MusicFreaks

Tag: Rhythm

  • Djrum Dazzles Anew On ‘I Wander ‘EP

    Musician and producer Djrum (Felix Manuel) is charting an exciting course this summer, shifting gears from his acclaimed electronic sound to a new project that explores the nuanced world of rhythm and narrative: the EP I Wander.

    Following the success of his 2025 jazz-tinged electronic album Under Tangled Silence, Manuel is now releasing I Wander, a six-track project described as “arranged for continuous playback.” Scheduled for release on August 14th via Houndstooth, the EP invites listeners to engage with music in new and flexible ways.

    Manuel approaches composition not just as creating songs, but as playing with the very distinctions between a song, a track, and a piece. He believes that I Wander allows listeners to experience the work in bite-sized chunks while also revealing a larger narrative when listened to cohesively. Each track offers a distinct story, yet together, they unfold a deeper, more complex narrative.

    The sonic landscape of I Wander bridges Manuel’s established style with unexpected influences. While his previous work drew heavily from Warp Records-style electronica and piano-forward acoustics, this new EP nods to the frenetic breakbeats of legendary artists like Aphex Twin and Squarepusher, injecting a raw, kinetic energy into his sound.

    This evolution is supported by strong critical validation. His previous album, The Guardian, was lauded as “a masterclass of detail and vision,” while The Wire hailed the work as “an exquisite amalgam of past and present musical identities.”

    Fresh off a sold-out performance at London’s Barbican, Manuel is bringing his evolving sound to international stages. He will perform today (July 2) at Denmark’s Roskilde Festival, followed by a packed schedule of shows through late October.

    Catch Djrum live on tour:

    • July 2: Roskilde, Denmark (Roskilde Festival)
    • July 4: Turin, Italy (Kappa Futur Festival)
    • July 10-12: Hay-on-Wye, Wales (Freerotation)
    • July 22: Puglia, Italy (Polifonic Festival)
    • Aug. 9: Norfolk, England (Houghton Festival)
    • Aug. 22: Biddinghuizen, Netherlands (Lowlands Festival)
    • Aug. 29: Porto, Portugal (Gare)
    • Aug. 30: Alandroal, Portugal (Gravitate Festival)
    • Sept. 11: Berlin (Tresor)
    • Sept. 13: London (Waterworks Festival)
    • Oct. 23: Amsterdam (Club Raum ADE)
    • Oct. 24: Wuppertal, Germany (Open Ground)

    Credit: Spin

  • Ahead of World Tour, Anthony Pappa Talks Collaborations, an Artist Album and ‘Flying The Flag’ For Australian DJs

    At the epicenter of elite DJing lies a profound mastery of music selection, reading the crowd, and pure rhythm. For Anthony Pappa, the mantra is simple: always beats.

    Pappa’s journey into the world of electronic music was built on a solid foundation of percussion. His path wasn’t the typical route; while others were exploring bikes or waves, he immersed himself in drumming. His father had set the initial course for him—a professional drummer—and Pappa pursued that passion at one of Melbourne’s leading drum schools, Drumtek. There, he learned from masters like Virgil Donati, forging a rhythmic skill that would eventually translate into the electrifying world of DJing.

    This deep understanding of rhythm proved to be an effortless bridge. The transition from drumming to mixing became seamless, culminating in Pappa winning Australia’s DMC DJ championship at just fifteen years old. That early triumph marked the start of a career built on instinct and energy.

    Today, Anthony Pappa stands as one of Australia’s most sought-after and versatile DJs. He effortlessly navigates vinyl across three decks, mastering everything from house to trance and progressive sounds with surgical precision. His influence is vast, evidenced by his appearance on DJ Mag’s Top 100 DJs list annually between 1997 and 2003, making him a recognized figure in the industry.

    Beyond performance, Pappa has built an incredible catalogue. He has sold over 500,000 records for major electronic music brands, including Platipus Records, Global Underground, and Renaissance Recordings. This achievement showcases his ability not just to play music, but to create and curate it for a global audience.

    His experience stretches back further than the turntables. Starting as a mobile DJ crafting birthday party sets, Pappa moved into the heart of Australia’s nightlife, playing iconic venues like Melbourne’s Metro, The Historic Chevron, and Chasers in the early 1990s. He hasn’t forgotten where he came from, consistently weaving drumming elements into his highly dynamic sets.

    Pappa’s global footprint is evident in his residencies and festival appearances, spanning iconic spots like Glastonbury, Tomorrowland Belgium, Ultra Miami, and countless other major events across the Atlantic. He has performed for some of the biggest names in electronic music, including Renaissance (UK), Twilo (New York), and Japan’s Womb.

    While his career is rich with celebrated achievements, Pappa remains focused on the creative current. Recently, he has released compelling tracks like “We Emerge” and the See Me EP, featuring powerful collaborations that push the boundaries of progressive house sound.

    Looking ahead, Pappa is constantly pushing boundaries, currently embarking on a world tour across Europe, North America, South America, and South Africa. Though he has done the work of mixing countless compilations, his next big milestone is his own album—a chance to fully realize his unique musical vision.

    Ultimately, Pappa’s continued success is fueled by passion. He remains happily on the road, celebrating the privilege of being a DJ and an artist who lives and breathes music.

    Credit: Billboard

  • Nana Osei Twum Barima Takes Us on a ‘Journey to the Unknown’

    In the world of music, there are artists whose work doesn’t just enter your ears—it settles in your soul. Nana Osei Twum Barima is one of them, delivering an auditory experience defined by profound, understated beauty.

    There is a wonderfully guileless quality to the softness of his voice that sets his music apart. It is a sound that doesn’t demand attention; rather, it invites you to lean in and discover something deep and honest within the melody.

    The steady rhythm and warmth embedded in his delivery create an atmosphere that is both incredibly touching and deeply lovable. It is this unique blend of sincerity and exquisite musicality that elevates his albums beyond mere recordings, transforming them into evocative journeys.

    Listening to Nana Osei Twum Barima is an exercise in finding tranquility. His artistry speaks volumes through quiet tones, offering a soothing presence that resonates long after the music fades. It is a testament to the power of genuine expression and gentle storytelling.

    Credit: PopMatters

  • DJ Seinfeld’s ‘If This Is It’ Is Musically Rich and Engaging

    When you step away from the relentless pace of the music industry and choose to focus on the art before you, the results can be truly transformative. DJ Seinfeld has recently embodied this philosophy, offering a collection that feels less like a product of constant motion and more like a deep, thoughtful exploration.

    By deliberately stepping back from his demanding touring schedule and embracing the idea of living in the here and now, Seinfeld has crafted a body of work marked by remarkable maturity. This shift is not just about timing; it’s about perspective—a transition from high-energy performance to profound introspection.

    The resulting music speaks to a matured sensibility, delving into textures and rhythms that reward listeners who take the time to settle in. It’s an experience that pulls the listener out of the immediate noise and invites them into a more reflective space.

    This new collection demonstrates an evolution in Seinfeld’s artistry, showcasing a depth and emotional resonance previously hinted at, now fully realized. It’s a profoundly moving piece that manages to balance his signature sound with a newfound sense of quiet, powerful storytelling.

    It serves as a beautiful reminder that sometimes the most impactful work comes not from relentless output, but from intentional pause. DJ Seinfeld has proven that stepping back can lead to some of the most compelling and enduring creations.

    Buy on Amazon

    Credit: PopMatters