James Pants
Washington stargazer's stunning album...
Señor Pants is the cool cat that should be electrifying your decks, stereos and MP3 players right about now. Hailing from Spokane, Washington, the mysterious Mr Pants has seemingly materialized from nowhere, with a compelling and ultra funky style all of his own. Debut album 'Welcome', out now on Stones Throw Records, introduces you to his world - all dazzling glitterball roller boogie, lo-fi space synths, junkyard Beck-isms, and '80s electro soul, recalling Kleeer, Neptunes and Money Mark at once.
Whatever the origins, Pants manages to combine his multitude of inspirations in such a way as to create a peculiarly unique and addictive sonic worldview. But what of that name? Does he know it means underwear over here?
"I liked the name because it sounds like it could be any genre. It wasn't until later I found out what 'pants' means over in the UK," he grinned.
Itamar Sagi
Detroit, via Israel...
Tel Aviv, techno city, is the birthplace of Itamar Sagi and his inspired take on electronic music. His latest cut 'Black Gold', out now on Shlomi Aber's Be As One imprint, is threatening to engulf all before it in a tsunami of Detroit inspired, tech funk perfection, taking Miami's WMC and all clubs worldwide by storm.
Fresh, melodic Motown synths and the kind of polyrhythms that you just can't ignore power this juggernaut along, lending credence to the new notion of Tel Aviv as the freshest place for electronic music on the planet.
"Over the years I've been exposed to various types of techno. I found the Detroit sound and ambience very unique and different," pondered Sagi. "But it's hard to say that Israeli producers are influenced by this genre, most of us just like it powerful and consistent. Personally, I like to do the integration between techno styles and to add my own tip to it."
With plenty more in the pipeline from Sagi soon, the future looks bright.
Sam Sparro
Electro soulster blowing up big time...
If you haven't heard the electronic soul stylings of Sam Sparro's 'Black and Gold' yet, where have you been? A tune that seemingly from nowhere has hijacked radio-waves and discerning dancefloors alike, it's catapulted Sparro into our consciousness overnight.
A potent combination of catchy chorus and oscillating electro funk synths, Sparro's voice is the real draw - a molasses-thick soul tone set to stun all those who come into contact with it.
Now his full potential is set to be realised, with the self-titled debut album out now on Island Records. With Richard X and Paul Epworth (Phones) at the production mantle, this is something special; expanding on Sparro's even split between electronic dance and funk-soul stylings.
Sparro told DJmag: "There's a lot of funk influences on there as well as new wave - I'm a big fan of dance music so that definitely bleeds into the album. I'd say, expect the soundtrack to your summer."
Filthy Rich
Versatile DJ gets down 'n' dirty...
Capable of ripping up strobe-lit minimal floors and laser-shredded electro clubs alike, DJ/producer Filthy Rich is a versatile beast indeed.
Since first coming to prominence as resident of Leed's much loved Kiss Da Funk night, Rich has been ripping up all expectations and busting out of pigeonholes with endlessly innovative productions, remixes and show-stopping turns at nights Very Very Wrong Indeed, Hat Club and Ibiza's In Search of Sunrise and Judgement Sundays.
In a particularly purple patch, he's got a mountain of new releases to unleash on us this summer, showcasing his diverse, always innovative cross-genre approach.
"I've got a great remix of Christian Burns' project Inhaler, 'Something About You', forthcoming on Data this summer, with a follow-up single that's a cover of Altern8's awesome rave classic 'Activ8'. Remixes of Zoo Brazil, Kanio, Two Em and Digital Filth are also all on their way," Rich revealed.
He's also got plenty going on with label Control Freq and minimal side project Spektre.
"With support from the likes of Sven Väth, James Zabiela, Audiofly, Mike Monday and Fergie, things are going from strength to strength!" added Rich.
