- Words Notion Staff
Radio 1 presenter and playlister Sian Eleri takes us through a selection of tracks by her favourite artists from outside of London.
“Satellites” by Chartreuse, Orlando Weeks
This Black Country band makes the world stand still. Contemplative, intimate and profound, their ability to reach into the inky depths while simultaneously feeling weightless is a rare delight to submerge in.
“Sonder” by Barry Can’t Swim
I need to get my hands on whatever’s in the water in Scotland. Electronic music is having a real moment – from LF System at No.1 in the UK Charts for eight weeks, to Ewan McVicar and my wonderful colleague/radio sister Arielle Free soundtracking clubs across the country. Edinburgh’s Barry is one of the most consistent producers out there, making luscious, soul-soothing records.
“Ride With Me” by Pip Millett
A cover star for Notion 92, Pip’s debut album ‘When Everything Is Better, I’ll Let You Know’ bubbles with warm, tender goodness. An absolute must-see artist to experience live too – her charming headline set at a sold-out Shepherd’s Bush was up there as one of my favourite few hours of 2022. Manchester’s finest.
“By Design [Evel Knievel]” by Jacob Banks
His smoky vocals and nostalgic sound make Birmingham’s Jacob Banks a real tonic. My other half and I have gotten in the habit of slow dancing in the kitchen to this track over steaming pots and pans. Don’t tell him I told you that though.
“Unfold” by Hayla
Formby’s Hayla makes hypnotic, emotive house music. She caught the ears of deadmau5 and Kaskade for their collaborative project 'Kx5' this year, and has been on the road with Pete Tong and the Heritage Orchestra. A real one to watch in the electronic space.
“ETO” by Adwaith
Hollie, Gwenllian and Heledd had one of my most anticipated albums this summer – I squealed when I saw them tweet the announcement of a second record. ‘Bato Mato’ is a beautiful window into their lives, with an expansive, soft post-punk sound that made them the first act in history to win the Welsh Music Prize twice. I can’t wait to hear what the Caerfyrddin trio do next.
“Give Me Time” by Ben Marc, Judi Jackson
This track flickers like glowing embers. Birmingham’s Ben released his debut record this year, fusing the jazz and electronic realms to create a seamless hybrid of his own making. If you like KOKOROKO, Madlib, or GoGo Penguin, give Ben a shot.
“lOnDn” by EMBRZ
This track is pure euphoria in four minutes. Real name: Jack Casey, the Dublin producer is a master who helps me to pause, take a deep breath, and melt into his dappled electronic sound.
“i ti” by Gillie
This free-flowing track is absolutely beautiful, and documents Gillie’s move back home to Llangadog from the big smoke. This is her first Welsh-language offering, and gives a real sense of place that pulls on my homesickness. One for a hot stew on a cold day.
“The 345 - Acoustic” by Self Esteem
Self Esteem had one of the most stratospheric 2022s to the point I truly hope she’s getting enough sleep in. Her candid and heartfelt lyricism is some of the best I’ve ever seen; lest we forget her magnificent stylistic dedication to Meadowhall at Glastonbury. This acoustic rendition of “The 345” brought me to tears on the radio – a career first. Thank you for your beautiful work Rebecca.