Two of Nigeria’s most vital Afrobeats artists, vocalist Fireboy DML and producer and songwriter Pheelz, have collaborated for the first time on a new EP, ‘Peace by Piece.’ In this exclusive commentary, they discuss the making of the EP tracks. “Gozi” is about “gratitude to God, on a groovy-ass beat” and “In Love With You” is “a love song for everybody” which “comes alive in the hook.” Made in Cape Town, South Africa, “On A Kentro” explores “resilience in the face of adversity,” and “Shake” presents “the beauty of African rhythm.” Fireboy DML’s favorite track on the EP, “Young Again,” is a call to “appreciate and celebrate life.” Listen now. 

Voice Notes: Fireboy DML & Pheelz on "Gozi"

Voice Notes: Fireboy DML & Pheelz on "Young Again"

Australian alternative pop songwriter, producer, vocalist and visual artist hannah bahng establishes herself with her second release, ‘The Misunderstood EP.’ In this exclusive commentary, the 21-year-old breaks down the making of tracks from the project. The title track, “MISUNDERSTOOD,” is about “trying to understand yourself, and not trying to find understanding from other people,” she says. On “IM ME AGAIN,” hannah features a dissonant string section that she arranged herself, and “raison d’etre” addresses her self-described calling of making music. “I was crying a waterfall as I wrote it on piano,” she says. “The whole process is extremely rewarding.” Listen now. 

Voice Notes: hannah bahng on "MISUNDERSTOOD"

Voice Notes: hannah bahng on "IM ME AGAIN"

Voice Notes: hannah bahng  on "raison d'être"

The Criticals have released their long-awaited, self-titled debut album, following a slew of singles and EPs. In this exclusive commentary, the Nashville-based rock band breaks down the making of key album tracks. The group’s Cole Shugart explains, with a laugh, how they are “fans of really odd scenarios,” detailing how the track “Reba” is an ode to “that one guy” who takes it a bit too far at the karaoke bar. Some of the songs have been in the band’s arsenal for a while now: “Here Comes My Doll,” for instance, first came to life with a hair-metal chorus, as Cole tells SoundCloud. His bandmate, Parker Forbes, explains that “Adoringly Drunk” was written in tribute to the first time the band played outside their hometown. This was back when they only had two songs to their name, so they threw in a few ‘60s covers and a Stone Roses ringer. Hear more from The Criticals, only on SoundCloud.

Voice Notes: The Criticals on "Adoringly Drunk"

Voice Notes: The Criticals on "Here Comes My Doll"

Voice Notes: The Criticals on "Reba"

Voice Notes: The Criticals on "Keep Me High"

South Stage

SoundCloud Stories elevates artists’ creative journeys, spotlights vibrant music communities and gives a behind-the-scenes look at the defining sounds of today and tomorrow. Original content includes the Sound Advice interview series, exclusive track-by-track artist commentary on Voice Notes, and the Weekly Download playlist, which highlights essential scenes and groundbreaking artists.

Daz Scott is a heavy sound electronic music producer and dj from Irvine in Scotland.

Rumour has it that he is actually sounder than actual sound which is proper sound when it comes to soundness. This is because he makes different styles and blends of sounds which have moulded onto his aura over the years. People are regularly quoted talking about Daz Scott saying things like

“Daz? Aye he’s proper sound mate.”

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