Scuba shares second instalment of Digital Underground Mixtape

Scuba has shared the second instalment of his ‘Digital Underground’ mixtape series via his Hotflush Recordings imprint.

Its release follows a string of live shows, his first in 11 years, with early mixtape singles ‘Truth’, ‘Riding Hi’, ‘Sorry’ and ‘I wna doit inth bckst’ a focal point throughout.

‘U Never See’ is a particular highlight of the record, combining high energy with elements of jazz. Think percussive breaks and staccato piano chords with acid-influenced vocal duets.

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The ‘D:U’ project is inspired by the notion of “regaining a sense of fun in the studio” following the musician’s stint curating a film score during the pandemic, following his craving of “a return to the simple pleasures of music production without any strict parameters or guidelines”.

And, in Scuba’s own words, ‘D:U:2’ is a space to explore the areas untouched in the first instalment of the mixtape, with this week’s release traversing sounds of old skool hardcore, breakbeat, jungle and techno:

“This is the second part of a series started last year which explores the classic era of hardcore, which is one of my absolute favourite periods of dance music history,” he explains. “It’s been a lot of fun to put together and the second mixtape gets into some of the themes that we didn’t delve too deeply into on the first one, so it’s a great way to continue.”

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‘D:U:2’ is available now via Hotflush Recordings, check it out here.

Niamh Ingram is Mixmag’s Weekend Editor, follow her on Instagram