Features
May: Six artists you need to check out this month
Hot spring tips
Oklou
Looking for the next alt-r’n’b superstar? Oklou might not be a bad shout. The French producer known for crafting club music has set her vocals front and centre on her new EP. Teaming up with Bok Bok and Sega Bodega, the TGAF co-founder looks set to follow in the footsteps of Kelela, Jessy Lanza and FKA Twigs. ‘The Rite Of May’ bubbles with soft pads and stuttering snares, while ‘They Can’t Hear Me’ and ‘Friendless’ are slow-burning anthems-in-waiting.
‘The Rite Of May’ is out now on NUXXE
[Photo: Holly Blakey]
Zapatilla
Zapatilla’s debut EP, ‘Crumbling Down’/‘Thumb Piano’, was an intricate, stirring introduction to his sound, which features a similar Kenyan influence to that of his previous outfit, Owiny Sigoma Band. Staccato cello notes punctuate the 4/4 rhythms of ‘Crumbling Down’, then make way for Zapatilla’s soulful vocal, reminiscent of Alexis Taylor. The bright synths and ambient textures of ‘Thumb Piano’ are simpler in arrangement, but no less rousing.
‘Concrete Words’ is coming soon
Elena Colombi
Elena Colombi’s sets are characterised by tracks that don’t readily fit into recognisable categories. After moving to London in 2008 and spending some years doing her thing under the radar, the Italian-born DJ found a home on NTS, doing her best to ‘keep Mondays weird’ with a show that goes higher and wider than most. Guest mixes for FACT and Intergalactic FM have seen her stock rise over the past year, and a busy summer includes gigs at Field Maneuvers, Dekmantel and Corsica Studios.
Elena & Jon K play Glasgow’s La Cheetah on May 26
