exclusive | Papolious Jones -  Answers | tresydos

Papolious Jones - aka Brian Topham - makes his debut on Mari.te’s ever-eclectic tresydos with the release "Answers", a four-tracker that blurs the lines between nostalgia and the now. Across the EP, the Barcelona-based artist sculpts grooves that feel like they’ve been unearthed from a 90s afterhours tape, yet carry a polish and focus that’s distinctly contemporary.

The title track, "Answers", sets the tone: a tightly wound number where elegant synth lines curl into a hypnotic loop, equal parts party-minded and introspective. An acid line bubbles beneath the surface, not snarling but slyly guiding the pulse, while retro flecks creep in like afterimages from old Electro records. Still, this isn’t pastiche - the track maintains a sound very much its own, balancing strut and subtlety, memory and immediacy. It’s the kind of cut that convinces bodies onto the floor without needing to raise its voice, inviting dancers to sink into its understated but undeniable pull.

Papolious Jones makes his statement with restraint: "Answers" doesn’t scream, it suggests. And in that suggestion lies the magic - a groove both retro-tinged and refreshingly current, impossible to pin down and even harder to resist.

Buy the EP: https://subwax.es/product/tyd014

Artist & label information
Papolious Jones / Brian Topham: @briantopham // https://instagram.com/briantophamm
tresydos: @tresydosrecords // https://www.instagram.com/tresydosrecords

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Buy the EP

exclusive | Papolious Jones -  Answers | tresydos

exclusive | Antoine Sy - Disco Computer | ANTAM Records

ANTAM Records, the Paris-based imprint helmed by Bassam and Antoine Sy, continues to flex its vision of contemporary club music with its eleventh release, the various artists EP "Dessert On The Milky Way." True to its title, the project delivers a sweet spread of genre-blurring treats, each track carrying its own unique flavor while orbiting around a shared devotion to groove, texture, and the art of dancefloor storytelling.

Among the highlights, Antoine Sy himself contributes "Disco Computer", a piece that turns its title into a mission statement. This is not nostalgia, but evolution: Electro skeletons dressed in disco sparkle, brushed with the unmistakable sheen of French House. Vocoded computer phrases and occasional spoken vocals add a slyly futuristic layer, while disco-tinged bass and shimmering synth lines fuel a track that is as stylish as it is direct. It thrives on the tension between machine precision and human groove, inviting both hips and heads into its orbit.

As "Dessert On The Milky Way" closes, it reaffirms ANTAM’s role as a label where forward-thinking producers collide and coalesce, each release an experiment in cross-genre conversation. Eleven records deep, the label still sounds as hungry as ever - serving up music that isn’t just dessert, but the main course for dancers looking beyond the ordinary.

Buy the EP: https://subwax.es/product/antam011

Artist & label information
Antoine Sy: @antoinesy // https://www.instagram.com/antoinesy_music
ANTAM Records: @antamrecords // https://www.instagram.com/antamrecords

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exclusive | Antoine Sy - Disco Computer | ANTAM Records

exclusive | Noiro - Car Toon | Kumquat 

With the label’s third outing, Parisian producer Noiro takes Kumquat from carefully curated VAs to its first full-artist EP, delivering "Repeat the Beat" -  a four-tracker that cements his playful yet precise approach to groove. Having already left his mark on the label’s second VA, Noiro now steers the ship solo, and the A2 cut "Car Toon" makes a strong case for why.

Funky at its core, the track shuffles forward with easy confidence, its spoken vocals and warm synth layers radiating the mood of late-summer afternoons and the very last sun rays of the year. Yet this isn’t just a track for golden-hour drives – its rolling pulse and sly melodic touches are intriguing enough to keep dancers rooted deep into the night, pulling them from daylight haze into nocturnal groove.

With "Car Toon," Noiro adds another notch to Kumquat’s still-young but growing reputation: music that blends Parisian sophistication with a universal funkiness - tracks made for heads, hearts, and hips alike.

