Best Remix
Kesha, “Praying (Oliver Nelson remix)â€
Swedish producer Oliver Nelson has a knack for making remixes sound even better than the original. If you like what you hear, stay tuned for an exclusive Blisspop interview with him ahead of his US tour. For fans of nu-disco bangers.
Best LP/EP
Tame Impala, Currents B-sides & Remixes
Perhaps it blasphemy to give it to Tame Impala’s B-sides considering these tracks were produced circa 2015, but the fact that Currents B-sides were all released this year holds a special place in music history. Tame Impala is a representation of a revitalized era of psychedelia. Their approach with John Lennon-esque vocals (thanks to Kevin Parker), fuzzed guitars, modern production, and ample analog synth representation is all the rage this year.
Best New Artist
Kelela is a DC-native female artist who blends soulful R&B with tasteful downtempo electronica grooves. Her album, Take Me Apart, is groovy storytelling and production at its finest. She shines like a star!
Track of the Year
Bonobo, “Keralaâ€
“Kerala” is one of the highlights off of Bonobo’s newest album.
Artist of the Year
Ulrich Schnauss collaborated and released two albums with two distinctively different styles this year: Synthwaves (with Thorsten Quaeschning) and Passage (with Jonas Munk). That is a HUGE accomplishment and both albums are a total joy to listen to from beginning to end.
Favorite Show of the Year
Bonobo at Terminal 5 (April 27, 2017)
I was surprised with a ticket to see Bonobo at Terminal 5. The show was an incredible celebration of his newly released album, Migration. The show was full of surprises including a live chamber ensemble, performance by an African musical troupe and a cameo from Nick Murphy aka Chet Faker, plus much more. It was such a memorable night- so much so that the love of my life proposed to me that evening. I will never forget this concert; it holds a special place in my heart.
DC Artist to Watch
Flash Frequency is a visual artist, sound designer and experimental artist who produces stunning ambient music.