discovering and sharing the music that moves us

Tag: Breaking Waves

Artist Spotlight: LYFFE
Features, Interviews

Artist Spotlight: LYFFE

If you're looking for a new artist to check out, then you've come to the right place: in this first edition of MendoWerks Magazine's 'Artist Spotlight' column, we are highlighting LYFFE, an up-and-comer in Chicago's underground electronic music scene. Something we really appreciate about LYFFE is that he creates music that actually gets people dancing--even if, like me, they aren't the sort of folks who often dance. Throughout his discography, you will find nothing but high energy tunes that are going to inspire movement in one way or another. At the same time, despite the energy, some of his tracks retain that particular kind of moodiness generally found in the slower, softer OG wave music that's best saved for a deep listening session rather than the dance floor. As LYFFE has rel...
Songs On Repeat: “Ascend” by VILLA
Features, Music

Songs On Repeat: “Ascend” by VILLA

While "Ascend" by VILLA hasn't been out as long as the first song I wrote about for this column, it is another example of a song that has been lingering in my 'On Repeat' playlist since its release day. This song is an epic tune that never fails to get my blood pumping--and it is especially effective when listened to at loud volumes during my dreary morning commutes. There is something thoroughly enjoyable about the unsettling subtleties of this song contrasted by just how truly grand it is. Thoughts on "Ascend" by VILLA In reference to this song, the artist tweeted, "it truly feels like you’re listening to a symphony in a haunted church" -- and she's absolutely right on that. With "Ascend", VILLA combines the grandeur of symphonic and hymnal music; however, it's almost if ...
The Force (Re)Awakens: Djedi Returns With Epic New Single “Ambedo”
Features, Music

The Force (Re)Awakens: Djedi Returns With Epic New Single “Ambedo”

At the end of last year, we had asked a very important question: will we be seeing The Return of the 'Djedi' in 2023? Well, we're very happy to report that yes, in fact, we are seeing Djedi's return in 2023, and with a huge new track, "Ambedo"! Check out "Ambedo" by Djedi below, via YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d82VhFA0BCw 'Huge' doesn't even begin to properly describe this new Djedi song, but it was the word that came to mind upon hearing "Ambedo" for the first time. That's probably because everything about it is huge--the intensity, the atmosphere, the emotion... In particular, this tune gives major vibes in the realm of 'epic hero reaches the final climax of his story--and the stakes couldn't be more dire!' As a result, we feel that this song would make for ...
Kareful Unveils a Fresh New Wavy EP: ‘Phantom’
Features, Music

Kareful Unveils a Fresh New Wavy EP: ‘Phantom’

In wave music, there are few names that hold as much weight as Jude Kaufmann--better known as Kareful, an OG wave producer and the co-founder of Liquid Ritual, Dektora, and most recently, Wave Global. After dedicating a huge amount of time post-covid to curating and promoting wave shows all over Europe--including two years' worth of wave nights at the prestigious Amsterdam Dance Event as well as the beloved "Liquid Ritual Conference" in 2022--this artist-slash-industry-savant has finally returned to his DAW and gave us the gift of his 3rd EP, Phantom. This EP builds on what we already have come to expect from Kareful--fresh, emotional atmospheres, soft melodies with a tinge of darkness, and an absolutely seamless effort to infuse classic wave sounds with catchy modern twists. Phant...
Enter the Creative World of Cybrfly
Features, Music

Enter the Creative World of Cybrfly

The act of DJing is nothing short of an art form. Being able to create a cohesive collage (of sorts) out of other artists' tunes is not an easy feat. Sure, anyone can build a decent playlist, but it takes a special sort of talent to mix the music together--to create an experience, one that's both engaging and organic all the way through. If you need proof of this fact, please turn your attention to Cybrfly, a SoCal-based DJ and music producer hailing from the wave scene, and her latest cinematic mix, 'The Monarch: Vol 3." Over the years, Cybrfly has curated a couple series of mixes for fans to enjoy. Through these mixes, Cybrfly shows off her great ear for music--and her skill at weaving sounds together into electronic journeys unlike any other. If you were lucky enough to catch Cy...
almogfx Reunites with Vinter in “worlds apart”
Features, Music

almogfx Reunites with Vinter in “worlds apart”

