21 in 2021: Subterranean gems mined from Asia's polychromatic dance depths

So, here we are. Another very peculiar year has passed, with time continuing to ebb and flow in a less uniform way than we're used to. In many ways, the stymied conditions we're collectively living through have meant the minutes and seconds have appeared to tick by more slowly than usual, but, conversely, it seems like only yesterday that we were appraising last year's underground musical treasures gifted to us by some of the region's finest creators.

As the world continues to grapple with the tiresome pandemic, much of Asia has continued to see its nightlife severely restricted or closed down entirely. In spite of this, a hyper-luminous ray of light in this perplexing world has been the exceptionally engaging music Asia's subterranean producers have birthed over the past 12 months. A testament to this is the fact that the Mixmag Asia editorial team's initial 'long list' of some of the most captivating tunes of 2021 ran way over the 21 allocated slots we have room for in these tightly packed columns. Considering what a notoriously hot-blooded bunch we are here, it's perhaps miraculous that we emerged from the hours of impassioned debate regarding which titles should appear in the final cut without a rage-filled argument ensuing. (Note, we're using artistic license here to create a sense of false jeopardy. The MMA team are, in fact, a most mild-mannered and cordial lot).

Without the underground, dance music would not exist. The annual round-up of some of our very favourite tunes from the year represents an opportunity for all of us to tip a cap to the dedication, inspiration, and creativity of each and every artist operating across Asia, whether or not they're named in the list. Every producer, musician, DJ and enthusiast flying the flag for the esoteric underground deserves love and respect for enduring during these most challenging of times. With most (if not all) artists relying on performance to generate income having seen their livelihoods obliterated by venue closures, their commitment to the calling is all the nobler. All of us at Mixmag Asia salute you -- keep doing your beautiful thing, and we hope beyond hope that we'll all be able to dance together soon.

The following list contains some genuinely breathtaking work from the full spectrum of subaquatic dance genres. From masters of the art to burgeoning talent, we cast our net far and wide to bring you some of our absolute favourite picks from 2021. So, turn your chosen listening device up loud, clear some space in your domicile, and savour some of the wonderful music that's surfaced from Asia during the past 12 months.

Title: Bamboo Fighter
Artist: Soichi Terada
Label: Rush Hour
Release: December 12, you can buy it here

Japanese maestro Soichi Terada returns to seminal Dutch imprint Rush Hour Records with an irresistible slab of authentic deep house magic. Terada has been releasing sought-after music since the early '90s, quite possibly before many of our readers were walking (or even crawling) the Earth. Such is the quality of his back-catalogue and the esteem in which he's held by even his most illustrious peers, it's probably fair to say Soichi Terada is one of house music's bona fide legends.

Following the wonderful 'Sound From The Far East' compilation released on Rush Hour earlier in the year, he returns to the label with an album of fresh material slated to drop just in time for Christmas. A highlight from the collection, and the first single available, is 'Bamboo Fighter', an exquisite slice of rolling deep house goodness that elegantly unfolds over shuffling drums, rubber band bass, and hypnotic chord stabs. One for the purists, this is deep house as the Gods of dance intended it to be heard and a hugely welcome addition to Terada's stunning repetorie.

Title: Drift
Artist: Arjun Vagale
Label: Axis Records / The Escape Velocity
Release: Out now, you can buy it here

Indian artist Arjun Vagale reached a career milestone with his 'Exit Fragments' release on Detroit techno icon Jeff Mills' Axis Records, and the pounding rhythms of 'Drift' proved one of the highlights of a powerful selection of supremely high-grade techno cuts. Vagale has forged a fine reputation during his decades-long career pioneering electronic music in the sub-continent, so his arrival on one of techno's most revered labels is certainly deserving of celebration.

