Musical Highlight: From Russia with Love
We love you Russia!!
Some of the cleanest sounds I’ve discovered are coming from Russian artists. I’m still a bit confused as to how you’ve captured the tropical sound so well. The music you’re producing has completely shattered the expectations I placed on Russia. This was once again another lesson for me not to project or judge a book by its cover - thank you for that. Today we highlight Russian’s talent and make it easy for you to connect with these beautiful sounds.
If nothing else, check out the Shanti Moscow Radio record label. Once I found Shanti, my standards immediately raised. It was hard to listen to anything else. I couldn’t find an official playlist on Spotify, so I made my own. Click here to access all of the Shanti Moscow Radio releases via Spotify.
There’s a handful of extremely talented artists in Russia. I wish I could highlight everyone, but I simply can’t. Today we’re focusing on 6 artists who have captured my ear. Here’s what you can expect in this post:
Brief write up about each artist
Links to Instagram, SoundCloud, Spotify, Beatport & Facebook
Musical Tasters - I will post some of my favorite songs and sets
Let’s get into it.
Gorje Hewek & Izhevski
(Instagram: G.H./Izhevski / SoundCloud / Spotify / Beatport / Facebook)
Oh my goodness these guys redefined smooth deep house for me. I stumbled across this set sometime last year and the rest is history. I instantly became obsessed with their sound. I’m listening to this set now and it’s hard for me to write this post because I’m uncontrollably grooving. DEEP & SMOOTH.
I don’t know shit about the music industry, but I would say that these two are absolutely rising stars. They’ve released music with Anjunadeep, Shanti Moscow AND All Day I Dream. This is a super trifecta. Let’s dive into some tracks.
“Calinerie” - All Day I Dream (Spotify / YouTube)
Talk about All Day I Dream. It is necessary that you listen to this floaty dreamer with the right equipment. You want to feel that bassline when it kicks in. I’ve drifted off to this song at least 53 times. You can access all featured songs via Spotify and YouTube in the links next to the track title - SoundCloud below.
“City Lights Remix” - Anjunadeep (Spotify / YouTube)
This song has made its way into damn near daily rotation for me while traveling Mexico. It took me a few listens to truly connect with this song as I’m not the biggest fan of vocals. Now I’m hooked. Deep beauty paired with those crispy clickity-clack-clacks that these guys do oh so well.
The First Days of a Decade (Set)
Gorje & Izhevski teamed up with The Gardens of Babylon for this masterpiece of a set. This is fresh, came out 2 weeks ago. If you like the sounds you’ve heard so far, definitely give this set a listen - front to end.
Volen Sentir
(Instagram / SoundCloud / Spotify / Beatport / Facebook)
I recently learned that Volen Sentir is two dudes. It makes sense because I don’t think 1 human is capable of creating such incredible music. Top top top top level in my book. It all started when I heard Arrival and nearly shit my pants while dancing. This song inspired me to create a playlist for my Funeral After-party. It’s that serious. When I die, get the strongest speakers you have access to and bump Arrival - I insist.
I recommend you listen to all of Volen’s music, as there’s a wide range of sounds, all at premium quality. Worth noting that Dave Pad, 1/2 of Volen Sentir, is launching a new record label on February 3rd. It will be called Forestrip, you can read more about this news here.
Back to Volen Sentir - here’s some of my top tracks.
"Arrival” - All Day I Dream (Spotify / YouTube)
You’re doing this song and yourself a disservice if you don’t listen with the proper equipment. This song always fills me with energy - highly SENDABLE. Listen to all the layers building throughout the track. Spooky, melodic and driving. I LOVE this tune.
"Fatoumata” - Shanti Moscow Radio (Spotify / YouTube)
Talk about range. This entire EP is a must listen as all 3 tracks are on point (Spotify). I don’t know shit about music vocabulary. I don’t know what a snare is, a high, a low, any of it. I know how these sounds makes me feel. This track puts me in Africa everytime I listen to it. I can’t not dance to it. SEND IT!
"Underworld Remix” - Shanti Moscow Radio (Spotify / YouTube)
The range extends. How beautiful is this tune? I generally hate vocals, but not on this one. Wow, this song makes me grateful to be alive. Smile, go hug a stranger, fucking send it. If you like this song, I recommend you check out the Reborn Volen Sentir Sunset Mix (Spotify/SoundCloud).
ADID with Deeper Sounds / BA In-Flight Radio Show: Volen Sentir
Volen Sentir recently teamed up with All Day I Dream for their British Airways In-Flight Radio Show. This set was released 1 week ago, super fresh. Enjoy the journey.
Amonita
(Instagram / SoundCloud / Spotify / Beatport / Facebook)
Where you’re from shouldn’t matter, neither should your gender. But I can’t help it, I’m rooting double for the women in the music industry. If you’re feeling her sound, which I’m sure you will, be sure to go show her some support and love.
