Nia Archives has curated a playlist of Bandcamp gems

Welcome back to Selections, a series of artist-curated playlists from those in the know.

“I make quite intentional art. Everything I do is with purpose and for a reason,” said Nia Archives in our Issue 131 profile. 

The fast-rising producer, vocalist and DJ is earning recognition for this commitment to both her craft and the sounds that came before her – be it jungle and d’n’b or soul and jazz. Not forgetting the influence of DIY and sound system culture on her music, which she’s previously dubbed “soft-hearted lo-fi jungle for introverted extroverts”. 

Archives, who was born in Bradford and raised in Leeds (though she’s currently based in London following a stint in Manchester), released her debut EP Headz Gone West in April 2021. It was an impressive record from a then-future talent, one who has since graced club nights and festivals across Europe, and released a smattering more releases including a six-track EP entitled Forbidden Feelingz. A multi-faceted collection, the record fused frenetic breakbeats, saccharine hooks and a speedy rush of euphoria with diaristic lyrics and subject matters such as body dysmorphia and mental health. 

Ahead of her appearance at El Dorado Festival later this month, Archives compiles a playlist filled with her “favourite Bandcamp gems” and highlights a slew of like-minded artists including Anz, Eliza Rose, Dillinja, Coco Bryce and Sully. This one’s for bright days and balmy summer evenings. A must.