Mills was one of the founder-members of Detroit's Underground Resistance collective, and his industrial sound took the dance world by storm when he emerged during the '90s. The Escape Velocity wing of his Axis label is an Outerspace-focussed platform from where he showcases music plucked from far-flung corners of the global techno scene, and it's clear that the work of Asian-based artists has captured his imagination. The hard-hitting sonics of 'Drift' propel the track through dissonant motifs, aggressive drums and fizzing hi-hats. Powerful, deep and utterly deserving of its place in the illustrious Axis Records fold, this is exceptional work from Vagale.

Title: Pikes Pique (Hill Climbing)
Artist: Closet Yi
Label: Silk Road Sounds
Release: Out now, you can buy it here

South Korean artist Closet Yi continued her ascent into the dance subconscious with this spellbinding release on Yeti Out's Silk Road Sounds label. Taken from the 'Speed Heels' EP, the intoxicating blend of rolling breaks, tripped-out atmospherics and growling bass of 'Pikes Pique (Hill Climbing) made it a firm favourite here in Mixmag Asia HQ. The EP explores themes of mobility and car journeys embarked upon to relieve the lockdown-induced boredom we collectively endured in recent times. Profoundly vivid in its metaphorical tone, the music unfolds as an uphill ride into new and unfamiliar landscapes.

The Yeti Out collective have long been aware of Closet Yi's unique take on subterranean sounds, having shared the turntables with her on numerous occasions across Asia, so it felt like a natural progression for the team to highlight her work on their carefully curated label. Yi's commitment to her craft and obvious flair for constructing immersive electronic soundscapes have helped her to continually raise the bar for herself, and her positon on this list is well-deserved.

Title: No Change To How I Feel
Artist: Mr Ho & Xiaolin
Label: 2020Vision
Release: Out now, you can buy it here

Hong Konger pairing of Mr Ho & Xiaolin turn up the heat with their electro-fuelled arrival on benchmark UK label, 2020Vision. Klasse Wrecks co-founder Mr Ho has been in inspired form recently, with an ultra-reliable stream of releases arriving via the imprint he launched alongside Berlin-based Luca Lozano. Here, he joins forces with classical musician-turned-electronic-producer, Xiaolin, for a supreme nocturnal workout. 'No Change To How I Feel' creates a distinctly ethereal feel as emotive pads soar over gliding arpeggios, low-slung bass and driving drums, while the melancholic vocal adds a ghostly sensation to the finely dusty sound signature.

The genre-defying track was presented on the 'Exit Planet Earth – Helium' EP alongside music from 2020Vision regular Carl Finlow, electro don Plant43, and relative newcomer, Alfred. The Leeds-based label has been operating at the vanguard of the electronic underground for decades now, so finding a home among its venerated roster is an achievement worth celebrating.

Title: Mesopotamia
Artist: Dea
Label: Fauve
Release: Out now, you can buy it here

Bali-based musical maverick Dea set esoteric-minded dancefloors alight with his gloriously eccentric Fauve Records debut, 'Mesopotamia'. The producer, DJ and revered collector is another artist who's shown sparkling form with his recent releases, and this spellbinding effort is among his most memorable work to date. It arrived on Fauve Record's 'West & East Vol 1' alongside an equally impressive original from Mameen 3, with each featured artist remixing the other's work to complete the marvellous four-track EP.

The track features Dea's boldly idiosyncratic arrangement, with synth lines arriving in psychedelic waves as dub delays, fizzing claps and arpeggiated bass support the Moroccan-inspired lead synth and effervescent piano chords. The EP proved irresistible to a long list of tastemakers and was another firm favourite behind the scenes at Mixmag Asia. Shortly after its arrival, Dea saw his 'Glazer Drum' EP arriving on it girl Peggy Gou's Gudu Records, capping off an excellent year for the wildly talented Indonesian creator.

Title: Until Dawn
Artist: Doildoshi
Label: More Rice
Release: Out now, you can buy it here

South Korean artist Doildoshi's wonderfully unique release on More Rice Records hit like a joyous electro-tinged explosion when it landed this summer, thanks in no small part to its genre-surfing blend of subterranean swagger and '80s synth sheen. Doildoshi had previously released a pair of acclaimed EP's on Braindance Records, and it was these crips productions that inspired the Bangkok-based label to sign him up to their impeccably curated roster. The More Rice team continue to fly the flag for the Asian underground, and the opening of their new record store in the Thai capital looks set to serve as a hub for the vibrant community of locally-based techno beatniks.