Amonita has released music with All Day I Dream, Shanti Moscow Radio and Akbal Music. Her new track Symphonic Fantasy comes out tomorrow on the All Day I Dream Winter Sampler. That album is jam packed with talent, and this is my favorite song on the project.
I swear she lives on a secret tropical beach in Russia that we don’t know about. LISTEN TO THESE SOUNDS.
"Paradise Bird” - Shanti Moscow Radio (Spotify / YouTube)
BOOM I’m instantly on the beach. How do you do it?? Amonita has mastered this sound. If you like this song, consider yourself a fan. Good luck not dancing to this.
Shanti Radio: Mangawhai (Amonita Set)
If you’re enjoying the songs we’ve previews so far, I highly recommend listening to this set. Amonita + Shanti Moscow Radio, you can’t go wrong.
M.O.S.
(Instagram / SoundCloud / Spotify / Beatport / Facebook)
M.O.S. entered my life last summer with their Anjunadeep EP (Spotify) featuring Bona Fide. Both of the tracks on this project are next level smooth and offer steady, subtle 3 pieces. I love a good ole 3 piece when it’s done right. This is music you can throw on in the kitchen while you’re cooking with your Grandma. I would be hard pressed to find someone who didn’t enjoy these sounds.
Since then, M.O.S. has found their stride, releasing music with Shanti Moscow Radio, Kindisch and All Day I Dream. It’s also worth noting that these guys have reached out and expressed a ton of love and support for The Army of Love project. I’m highlighting them because their music is top tier, not because they’re nice guys. But good lord when the music is good and you’re kind human beings, WE ARE GOING TO SEND IT FOR YOU. Love you guys!
“Volga ft. Bona Fide” - Anjunadeep (Spotify / YouTube)
Super beauty, this one hits me every time I listen to it. If you like this tune, be sure to check out the other song from this EP - “Bengali” (Spotify / SoundCloud / YouTube).
Modd
(Instagram / SoundCloud / Spotify / Beatport / Facebook)
Modd’s sound is a bit different than the other artists featured so far. We’ll touch on his diversity from super harmonious beauties to deep, driving spiritual bangers. I always want to highlight record labels and we’ll use this as an opportunity to do so. Here’s my favorite labels that Modd’s released music with:
All Day I Dream / Anjunadeep / Kindisch / Tale & Tone / Do Not Sit on the Furniture / Akbal Music / Where The Heart Is
Follow the record labels to find the sounds you align with, trust me.
I’ve selected 3 tracks to share here, and I recommend you check out Modd’s entire catalog. Let’s get into it.
“Road To San Vincente” - Anjunadeep (Spotify / YouTube)
My relationship with Modd started with Road To San Vincente. I was going through a little bit of depression when I discovered this track. For 6 minutes and 27 seconds, I was able to let my perceived problems melt away. I went into full surrender mode and accepted everything that was happening in my life. Be sure to check this song out, but I recommend you wait until you have the space to listen clearly without distractions.
“Ruanda” - All Day I Dream (Spotify / YouTube)
More recently, Modd released the Nebosvod EP with All Day I Dream (Spotify) which features the track Ruanda. Good lord I don’t know what instruments I’m hearing, but this shit feels like an African flute followed by banging bass. Top tier tune right here, check it out.
“Edem” - Where The Heart Is (Spotify / YouTube)
During Russia week, someone within our community sent me this tune. Not sure how I missed this one. Here’s a little taste of Modd getting into that deep spiritual banger bag. This shit is fire, and it’s coming from a record label that I support with all my love - David Hohme’s Where The Heart Is.
Shanti Moscow Radio Record Label
(Instagram / SoundCloud / Spotify / Beatport / Facebook)
I couldn’t highlight Russian music without giving a shout out to Shanti Moscow Radio. This record label changed the way I listen to music. They’ve set a standard that has ruined a lot of other music for me, and I’m grateful. This is by far my favorite record label at the moment. If you’ve enjoyed the sounds featured in this highlight, then make sure to subscribe to Shanti Moscow.
Here are 3 Shanti tracks that I’m obsessed with that have come from artists we haven’t mentioned today.
“Realize - UV (Ghiz Remix) (Spotify / YouTube)
Ahh this tune will forever have a place in my heart - play this one at my funeral. The clickity clacks in the beginning are to die for. The building melodies and then the vocals… I generally dislike vocals, but they nailed it on this one. Be sure to listen to this tune without skipping.
Special thank you to everyone involved in making this possible. The producers, sound engineers, record labels and especially those behind the scenes who we don’t know about. Music is bringing love into the world and connecting humans without borders. We appreciate you and what you do.
A Message from Lee:
I love sharing music and structuring these posts. I want to make life easier for music lovers. PLEASE send feedback my way. I’m more interested in constructive criticism than praise. By all means, if you’re loving it, feel free to express that. However, if you have any ideas as to how I can improve or make this easier for you - that’s what I’d love to receive.
Love you.
Send it.
