ATSIC S05E33 - Ahead
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Below this write up is the tracklist, complete with artists and their hometowns. You can listen at the top and follow along right here or you can listen on your Mixcloud app. Hit the … on the Mixcloud app to see the tracklist while you listen.
This week, I got a hold of 4 tracks ahead of their release date:
“The Wax” by Stephen Hero and Uncle Fester, from their new album The Squeeze, which just dropped today (Oct 11). It was early for anyone who tuned in last night on Mixcloud.
“I’m Gone” by Ev Thompson featuring Evil Ebenezer, from Thompson’s upcoming album Heel (releasing Nov 22). The lead single drops Oct 16.
“Diamond Minds” by Michael J Foxx featuring JRoberts. It’s out Nov 8, but you can catch JRoberts' new album Gift And Curse, which just hit streaming platforms today.
The mix closes with “Raising the Bar VII” by Tone Chop & Frost Gamble. It was early when I dropped it last night, but it’s out now. These guys deliver another bar fest, switching beats like the five fingers of death.
The rest of the mix is fresh music, newer than court suits, and spans from coast to coast:
DJ Moves has teamed up with Tachichi and Electric City Underground for “Forever” from his new project Beats, Breaks, & VHS Tapes. It kicks off with one of my favorite KRS-One quotes and lets Tachichi show off his veteran lyricism, while ECU’s one-man show supplies the hook.
Moka Only promises a return to his roots with his upcoming Nov 15 release Arbutus Canyon. If the lead single “DADADOO” is any indicator, we’re in for more jazz-infused smooth vibes from the West Coast legend.
RUNXGUN is back with their Oct release RXGSZN II, and the track “Mine” has them sampling Mobb Deep’s classic “Scarface” anthem. Nostalgia plus quality bars equals a win once more.
Deuce Fantastick keeps the crowd warmed up with “Remember September”, a loosie produced by Natt Turner. We talked about his Drake bars on this track during last week’s Fly in Formation, and Deuce made it clear that this song was light work—written the weekend before. It won’t be on his upcoming album Soul Not 4 Sale, dropping Oct 22.
Lee Reed makes an appearance, featured on “Another Morning” from Seez Mics’ new album. Lee’s been dope for a long time, and every time I hear him, he remains in top form and continues to be a voice of reason in the rap scene.
Next week, I’m interviewing Magick Show on Tuesday, Oct 15, at 7 PM MT. In anticipation, I aired “Northern Fried Rhymes” from Johnny Bizzness, one of the three members. We’ll also talk about their upcoming album Samhain (out Oct 25) and Johnny’s solo project Northern Fried Soul Food (dropping the first week of November).
I also brought out JD Era featured on “Smugglers Supreme” from PARSONS, a producer I think is based in the EU. This is the cartel kingpin type of vibe you’d expect, executed perfectly by a vet like JD.
Tona’s “Fame” is a catchy, crossover-ready track with glorious lyrics and a bassline that bounces like you’re riding on My Pony. Toronto’s favorite does it again.
SAYZEE & Jamal Gasol bring it on “YNWU” from their solid collab album Smokewave. Rugged bars over twinkling strings keep the energy high.
Pimpton and Snotty Nose Rez Kids bring fun braggadocio on “Swang”, with slowed-down cadences giving space for some switched up deliveries.
Kowa Mirai & Mike Shabb reflect on self-destructive habits in “Vices”, while Myer Clarity dissects the addictive nature of smart devices in “Disconnected”—a theme we can all relate to in this digital age.
Finally, Shad wraps up the mix with “Keep Going”, a funky head-nodder that encourages everyone to stay motivated and keep pushing forward.
TLDR: it’s all fresh boom bap and bars for an hour. No fancy mixing this week either, just pure heat.
Check out the “Making of #ATSIC” video below. Catch me live on Twitch weekday afternoons while I dig for gems, game, record my own music, or conduct interviews. Join the chat, share your thoughts, or just vibe.
Fly in Formation is back to weekly episodes. Tune in every Tuesday for interviews with artists across the country as I dive into local scenes and creative processes. Subscribe on Twitch, skip the ads, and chat live while we stream.
After this episode, catch a new Fly in Formation interview with B1 The Architect, a prolific Toronto-based artist. We spoke about his 6 albums released this year, his influences, collaborators, and more. You can find this interview and past episodes on YouTube in the FiF playlist.
I buy every track I play on ATSIC unless it’s sent to me directly. Streaming barely pays, so it’s essential to support indie artists by buying their music, tickets, or merch to keep them creating.
Shows like After the Smoke is Clear also need support. If you appreciate discovering new music without the algorithms, or if you appreciate my efforts to get indie artists music in more ears, consider donating via PayPal to help me buy the tracks and keep the show going. Every dollar helps indie artists and ATSIC alike.
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Stay up.
