2021 has seen an interesting shift in dance music, as DJs and producers have shifted from uploading mixes and tracks onto the internet from their living rooms to being back in nightclubs and on stage. In this strange era for the music industry, it is important to celebrate the achievements of those who have been making big strides.
In an industry that is predisposed to prioritise cis-gendered men and creates a “glass ceiling with razor wire”, we should be aiming to amplify the efforts and successes of those who are disadvantaged who are sometimes on a backpedal.
That’s exactly why Sisters Of Sound (SOS) have curated an exclusive playlist for Mixmag showcasing some of the best women, non-binary and gender non-conforming individuals who are currently shaping the post-pandemic world of electronic music in 2021.
Read this next: 20 women who shaped the history of dance music
From techno, house, to dancehall - this list is a true mascot of marginalised genders across all electronic sub-genres. This playlist contains some hand-picked favourites of SOS Music, including some people who appear in their forthcoming compilation ‘SOS Music - Volume 2’.
SOS Music is an LA based Record label, radio show & pair of selectors and was founded by Maddy Maia and Tottie in 2020 to create some balance in the industry and champion female and gender minorities early on in their career.
If you’re a fan of these picks and want to hear more of what the selectors have to offer, SOS Music are going on a USA tour, for more information click here.
Anz 'You Could be feat. George Riley'
Manchester-based Anz has had an unstoppable year and is one of the most prolific and hardworking producers we know, so it’s been incredible to see this absolute gem of a track get the international recognition it deserves. We first fell in love with Anz after hearing her Spring/ Summer Dubs mixtape in 2020, and every release since has been flawless. Anz has a very bright future ahead.
BAE BAE 'do you want me'
LA based BAE BAE is, without a doubt, a star in the making. Her debut EP ‘Spiral’ came out last October. BAE BAE’s skills behind the decks make you want to worship her; she knows how to heat the crowd. This has been a staple in our radio shows and sets - as well as her “I just want to see your smile” edit pack released earlier this year, which is influenced by Lisbon based label Principe, plus an R&B edit by Budgie.
Maral 'Protect U feat. Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry'
Los Angeles-based artist Maral is a true artistic visionary. She has one of the most unique sounds out there right now; embracing her Iranian heritage using folk field recordings, and combining them with raw distorted beats - re-contextualising for a new audience. Her DJ sets and live shows are absolutely one of a kind - catch her supporting Avalon Emerson and Ben UFO in LA in December.
Olive T 'Birdin In Space (Martyn Bootyspoon's Out To Lunch Mix)'
NYC producer Olive T has been releasing some awesome music of late and we are so excited to see what's to come from her. Over the last decade she has been a resident on Lot Radio and Nowadays, and released on some incredible labels like Allergy Season & Discwoman’s Physically Sick series, Jubilee's Magic City imprint, New Orleans collective Trax Only and many more… and we keep wanting more! This re-work from absolute veteran Martyn really hits the spot.
Closet Yi 'Sweat Sonic'
A flawless selector who has already played some of the most respected clubs in Seoul, Closet Yi recently made Resident Advisor’s Mix of the Day with her mix for Bicep’s series ‘Feel My Bicep’, and has released EPs on Korea’s leading label Honey Badger Records and London based No Bad Days amongst others. She contributed this mesmerizing track to our recent compilation SOS Music - Volume 2. A 2021 club essential that blends house, rave & techno, whilst retaining that deep melodic spirit signature to her bops.
8ULENTINA 'Upward Spiral'
Oakland based DJ, Producer, interdisciplinary artist and co-founder of CLUB CHAI - 8ULENTINA released this gem of an album in September this year. Their use of percussion and instrumentation combined with middle eastern melodies and breaks hits all the right buttons for us.
Nice Girl 'Hot mmm's & Hmm's'
The debut album Ipsum by Australian producer Nice Girl aka Ruby Kerkhofs via Public Possession got us dancing and has featured on a lot of our Worldwide Fm shows, we love the inclusion of trance, house, tribal + 80s synth, across a full length - keeping our brains and toes stimulated. Hot mmm’s and Hmm’s sounds orgasmic and we love that.
Tygapaw 'Run 2 U'
One of the most exciting artists in techno, Brooklyn based TYGAPAW is re-writing the sonic rulebooks, exploring their cultural roots with Jamaican + dancehall infused emotional masterpieces. We cannot wait for them to join our SOS Music takeover on December 10th alongside Lauren Flax + Julia Govor amongst others.
Masha Mar 'Doris Day'
Released on SOS Music last year - Doris Day is a thumping Belgian New Beat debut from LA based Masha Mar. Masha Mar has been hard at work in the US curating and producing big events with DJ Harvey + Honey Dijon, DJing with Surround and working relentlessly in the studio - we are excited to hear more music from her in 2022.
Elkka 'Harmonic Frequencies'
London based producer and Femme Culture label boss Elkka has been quietly carving out her place in club music over the last few years, and her recent productions are flawless and quite frankly, underrated - effortlessly blending huge melodic poppy moments and infectious vocal hooks with meticulously well-made beats and breaks. 'Harmonic Frequencies' is a new favourite.
You can pre-order 'SOS Music Vol. 2' here.
Aneesa Ahmed is Mixmag's Digital Intern, follow her on Twitter