Buy the EP: https://subwax.es/product/kqt003

Artist & label information
Noiro: @Noiro-Orion // https://www.instagram.com/noiro_orion
Kumquat: @kumquatevents // https://instagram.com/kumquatevents

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exclusive | Noiro - Car Toon | Kumquat

exclusive | Wickham - The Docks | MINDHELMET

Wickham returns to MINDHELMET for the label’s 19th release - a stacked various artist EP featuring ADMNTi, Finny B, Max Stedeford, James Andrew, Tate, and Wickham himself, who previously graced the imprint with a full solo EP. This time, he signs off the record with “The Docks,” a track that captures everything that makes UK minimal so addictive: groove, melody, and pure dancefloor charm.

Driven by sleek drum programming and a teasing vocal loop whispering “I wanna dance with you,” “The Docks” radiates warmth and human touch. Deep chord sequences ripple through the mix, blending with crisp breaks and basslines that glide rather than stomp - it’s elegant and functional, the kind of track that connects the heads and the dancers in equal measure.

There’s something magnetic about Wickham’s approach here - understated yet euphoric, perfectly balancing emotion and movement. “The Docks” is not just another minimal roller; it’s an invitation - one you’ll likely accept without hesitation.

Buy the EP: https://www.deejay.de/Various_MINDHELMET_19_HELMET_19_Vinyl__1168819

Artist & label information
Wickham: @jackwickham // https://www.instagram.com/jackwickham_
MINDHELMET: @mindhelmet // https://instagram.com/mindhelmet

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exclusive | Wickham - The Docks | MINDHELMET

exclusive | Kolter - Rise TTT | MINDHELMET

With “MINDHELMET 20”, Johannes Kolter cements his reputation as one of the most reliable alchemists of contemporary club music. Whether under his own name or aliases like J.K. Rollin or H.K., the German producer has an uncanny ability to take familiar elements - a sample, a groove, a hook - and turn them into something that instantly feels both classic and addictive. His latest six-tracker for Truly Madly’s revered label MINDHELMET is another showcase of that rare talent, and the B1 cut “Rise TTT” might just be the record’s centerpiece.

Built around the mantra-like vocal “Rise to the top,” Kolter crafts a groove that’s as functional as it is hypnotic. The bassline rolls with that effortless Kolter swing - neither too heavy nor too polite - while a deep, evolving synth line anchors the track’s emotional pulse. Hints of breaks slip in and out, giving the rhythm a loose, kinetic feel, while subtle note repetitions and tonal shifts in the synths add tension and release in perfect doses.

“Rise TTT” never feels cluttered despite its layers. Each sound is placed with intention - from the crisp percussion to the atmospheric pads that seep in just when the loop feels too comfortable. The result is pure late-night propulsion: deep enough for the heads, driving enough for the floor.

Kolter’s work often dances between introspection and impact, and “Rise TTT” is no exception. It’s a track that doesn’t just make you move - it pulls you into its orbit, step by step, until you’re lost in the groove. Another masterclass from an artist who truly knows how to make minimal sound maximal.

Buy the EP: https://subwax.es/product/helmet_20

Artist & label information
Kolter: @koltercologne // https://www.instagram.com/koltercologne
MINDHELMET: @mindhelmet // https://instagram.com/mindhelmet

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exclusive | Kolter - Rise TTT | MINDHELMET

exclusive | Joolmad - Hakuna | SHIBUI

London-based imprint SHIBUI launches its vinyl series with a statement of intent — and Joolmad’s “Hakuna EP” delivers exactly the kind of sleek, club-ready energy that sets the tone for the label’s journey ahead. Across four cuts (plus a remix from Jhobei), Joolmad flexes his knack for turning minimalism into movement - and the title track “Hakuna” leads the charge with irresistible swagger.

It’s one of those tracks that sneaks up on you - a tightly wound groove that unravels just enough to keep you hooked. The bassline hums with understated confidence, the kind of low-end pulse that locks you in without shouting for attention. A whirling synth line sways around it, playful yet precise, twisting like smoke in a dimly lit room. Add in those hip-hop-style scratches — subtle, teasing, perfectly placed - and “Hakuna” starts to blur genre lines with effortless cool.

What truly distinguishes “Hakuna” is its sense of equilibrium - a masterful balance between restraint and release.  Each subtle pause and fleeting break feels intentional, allowing the rhythm to exhale before plunging back into its rolling momentum. Its physicality translates directly to the body - you can almost feel the track’s motion unfold, envisioning a dancer caught mid-groove, loose-limbed and instinctive, lost in the hypnotic pull of the loop.

