Hailing from Geneva, Switzerland, Mont Rouge is a dynamic trio making waves in the Afro & Melodic House scenes. In just over a year, they’ve skyrocketed to prominence with their infectious rhythms and electrifying performances. Their breakout track in late 2023 amassed over 1 million Spotify streams and hit the Top 3 on Beatport within days, earning support from industry heavyweights. With nearly 3 million streams on a standout remix and 100+ performances at major European festivals, Mont Rouge is fast becoming a household name, blending deep synths and vibrant African rhythms into a signature sound.

Tasty or Not is a new french Afro house music trio featuring three talented artists with a deep passion for rhythm and beats. Tasty or Not brings a unique energy and vibe to the Afro House genre.

With two members having already toured with a major artist and a third currently signed by a major publishing house, the group has quickly caught the attention of the music industry.

Their tracks have been supported by well-known names such as Black Coffee, HUGEL, Shimza and Manunaykene. Their innovative edits have also made their mark, reaching the Hypeddit Afro House Chart twice, at number two and number thirteen.

Tasty or Not is still in its infancy, and their journey promises to be as exciting as their beats. Stay tuned for their latest demos and releases - this trio is one to watch !

Montee is an emerging force in the electronic music scene, known for his dark yet melodic sound that resonates deeply with listeners. As a pioneer in the emotional dance movement, Montee is redefining the boundaries of Electronic Dance Music by seamlessly blending genres to create a unique and immersive experience. With a growing following and a string of impactful releases, Montee is quickly becoming a standout name in the world of electronic music.

The Italian duo Glowal, formed by Fabio Giannelli and Alessandro Gasperini, has rapidly become a defining act in the underground electronic scene. Fusing emotive vocals, hypnotic melodies, and deep, driving rhythms, they have released on top-tier labels such as Innervisions, Diynamic, TAU, and Sapiens. Their breakout track Cries on Innervisions’ Secret Weapons series propelled them into the spotlight, followed by Beatport chart-toppers like My Computer with Adana Twins. Renowned for their seamless DJ performances, they have played across Europe, India, and the Middle East. With a growing global following and an ever-evolving sound, Glowal continues to shape the future of electronic music.

Launched in mid 2021, Naylor is a South London (U.K) based producer/multi instrumentalist & artist who in the first 2 years of releasing music, has drawn impressive tastemaker support both in the U.K and U.S, ranging from Magnetic magazine to BBC Radio 1’s “Dancefloor moment” feature, The Blessed Madonna to Spotify’s “Fresh Finds Dance tracks of the year”

Hailing from Halifax, Peter Ibbetson (Naylor) was born into a household where there was always music playing (he remembers The Beatles particularly, and lots of Motown and soul records).

Peter moved to London for more opportunities as a musician. Familiar to many who have made the move to the capital, his first room, in Catford, was a classic London box room, for which he paid dirt cheap rent and a couple of dinners a week to a trumpet-playing friend of a friend. Looking back at the people he met and the gigs that he played, Peter describes that box room in Catford as the foundation of everything that’s followed.

As he moved into a more electronic sphere, getting to grips with new hardware and playing weird and wonderful gigs of all shapes and sizes, Peter was deep in the hustle; becoming a regular session musician for the likes of George Fitzgerald, Rosie Lowe and Makeness, touring major festivals all over Europe, this love of artistry, live performance and music led him to his own artist project, and here we are…

With Naylor, he looks to get back to the “bare bones” of what music is — melody, harmony, and rhythm. Inspired by early Jamie xx, and the way artists like Bicep and Caribou have been able to translate their material onto stage, Naylor is a bright and intricate electronic project that will welcome collaborations with vocalists and, most importantly, be performed live with a full band.

After an extended hiatus not of his own choice, Naylor is back with a slew of new releases slated for the first half of 2025. Returning to the studio over the last few months with artists and songwriters, Pete is ready to delve into the world of collaborations and songs, starting with “Empty Lines”, ft Eloise Keeble.

Hailing from Oslo, Norway, Ulver emerged in 1992, rooted in the raw energy of black metal and steeped in the mystique of Norwegian folklore. Their debut, Bergtatt – Et Eeventyr i 5 Capitler (1994), cemented their place in the Norwegian black metal pantheon while revealing early signs of their restless creativity. Now a genre classic, it marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey.

Ulver swiftly transcended black metal’s confines. Their sophomore release, Kveldssanger (1996), traded aggression for haunting acoustic folk, signaling a bold departure. By 1998’s Themes from William Blake’s The Marriage of Heaven and Hell, they had plunged into a fearless fusion of ambient, industrial, and electronica, weaving philosophical depth into their sonic tapestry.

