May: Six artists you need to check out this month

There’s a buzz swirling around this Dutch DJ and her fizzy, sci-fi techno. Thessa Torsing is a regular at Amsterdam’s De School and BAR in Rotterdam, her unconventional sets landing her support slots for Ben UFO, The Black Madonna and Jane Fitz. Her debut EP ‘Another Place’ mixes body-shaking techno (’09-06’) and bouncy, upbeat soundscapes (‘A Window’). With gigs at ://about blank and Robert Johnson under her belt, the stage is set for a European takeover.

‘Another Place’ is out now on Nous’klaer Audio

[Photo: Tonje Thilesen]

The seductive pink hues, inner-city setting and shuddering graphics in the video for Aaliyah Esprit’s debut ‘Energy’ are symbolic of her sound. With its honeyed r’n’b vocal, oscillating synths and moody rhythms, it’s a downtempo, sensual ode of the highest calibre. The Bristol-based artist is part of Gilles Peterson’s mentoring scheme, and has been honing her craft as a singer-songwriter with the Cosmic Soul Collective. Expect more hazy r’n’b soon.

Aaliyah Esprit’s 'Words Unlocked' is out now

Jeremy Melvin started out as a student DJ. Spinning at parties and promoting his house night clashed with classes at the University Of Michigan, and dance music won. He dropped out, adopted the Chrome Sparks moniker and early chillwavey releases, such as the 20m streams-notching ‘Marijuana’, saw him caught between Washed Out and Hudson Mohawke. He’s now on Ninja Tune sub-label Counter and has made a vintage pop-styled debut album between supporting Bonobo and Major Lazer.

Chrome Sparks self-titled album is out now on Counter

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’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’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