20 in 2020: Musical pearls from the electronic Asian deep

It's incredibly tempting to yell a big fat good riddance to 2020 since it's undoubtedly been one of the most challenging years humanity has faced in most of our lifetimes. But, before we do that, perhaps we should take a few moments to reflect on some of the exceptionally good music that Asia's underground community have collectively blessed the world with. After all, some of the sounds emanating from this vastly varied continent have done much to help us through these trying times. Established labels and artists have continued their excellent form, interesting new projects have been launched, and the sheer variety of the region's musical output has been nothing short of staggering. So, let go of your troubles for a little while at least, and revel in the magic of some of the finest music the Mixmag Asia team have chosen from the year gone by.

Title: Dakar Disco (Kuniyuki Remix)
Artist: Alma Negra
Label: Heist Recordings
Release: Out now, you can buy it here

Surely one of the most striking pieces of music to come out of Asia this year, Kuniyuki's stunning rework of rhythm masters Alma Negra proved to be rather popular in the Mixmag Asia HQ. The Sapporo based sonic professor turned the lively original into a breathtaking journey into introspection, making the most of the fine original parts over a cosmically-charmed arrangement, complete with brooding bass, psychedelic synths, and intoxicating rhythms. There's a very good reason that Kuniyuki's work is so revered by some of dance music's very best producers, and this is a wonderful example of his mastery of the stereo field and immaculate attention to detail.

Title: Earth Shine
Artist: Fantastic Man
Label: Mule Musiq
Release: Out now, you can buy it here

Mule Musiq have once again proved themselves to be standard-bearers for the true Asian underground, releasing an impressive number of top quality EPs from some of the world's most respected underground creators. In all honesty, any number of their 2020 titles warrant inclusion in this list, but it was difficult to see beyond prolific Melbourne/ Berlin-based producer Fantastic Man's debut album 'Utopioid' when it came down to the wire. Dramatic breaks and immersive layers abound on 'Earthshine', one of many highlights from the LP he recorded between Melbourne, Berlin and Rio De Janeiro over the past year. Supremely cultured work from one of the best in the business, and we're happy it found a home on one of Asia's finest imprints.

Title: How Can I
Artist: Park Hye Jin
Label: Ninja Tune
Release: Out now, you can buy it here

South Korean upstart Park Hye Jin has had an exceptionally good year, having signed to legendary label Ninja Tune and generating a phenomenal amount of heat with the releases that followed. Known to be an extraordinarily hard-working cat, she is thoroughly deserving of the success she is now enjoying. The LA-based artist dropped 'How Can I' back in June as part of a critically acclaimed six-track EP back in June. Arguably the most popular track from the release was the off-kilter dream house of 'Like This', but here we've opted for the title track simply because it sounds so distinctively fresh. Dissonant vocal drawls glide over an unnerving lullaby while the rawest of beats sets the tempo. Highly original from one of the year's breakout artists.

Title: 'Club Simulation'
Artist: Sonia Calico
Label: More Time
Release: Out now, you can buy it here

Mainstay of the Taipei underground, DJ and producer Sonia Calico dropped her impressively varied debut 'Simulation Of An Overloaded World' album in October, and lead single 'Club Celebration' was one of the undoubted highlights. The energetic track features intense programming, striking minor chords and mysterious vocal textures over exotic eastern melodies – expertly fusing styles, eras and geography. This striking piece of work from maverick producer Calico is refreshingly difficult to pigeon-hole, and we're sure her year's output will do much to help introduce her sound to the wider world.

Title: Catwalk
Artist: LONER
Label: Seodaemun New Wave
Release: Out now, you can buy it here

The self-styled creator of 'Tagalog house', Filipino artist Lean Ordinario is someone who shows no fear in carving out his own sonic pathway. Having previously toured the globe as drummer and MIDI programmer for London-based musician, No Rome, here we see Lean adopt his LONER moniker to deliver his dynamic club sound to the world. A fierce supporter of all manner of worthwhile causes – notably LGBTQIA+ rights in a country with a notoriously conservative government – this is an artist who truly has something to say. 'Catwalk' sees LONER dispense with the Tagalog house in favour of a distinctly UK garage flavour. The heavy two-step rhythm, twinkling keys and jungle-inspired hoover bass providing the bed for his vocal flow.

Title: Zistwar Fer Per
Artist: Babani Soundsystem
Label: Babani Records
Release: Out now, you can buy it here

Now this one really turned our heads when it appeared on our radar in May this year. Organic, profoundly spiritual and utterly captivating, 'Zistwar Fer Per' sees its creators Babani Soundsystem in exquisite form. The Mauritian brand are one of their country's most prolific creative exports, and here they summon all of the mystique of their paradisical island home in the form of hypnotic drums, vocal chants, and driving percussion. The track evokes the island’s myths about dark creatures of the night in children's tales, and speaks of the ‘night gatherings’ where spirits are awoken by the sound of traditional drums. That's not to say the music is exclusively traditional in nature, far from it. The growling bass and space-age sweeps ensure that the track sounds bang up to date. Fusion music of the highest quality, and wonderfully difficult to categorise.

