In this volume we delve into some Downtempo, Trip-Hop, Neo-Soul, Electro, Dub, Techno and very cool new music that defies genres. The music will speak for itself with a nonstop mega mix. Recently life has been extremely busy over at Life Elsewhere Tower while we reorganize our production schedule and venture into publishing our conversations on Youtube. Currently, we are in the testing stage, you can see what we are up to with this sample.

Eric Hilton – Je Ne T’aime Plus (feat. Natalie Clavier)

Hilton, acclaimed music producer and co-founder of Thievery Corporation is a master at downtempo, trip-hop, dub and associated genres. His latest solo album, Midnight Ragas encompasses all of his trademark styling. Exquisite production with talented contributors including Natalie Clavier on Je Ne T’aime Plus (I Don’t Love You Anymore). A title that summons up the late 60s with Alain Delon or Catherine Deneuve, driving a light gold Ferrari Daytona along the coast from Cannes to Monaco. Of course, not to be confused with Je T’aime… Moi Non Plus (I Love You… Me Neither), the controversial single from 1967 written by Serge Gainsbourg for Brigitte Bardot  and performed by Gainsbourg and his partner, British actress Jane Birkin.

Private Joy – Pure Love Ft. Fox (Mali-I Dub)

Oh what a delight the EP, Pure Love Remixed is from Manchester’s finest soulstress, Private Joy. Remixed gives us four versions of Pure Love, taking alternate directions from the same source, with Private Joy the guiding vision behind the record, her broad influences are on full display here: from electro to drum and bass to dub, label mates and close collaborators all throw their ante in the project. Versatile reggae producer Mali-I joins forces with Jamaican-Mancunian vocal extraordinaire Fox: flipping the original into a late 70s reggae version + dub, with live drums and bass, tape delay and spring reverb – channelling U-Roy meets King Tubby.

Mantra – Locked In, Locked On

Oh! Mr. DJ! UK producer Mantra skillfully gives us deep and atmospheric techno with this four track EP, Locked In, Locked On. The title cut showcases a mid-tempo and silky roller with dub-wise swagger and crispy breaks. Available on Ilian Tape the Munich label founded and run by the Zenker Brothers. 

Banks – Off With Her Head

The cover for the LP, Off With Her Head displays Ms. Banks in what could be described as a provocative outfit. Nothing wrong with that of course, except it could overshadow the charm of Jillian’s Banks’ voice and songwriting. Look closer at the cover photo and you’ll discover the setting is a rather mundane room with eerie tokens – crucifix, battered sofa, disturbing photo, odd clock – while Banks’, hair all Amy Winehouseish, stares defiantly into the camera holding a plaster face mask next to her own as she sits astride a dull office chair. Use the title cut to dive into her album and discover a talent who deserves attention entirely for her music.

Coral D – Cuttin’ Out

Duncan Stump uses the moniker Coral D amongst other alieses. The British Electronic producer creates a slightly quirky concoction of   Electro, Dub, House and more with his Cuttin’ Out EP. The title cut builds with a tasty tropical aura at the same time the distinctly electronica elements float in and out with an extended fade that completes an enchanting production.

Mia Koden – Movements

Left right, left right! Talented South London-based producer, Mia Koden AKA Sancha Ndeko grew up in Ghana and Nigeria says, “The EP title Keep It Stepping means to continue moving, progressing, or advancing…to encourage someone to keep going…including in dance and music, as a way to keep the energy and momentum going”. She also adds, “Keep It Steppin’ was made during a period of fatigue but I was motivated to feel better and step forward. Built for dance-floors; I hope you can move to these in a way that works for you”. A perfect sentiment.  

American Rifleman – Fire

This one is a curio amongst a deliberate selection of singular releases. Hailing from Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, the artist recorded all eleven tracks live in single takes, using a vintage 8-track tape machine. No edits, no overdubs – just the room, the body, the breath of the moment. The LP, American explores a terrain of fractured rhythms, low-end loops, tape-saturated textures, and cyclical percussion. Tablas, feedback, Middle Eastern tonalities, and analog electronics blend into a polyrhythmic current that feels both ancient and futuristic. The sound is gritty, ritualistic, and loop-driven – like an archaeological transmission from a place outside of time. An exceptional album you need to investigate, available via Stuben Music Studio, Austria.

N.6 – Becozich

Deep and Dubby Ambient sounds on the EP, Puolla: Volume 2 from Notta Records out of Finland. Three cuts by different artists, each one magnificently atmospheric. Cool artwork by Joona Puurunen. My Finnish friend, Elle says, Puolla translates to “on the side”. Make of that what you will. Meanwhile Notta’s catalogue should be explored. 

Overhead – Silverfish

From what I can ascertain, Overhead are based out of Berlin and no longer operates on stolen land but would like to acknowledge the traditional owners of the Yarra Valley, the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation. “Sovereignty was never ceded”, they announce. Wandering into Trip-Hop by way of Dub, writer and producer, Hugo Nilsson on Way Of The Bone EP “takes us down and through the swampy pits of the mind in it’s attempt to carve out space for something more necessary.” I’ve had this one on repeat play now for a couple of weeks, trying to fully understand what is this artistry prompting me to listen again and again. Fascinating sleeve photo by Simon Meagher.

Erika de Casier – Miss

All the tracks on Lifetime were written and produced by Erika de Casier proving what an important artist we have here. Based in Copenhagen, Erika has a back catalogue I urge you to search out. Her smart references to R & B / Soul and Trip-Hop are expertly realized. Interestingly she includes another composition, You Can’t Always Get What You Want which happens to be a zillion miles away from Les Stones’ song of the same name. Do not overlook!

Junk System – One, Two, Many

According to his PR blurb, “Knob twiddler, DJ, producer, remixer, collage / cut n’ paste graphic artist, Leo Zero is a founder member of legendary party crews Soulsonic + Faith Fanzine. He was a founder member of 90’s dance act Chicane, writing Ibiza chill-out classic ‘Offshore’, and also a founder member of Balearic / Psychedelic band A Mountain Of One. After leaving as Creative Director of Kings Cross Brewery and festival events company Two Tribes / Campfire in ‘24 he returned to music production full-time. Junk System has been 10+ years in the making, fusing Post-Punk, New Wave, Funk, Afro-Disco-Dub.” All cuts on Junk System EP 1 were written, produced, mixed and arranged by Leo Elstob for Leo Zero Studio Productions.

Adrian Sherwood – The Collapse Of Everything

At this point there cannot be anyone listening to LEM who is not familiar with the legend that is Adrian Sherwood. With The Collapse Of Everything Adrian delivers a brand new full-length work for 2025. Here is a meticulously constructed album from the master mixologist, pushing his ever adventurous sound into new frontiers. Although underpinned by a natural dub sensibility, the music presented on The Collapse Of Everything fluidly crosses genre borders and seamlessly fuses a wide range of influences from a lifetime of listening and producing. A glorious list of names are featured, Brian Eno, Doug Wimbish, Keith Le Blanc, Cyrus Richards, and more. Plus our good friend, Peter Harris is responsible for the artwork. This album finds Sherwood at his finest, plus the title could not be more appropriate, right now.

Alien D – Allusion

To round out this volume, a taste of the creative work of Daniel Creahan AKA Alien D, a staple in the NYC underground. Allusion is from The Early Hours Of A World In Bloom EP available via On Theory Therapy, Sydney, Australia.

The artwork is a photograph by Kingston Newley “Sunset reflection, downtown St. Petersburg, Florida – November 2015” Digital print. Courtesy of Norman B’s collection.