The track arrived as part of the roundly excellent 'Invisible Threat' EP, and in truth, we could have chosen any one of the titles to feature here. In the end, the hard-hitting machine drums, hyperactive bassline and retrospective synth lines of 'Until Dawn' proved irresistible. Imaginative, individual, and entirely on-point, this is one for the heads.

Title: Dalang Antariksa
Artist: Ecilo
Label: Axis Records / The Escape Velocity
Release: Out now, you can buy it here

Jakarta-based techno titan Ecilo hit hard with his delectable debut album on Jeff Mills' Axis Records earlier this year, and the intergalactic strut of 'Dalang Antariksa' was a standout from the scintillating collection. As discussed earlier in this article, Jeff Mills is an indisputable authority when it comes to authentic machine funk, and arriving on his refined label amounts to something of a gold seal in the techno universe. With a long and winding musical journey that's veered through funk, soul and jazz landscapes, Ecilo has long been making waves in the dance underground. Today, his name rings out loud and proud as an uncompromising artist who fuses experimental jazz sensibilities with fierce mechanical rhythms, and the fruits of his astrally-charged labours find a natural home in techno's most cultured frontiers.

The 'Uncovert' album was dazzling throughout, combining celestial themes with nuanced sonics as it glides through immersive ambient and pointed dancefloor futurism. Our chosen track smacks hard as its pounding kick drives the hypnotic lead motif far into the stratosphere, as searing hats and crisp snares cement the ferocious groove.

Title: 'Been So Long'
Artist: Mogwaa
Label: Klasse Wrecks
Release: Out now, you can buy it here

South Korea's Mogwaa sent us into junglist overdrive with his majestically rolling contribution to the second instalment of Klasse Wrecks' drum & bass themed series, 'Junglish Massive 2'. Sharing the wax with label co-founder Mr Ho and Tokyo's Sumo Jungle, 'Been So Long' saw Mogwaa demonstrate an uptempo new string to his brightly-coloured bow with his second appearance on the Hong Kong-based imprint.

Having released far-reaching sounds on revered labels including Star Creature, Red Seal and Spring Theory, his music routinely skirts between the realms of deep house, disco and Balearic beats. Adding a dash of Jungle to his already expansive repertoire took us by (welcome) surprise, and the sub-heavy bass, psychedelic synths and combination of two-step and rolling drum patterns sent us into a near-endless spin of dancer's delight. Klasse Wrecks continue their sensational form as their status continues to elevate, while Mogwaa illustrates his formidable versatility once again.

Title: Osakacid
Artist: Ground
Label: Jin
Release: Out now, you can buy it here

Osaka native Ground dove deep into experimental acid topography on his deliciously deviant effort on Taiwan's wonderfully risque Jin Recordings. With previous releases arriving via Lovefinger's untouchable ESP Institute, among many other fine labels, Ground's reputation as a leftfield sonic explorer is already firmly established. His debut on the cheeky Taipei-based imprint was just as expressive as we imagined it to be, with two inspired original cuts presented alongside a pair of respectful remixes.

The driving chug of 'Osakacid' made it an obvious standout for us, with the determined groove unfolding over an undulating acid motif, as distant chants build to a bit-crushed crescendo before resuming their heads-down stereo escapade. Though still in their early days, the exceptional A&R work of the Jin Records team make the label one of the continent's most exciting additions, and (quite apart from their use of saucy sleeve art) their output consistently causes a stir as it powers from the speaker stacks.

