As we wrap up 2023, Young Heavy Souls is reflecting on another year of fruitful collaboration, creative expression, and daring expansion. 2023 was full of new challenges and even more new opportunities, and we are incredibly proud of how our community has championed us and our talented roster of artists – from Detroit to Denver and beyond – through it all.
This journey commenced in March with a mesmerizing remix of Wing Vilma's 'Bridges' by IDM producer Daisuke Tanabe, whose take on the track got a nod from the editors at Electronica. Later that month, Ugly Flannel accompanied their YHS debut ‘Goodbye American Dream' with DIY music videos to praise from Local Spins and Bravado Press.
Accomplished producer-engineer Chase Dobson also made his YHS debut with 'The Mechanics of Time Travel,' which ReGen Magazine described as "an effective balance of chilled out stasis and perpetual motion," and Igloo Magazine heralded as "a mind-bending and surreal sonic adventure, capturing the voltage of analog machines and casting them into the sunshine." Its 4K visualizer, composed of stunning drone footage from across the globe, complements the cinematic soundscape perfectly.
Lipphead and Zilched brought the heat this summer, releasing their heavy-hitting sophomore albums to wide acclaim.
In July, Lipphead offered fans a healthy dose of tongue-in-cheek humor and an even groovier spin on their genre-blending mix of downtempo, hip-hop, and electro-funk on 'From The Back.' This collaboration between Eliot Lipp and Blockhead earned spins from BBC Radio 6 Music, Radio Campus France, KCRW, and a Stereofox stamp of approval.
Zilched followed up with an anthemic alt-rock record, 'Earthly Delights,' which quickly garnered critical support. Alt Citizen, WDET, Metro Times, FLOOD Magazine, American Pancake, and Girl Underground Music celebrated her gothic pop sound, and her North American tour earned coverage from WLUW and APV. Fun fact: the Metro Times recently featured 'Earthly Delights' as one of their 2023 local highlights!
As autumn unfolded, Young Heavy Souls announced the launch of a new instrumental hip-hop imprint, Naturally Digital, the revival of Old Tacoma Records, and new YHS signees Mega Powers and CC Nobody. Partnering with prolific Detroit-based producer Illingsworth, Naturally Digital unleashed 'Maiden Voltage' – a talent-packed mixtape offering a taste of what's to come. Jaws That Bite added gritty IDM to the mix with the October release of 'Lullaby League,' on which he melds the unsettling with the beautiful, mediates distortion with tranquility, and invites fans to embark on an emotional journey alongside his meticulously crafted sonic structure.
YHS Records, the vinyl-focused imprint of Young Heavy Souls, partnered with Turntable Lab to reissue Fat Jon's 2002 album 'Lightweight Heavy' on vinyl and cassette. Recorded in his friend Nujabes' studio in Japan, this timeless record is a hit with seasoned fans and a new generation of listeners.
There was plenty to celebrate for Mux Mool, as well! We are pleased to share that his mellow, looping track ‘Some Diggity’ surpassed 1 million streams this fall.
Coming full circle, Wing Vilma's 'Snack Basket' added a playful flourish to this year's catalog. Milly Coleman flexed her characteristic percussive precision and extended her intuitive practice on this EP. She also served up self-directed video collages to accompany the release, showcasing her creative versatility.
Thank you for joining Young Heavy Souls on this year's sonic odyssey, from beats to pop, rock, hip-hop, and back. We remain rooted in our commitment to independent artists and listeners as we eagerly anticipate what lies ahead (see: Mux Mool teasing new music). See you in 2024.