Lenny Tavárez is turning one of the most universal subjects in music into something distinctly personal. The Puerto Rican artist has released 8, an eight-track EP built around different stages and emotions of love, with “SATISFExXxO” leading a project designed to function as one continuous story rather than a collection of disconnected songs.
The onetime wunderkind conductor—now a respectable 45—has been making an ecstatic first impression on his new metropolis.
“By Any Means” brings together Dezzie, Izzpot and Clavish for a gritty, unapologetic track about ambition, survival and the relentless pursuit of success. Over a hard-hitting, energetic production, the three artists reflect on the lengths they’ve had to go to, the pressure that comes with wanting more, and the mindset of making it by any means necessary.
Johannesburg duo Drumetic Boyz land on Shimza’s KUNYE with a heavy-hitting double single. Lead track “Shukuma" is a dark, percussive Afro-house banger that became a standout highlight in Shimza’s summer sets, packing peak-time energy with signature Afro Tech rhythms. Known for their dynamic, dance-rooted sound, the Joburg producers continue to push South Africa's electronic scene forward.
Erik Sigurd is set out to write a central love theme for an imaginary movie. The music starts to climb towards a climax and that is the first time on the album, 10 tracks in, the beautiful soaring sound of the saxophone is introduced, growing out of the strings with its heartfelt declarations of longing, over the increasingly intense and romantic strings.