Brownswood Recordings

This specially-recorded compilation is your introduction to Future Bubblers: the Gilles Peterson-founded, England-wide programme for new artists, it’s a movement to discover and support the next generation of music-makers. All profits from the release will be re-invested into the project.

Consisting of nine, ear-pricking snapshots of the fast-rising alumni from Future Bubblers, this is a new collection of especially-recorded tracks. With Gilles Peterson’s new artist development scheme searching for, selecting and mentoring new artists, this compilation shows the Year 1 Bubblers – that is, the first year – coming to fruition. A widespread map of left-of-centre musical innovation, it spans from hi-def, mesmerising electronics, to no-holds-barred grime and soft-focus, rhodes-tinkling jazz.

For new musicians or producers finding their feet in the music industry, having some support is vital. From figuring out how to hone a unique sound, to navigating a way through the myriad worlds of record labels, promoters and the press, there’s no shortage of potential pitfalls. That’s where Future Bubblers comes in: started in 2015, it’s been supported by Arts Council England to try and achieve two, connected aims. Firstly, to find and mentor individual artists making music that’s new, underground and innovative. Second, to nurture and grow the scenes that already exist in cities outside of London.

A key part of the programme is the individual mentors which artists are paired with. A mixture of artists and those working behind-the-scenes in independent music, the range of individuals is testament to the scheme’s diversity. From longstanding, well-respected musicians like Will LV (signed by labels like Hyperdub and Keysound), to industry insiders (from labels Ninja Tune and Peterson’s Brownswood), there’s a breadth which speaks to the tough-to-pin-down musical approaches on the album.

As well as the record’s individual, eclectic approaches, it’s testament to a collaborative spirit. In Yazmin Lacey’s appearance on the Congi track, and Three Body Trio’s collaboration with Kid Katharsis, it speaks to a likeminded musical mentality. Having connected through the programme, Yazmin and Three Body Trio have started The Running Circle – a new record label, which recently released Yazmin’s Black Moon EP. Plus, the artwork for this compilation was produced by none other than Munro.

Prior to this collection’s release, they’ve all accrued individual support from an array of sources: Snowy has been profiled by Huck, supported by Red Bull Music and featured on Logan Sama’s 1xtra show; Revenu was asked to put together a tribute to Basil Kirchin as part of Hull City of Culture; Kid Katharsis had his Brownswood basement session supported on Clash; Yazmin Lacey has guested on Jamz Supernova’s 1xtra show, been picked as 6 Music’s Recommends Track of the Week and been supported by gal-dem; Congi have been profiled on Huck.

This album was not possible without the help, support and encouragement from PRS Foundation and Arts Council England. Thank you. credits