Artists to listen to during lockdown

During lockdown I found the free time to go through the BabyStep archives, digging into folders of unfinished, unedited or simply forgotten about pieces. Whilst most were outdated, there were a few that have proven to take the form of a literary phoenix in the ashes. This article certainly feels like one of them, encouraging our readers on what artists to look out for in 2020. I must admit at first I felt uneasy about uploading this piece, in that so much of it was geared around encouraging the reader to buy a ticket to one of their upcoming gigs. Whilst we can't enjoy seeing these artists live for some time, we can certainly still encourage you to listen to their music, grab a piece of merch and most importantly go and see them when all of this is over. Even during times like these music has a unique ability to elevate us into a more positive mindset, feeling inspired & hopeful about the future. We hope you enjoy our artist suggestions & please remember WE WILL DANCE AGAIN

Murkage Dave

Genre: R&B, Soul

Why they're worthy: Having cut his teeth as a club promoter in Manchester, Murkage Dave is no stranger to the importance of live music and its impact in real life environments. His timeless debut LP ‘Murkage Dave Changed My Life’ sees Dave craft a unique blend of Garage and R&B, reflecting on his formative years in Manchester. The success of the Album has already seen him amass a cult following that allowed him to play two headline tours in 2019, whilst collaborating with the likes of Mike Skinner and Skepta. With a second album on the way there’s no doubt he’ll be cementing his mark on the British music scene this year.

What they have coming up: Second Album on the way, tour dates expected.

Jennifer Vanilla

Genre: House, Pop

Why they're worthy: Jennifer Vanilla, the alter-ego and performance project of Becca Kauffman, is a New York City performance artist and long-standing member of band Ava Luna. Her commercially inspired vocals, paired with reconstructions of 90’s house tracks, are an ode to the likes of Laurie Anderson and Ann Steel, who were the catalyst for her unique production style. Whether it’s the lo-fi visuals for music videos or her unique take on house, she in an artist set on ripping up the rule book. After a successful year of touring around the US and holding a residency in New York there’s no doubt she’ll be taking her performance project far beyond the big apple.

What they have coming up: Set to announce a residency at The Dance in New York.

Adam Pitts

Genre: House, Techno, Trance

Why they're worthy: Inspired by expansive, colourful melodies and driving propulsive beats, his varied productions sits somewhere between progressive house, trance, techno and breakbeat. His deep musical intuition means Adam is unique in his capability to produce such a wide range of styles that are not limited by genre or mood. His DJ sets reflect his productions, ranging through styles including electro and tech house to jungle and DnB, underpinned by the rich sonic pallets that have inspired his productions. Unsurprisingly, Leeds vibrant nightlife caught Adam's ear and he became enamoured with the compulsive and ritualistic aspects of dance music, and the mechanics of how to make people move in the club.His releases have seen playtime from the likes of Ben UFO, Call Super and Roza Terenzi.

Asquith

Genre: Techno,Garage, House

Why they're worthy: Since 2013, Londoner Jimmy Asquith has quietly sat as the head of the now ubiquitous label Lobster Theremin, which has cemented its place at the epicentre of the global dance music scene. Amongst label duties and running an impressive roster of artists that includes Ross From Friends, DJ Seinfeld and Ozel AB, Asquith has gained a burgeoning reputation as an established producer and DJ, holding down a busy international touring schedule at venues such as Tresor, whilst being a mainstay on Rinse FM. Last years garage-tinged techno ‘Let Me’ EP was a tenacious take on UK Rave, showcasing Asquith as a producer who carefully constructs his tracks for peak-time play at the club, early support has come from the likes of: Nina Kraviz, Peggy Gou, Jensen Interceptor and more.

What they have coming up: Shows in the likes of Tresor and plenty more label and solo releases this year.