The 2000s saw Ulver refine their artistry with albums like Perdition City (2000) and Shadows of the Sun (2007), where brooding introspection met cinematic soundscapes—music often described as scores for imaginary films. In the years that followed, their palette grew ever more daring, embracing jazz, synth-pop, drone, and orchestral elements. Collaborations like Terrestrials (2014) with drone titans Sunn O))) and the chamber-infused Messe I.X-VI.X (2013) showcased their versatility, while The Assassination of Julius Caesar (2017) and Flowers of Evil (2020) married ‘80s synth vibes with their signature shadowy edge.

With over half a million records sold, Ulver’s influence spans genres, inspiring artists worldwide with their refusal to conform. In 2020, their story was immortalized in Wolves Evolve – The Ulver Story (House of Mythology), a 336-page autobiography blending intimate band interviews—led by Tore Engelsen Espedal—with essays by Phil Alexander, Nile Bowie, and Torolf Kroglund, plus rare archival photos. Hailed by critics and fans alike, it’s a testament to their enduring impact.

Ulver remains a force of boundless invention, continually pushing the boundaries of sound while retaining an unmistakable soul. Revered as icons of experimental music, they invite listeners into a world where evolution is not just a process, but an art form.

Heartworms, the South London-based post-punk project led by Jojo Orme, is emerging as a compelling force on the contemporary UK music scene. Before embarking on her musical journey, Jojo struggled with finding her place and identity. Music became her refuge, allowing her to channel her experiences and emotions into her art. Heartworms' music combines intense, raw emotion with a disciplined, almost regimented sound that stands out in the post-punk landscape. Jojo's songwriting is deeply personal, often exploring themes of mental health, resilience, and self-discovery.

Heartworms quickly caught the attention of the influential label Speedy Wunderground, known for nurturing innovative artists, such as Fontaines DC and Wet Leg. Working with producer Dan Carey, Jojo refined her sound, resulting in a series of releases that garnered critical acclaim.

The debut EP, "A Comforting Notion", received critical acclaim from The Sunday Times, Dazed, The FADER, The Quietus, Loud And Quiet, The Line Of Best Fit, and So Young Magazine. The EP's singles were added to the BBC Radio 6 Music playlist and received spot plays from Radio X’s John Kennedy and BBC Radio 1’s Jack Saunders and Gemma Bradley.

“With my EP, people kind of pigeonholed me into post-punk,” says Jojo Orme, the artist behind Heartworms (see this month’s NME). “I was like, ‘Cool, I can do that, but I can also do way more’ – I can also be poppy and catchy, and this album represents that.” Produced by longtime collaborator Dan Carey, Glutton For Punishment combines the propulsive, motorik tendencies of gothic stalwarts Depeche Mode with the lyrical dexterity of PJ Harvey and the off-kilter rhythms of LCD Soundsystem into a powerful sonic onslaught.

Across Glutton For Punishment’s nine sharply realised agit-pop tracks, Orme sings about broken families and broken relationships with bracing frankness – every song shot through with the unnerving feeling that maybe she enjoys the chaos. The album reveals the 26 yr old as a talented stylist and cutting lyricist.

Backed by a full live band, Heartworms’ performances are a masterclass in poise and power. Jojo describes the theatrical elements of her shows, punctuated by her intense stare, as a rebellion against preconceived notions of "smallness" and fragility in female musicians. On stage, she projects an image of strength and total control, with uniformity playing a significant role in her art. Inspired by the metronomic music and meticulous fashion of bands like Interpol and Kraftwerk, and the dark humour of PJ Harvey, Jojo's music is a life-affirming exercise that expels her passions, including military history and the poetry of Pound, Thomas, and Keats.

Gaël Rakotondrabe was born on Réunion Island into a musically rich family (he is the great-nephew of René Lacaille). He began playing piano at 11 and, by 17, earned his diploma from the Regional Conservatory, securing third place in the "Pian'Austral Jazz" competition. In 2001, he moved to Paris to study at the Bill Evans Piano Academy, later graduating from both the Bill Evans Academy and the Nadia and Lily Boulanger Conservatory.

Rakotondrabe’s career flourished with his quintet dedicated to Horace Silver, which won the Sunside Trophy in 2005. In 2007, he performed at Carnegie Hall and began working with CocoRosie, contributing as pianist, arranger, and co-producer, touring internationally through 2011. His collaboration with the band spanned from 2007 to 2011, including tours across the globe, performances at prestigious venues like Coachella, the Sydney Opera House, and the Olympia in Paris.

