As the music industry evolves at a breakneck pace, new sounds and artistic collaborations continue to emerge, reshaping genres and expectations. Did you know that music streams surpassed 1 trillion globally last year, reflecting a shift towards diverse listening habits? In this vibrant landscape, we highlight captivating new releases that deserve your attention this week. Artists like Ehua, Obongjayar, and 2hollis are pushing boundaries and expanding their soundscapes, promising exciting experiences for music lovers everywhere.
Ehua's debut album, Panta Rei, set to release on May 2 through Martyn's 3024 label, marks a significant milestone in her career. Her work traditionally rooted in bass sounds is now interwoven with acoustic instruments, offering a fresh take on electronic music. The album promises to showcase a more extensive sonic palette than she has previously explored.
Interestingly, Ehua’s cultural background plays a vital role in her music's evolution. Growing up in Italy yet establishing her career in London, she embodies a blend of influences that add depth to her work.
Two tracks from the album, “Amarena” and “Aria”, are already available, revealing hints of what listeners can expect. The tracks illustrate her journey towards a more multifaceted sound, bringing in collaborations that meld electronic with organic. As Ehua shared in an interview, “I wanted to explore where bass music meets the warmth of acoustic vibes,” and this journey culminates in the highly anticipated Panta Rei.
For fans eager to experience this innovative sound, pre-orders for the album can be made through her Bandcamp page.
Joining forces, Eartheater and Shygirl have released a two-track single titled Shark Brain / Dolphin. The A-side, “Shark Brain”, dives into experimental pop territory, threading murky and demented sounds that challenge conventional pop structures. In contrast, the B-side “Dolphin” embraces a Eurodance bounce, showcasing the duo's versatility in blending genres.
This collaboration exemplifies the trend of artists crossing boundaries and genres, reflecting a significant change within the music industry where versatility is becoming a celebrated attribute. Limited edition 7” vinyl copies can be pre-ordered through Eartheater's Bandcamp.
On May 30, Obongjayar is set to release PARADISE NOW via September Recordings. This new album promises to be a Trojan horse of personal narratives and emotional depth, marking a shift in his lyrical approach. Featuring fifteen tracks and the guest appearance of Little Simz, the project is expected to resonate with fans and new listeners alike.
With the lead single “Sweet Danger” already garnering attention for its candid storytelling and smoothly woven production, the anticipation for the album builds. Obongjayar describes his sound as a fusion of different influences, citing artists from various backgrounds who have shaped his musical identity.
“Music is about life experiences and reflections,” he states. “Through this album, I aim to share parts of my journey that many can relate to,” he emphasizes in an interview, highlighting the relevance of his work in today's cultural conversations.
The debut album star from 2hollis marks another exciting release from this emerging artist who cleverly blends dance and rap, creating a sound that is both experimental and accessible. With 15 tracks deep, the album includes teaser tracks “style” and “afraid”, each of which hints at his distinctive approach to music that combines grizzly bass weight and euphoric melodies.
2hollis's work is a testament to the ongoing experimentation in the music scene, illustrating how traditional boundaries can be pushed and influenced by various electronic subgenres. As music critic Rhea Lawson puts it, “2hollis melds gritty with euphoric in a way that transcends the genres he incorporates.”
Fans looking for fresh, unorthodox sounds won't want to miss out on this album, available for purchase on major platforms where music is sold.
Rising house star Omar+ teams up with Josh Baker for their latest single, “Back It Up”. Released under Baker’s newly launched imprint, Baker's Dozen, the track has already made its mark, landing at number 92 on the UK Singles Chart – a significant achievement for both artists.
This single, featuring a bouncing bassline complemented by an engaging vocal hook, exemplifies the dancefloor dominance of the genre while encouraging new interpretations of the house sound. This collaboration is a reflection of the growing trend of artists forming alliances to amplify their reach, showcasing the mutual benefits of collaboration in today’s music ecosystem.
In what has been a highly anticipated return, Mark Ernestus' Ndagga Rhythm Force announces their new album Khadim, marking their first release in almost a decade after Yermande in 2016. The album's production focuses on the artistry of drumming and vocals, with Ernestus stating, “I didn’t want to simply continue with the same formula; I preferred to wait for a new approach.”
Ernestus's approach illustrates a larger narrative about artistic growth and exploration. Capturing live performance energy in the studio creates an authentic link between the artist and their audience, reminding listeners of the power of spontaneity in music.
This innovative approach to rhythm and sound captures the essence of contemporary music's tendency to blend historical influences with modern experimentation. Pre-orders for Khadim can be found on applicable streaming platforms.
Drew Lustman, known as FaltyDL, is making waves with his upcoming album Neurotica, set for release this June through Planet Mu. After nearly ten years away, he brings a playful take on gabber and bounce. Influenced by the unabashed joy of his daughter’s playful nature, FaltyDL’s new tracks aim to elevate the listener’s experience, characterized by fast-paced, bright sounds and a sugar-rush feel.
"The album is about getting back to that spontaneous creation—half a day per track sometimes,” he explains. Such experimentation highlights a growing trend within electronic music: artists are not afraid to bring personal experiences into their work, ultimately making the music more relatable and impactful.
The anticipation surrounding Neurotica is palpable, and listeners can stay tuned for preorder opportunities on Bandcamp.
Yorkshire-born artist Dyslecta has just launched his new imprint, Tenuous Links, alongside a four-track EP titled Fulcrum. The album leans towards UK techno and club music, mirroring influences from his roots in East Yorkshire.
“I wanted to create something personal,” Dyslecta mentions, underscoring the importance of local culture in shaping his sound. As part of the broader trend of independent music initiatives, Dyslecta's launch reflects an exciting new wave where artists are taking control of their distribution channels and creative identities.
The EP’s themes revolve around club culture and beat-driven experiences, inviting listeners into a world that reverberates with both history and modernity.
The current wave of music releases demonstrates an exciting synergy between innovative sounds and trending collaborative efforts among artists. Whether it's Ehua’s exploration of acoustic elements in electronic music or Obongjayar's introspective storytelling, the music landscape in 2025 is ripe for new interpretations and experiences.
As these artists continue to challenge genres and reshape perceptions, fans can anticipate a range of auditory adventures that reflect the ever-evolving narrative of music today.
Q: When is Ehua’s album Panta Rei available?
A: Panta Rei will be released on May 2, 2025.
Q: What genres does Eartheater and Shygirl's single Shark Brain / Dolphin cover?
A: The single spans experimental pop and Eurodance genres.
Q: Where can I listen to Obongjayar's single “Sweet Danger”?
A: “Sweet Danger” is available on all major music streaming platforms and was released alongside PARADISE NOW.
Q: How has 2hollis's style been described?
A: 2hollis is recognized for merging grizzly bass weight with euphoric melodies in his experimental dance-rap tracks.
Q: Is Neurotica by FaltyDL a themed work?
A: Yes, it embodies themes of playfulness influenced by his daughter, making it a more lighthearted take compared to his previous works.
Q: When can I expect to hear music from Dyslecta’s new imprint Tenuous Links?
A: Dyslecta's four-track EP Fulcrum is currently available across various streaming platforms.