Title: Ethereal Waves
Artist: Mogwaa
Label: More Rice
Release: Out now, you can buy it here

Bangkok-based More Rice Records may not be the most prolific of labels, favouring as they do quality over quantity, but when they do put music out, they make sure it's worth waiting for. Here, Korean artist Mogwaa came correct with his five-track 'Daze In The Hood' EP, and each track contained within was of an exceptionally high standard. The release included a fine remix from revered UK-based artist, Hidden Spheres, making it an extremely attractive package. Mogwaa's original work more than stood up to, with any one of the included track worthy of entry here. In the end, the harmonic tides of 'Ethereal Waves' made the cut, with its lush pads, interstellar synth work and the most seductive of rhythms making it an indisputable pick for cultured lovers of the deep.

Title: Roots Magic
Artist: Akio Nagasse
Label: Darker Than Wax
Release: Out now, you can buy it here

Osaka born Akio Nagase has been quietly involved in the Japanese underground for two decades. Apparently someone who likes to operate a little below the radar, he clearly has an ear for quality, as this wonderfully infectious groove proves. Part of a widely varied and difficult to pigeon-hole EP, title track 'Roots Magic' was our pick. Let the piano hook suck you in over a mid-tempo groove, as sax lead soars and spacey pads add to the atmosphere. Picked up on by some of the underground's finest tastemakers when it dropped this summer, it's easy to hear why it caused such a stir.

Title: Initials B.B.
Artist: Paradise Patterns
Label: Jin 禁
Release: Out now, you can buy it here

Taipei-based provocateurs Jin 禁 records dropped this spectacular effort at the top end of the year, and the music enclosed within made very sure that it kept our attention right the way through to December. The Chinese meaning of label name refers to tabooed matters or people who engage in illicit behaviour, which perhaps also alludes to the owner's intentions (as well as explaining why the cover art featured a close-up photograph of a male cat's private parts). 'Paradise Patterns' came in a variety of remixes, but here we include the sparkling original version. Psychedelic waves flow over a solid groove as delicate textures meander in the distance. Progressive, tripped-out, and utterly blissful, this is a rush-inducing number if ever we heard one.

Title: Biocat
Artist: Apsara
Label: B2
Release: Out now, you can buy it here

Tokyo-born and Jakarta-based artist Apsara has built up quite a reputation thanks to a committed gig schedule and a tight club sound. 'Biocat' was actually some years in the making, with Apsara having laid down the crux of the track back in 2015 and leaving it to brew while she continued her busy performance schedule. Fast forward to 2020, and with the additional time she found on her hands thanks to the lockdown, she finally had time to put the finishing touches on the driving club track. Rolling bass, snappy beats and expert production saw this one signed as the second instalment of our Mixmag Asia SELECTS series, and it's easy to hear why it pricked the ears of our diligent A&R team. Aimed squarely at rocking the dancefloor, this is deep, infectious, and groovy as hell.

Title: Faerie Stomp
Artist: Psychedelic Budz
Label: Planet Euphorique
Release: Out now, you can buy it here

Here Ciel and D. Tiffany combine under their Psychedelic Budz nom de plume in order to drop a deeply immersive piece of music which came replete with a selection of diverse and engaging remixes. 'Faerie Stomp' powers over subtle acid textures as elaborate layers interweave to create a deliciously deviant late-night workout. Toronto-based Ciel is known for challenging the notoriously male-dominated dance scene, and she does so in the best possible way: by supplying exceptionally high quality and imaginative music. True talent will always shine through regardless of gender, and these two prove they have it in spades.

Title: Bobby
Artist: Austin Ato
Label: Pantai People
Release: Out now, you can buy it here

Bali's newest imprint Pantai People came to life this year with the aim of spreading their sun-kissed island flair to the world. Here they delivered some delightfully feel-good disco courtesy of Austin Ato's respectful Bobby Womack edit. The track came as part of the Scottish producer's excellent 'Echo Beach Edits Vol 1' instantly proving to be a hit with the taste-makers, with the likes of Tensnake, Groove Armada and Skream showing much love. Pantai People's debut certainly brought us a much-needed dose of metaphorical vitamin D at a time when all of us needed a good dose. Spirit lifting sounds from the Island of Gods, and a fine addition to Asia's growing label portfolio.

Title: 2UBU (A Better Tomorrow mix)
Artist: Mr Ho & Luca Lozano
Label: Klasse Wrecks
Release: Out now, you can buy it here

A true champion of Hong Kong's dance underground, Mr Ho is a DJ who's sound is tricky to define or predict. Encompassing the best elements of house, techno, breaks, and electronica, his is a cultured sound that displays a genuine appreciation of polymorphic musical forms. It's this same all-encompassing approach that exemplifies the Klasse Wrecks' label he runs with partner-in-crime, Luca Lozano, and the team have been responsible for some outstanding productions throughout the year. To see out the year, the duo dropped their 'Visions of Rythm 2 Remixes', an effort which came with four unique remixes of '2UBU' and oozed class (or should that read Klasse) from the first bar to the last. The 'A Better Tomorrow' version was our pick to play here. Dynamic drums, uplifting pads and staccato synths combine effortlessly to create dancefloor magic.

