Submission Showcase – Episode 1

Emmaleen Releases New Album “The Sun Will Still Shine When You Die”

Cape Town-based artist Emmaleen, originally from Namibia, continues to captivate the music world with her unique blend of witchy blues and gothic folk. Following her debut album Songs from the Unseen, the Unsaid and the Unborn (2022), Emmaleen’s latest work,  offers an enchanting journey into mystical and introspective realms.

Released singles “Wailing Trees,” “Sister Sister,” and “Timesickness” set the stage for an album filled with haunting vocals, resonator guitar, banjo, and sparse percussion. Produced by Ruan Vos at Sonic Nursery, the album was recorded live over four days, capturing raw and unfiltered performances. Cellist Lliezel Ellick features on “Wailing Trees,” adding to the album’s ethereal sound.

Emmaleen’s swift, intuitive recording process aimed to capture the authenticity of each moment, resulting in a natural, organic sound. This album represents a significant evolution in her artistry, inviting listeners to embrace its deliberate pace and savor its nuances.

Immerse yourself in Emmaleen’s spellbinding music with The Sun Will Still Shine When You Die, available now.

Broken Telephone is the solo project of Neil Büchner Jr, known for his work with Cape Town art rock band PXLS. Kndhrt, the alias of William Glendinning, is celebrated for his self-produced LP ‘Computer Music I’. Together, they blend elements from jazz, post-punk, hip hop, pop, ambient, and electronica into a captivating auditory journey.

“Sometimes” originated from an impromptu jam session and features Büchner’s ghostly vocals and a woozy bassline. The track’s eerie crackles and derisive lyrics, paired with Kndhrt’s reverb-rich production, create an atmospheric listening experience. The accompanying music video, edited by Büchner, includes eclectic visuals like footage from the 1997 NYC Thanksgiving parade.

Another epic Broken Telephone collaboration is with Gqeberha-based rapper M.phasis on the single “Fog,” released on November 18, 2022. This track fuses alternative hip hop, ambient, electronica, art pop, experimental hip hop, glitch hop, indie rap, and jazz rap, creating a rich, jazzy, and bass-driven soundscape.

“Fog” spans 4 minutes and 22 seconds, blending ambient electronica, 90s R&B, and psychedelia with Broken Telephone’s soulful art pop hooks. M.phasis delivers verses in both English and isiXhosa, exploring themes like the rat race, social media, and hip hop culture. The surrealistic, lo-fi VHS music video, co-created with filmmaker James Fraser, features Cape Town’s skate and street art scenes, inspired by iconic New York hip-hop videos and directors like Spike Lee and David Lynch.

Club Valley is a band from Johannesburg, South Africa comprised of Nigel Sibanda(vocals & guitar) & Jason Williams(drums).

Club Valley’s sound is a unique blend of garage punk rock with spiritual and candid lyrics.  According to Home town Journal Nigel’s journey into music began after a severe illness, teaching himself guitar during recovery. Jason, initially more focused on beat-making, found new inspiration joining Nigel. Together, they’ve released several EPs, building a dedicated following.

Nigel’s journey into music began after a severe illness, teaching himself guitar during recovery. Jason, initially more focused on beat-making, found new inspiration joining Nigel. Together, they’ve released several EPs, building a dedicated following.

After a decade apart, Jotam Schoeman and Modise Sekgothe have reunited to revive their multimedia project, Metropolar. Originally created as a nine-part blend of spoken word, music, and hand-drawn animation, the project faced many challenges, leading the artists to pursue separate paths. Their recent reunion, however, has brought new energy and focus, allowing them to finally bring their vision to life. Joined by London-based producer Umlungu Deluxe, they form the group IIIFoet, a name representing their blend of influences from Johannesburg, Cape Town, and London.

IIIFoet’s name, derived from a slang term for a three-legged pot, symbolizes their philosophy of mixing different cultures and experiences to create a rich, multifaceted sound. Their debut album, “Metropolar,” will be released on 14 June 2024 through indie label Paradise Worldwide, offering a unique fusion of music, spoken word, and visual art.

IIIFoet debuted at the National Arts Festival on 24, 25, and 26 June 2024, with a performance at Black Labone in Pretoria on 27 June. 

Each member brings unique talents to IIIFoet. Modise Sekgothe, a performance poet, actor, and musician from Johannesburg, enriches their music with dynamic spoken word elements. Jotam Schoeman, a musician and visual artist from Cape Town, adds creative vision and hand-drawn animations. Umlungu Deluxe, a London-based producer, contributes intricate soundscapes and cinematic elements.

With “Metropolar,” IIIFoet revives a beloved project while embarking on a new artistic journey. Their respect for past work and innovative ideas promise a significant impact on the music and arts scene. As they prepare for their album release and debut performances, IIIFoet invites audiences to celebrate the culmination of a decade-long journey and the start of a new chapter.

Canadian producer and arranger Hologramme returns with a new album, “SOLEDAD opus 32 no.1,” released on 29 September 2023 via his  inprint Société Holographique de Montréal.

With over 5.2 million streams across platforms, Hologramme has graced events like Piknic Electronik, Timeless Festival, and headlined Montreal Jazz Fest 2022.

He’s toured with artists such as Fakear and Mome, and his track “Unfold” has gained traction on Spotify’s “Brain Food” playlist and Mixmag. Hologramme’s music, a blend of dreamlike and cinematic soundscapes, utilizes warm synths, intricate textures, and deep basslines.

After moving to Berlin in 2018, he emerged with his debut album “Felicity,” cementing his reputation as a pioneering producer. “SOLEDAD opus 32 no.1,” his third album, is a testament to his artistic evolution, merging breakbeat, classical, and deep house influences. Each track on this album is meticulously crafted, offering a high-energy yet calming experience, making it a standout release for fans of classical, jazz, and downtempo electronic music.

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