Ariwo
Quite literally the intersection between Iranian electronic and Afro-Cuban folkloric music, Ariwo are a quartet made up of Iranian producer Pouya Ehsaei and Cuban percussionists Oreste Noda and Hammadi Valdes and saxophonist Binker Golding who has recently replaced trumpeter Yelfris Valdes as the instrumental mouthpiece for the group. Cuban rumba collides with electronic soundscapes, to create deep rhythms with a rousing energy. They released their first, self titled LP last year on Manana (who also launched Cuba’s first international music festival) and we’re told their follow-up is coming later in the year.
DJ Nomad
Hans Reuschl is a digger of exotic rhythms from across Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean and a seasoned graffiti artist in Berlin. Way back in 2000 he DJd with Hunee as part of the Triple A Soundsystem, but his recent collaboration is focussed on Africaine 808 with Dirk Leyers, mainstays on Golf Channel Recordings. For more on Nomad, check our Diggers Directory interview and mix below.
Em Williams
A 12-year resident of Simple, Oxford’s standout house and techno night, who were bringing A Love From Outer Space and Pearson Sound to the South East satellite city as early as 2013. Recently relocated to Bristol she’s formed the Mix Nights collective with Daisy Moon (brstl) and Danielle Doobay (Phonica) to mentor aspiring female DJs.
Lukas Wigflex
A Nottingham figurehead, who has helped shapes the city’s clubbing landscape through his Wigflex parties, providing heterogeneous sounds and monster themed AV installations to the close-knit Midlands community. His penchant for mucky and eccentric sounds has been a driving force in progressing Nottingham’s collective ear for more progressive club sounds, giving local talent a platform to release music while also bringing influential DJs to local dance floors when others wouldn’t dare. For more on Lukas, check out our Nottingham Spotlight interview and mix below.
Sven Atterton
Despite releasing a 12″ on PPU in 2015, Sven Atterton hasn’t enjoyed as much recognition as other contemporary producers on the label like Moon B, Legowelt, Sasac and Yu Su. His album of the same name has gone on to be a rare classic in the modern boogie funk sound, that feels more at home on the East Coast of the States than the UK (hold tight his Essex home). His live set at Ruffy’s Lab last year was one of the highlights for the lucky few who were in the know. Back in the same spot this year, we’re told he’s working on new tunes especially. Make sure you’re in that minority this time round.
Keep on digging: honourable mentions
Andi Hanley: Ruf Kutz family and the unofficial fourth member of Body & Soul.
Gatto Fritto: cosmic producer operating in the shadows. Maghreban collaborator and Renate resident in Berlin.
Kiara Scuro: London duo committed to uncompromising darkness.
Orpheu The Wizard: co-founder of Red Light Radio, Dekmantel family and an affinity for the unconventional.
Saoirse: London favourite and Rinse FM regular brought up on hard house and trance in Dublin.
Tenderlonious & The 22Archestra: 22a’s funkiest project yet. Excellent debut album dropping in time for summer.