His 2008 win of the first prize at the Montreux Jazz Festival's international piano competition, with Fazil Say as jury president and Quincy Jones as honorary president, led to the "Montreux Jazz Winner" tour.

Rakotondrabe’s theater and opera work includes serving as musical director for Robert Wilson’s The Life and Death of Marina Abramović, with Anohni, Marina Abramović, and Willem Dafoe. He also collaborated with Antony and the Johnsons on worldwide tours. In film, he composed scores for Afterschool (2008), Mystery (2012), and University of Disaster (2017), featured at the Venice Biennale.

A prolific producer, he worked with Yasmine Hamdan, Mélanie Pain, Woodkid, and CocoRosie. In 2022, his score for Other People's Children earned nominations at the Venice Film Festival and Sundance. In 2023, his compositions for The Wild One, awarded Best Cinematography at Tribeca, and On the Edge, which won the Grand Jury Prize at the Champs-Élysées Film Festival, further solidified his standing in contemporary music.

Soft Blade, the brainchild of Moscow-born musician and artist Violetta Shabash, is an influential figure in the underground Russian music scene. Known for her innovative approach, she blends elements of ambient, house, techno and dub to create a distinctive, captivating sound. Often referred to as a DIY project, Soft Blade stands out for Violetta's hands-on method in writing and mixing her tracks, characterised by a memorable lo-fi sound, ethereal vocals, and bright, evocative lyrics.

Many listeners have shared that they deeply understand her emotions, and find it to be a healing and intimate experience, even though she sings in Russian. Violetta's work often evokes a sense of nostalgia for something that hasn't happened yet, stirring bittersweet feelings. Tracks like 'Zerkalo' and her latest release, 'Koster', exemplify her ability to craft intricate sonic narratives that resonate deeply with her audience.

Soft Blade's artistry is not confined to studio recordings. Her project, eight years in the making, is audiovisual in spirit, with Violetta creating her own cover art, merchandise and cassette designs. Although Violetta only started performing live a couple of years ago, she has performed at several major Russian electronic festivals.

Beyond her solo projects, Soft Blade has demonstrated a commitment to supporting and uplifting fellow artists. Her recent compilation album, 'Ne Strashno,' features an array of talented Russian artists with all proceeds dedicated to charity. This project not only highlights her collaborative spirit but also her dedication to using her platform for positive social impact.

As Soft Blade continues to evolve her sound and push the boundaries of electronic music, her influence on the genre is undeniable. For both long-time enthusiasts and newcomers to the scene, following her journey promises a rich and rewarding listening adventure.

Mexican-born musician Fernando Corona primarily records and performs under the name Murcof, creating ghostly compositions that fuse elements of classical music, minimal techno, ambient drone, and free improvisation, among other genres. His first album, 2002's Martes, blended the holy minimalism of composers like Arvo Pärt and Henryk Górecki with glitchy, microscopic beats.

He abandoned techno influences and focused more on collaborating with live musicians on later releases like 2008's The Versailles Sessions; additionally, he has recorded albums or performed with Talvin Singh, Erik Truffaz, Philippe Petit, and others. Murcof's ambitious 2021 full-length The Alias Sessions encompassed all of the project's sonic hallmarks, from sparse, eerie ambience to minutely detailed beats.

Traumer, the alias of French artist Romain Poncet, has been one of the most influential forces in techno for over a decade. Known for his boundary-pushing productions and electrifying DJ sets, he has earned a reputation as one of the best exports of French electronic music. With a diverse range of aliases and projects, Traumer continuously explores and expands his unique sonic universe, blending techno, minimal, and tech-house with precision and creativity.

His high-energy performances, filled with unreleased tracks and secret edits, have made him a favorite among fans and peers alike, earning him coveted slots at iconic venues and major festivals worldwide. Traumer's sets are a masterclass in intensity and immersion, captivating audiences from the first beat to the last.

In 2016, Romain launched his label, get-traum, to further expand his artistic vision. The imprint has since become a platform for showcasing fresh talent and hosting dynamic showcases, with a focus on innovation both inside and outside the world of music. With an ever-growing global presence, Traumer is now a name synonymous with forward-thinking techno and an ever-evolving musical journey.

Jen Jis is a French producer and songwriter. Based in Paris, he began his professional career writing and composing tracks for European artists. In the meantime, he was also touring the world (China, Europe, US, Canada) with several other projects. His first single, "Women" a deep house pop song composed with the singer Lawrence Lea, earned him a contract deal in 2015 with Ultra Records even before the track was released on line. Jen Jis is now signed with Universal Music / Polydor.