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The Communiqué News

Angello's S—ZE Records celebrates its 20th anniversary with a new partnership with Astralwerks.


Swati Bhat

"What You Need" by Steve Angello & Wh0 is here. Released by S—ZE Records x Wh0 Plays x Astralwerks

Click on the image to listen


On the new track "What You Need," released tonight via Angello's SIZE Records / Wh0 Plays / Astralwerks, Steve Angello, co-founder of Swedish dance Mafia, and the mystery music duo Wh0 dig into the primordial heartbeat of dance music. The single, a modern-day song that cleverly borrows Carrie Lucas' "I Got to Be Dancin,'" brims with addictive rhythms and bold basslines, delivering a contemporary twist to a classic disco theme. This seamless fusion of old and new showcases sampling's transformative potential in the growth of house music, reworking vintage sounds for the modern dancefloor.

"What You Need" is SIZE Records' 250th release and its first since partnering with Astralwerks, and it coincides with the label's 20th anniversary. As part of the agreement, Astralwerks will distribute SIZE Records' future albums, including Angello's solo material, as well as the iconic independent label's catalogue.

"While I'm excited to honour SIZE Records' legacy by re-launching the catalogue, I'm equally excited about what the future holds," adds Steve Angello. "Collaborating with Wh0 to make 'What You Need' the imprint's first new release feels like the perfect way to set the tone for everything we have planned. It's a new age, a new team, a new SIZE, new collaborations, and a lot of new music! My thanks to Astralwerks for joining us on this adventure at SIZE!"

"SIZE Records is a powerhouse label and home to some of my all-time favourite records!" Astralwerks President Toby Andrews exclaimed. "Being able to collaborate with them as they begin their 20th-anniversary celebrations while Astralwerks celebrates its 30th year feels like the perfect match." In addition, the entire team is delighted to offer more of Steve's music to the world and collaborate with him and his staff to improve the label's future vision and catalogue."

"This record came about as a result of our manager introducing us to Kurtis Mantronik's '77 Strings' and a video of Fatboy Slim performing it at the classic Big Beach Boutique II concert in Brighton back in 2002," Wh0 recalls. We admired it, but we wanted to alter the sample in our own way rather than simply loop it. We brought it to Steve a year later, incorporating some old-school rave stabs and organs... he instantly connected with it and added his own magic to the mix. We're thrilled with the end outcome!"

In 2023, Angello will release new music and broaden his horizons. This summer, he'll be performing at Tomorrowland and a slew of other festivals. His forthcoming US engagements include a show at The Brooklyn Mirage on August 20.

Tickets and tour details are available HERE.


















25th July 2023, Mumbai: Maruti Suzuki's NEXA Music commemorates its eighth year anniversary with the release of the season finale of its original English music IP, "When You Criticise." AR Rahman's composition.


Swati Bhat

A. R. Rehman for NEXA Music

Click on the image to Watch and Listen to the SONG


NEXA Music is a first-of-its-kind platform that recognises and promotes the best rising original independent musicians from across the country. The second season featured indie musicians from across the country, with over 3000 entries, in collaboration with established artists such as Clinton Cerejo, Mikey McCleary, Monica Dogra, and Uday Benegal.

In the true spirit of the property, 'When You Criticise' encapsulates the timeless essence of music, with A.R. Ameen's debut English original, fostered by the composition of the maestro A.R. Rahman, aiming to raise the bar set by the previous season and provide a revolutionary message to fill the void of criticism. Subha, an internet celebrity, collaborates with an extraordinary duo to bridge the gap between sensational music and impactful lyricism.

The foot-tapping melody of "When You Criticise," along with A.R. Ameen's soulful voice and Subha's lyrical ability, promises to fascinate and enthrall audiences. The video's intriguing narrative complements the song's passionate storytelling, creating the ideal audio-visual combination.

Qyuki Digital Media, a pioneering new media company, is driving the conception and execution of "When You Criticise." Qyuki's commitment to encouraging creativity and their contributions to the music business has been instrumental in making this endeavor a reality. Qyuki took charge of the campaign with a 360-degree approach involving content marketing, radio, outdoor advertising, and multiple social media channels to amplify the marketing campaign for the song, creating buzz and excitement among music fanatics.

A.R. Rahman's communiqué, “NEXA Music is a blessing for indie artists. I’m all energized to do a song along with a new breed of over 24 singers. The song “When You Criticise” came alive with Shuba’s lyrics — she is a brilliant, multi-faceted singer-songwriter who understands today’s vibe from a global perspective — especially complementing young Ameen’s state of mind and musicality. I’m glad the song is being received well! NEXA Music is truly encouraging us to come up with more exciting and colorful music.”

Juhi Mehta, COO of Qyuki Digital's communiqué, "As the COO of Qyuki, I am thrilled to present 'When You Criticise’, the sensational season finale for NEXA Music S2, by none other than the maestro A.R. Rahman. This masterpiece showcases the true essence of indie music and is a testament to the power of creativity and innovation. Rahman's unparalleled talent, combined with NEXA Music's commitment to supporting emerging artists, has brought us a song that will undoubtedly resonate with music lovers around the world. 'When You Criticise’ is a triumph and a fitting culmination of a groundbreaking season for NEXA Music.










July 20, 2023: Sambata, better known as Pratham Sunil Jogdand, is back with his highly anticipated single "Sod Lacharicha Paksh." This hard-hitting six-minute single delivers a striking peek into Sambata's existence as a rapper on the streets of Pune.


Swati Bhat

DEF Jam India

Click on the poster to Watch and Listen


Khakiee's "Sod Lacharicha Paksh" serves as a dramatic introduction to Marathi rap, leaving an unforgettable impression on the Indian music landscape. Sambata channels elements from his own life experiences through this pure 'gangsta rap' record, delivering a gripping and controversial tale of Maharashtra's rap culture through the eyes of a Marathi rap artist.

Sambata, one of India's best rappers, rose to notoriety with his merciless 'choppa flow' in Marathi vernacular. He is a cult figure among his admirers, embodying a distinct voice of vernacular Hip-Hop. He was born and raised in Pune. Despite his limited catalog, Sambata has made significant and outspoken rap recordings that have left an indelible mark on Indian hip-hop culture.

Sambata's music leaves a vernacular heritage, motivating artists from all over India to portray their cultures via music and performance. His bold commitment to narrative and ability to capture the essence of his surroundings has secured his position as an industry leader.

"I am thrilled to release 'Sod Lacharicha Paksh' as my towering return to rap music. Through my provocative and powerful rap in this song, I aim to inspire others to embrace their cultures and use music as a platform for change. I'm glad to be releasing my song with Def Jam India, and I hope that my music resonates with listeners and encourages them to explore the diverse voices within Indian Hip-Hop," communiqué of Sambata.

"Sod Lacharicha Paksh" exemplifies Sambata's musical prowess and unwavering dedication to pushing the frontiers of rap music. This song is a call to action, encouraging listeners to connect with and discover Maharashtra's lively rap culture.









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