Poppy house with a funky flair — that’s the high concept take on “Free,” a polished-up gem of a track from LA-based artist NOZU. Occupying the blurry lines where house turns into something else, “Free” is driven by a smooth vocal straight outta brokenbeat London circa 2003 and the warm strum of a Nile Rodgers guitar. The overall effect is magnetic — songwriting is the key here, with a dull hook this wouldn’t work at all but NOZU excels at it.
I don’t know all the credits — it might all be NOZU, who is posing with a guitar in half of his shots — but it’s phenomenally produced. It sounds like love in your ear.
“Free” is dropping on October 4 2024 on Justin Martin‘s What To Do label, which has evolved from featuring mostly Martin’s tracks to showcasing new heat like “Free” from newer artists like NOZU.
⚪️ Free Tracklisting
NOZU: Free (What To Do / October 4 2024 / Digital)
1. Free (05:36)
⚪️ Disclosure Statement
This record was submitted as a promo.
5 Mag Issue 215
Out Now
LOVE IS THE MESSAGE: This was originally published in 5 Mag Issue #216 featuring Andy Compton of the Rurals on 50 albums and 25 years of Peng, Ralph Session cover mix, Chicago’s Noble Square Records’ deep house love affair and more. Become a member for $2/month and get every issue in your inbox right away!
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[…] Xavier (Sonic Mind Records), Dela, Dorian James, Aaron Chase, Microdot (IHeartTechno Records) and Nozu: Free (What To […]