Vinyl Mag staff names nine artists that they’re keeping an eye on in this most transcendent year. 1. Nija Nija is well-known in the industry as a songwriter and producer. She’s been writing songs for big-name artists since she was 20 years old. Beyonce, Jay-Z, Summer Walker, Cardi-B, Ariana Grande—the list goes on and on….
Jonathan Yim
iii Points 2021 Recap: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
If you’re unfamiliar with Miami music festival iii Points, it’s quite singular as far as US-based festivals go. Gates run from 5 pm to 5 am, reminiscent of many EU-based fests, many of the acts identify with the dance music genre, and there’s a heavy emphasis on local and international talent. On paper, this should…
Tasting Notes – Fall Heat Wave
Welcome to my new column here at Vinyl Mag: Tasting Notes! I have had this idea bouncing inside my head for a little while now yet for some reason haven’t gotten around to writing it. Each edition of Tasting Notes will feature a themed menu with a few projects that deserve your time. This week’s…
Review: Skee Mask – ‘Pool’
Dance music has found itself in a stalemate throughout the age of pandemic. A genre whose beating heart lies on a club floor surrounded by individuals experiencing spiritual urges to move their bodies was demoralized at the snap of a finger. With physical spaces stolen away, the innate physicality of dance music became isolated inside…
REVIEW: Kareem Ali – ‘Getting Through’
Getting Through by Kareem Ali Upon doing research for this review, I noticed that Phoenix-based producer Kareem Ali’s Instagram bio reads “I create music for everything in the universe”. Marry this ethos with Ali’s one-of-a-kind Boiler Room mix, set in the sunset-soaked desert outskirts of Phoenix, and this mission statement tells listeners everything we need…
REVIEW: Cities Aviv – ‘The Crashing Sound of How It Goes’
THE CRASHING SOUND OF HOW IT GOES by Cities Aviv I was stuck in a place/I couldn’t get up/what happens next? How does one begin to grieve growth from one chapter of life to another? Loved ones lost, a regressive sociopolitical landscape, and the impending fears of aging all come crashing down on one to…