Well-informed by a deep love of crate digging, ALTO mixes up minimal and tech on labels like Adrianza Records, Kaluki Musik, and Resonance Records. With strong support from top-tier tastemakers including Marco Carola, Michael Bibi, and Franky Rizardo, the London-based talent continues a standout year with an impressive debut outing on Patrick Topping‘s trend-setting Trick.

“Proud to drop ‘Everybody’ on Trick, which started as a loop at home one late summer night but really captured that
groove, movement, and signature party energy that comes with my unique sound”. – ALTO.

The EP opens with the irresistibly dubby tech rhythms of ‘Everybody’ Rolling drums and feathery hi-hats merge with a teasing female vocal to build tension, before dropping into whimsical, trippy synth motifs. ‘Handle It’ follows with a hooky, pitched-up R&B sample layered over tight, well-programmed drums, dusty textures, and punchy bass. Rounding out the release, ‘Watch Me’ delivers an intoxicating mix of prying synths, weighty kicks, and crisp percussion. Clever vocal layers and catchy melodic details ensure it lingers long after the drop.

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– @MitchDodge

With an ear close to the ground, Max Chapman and George Smeddles’ Resonance Records has long been known for their early support of breakout producers with bags of potential and a platform to showcase it thanks to the label’s support. At just 15 years old, London’s ALTO has a lifetime ahead of him and judging by the standard of his debut K-Town EP on Resonance, this is someone you need to keep an eye on.

The K-Town EP is a no-nonsense statement of intent from ALTO – an incredibly mature production considering his age. ‘Kalsungo’ opens the release and he wastes no time introducing us to a serious groover of a bass line over which he weaves an Eastern vocal sample and tight percussion. Heads will be nodding to this one and it’s no surprise that it’s already being supported by some serious names like Francisco Allendes.

Next up is ‘K-Town’ which steps up the energy with a much more intricate drum arrangement and a subtle bass line that gradually makes itself known. Pads and synths are slowly layered as another vocal sample cleverly builds the track into a hypnotic, jackin’ peak time roller. With early support from names like Danny Serrano, this one will surely be hitting the spot across the board.

Two tracks which fit perfectly into any DJ sets yet come from a young man who has, incredibly, never stepped foot in a nightclub. Having been producing since he was 10 years old, the quality of his productions is impressive to say the least and reflects his untainted approach to a saturated scene. With people like Max Chapman and Resonance supporting the young talent from day one, the sky is the limit for ALTO and his is certainly going to be a name on everyone’s lips when the K-Town EP drops on.

K-Town EP is out now via Resonance Records.

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– jbravo
Juany Bravo
Senior Editor
jbravo@musicis4lovers.com