Selections: Giulia Tess
In this series, we invite DJs, producers and label heads to dig into their digital crates and share the contents of their collections. This week, Giulia Tess spotlights 10 club bangers tailor-made for dancefloor euphoria
Giulia Tess’ new EP is a dream. Released in December by LG105, it’s full of the kind of wiggly melodies and heartwarming synths that memorable nights getting lost in the dance are made of. Titled ‘Serie A’ after the top football league in the producer’s native Italy, there’s a footie theme throughout the track titles/imagery, but the music is pure UK club euphoria (fans of Bicep, Overmono and Four Tet will be more than pleased). Lead track ‘Gloves’ — inspired by a summer spent gardening in goalie mitts — is nothing short of anthemic, all wistful vocals, huge fuzzy arpeggios and brassy bass, while ‘I Want To Know’ is similarly emotive, if on a less grand scale. ‘Elastico’ and ‘Never’ are heavier tools, the former pairing some gloriously erratic resonance tweaking with gnarly wubs, just as the latter delivers percussive thumps and enveloping low-end.
Even the most standalone track — the acidic, drum & bass-backed ‘4-4-2’ with vocals from Tampa rap duo They Hate Change — offers the kind of hedonistic rush that conjures up classic imagery of night-time drives through the city. It takes some of the ideas explored on her ‘Vista Mare Forever’ EP, released earlier in 2023 on Ross From Friends’ Scarlet Tiger label, and elevates them to ‘sound of the summer’ (or in this case, winter) level epicness.
Tess has been a crucial part of the London underground for half a decade at least, with a Rinse FM residency that sees her spinning an array of chunky house and other club-focused sounds, and sets at all the capital’s most discerning venues, but ‘Serie A’ feels like a sign she’s gunning for the big leagues. Here, she shares some current faves from her sets.
“I’m so happy to have stumbled across KESSWA’s music on Bandcamp last year. Her voice is magic, harmonious; I love the blend between electronica and jazz and the transcendental feeling of it. Favourite track on this EP is ‘Contemplate (Remix)’.”
“Dan has a unique style that blends reggaeton drums with breaks and bass: instantly recognisable. ‘Watch Me Clang’ is definitely one of my favourites from the many bangers he released in 2023.”
“Absolutely amazing release by Tom VR. It’s not a secret that I’m a big fan of his music, I’ve played every single release from him on my radio shows at least once. This one feels extra special (it’s also club-friendly). Absolutely killer tune.”
“The elevating connotation of ‘Breaking Down’ is so good. It makes me feel introspective and in a higher state of inspiration. Love it.”
“Fresh breeze — that’s what GAZZI’s ‘no pasa nada’ is! It came out back in March 2023 and it really felt like a fresh breeze, anticipating the spring.”
“Bangers, full stop. I can’t stop playing ‘Willow’, the title track of this EP. Wallace is such a great producer... I love the blend between groovy loops, electronica and absolutely killer basslines.”
“Sally C is the certified banger maker, the Chunker Champion... I can’t stop playing this tune out in clubs. So good!”
“I’ve been a fan of Nathan’s music for a long time. This album definitely stands out for me this year. Loved seeing him performing it live this past spring at the MOTH Club in Hackney as well.”
“And when you don’t expect it, the vocal comes in on this tune. Love Altrice’s music so much, melodies and experimentalism go hand in hand in his music.”
“Absolutely standout tune from LWS this year. I have almost every single tune he has ever produced on my USBs. This one definitely caught my attention the most, killer rhythm.”
