Electronic

ILENE’s “Exactly” turns a meltdown into a mesmerizing confession

ILENE’s new single, “Exactly,” emerged from a hormonal meltdown, sleep deprivation, and a betrayal at the hands of her digestive system. Written in the middle of the night when sleep wouldn’t fall but inspiration would, “Exactly” sounds like a diary entry from a person spiraling. The track doesn’t so much blur genres as it allows them to unravel on the spot, wrapping the listener in a dizzy world of synths and faltering joy. There’s a sense of urgency to this production, but it never seems hurried. It’s the sound of a hyperactive mind stuck in an under-rested body.

Vocals hover between clarity and obscurity and, at times, are barely above a whisper, as if ILENE is either confiding in us or talking to herself. It’s that confusion that makes “Exactly” so intimate and big at once. You don’t know if you should be dancing or lying on the floor crying, and that’s the point. Things glow for a line before breaking in the mix again, like a thought you can’t quite complete before it’s your turn to be crashed by another one. There’s authenticity in the way that ILENE embraces the chaos without trying to clean it up. She dispatches from the beautiful breakdown.

“Exactly” is a vibe, a mood, a post-midnight confession cast against a strobe light beat. It’s the magic combination of your skin turning on you, your gut turning against you, and your brain demanding you get busy doing something creative. Somehow, ILENE has managed to capture a certain kind of spiral, very specifically, and turn it into something you’ll be playing over again. In a realm of polished pop perfection, “Exactly” revels in the mess, and we’re here for it.

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Artist Spotlight

“Little Things” by Richard Green is a soulful reminder to slow down and feel

“Little Things” by Richard Green is a quietly potent electronic track with polished production and an emotional punch. Recorded in London and at Studio Elfo in Italy, it possesses a rich cross-cultural quality that informs every layer of its sound, making it feel almost cinematic.

“Little Things” is all about the synergy of electronic and organic instruments. By including a more human element in the form of an accomplished violinist, this distinguishes the song from other examples of electronic music, giving it a warm, organic feel. Green’s melodic sensibilities provide a warm comfort in the arrangement, holding it grounded. Green delivers a meditative listening experience, and the audience has to slow down, take their time, and really absorb every single sound.

“Little Things” is set up with a broad sentiment that we used to overlook the little things in our lives. From meaningful relationships to fleeting everyday joys, it reminds us of what truly matters. In “Little Things,” Richard Green proves that he’s one of those technical artists who can warm the heart. A smart, crafted effort that lingers, indicating that there is even more potential yet to his solo career.

Photo Credit: Richard Green

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Artist Spotlight

Feel the vibe with Sporty-O’s new EP “The P.L.U.R. Project,” a blend of emotions and sound

“The P.L.U.R. Project” begins like a rush of light across a crowded dance floor as jubilant, purposeful, and very human. This seven-song, 29-minute journey from the EDM pioneer Sporty-O is a cultural reset built around peace, love, unity, and respect.

Sporty-O establishes the emotional timbre for the entire project from the first track of its lead single, “Spirit Higher.” The song is anthemic, its purposes well outlined despite a high-gloss production. It’s a centerpiece that establishes the mood of an intensive exploration of sound and self-awareness.

“The P.L.U.R. Project” is just as much about managing your feelings as it is about moving. Sporty-O creates each record with intention, writing things that make people think on the dance floor. Another high-energy song is “Happy Together,” with Lorme and Chris Willis, pulsing warmth and togetherness. “SOLD!” has a clean, feel-good sound that embodies the community spirit of EDM culture.

Sporty-O embraces a multi-genre EDM palette on the EP, fusing forward-thinking sounds with uptempo beats. Tracks like “Revolution” with Specimen A and “Geek’d Up” with Baby Sweet provide lots of energy and edge. “Piece Of My Mind” is more introspective, while “Cheveyo” features a diverse array of collaborators and culminates in a rich, layered sound, all while maintaining a global welcoming spirit.

What makes this project unique is that it serves both and reminds people of the origins of dance culture. Sporty-O aims to help people rediscover the heartbeat of the community. “The P.L.U.R. Project” is an EDM experience that reaches beyond the speakers, colorful and thoughtful about meaning in music-based culture.