Liquid Ritual, the UK's premier wave music label, is at it again with another gentle, introspective new song: "worlds apart" by almogfx and Vinter. Profound and atmospheric, "Worlds Apart" is a song that will stay with you long after your first listen. This powerful collaboration shows off the best of both artists: the analog, the ambient, the ethereal, and more. Together, almogfx and Vinter create a special sort of magic that's yet to be replicated elsewhere. Check out "worlds apart" on Spotify, below. For the next Elder Scrolls: Skyrim rerelease that we all know is coming, I'd really love it if Bethesda considered updating the soundtrack to include songs like "worlds apart". Imagine exploring the open world's mountain peaks in HD with something as gorgeous and immersive a...
Psycho, We Will “Never Forget U”
Features, Music

Psycho, We Will “Never Forget U”

New releases from Liquid Ritual are practically guaranteed to be epic. The label's recent release of "Never Forget U" by Psycho further proves this fact to be true. This newest song is a dreamy blend of UK garage and breakbeat structures wrapped up in wave music's emotional undercurrent. All together, Psycho delivers a tranquil, low-tempo wavy treat that is perfect for this time of year--or any time of year, really. Find the new song on Spotify, below. "Never Forget U" feels like the descent into fall that we experience here in upstate New York. It's slow, cold, aching--it's almost as if a crisp November breeze is on the metaphorical horizon of the song itself. With each note, another fistful of crisp autumn leaves have fallen away; with each note, we're transported deeper into...
Worldwide Wave: Global Wave Music Tours 2023
Events, Features, Music

Worldwide Wave: Global Wave Music Tours 2023

Last year, we saw the wave community hit a couple monumental milestones: wave music at the Amsterdam Dance Event for the first time, the launch of the first-ever dedicated North American wave music festival, and much more. Later on this year, however, some major players in the wave scene are going to be hitting the road all across the globe. Many of these tour dates are first-time cities (and countries!) for these artists. That's right: we are getting wave music tours... worldwide! Read all about these tours and more, below. Worldwide Wave Music Tours, Forthcoming: These forthcoming international wave tours, led by Kompass Music Group artists barnacle boi, Brothel, and Skeler, are following the massive North American 'wave tour' that these three producers set out on together ea...
Wave Nation: ADE 2023 Lineup Announced
Events, Features, Music

Wave Nation: ADE 2023 Lineup Announced

Welcome to Wave Nation: Amsterdam, the 2nd annual wave music event presented during ADE--this year, featuring artists like Skeler, REMNANT.exe, and more. Read on to find all the need-to-know details about the show, and why this one's particularly special to us here at MendoWerks. If you are planning on heading to the Amsterdam Dance Event in 2023, trust us when we say that this is the show to add to your schedule if you want to understand what's hot in underground electronic music right now. Buyer beware-- the first two ticket tiers are already sold out! Wave Nation: ADE lineup, featuring Skeler, REMNANT.exe, and... Welcome to Wave Nation: Amsterdam, the 2nd annual wave music event presented during ADE by some familiar faces. This year, the wave scene is hosted by Wave ...
10 Wave Songs to Listen To Right Now
Features, Music

10 Wave Songs to Listen To Right Now

So, it appears that we've abandoned the monthly format we once used for these "Wave Wrapped" posts after approximately two months... whoops-- But, hey-- good news! That just means that now we get to introduce you to double the songs as we usually do while we catch you up on all the hidden gems coming from the wave scene lately. Given all of the recent big news--the compilations, the tours, the festival appearances, and what-have-you--it's easy to miss some really great songs. So let's dive in! 10 Wave Songs to Add to Your Library: If you like gentle, delicate wave music that's going to transport you to a dreamlike, yet restorative place… then check out: mvrina – “dreams of u” If you like hugely emotional music that ends in a much different place than it...