- Followers of London’s burgeoning modern jazz scene will have heard of Yussef Kamaal. The short-lived collaborative project between virtuoso drummer Yussef Dayes and keyboard playing producer Henry Wu (a.k.a Kamaal Williams) only yielded a single full-length release before breaking up mid-2017. Black Focus attracted widespread attention for its unique use of breakbeat rhythms within the smooth framework of jazz-funk jams.

- Oscar Key Sung, celebrated Melbourne crooner-producer returns with No Disguise, his third EP and first outing since 2015’s Altruism. It’s six tracks of smooth R&B, infused with the pop sensibilities and electronic dexterity of an early 2000's James Blake fronted boy band.

- It’s true that the world “multi-talent” tends to lose meaning as we collectively spread ourselves more and more across various disciplines and interests, but every so often someone comes along who still feels markedly deserving of the word. Sydney-based OKENYO is that person - as a Playschool presenter she’s already conquered the archetypal Aussie dream job, as well as starred in, written and directed multiple theatre works, and with The Wave she executes a deft flourish on an already impressive musical output.

- The debut EP from US one woman producer / song writer / violinist / and singer, Sudan Archives was easily one of the most memorable from last year, with the well noted autodidact violin playing being manipulated, looped reused through a digital looping station, reproduced over off-kilter beats, and subdued vocals whisked together as garnish. Driving strings were propagated not for their usual whine but for the direct and sharp effect they emanated when used for percussion. It hollowed out a foothold not yet fathomed.