With “Hakuna,” Joolmad channels the essence of modern Minimal: functional, funky, and full of character. It’s the kind of tune that DJs keep in their record bag waiting for the moment when the floor needs just a little more bounce, a little more soul, a little more attitude.

Buy the EP: https://subwax.es/product/shiw001

Artist & label information
Joolmad: @joolmad // https://www.instagram.com/joolmad_
SHIBUI: @shibui_sound // https://www.instagram.com/shibuisound

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exclusive | Joolmad - Hakuna | SHIBUI

exclusive | Wilba - Freaks of Nature | Fraise Records

Wilba returns to his own Fraise Records with “Retracing The Steps,” a four-track expedition that refines the DNA of his Duowe sound into something moodier, deeper, and distinctly personal. Drawing from the energy of open-air festival sets and long nights under the canopy, the EP bridges Tech House and Electro with precision - stripped grooves, rumbling basslines, and shimmering atmospheres built for woodland floors and intimate basements alike.

The B1 track, “Freaks of Nature”, creates one of the record’s most captivating moments - a hypnotic yet grounded groover that balances weight and warmth with finesse. A playful, looping synth line weaves through the track like a soft hallucination, locking into a groove that’s equal parts driving and dreamlike. When the break unfolds, delicate bell-like tones drift in, briefly softening the track’s pulse before it plunges back into its bass-fueled momentum.

It’s a masterclass in control: heavy without ever feeling forced, melodic without losing its edge. “Freaks of Nature” embodies that rare duality of being both introspective and club-effective - a track that lures dancers deeper into the night, whether it’s echoing through a forest clearing or shaking the walls of a dark, low-ceilinged room. Another fine example of Wilba’s evolving craft, where emotion and rhythm move in perfect sync.

Buy the EP: https://subwax.es/product/strwb014

Artist & label information
Wilba: https://www.instagram.com/wilba____ 
Fraise Records: @fraiserecords // https://www.instagram.com/fraiserecords

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exclusive | Wilba - Freaks of Nature | Fraise Records

exclusive | Light Blue File & Occibel - Plastic | Playfool

With “Plastic”, the A2 track from the collaborative "Inner Child EP", Light Blue File and Occibel deliver a playful yet precision-engineered dancefloor bomb that embodies the spirit behind the record itself: creativity born from spontaneity. Released on Playfool - Occibel’s own imprint and an extension of his vision of collaborative exploration - the track stands as a reflection of the energy that emerges when ideas are exchanged freely and enthusiastically. A few beers, some laughs, and suddenly a shared frequency becomes real.

Stylistically, “Plastic” hits that sweet spot between House groove and Electro bite. The pushy, punchy bassline - a signature flavor of the artists' productions - drives the track forward with confident momentum, designed to lock dancers into motion. Layered above it, a slightly cracking synth-line cuts through the mix, offering just enough melodic tension to keep things dynamic and evolving. It nods to classic eEectro aesthetics without falling into nostalgia; instead, it feels fresh, precise, and irresistibly physical.

The addition of vocoder-styled computer vocals completes the formula, injecting personality and playfulness while honoring both artists’ shared love for robotic vocal textures. It’s a detail that elevates the track from functional weapon to identity-rich standout.

Smooth yet edgy, minimal in structure yet full of character, “Plastic” is built to shake dancefloors with style. Expect it to ripple across rooms all summer long - because once that bassline hits, resisting it is simply not an option.

Buy the EP: https://subwax.es/product/pf003

Artist & label information
Occibel: @occibel // https://www.instagram.com/occibel___
Light Blue File: @lightbluefile // https://www.instagram.com/lightbluefile
Playfool: https://www.instagram.com/playfool_records

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exclusive | Light Blue File & Occibel - Plastic | Playfool

exclusive | Andy Somoza, Aka Juanjo - Concentracion | Circa91

Opening a label’s first chapter is no light task, but Andy Somoza & Aka Juanjo step up with a statement cut: “Concentration,” the A1 on Circa91’s vinyl-only debut, sets the tone with confident restraint and a sonic identity rooted in the early ’90s without falling into pastiche. It’s a track that understands heritage, but moves forward with purpose.