Title: Clairvoyance
Artist: Venky
Label: Dynamite Disco Club
Release: Out now, you can buy it here

New Delhi-based house and disco exponent Venky aimed directly for the big-room house jugular on his hands-in-the-air club cut, 'Clairvoyance'. Arriving via Stalvart John's recently launched label, Dynamite Disco Club', the track served as an indelible reminder to the irresistibly bubbling house movement that's simmering away in the subcontinent. Venky proudly represents a US-inspired club sound, and his tireless work has struck a chord with the international dance underground. He's remixed heavyweight artists including Vanilla ACE, and has scored releases on labels including Roger Sanchez's Stealth Records as well as appearing on the S-Man's Release Yourself radio show.

'Cairvoyance' is a fantastically upbeat affair, launching over a tough four/four rhythm as life-affirming piano stabs swell, intoxicating vocals loop, and the thick bassline propels the groove. This is feel-good house music designed to move bodies, and it excels in its floor-focused task.

Title: Don't Feel The Bass
Artist: Halal Sol
Label: Darker Than Wax
Release: Out now, you can buy it here

Singaporean newcomer Halal Sol took our breath away with his exquisite debut EP on compatriot label Darker Than Wax. The DTW crew have been a staple of the Asian underground for many years now, with their vinyl offerings among the most reliably compelling musical offerings to grace the region's ever-evolving portfolio. Halal Sol first appeared on the label roster with an inclusion in 2020's 'Bodyclock Vol 1' compilation, and his six-track 'Dijamin' EP allowed him maximum room to flex. As a DJ, Sol utilises a hybrid hardware set-up alongside live saxophone flourishes to add an extra dimension to his performance, and – pre-covid – he could be found working floors on duty with his Powder Social Club collective.

Inspired by classic US house masters like David Morales, Masters At Work, and Kerri Chandler, Halal Sol began his production journey around ten years ago, not as a means of gaining celebrity status, but as a form of sonically-fuelled therapy to escape the stresses of daily life. This heartfelt intention is abundantly discernible in his profoundly honest music, and 'Don't Feel The Bass' was one of the most memorable cuts on a remarkable EP. Singapore's dancefloors may have been out of bounds for many months now, but this serves as proof, if proof were needed, that the island nation's underground continues to burn brightly.

Title: Ben Kadi (Afro Mix)
Artist: Hamza Rahimtula & Bassekou Kouyate
Label: Wind Horse
Release: Out now, you can buy it here

Hamza Rahimtula continued his dynamic work rate throughout 2021, and the mesmerising Malian textures on his Afro-fused 'Ben Kadi' track helped make it an irresistible inclusion on our list of the year's favourites. New Delhi-based Hamza is another of India's talented producers bucking the trend of an underground scene that's traditionally known as being rooted in the darker shades of dance, and his 'Banjara' series of globally-focused albums have proved a delightfully organic sounding counterpoint to some of the more tech-oriented sounds emanating from the vast nation.

Arriving via his own Wind Horse label, Rahimtula's collaboration with venerated Malian musician Bassekou Kouyate presents as a wondrous celebration of effervescent rhythm. Meditative percussion effortlessly builds into a club-ready fervour as Kouyate's mystically-charmed ngoni licks elegantly soar. Deep, earthy, and gorgeously produced, this propulsive groove is a heads-down dancefloor guarantee.

Title: Swift
Artist: SUCHI
Label: Coastal Haze
Release: Out now, you can buy it here

UK-based SUCHI magnificently continued her unstoppable subaquatic trajectorary with her stunning debut release, 'Swift'. Landing via Hollick & Seb Wildblood’s Coastal Haze label, the powerfully engaging music was every bit as enchanting as we expected it to be, counting ourselves, as we do, as some of her most fervent admirers. The introspective release echoes the bewildering sense of isolation many of us experienced while confined to our homes during lockdown, endowed, too, with the crisp and ethereal quality of a bracing UK winter. Hard-hitting drums meet celestial pads and unfamiliar vocal motifs as we're transported deep into SUCHI's inner world.

Having recently quit her full-time job to dedicate more time to music, we're convinced there's plenty more to come from this inspired artist, and as far as debuts go, 'Swift' most certainly bodes well for SUCHI's future as a producer to keep a watchful eye on.

