After the most uneventful New Year's Eve in living memory, we enter 2021 with clear heads. It's tunnel vision all the way to summer.
The road ahead seems long and not without its obstacles. Buckle up.
Whilst we're eternally hopeful that 2021 will be better than last year, what's clear is that not much is likely to change in the next few months.
Music continues to be the best medicine in these uncertain times. As we await some tangible Ibiza 2021 news, it's time to kick-start the year with our favourite releases from the last month.
Ida Engberg | Return To Consciousness | Truesoul | 11 December
Permanent Ibiza resident Ida Engberg returns to Truesoul with her first solo EP since 2014. This is the title track.
Not only has she been busy promoting the release, but Ida has been using her platform to further causes close to her heart. Top of the agenda has been some of the biggest issues facing the industry, including systemic racism and sexual assault.
Back on the music front, us islanders were treated to a special pre-Christmas set from Ida at Mikala.
Lauren Flax & Gettoblaster | Let It Feel Alright | Jack Trax Records | 4 December
Another DJ/producer who's been using her voice to protest a range of injustices has been Lauren Flax. She even went as far as to refer to it as her current full-time job. For that, she has our respect, though it's great to hear her in her natural habitat making music.
GW Harrison | Rising | Solotoko | 4 December
“Pupils dilating, heart racing, body temperature rising”
Still vibing off his month-long stint on Radio 1, GW Harrison is back with new music. George celebrated a birthday on New Year's Eve by taking part in a very special stream at London's Studio 338. Happy birthday buddy.
Whilst celebrations were understandable muted compared to other years, he'll have to wait a bit longer as he's now on the wagon for 60 days with SIX ZERO.
Mella Dee | Mexicanas | Warehouse Music | 4 December
Breakthrough records have a habit of sometimes becoming a poison chalice. Even midway through 2017's Techno Disco Tool hype, we felt Mella Dee was already over it. So how do you move on from your biggest success? By releasing another banger, that's how!
If you like your techno trippy with extra chilli powder, this will be for you.
Kollektiv Turmstrasse | Heimat (TSHA Remix) | Connaisseur Recordings | 18 December
Remarkably, it's been 10 years since Christian and Nico made their mark felt with debut Kollektiv Turmstrasse LP, Rebellion Der Traumer. A slew of remixes have been lined up to mark the anniversary, including this from fresh London talent TSHA.
Her update starts delicately, building slowly before delivering a knock-out punch. She'd already impressed us earlier in 2020 with her Flowers release on Ninja Tune.
Steve Lee | Music & Emotions | Phonetic Records | 4 December
Steve Lee channelled his love for Ibiza in making this track. We guess it must have worked, seeing as it struck a chord with us. No frills, no gimmicks, just a stand-up track in the classic style of house. We need more modern music like this.
Sasha & Franky Wah | Haunted | Last Night On Earth | 18 December
It's a case of master meets student, as two generations collide on Last Night On Earth. Old sage Sasha and breakbeat's new pin-up boy Franky Wah combine on the exquisitely put together Haunted EP. Four tracks of gold, but here's the opener.
Sasha proving he can still hang with the kids. Did you catch the lonesome broadcast from Dalt Vila on New Year's Eve? If not, you can watch back here.
Tuccillo | Modern Love | Moscow Records | 27 December
Our next entry features yet another Ibiza resident. Tuccillo might be one of the most underrated performers in the industry. Showing us exactly what he can do, he makes a sterling appearance here on Archie Hamilton's increasingly influential Moscow Records.
Just listen to that bassline.
Michael Bibi | Midnight Lullaby | ISO LAT | 3 December
The man who just can't keep still, Solid Grooves orchestrator Michael Bibi is back with his brand new project. Referencing his event series of the same name, Bibi launches new label ISO LAT with a two-track EP.
Did we mention it's incredibly catchy? Natch.
“Na nana na, nana na, oh, here we go!”
Al Green | Before The Next Teardrop Falls | Fat Possum Records | 18 December
It's been a decade since soul legend Al Green last released any music. So imagine our surprise, when he dropped this cover of Freddie Fender out of the blue. Form is temporary, but class is timeless. The music the world needs right now.
We'll be back next month with our highlights from January.
