Solitude

The beauty found within this piece is astonishing, breathtaking, and unworldly. Chills overwhelmed my body at every turn of this masterpiece. I am reminded of composer Toshifumi Hinata while listening to Chafa, an absolute genius.

DHARMESH KAPADIA- OCEAN WAVES

I've listened to a great amount of Kapadia's catalog, and this is by far one of my favorite compositions. There is so much evident care and attention spent on each sound here, from the piano, to the subtly placed percussion.

Cologne- Looking Back

My goodness. This piece brought tears to my eyes. It's one of those compositions that make you reflect on a bevy of memories in your life- good and bad. The guitar resonates with so much love and compassion. Cologne creates a space for us to ponder, a space of us to love, a space for us to appreciate. Thank you brother. 

Red Tail Hawk- Nasty
Yes sirrrr! This gives me pleasant feelings of attending jazz festivals in Maryland. They're not many songs that give me that genuine live summer atmosphere. This is one of them!

Space Hustle- Mir

Plan on taking a hardcore jog around the neighborhood? Want to finally ask that person out to dinner? This joint will knock that nervousness right out of you and get you pumped for the day. The percussion on Mir refuses to be stopped!

Piano cake- Préludes op.2 N°2 in A major

Have you ever watched The Pink Panther? The series or the movie, either one will work. Remember the theme song? That's the vibe you're getting here on this joint. Mysterious, suspenseful, and almost playful at times. Short & sweet. Definitely worth checking out, you can replay this thing for hours without noticing.

DHARMESH KAPADIA- Sunshine

This is the first time we've had an artist feature twice on a SWANO's 10. Kapadia has such an extensive catalog. On this track, he takes his signature style of giving you just a tad in the opening moments, massaging your ears, then easing you into the meat of the sound. 

Billy Hammer- soft glow

While listening to this track, I could visualize myself in several spots enjoying this. A tropical island, a foggy day in the Rain Forest, a warm but rainy day in Baltimore. Maryland... This joint has serious percussive vibes, and a soundscape that you can get lost in.

Noa Erni x Miles Bonny- Train Ride

I've listened to this piece on several occasions, and all I can think of is being inside the coolest of black & white movies. You know? A fresh suit, oversized hat, sitting in a jazz lounge waiting to have a drink with James Bond. Imagine that for a second. Yeah, that's what this sounds like.

Ryanhood- Appy Returns

Fast-paced, full, and still leaves room to be mildly considered as "minimalistic." Ryanhood's, Appy Returns will leave you on edge for its entire duration. Ryanhood pays homage to the music developed in the Appalachian Mountains, and you know what, they make you want to visit there! Every sound is driven straight ahead with passion, intensity, and vigor. 

Prince Mathicks + Cashbay Collection- same table

Before we even get into the sound of this joint, look at the cover art above, isn't it slick? Right. I thought so too. The record in the middle of the table is fitting as the sound here gives us some retro Hip-Hop and Soul vibes. The way this track is engineered is just right for the sound, and the melodies are easy to flow over if you have some bars to spit. You'll dig this piece. 

Pablo Eluchans- Primal Cues
A breath of a fresh air. It doesn't get too much more peaceful and delicate than this piece. The percussion, and ONLY percussion here is recorded so gently. The tones are gorgeous and resonate with ease. Quite the subtly bold performance. 

Prince Prabjyot- Under the Sky
This is the only joint on here with vocals, but it had to make this episode. The guitar and overall structuring of this piece is a joy to listen to! The vocals and gutair coincide in this piece so well that it damn near feels like you're listening to two separate soloist-. The strings take on their own voice, and it's a beautiful one.


Leave a comment