Title: XXXX
Artist: Chukku
Label: Souta.
Release: Out now, you can buy it here

Bali-based label Souta launched in breathtaking style earlier this year, presenting the blissfully atmospheric 'XXXX' from German producer, multi-instrumentalist and label boss Carsten Martens, AKA Chukku. The new imprint emerged from Bali after its parent company, ASA Group, relocated to the Island of Gods from Hong Kong. Alongside the label, the project consists of the Aya recording studios and Aimi publishing wing, located in a 600 sqm space surrounded by rice fields in a remote area of Bali, and we're convinced the exciting enterprise will bear all-manner of scintillating creative fruits over the coming months and years.

The striking 'XXXX' EP came complete with a rousing remix by friend of the label, Devlar, but the haunting original narrowly edged in front to make it onto our list. Emotive pianos, stirring pads, and yearning vocals combine over a subtly driving rhythm, and the results are nothing short of breathtaking. With a jaw-dropping remix from none other than Enoo Napa slated for release early next year, we're sure we haven't heard to last of 'XXXX'.

Title: Street Grooves
Artist: DOTT
Label: BP
Release: Out now, you can buy it here

Bangkok-based DOTT has been in typically prolific form this year, with a dizzying array of releases demonstrating the kaleidoscopic evolution of this rapidly developing producer. A beloved member of Thailand's More Rice Records crew, DOTT initially made his name in the stripped world of minimal techno, with some of his more recent releases exhibiting strides taken into the more organic and funk-flecked realms of house music. Needless to say, we're huge admirers of his work, and, concerning his inclusion in this list, it what simply a case of deciding which of his many excellent 2021 releases we were forced to choose from.

In the end, we opted for the hyperactive bump of his BP Digital release, 'Street Groove'/ We have it on good authority that this is one of the track's DOTT himself is most attached to, and as such, we felt it was more than worthy of a place in our top 21. Shuffling drums cascade over the grubbiest of bass notes, twisted vocal effects echo in the distance, and all the while the propulsive intention of the cut drives the track into nocturnal dance floor delight. Top work from DOTT, without doubt one to watch for 2022.

Title: Mouikkai
Artist: Que Sakamoto & NT
Label: Mixmag Asia Selects
Release: Out now, you can stream it here

Underground purveyor Que Sakamoto graced the Mixmag Asia Selects roster with a deliriously seductive slice of meta-disco magic, proving one of many highlights in our inaugural subterranean compilation series. Que's touring exploits have seen him forge a formidable reputation on the freaky disco underground, galvanised by acclaimed releases on labels including Not An Animal, Roam, and Wonder Stories.

Obscure delicacies have been a choice flavour for this renowned global digger. Known best for his off-kilter sensibilities as both a DJ and producer, Tokyo native Que joined forces with NT to deliver a riveting mid-tempo banger that bounces between hard-edged electro-breaks and dark disco. Jerking and jolting through cosmic sounds, the growling bass and freaky synths of ‘Mouikkai’ explode with all the club-inspired glory you'd expect from such a seasoned sonic disciple. Unmissable material for expeditions into backroom wonderment, this is a prime example of Sakamoto at his finest.

Title: Proud
Artist: Qrion
Label: Anjunadeep
Release: Out now, you can buy it here

High-flying artist Qrion has had much to celebrate in 2021, not least the arrival of her immaculate long-playing debut, 'I Hope It Lasts Forever. One of the album's unforgettable standouts was its third single, 'Proud', and its contagious mix of elegant harmonics and well-placed vocal sample made it an easy choice for inclusion here. Over the past three years, the talented artist has taken the deep and progressive house movement by storm with her flawless productions and international DJ sets, winning over an army of fans among audiences and producers alike.

'Proud' features an inspired vocal sample from Deniece Williams’ rendition of The Impression's single ‘I’m So Proud’, exquisitely layered over tight deep house drums and hook-driven synth stabs. The track proved an instant hit in the more accessible reaches of the dance underground, with BBC Radio 1 DJ Danny Howard, Moon Boots, and Gorgon City among the glittering list of tastemakers who showed unwavering support for the irresistable release.