Built around sturdy drum programming and a thick, sun-warmed bassline, “Concentration” immediately taps into the feel-good pulse of classic House - head-nod friendly, groove-driven, and shaped for rooms where bodies respond instinctively. The central synth line, unmistakably reminiscent of that era’s hypnotic leads, works like a hook and a memory trigger at once: familiar enough to comfort, but sharpened with contemporary clarity. Used with restraint, the vocal interjections of “concentration” accent the rhythm like flashes of light - memorable, functional, never intrusive.

What’s striking is the track’s discipline. Rather than chasing an explosive breakdown or overbuilding into drama, it lets the flow breathe: breaks arrive with intention, injecting movement and anticipation, but the energy always lands back into the pocket. The result is a slow-burner that locks dancers in, a groove that spreads rather than detonates - a proper first spark for what promises to be a promising series.

As the debut opener for Circa91 - a transatlantic collaboration between Toscal Records (Santa Cruz de Tenerife) and People Unpleaser (Santa Cruz de la Sierra) - “Concentration” acts as a handshake between scenes, aesthetics, and intentions. It’s also a fitting introduction from co-founder Andy Somoza, showcasing the ethos behind the new imprint: community-rooted, dancefloor-functional, and proudly vinyl-focused.

Buy the EP: https://subwax.es/product/circa001

Artist & label information 
Andy Somoza: @andy-somoza // https://www.instagram.com/andysomoza
Aka Juanjo: @andreherreran // https://www.instagram.com/akajuanjo_
Circa91: @circa-noventa-y-uno // https://www.instagram.com/circa91__

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exclusive | Andy Somoza, Aka Juanjo - Concentracion | Circa91

excusive | Brent - Space Cadet | Zuku

With “Space Cadet”, the B1 cut on Brent’s new EP "Return To Cookie Mountain" for Liverpool imprint Zuku, the Scouse producer delivers a hybrid weapon that sits right on the thrilling edge between club functionality and pop-leaning immediacy - without ever tipping too far into glossy territory. If the A-side lays out the framework, “Space Cadet” ignites the B-side with confidence, setting a decisive tone for what follows.

Built around a punchy Electro bassline that grabs instantly, the track snaps into motion with the kind of low-end propulsion that feels engineered for late-night physicality. Sitting brightly on top is a sticky, earworm synth theme, the type that burrows into memory after one play and returns uninvited hours later - proof of Brent’s instinct for crafting hooks without sacrificing underground grit.

The vocal touches land like flickers of neon: playful and spaced just enough to spark interest without overstating their role. It’s these details that give “Space Cadet” its charm - that sense of magic dust sprinkled across a sturdy rhythmic core. The groove cruises forward with aerodynamic flow, always building momentum, never losing its grip.

"Space Cadet" flirts with pop sensibility - bright tones, clean structure, big personality - but its attitude remains firmly aimed at the dancefloor, shaping a tool DJs can deploy for uplift without cheesiness. It’s fun, it’s infectious, and it’s crafted with the refined ear of a producer steeped in dance history rather than trend-chasing shortcuts.

As the opener to the B-side, the track lifts the record into a new gear and underlines why Brent sits at the center of Liverpool’s current wave: a producer unafraid to blend accessibility with underground muscle. A fantastic cut, and undoubtedly one of the EP’s most instant crowd-pullers.

Pure club gold.

Buy the EP:  https://subwax.es/product/zuku002

Artist & label information
Brent: @brent-uk // https://instagram.com/brent._____
Zuku: @z-u-k-u // https://www.instagram.com/zuku.___

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excusive | Brent - Space Cadet | Zuku

Torture the Artist - your source for contemporary electronic music

Torture the Artist is a webzine, or a magazine made for the internet, geared towards those with a passion for contemporary electronic music, with subgenres including Techno, Tech House, Deep House and Eletronica, as well as a small amount of Indie and Alternative. Founded in 2014 by Holger Breuer, a German native and lover of the arts, Torture the Artist now consists of five team members from all around the world.

In addition to publishing interviews, music reviews, DJ charts and track premieres, the webzine hosts out a  podcast series called 'art:casts'. This medium gives DJs and producers the artistic freedom to highlight their different musical styles while not being restricted by factors such as setting, and connecting them to a wider audience. 

Being in its ninth year, Torture the Artist has gained a strong and active online support group, including music enthusiasts to label managers and artists themselves, creating a cohesive community with music as their bond.

New tracks tagged #Subwax