FRUKT - Best Of 2023 (Part Two)

It’s been an exciting year for music so far eh? There’s been lots of hot new releases from all sorts of artists – emerging talent, current acts, and established big-hitters, and us at FRUKT have been digging deep all year. To celebrate, a selection of the team celebrate their favourite music from January-June, with the full selections listed at the bottom.

Account Director Abbi Williamson picked a joyful and eclectic selection, from Eliza Rose ("this shows off Eliza’s writing and vocals in a sunshine garage track that's both nostalgic and fresh.") to Spinall ("Nigerian afrobeats meets South African amapiano, with a soft funky vocal that I have really loved listening to recently!")

Our Account Director Catriona Brown's top five were all born on the dancefloor, showcasing the killer range of electric scenes thriving in 2023. There's afrobeats from Ajebutter22... "a feel-good, uplifting banger from the Nigerian star" and deep house from Gallegos, who's "making huge waves on the club scene, regularly playing the headline slot at iconic venue Panorama bar as well as closer to home at the likes of Corsica Studios. This Bristolian always brings the vibes!"

Laura Willis, FRUKT's Design Director shared the "super sassy, catchy, boingy bass" of Zambian comeback stars WITCH, and the "strong disco Bassey/Ripperton feels" of Jessie Ware, which is "ideal for strutting down the street feeling like a legend!". And despite the wet days of late, KAYTRANADA and Charlotte Day Wilson offer "a perfect summer vibe waft!"

A man who loves the heavy bass and celebratory vibes of a club and festival sound system, our Head of Entertainment Adam Butters chose from a range of scenes, from Nia Archives' drum'n'bass rework of Jorja Smith to Hudson Mohawke's unique patchwork of different sounds.

For Simon Singleton, FRUKT's Music Editor, the Kassa Overall album on Warp was a real favourite. "It's such a magpie record, fusing so many elements of jazz and hip-hop, and bringing out killer performances from the likes of Danny Brown and Wiki. A real headphones record to get lost in."

Abbi Williamson - Account Director

• Eliza Rose - 'Better Love'
• Lzee - 'Young Money'
• Jus Hus & Drake - 'Who Told You'
• Spinall - 'Bunda'
• Hak Baker - 'Windrush Baby'

Catriona Brown - Account Director

• Tego Calderon - 'La Receta'
• Dampe - 'C10'
• Ajebutter22 - 'King of Parole'
• Gallegos - 'Lushed Out'
• Freak Heat Waves - 'In A Moment Divine'

Laura Willis - Design Director

• WITCH - 'Avalanche of Love (featuring Tampa the Great)'
• Kaytranada - What You Need'
• Bombay Bicycle Club - 'My Big Day'
• Jessie Ware - 'Begin Again'
• RAYE - 'Worth It'

Adam Butters - Head of Entertainment

• Toumba - 'Hazzeh'
• Jorja Smith - 'Little Things (Via Archives Remix)
• Hudson Mohawke - 'Set The Roof'
• ELIZA - 'Abandon The Rule (Ahadadream Remix)
• Peverelist - Pulse III

Simon Singleton - Music Editor

• Blondshell - 'Kiss City'
• James Holden - 'Trust Your Feet'
• Kassa Overall ft. Danny Brown & Wiki - 'Clock Ticking'
• Mandy Indiana - 'Injury Detail'
• North Americans - 'The Living End'

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