Title: Panic FM
Artist: Async Figure
Label: Sea Cucumber
Release: Out now, you can buy it here

Async Figure hit hard with their vibrant Sea Cucumber debut, whipping up a storm with the dramatic arpeggios and jagged drums of 'Panic FM'. The release arrived as part of the 'Figure I' EP, marking the launch of a fresh new label from Malaysian-Chinese artist, Tzusing.

Async Figure is a joint project from UK based artists MM & Suda. The project was unveiled via a live show at 2018’s Unsound Festival, fittingly taking place inside a gutted industrial kitchen in Krakow. 'Figure I' included three high-intensity, melody-first club statements that signalled the arrival of a trio of releases from the Sea Cucumber camp, and the stripped panorama of 'Async' made the most indelible mark here at MMAHQ. Raw, rugged, and fiercely direct, the startling music is instantly memorable thanks to its arresting blend of venomous rhythms and intoxicating synth work. Refined curation from Tzusing, and remarkable execution from the newly formed duo of Async Figure.

Title: 1996 (Manami Remix)
Artist: Juno Mamba
Label: Soothsayer
Release: Out now, you can buy it here

UK-raised Japanese artist Manami has wasted little time making her presence felt on the global underground, and her pounding rework of Juno Mamba's '1996' instantly set pulses racing among lovers of the trance-inducing end of the dance spectrum.

Though only in the formative years of her production career, her unmissable radio shows on NTS, Worldwide FM and Rinse FM have helped her score representation from celebrated DJ agency, Higher Ground, who boast the likes of Bicep, DJ Boring and Jayda G among their illustrious roster. Manami's full-throttle remix of '1996' sees aquatic chords dancing over bubbling bass, and thumping drums cascade over a big room arrangement to cause mayhem in adrenaline-filled dancefloors. The scope and variety of her productions go above and beyond what one expects from a burgeoning producer, and we're certain the world will soon be hearing plenty more from studio Manami.

Title: Fish Sauce
Artist: Pamcy
Label: Jun
Release: Out now, you can buy it here

Brightly-coloured Manila-based creator Pamcy brings joy to the world through her marvellously freeform musical offerings, and this year's 'Fish Sauce' shone brighter than the vast majority of arrivals from the saturated deep house rack. Presented as part of the 'Sauce Aisle' EP, Pamcy exhibits a DIY approach to house music as she carefully layers her beats with synths, vocal samples, groovy basslines, and all sorts of propulsive bleeps and seeps. Having previously released her music digitally and via limited edition cassettes through Healthy Tapes in Australia, Z Tapes in Slovakia, and Genjitsu Stargazing Society in the Philippines, 'Fish Aisle' marked her debut on Japanese label, Jun.

Bouncing along over spirited bass, zany vocal chops and sub-focused bass, the proudly cheerful music instantly elevates dancers as its hypnotic chords prove the hyper-contagious hook. Wonderful work from a uniquely creative producer, we can't wait to hear what Pamcy has in store for us in 2022.

Title: Impact
Artist: Drunken Kong
Label: Tronic
Release: Out now, you can buy it here

Japanese power pairing Drunken Kong maintained their forceful assault on the techno underground throughout 2021, and the alluring grooves of summertime release 'Impact' continue to reverberate across international skies as the year comes to a close. Residents at Tokyo's renowned techno base, Womb, the talented pairing of DJ Kyoko and D. Singh have been in prolific release form all year, continuing their manifesto of delivering impeccably crafted big room tracks aimed squarely at fully-fledged techno heads

Arriving, in their favoured home, on techno hero Christian Smith's venerated Tronic label, the disorienting sonics of 'Impact' dazzle as they unfurl, with interwoven synth layers enthralling as they combine, rising to a spine-tingling crescendo before the pounding groove resumes. Drunken Kong are among the best-known exports from Asia's growing underground, and any number of their laser-sharp titles could have made it into the list this year. Top marks, as ever.