Philly’s Dark Pop Princess, Amélie Swann dropped a buzz worthy dark funk electronic single this week that highlights her creative and eclectic spirit. “Ghost In the Drum Machine” made its debut on November 21 and is already making waves in the trip hop and dark pop community.
The single is heavily inspired by Roisin Murphy, a ferocious talent that Amélie would be honored to tour with some day. NIN is also a big inspiration for Amélie and their influence can be heard as well.
The lyrics focus on humanity’s dependence on technology in a coy and flirtatious way. Amélie serves the warning with her coquettish voice while the grinding beat stays true to her macabre and noir vibe.
Ghost In The Drum Machine is featured on our Women of Trip Hop Playlist
Fernandez shows another layer on her new single Before. There’s a candid raw brilliance to her vocal performance. It’s an effortless affect, one that triggers you to close your eyes and give in to it’s cinematic escape. We hear an influence of Billie Holiday to match its Trip Hop Morcheeba bred inspiration.
The music delivers too, with extended breaks and sonic flashes fit for lift off. It’s appropriately trippy with bits of psychosis fighting against its sultry groove design. No matter how much it tries, Fernandez seductive presence breaks through.
Hear Before now on our Women Of Trip Hop Playlist.
There’s a sorcery practice in Hong Kong called villain hitting. Kai Tak offers a song inspired by this ritual with there new single Villains In My Mind. Featuring the intoxicating vocal stylings of Foie Gras, the single is a classic Trip Hop style dark groove fest. Foie Gras adds some aggression to her performance in a way that reflects an influence of Bjork, while the producer channels the inspiration of Public Memory and Bowery Electric. We also hear an influence of Portishead in the subtle, but effective guitar work. It helps texturize the otherwise electro design with some organic infiltration.
Kai Tak provides cinematic layered blends that land immersive. Put on your headphones and let it engulf you. Time for your dark escape. Don’t venture too far, you may be the next Villain on their list.
Hear Villains In My Mind now on our Women of Trip Hop Playlist.
Uma E. Fernqvist reimagines the a-ha song The Sun Always Shines on T.V in the style of dooming Trip Hop that stylistically connects with the works of Massive Attack. There’s a caution in this adapted aura. It’s a curious sex appeal, one that comes with a warning. Maybe in how it captures you, or perhaps in something more sinister. It reflects the songs foreshadowing concept. Be careful what you wish for.
The single is elegantly produced with dramatic gripping synths that get under your skin. Sparced crashes chart the themes active movements. Most notably, the artists sensual vocal performance lands convincing as she accentuates the poetic pop of the words. She knows what this is, she’s the only one who knows. For the rest of us, reckless desire.
Uma E. Fernqvist is featured on our Women of Trip Hop Playlist.
The Wild Is Calling 