Title: Gossip Maker
Artist: Cityboy From Seoul
Label: Seodaemun New Wave
Release: Out now, you can stream it here

Having previously served as frontman for the Go Dandy Boys band, CityBoy From Seoul turned his creative attention to the electronic end of the spectrum, and it's abundantly clear from 'Gossip Maker' that, when doing so, he went all in. Coming to us via the mysterious new Seodaemun New Wave label as part of his 'Back To The Rave' EP, the music is a fiercely driving slab of uncompromising electronica. The rave influence isn't difficult to detect, as the relentless bass drives the energetic track through glittering arps, uplifting breakdowns, and sinister twists and turns. Powerful, rousing, and literally bursting with energy, this one is guaranteed to move bodies and enliven spirits.

Title: Matum
Artist: Mogambo
Label: Siamese Twins
Release: Out now, you can buy it here

Signalling the arrival of an exciting new project from Bangkok's much loved Karma events team, this fresh piece of music from Mogambo kept us moving since the needle hit the record earlier this summer. 'Matum' was one of the highlights of the debut release from the Siamese Twins camp, and came courtesy of label co-founder Sunju Hargun alongside Jerom Doudet. The dubbed-out mid-tempo groove overflows with mystical textures and eastern atmospherics, the driving kick powering forward as spacey pads and psychedelic swirls intoxicate the listener. Mogambo's second effort is due out very soon, and we strongly suggest you don't sleep when the vinyl hits the shelves.

Title: Sodium
Artist: Risa Taniguchi
Label: Second State
Release: Out now, you can buy it here

Tokyo's Risa Taniguchi honed her club craft by rocking the sound system at some of the city's most renowned techno venues, including Womb, Vent, and Contact. The emerging talent has had a fine year, releasing a selection of hard-hitting techno releases on respected labels, and 'Sodium' was one of the cuts that resonated with us the most. Risa is a classically-trained musician, but when producing her tracks she dispenses with all but the most essential elements in favour of rhythm-heavy energy and dancefloor destroying sonics. Here she locks us in the groove as chords subtly evolve and the music drives, drops, and powers back in. This is one for late nights, dark rooms, and full-bodied speaker stacks.

Title: Carnaval Superpitcher
Artist: Studiomule
Label: Studio Mule
Release: Out now, you can buy it here

Studio Mule Here German producer Superpitcher delivered a splendid rework of last years stunning Italo disco/ J pop hybrid from Kuniyuki and Taeko Ohnuki. Utterly different from the hi-energy original, the Superpitcher main mix pulls things back as the warm dub bass rolls and percussive synths and congas enliven the super mellow track. Coming from the extended family of Tokyo's Mule Musiq, as one would expect this piece exudes quality and proved to be popular with the more refined selectors out there. Pure class.

Title: Day By Day (Skjaerstad and Dolbah mix)
Artist: DOTT
Label: Sous-Vide Records
Release: Out now, you can buy it here

Thailand's very own master of minimal DOTT maintained his busy studio output in 2020, and a highlight for us was his debut on newly-launched Norwegian imprint, Sous-Vide Records. The three-track 'SVRSR002' EP contained two trademark DOTT originals alongside a remix from label owners, Skjaerstad and Dolbah Remix. The stripped landscape of 'Bad Stone' transported us on an extraterrestrial journey through carefully-positioned glitches, sweeps and stabs, galvanised by the murkiest of basslines, while the skippy snares of 'Day By Day' utilise a familiar sonic palette over a butt-shakingly swung groove. The 'Day By Day' remix added just a hint of gloss to DOTT's deliciously grubby sound, brightening things up just a little while respectfully maintaining the essence of the track. More excellent underground exploration's from one of Bangkok's finest and heartening to see his work presented via international channels, once again putting the region firmly on the map

Title: Future Acid Poem
Artist: Ecilo
Label: Visillusion
Release: Out now, you can buy it here

his driving acid slammer came as part of an impressive six-track EP from Jakarta resident, Ecilo, and its Detroit-inspired essence endowed it with enough personality to see it into this list. The music came to us from Visillusion Records, and made quite an impression when it powered from the speakers. Tough, stripped back, and a respectful nod to a classic motor city techno sound, 'Future Acid Poem' is an out and out club weapon and highlights how diligently Ecilo has studied the past masters to perfect his authentic techno sound.

Title: Vilupt
Artist: Gam3
Label: Runemark Records
Release: Out now, you can buy it here

Music with a message here from Delhi-based progressive house purveyor, Gam3. 'Vilupt' represents something of a landmark release for the talented producer, coming as it did via the high profile channel of Ten Walls' Runemark Records. The honourable theme here is climate change and humankind's impact on mother nature, and Gam3's dramatic and delicately-produced music does the subject justice in both tone and delivery. The immersive melodies of the title track take us on a dream-like journey through the emotions, and the overall message is one of hope.