FEB 7 2024
by Yunah Elsner
Through edgy techno soundscapes and hard, hip hop beats, South Korean DJ and producer DPR ARTIC serves it all on his debut EP “KINEMA.” Released on February 2nd, the seven-track, experimental tech-house album takes the listener on a futuristic journey through a versatile blend of hip hop, EDM and techno.
ARTIC is one of several artists under Dream Perfect Regime (DPR), a multi-genre music label and video production company based in Seoul, South Korea. DPR ARTIC has previously produced music with artists such as DPR CREAM and DPR IAN. As a DJ, he frequently played at renowned clubs such as Club Faze Busan, Shelter Seoul and Cake Shop Seoul. His debut EP “KINEMA'' masterfully highlights his own style– retro-futuristic beats and techno blended with hip hop. It reveals more of his unique producing chops and establishes his sound in the DPR universe.
The first track “Ism” showcases the experimental side of DPR ARTIC’s music. It begins with the beeping of the seat belt indicator as the voices of people grow louder, and the incorporation of airplane noises makes the listener feel like they’re about to ‘take-off.’ As we’re transported through time, the end of the track plays a steady, techno beat as the voices and beeping slowly fade away. ‘Ism’ introduces and pulls the listener into the experience of “KINEMA.”
The second track, “Do or Die,” features DPR IAN and highlights DPR ARTIC’s EDM and tech-house sounds. An official music video for this track was dropped on YouTube, starring DPR IAN with a dark, apocalyptic concept and the visuals are reminiscent of early DPR works. Similarly, the third track “Dream,” featuring The Deep, showcases more of the electro-tech sound DPR ARTIC typically produces. DPR ARTIC said spent the most time creating this track –– it describes the feeling when you haven’t slept well and can’t distinguish between dreams and reality.
“EMP,'' featuring 1300 and “POST” with artists Odee, Oygli and Roh Yun Ha is a certified club banger. DPR ARTIC explains that the heavy electronic sounds in “EMP” are a contrast to the genre it was inspired by – EMP Apocalypse or a world with no electronic devices. The track titled “POST” was taken from the word ‘post-apocalypse’ and is an imagination of an anarchic era. Both tracks fall in the realm of DPR's sound, and through unexpected beat drops, police sirens and heavy bass, you know it’s a DPR ARTIC song.
The two final tracks of the debut album “Escape” and “To Nirvana” close the album out using more experimental tech-house beats. According to DPR ARTIC, “Escape” was a song made two years ago to play at a club. He mentioned that the track was played at Shelter Seoul many times. Both clubby techno tracks use familiar, yet new samples of beats, with different bass sounds and electro-melodies.
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DPR ARTIC’s first EP “KINEMA '' cements his distinct style and artistry from nostalgic EDM beats to experimental, electro-soundscapes. “KINEMA” is a strong debut EP which will leave you wanting more.
On his recent Instagram live, DPR ARTIC mentioned that a very limited number of physical copies of “KINEMA” will be released around mid March and will feature two bonus tracks. Stay tuned for more information through his socials and listen to KINEMA here.
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