Premiere: melba ‘nitro kart’

melba is set to release a new EP, ‘angel 777’, on Hypercolour Records. Have an exclusive first listen to ‘nitro kart’ below.

Following killer releases for Stereo 45, Vief Records and SHERELLE’s Hooversound imprint, the Newcastle-based DJ and producer returns with her rave-ready debut EP on Hypercolour. Landing this Friday (27th June), the project features four high-velocity club cuts, crafted from her signature blend of raucous 808s, dreamlike synths and 160BPM rhythms.

“The ‘angel 777’ EP has been in the works for a while now, I love each of the tracks so much but I’d say ‘nitro kart’ is my personal favourite from the EP,” melba told DJ Mag ahead of the track premiere. “It’s really inspired by the music I had heard in PlayStation 2 games I played when I was younger.”

“I wanted it to be fun and express my inner child a little. Super proud of the melodies and arrangement,” she added. “It took me around seven months to finish but I like the slow process. It’s like the opposite of instant gratification which kinda sums up my production style.”

melba’s star has been on the rise since taking part in the first round of the Jump Off accelerator programme. Presented by North East dance music stalwart Geoff Kirkwood (aka Man Power), in collaboration with World Headquarters and Youth Music, the project supports DJs from underrepresented backgrounds in dance music with mentoring, creative networks, residency opportunities, and more.

Earlier this year, melba launched an “up-tempo bass music club night” with fellow NCL mainstay, Nectax, who she originally met in 2017 at World Headquarters.

“We love the toon, but we also see ways to offer even more: safer spaces, interesting new music & aiming to inspire the next generation of 808 enthusiasts, while being more affordable,” melba shared on Instagram. 

The next edition of club cetera will take place on 12th July at ORMSIDE Projects, and celebrate melba’s ‘angel 777’ EP launch: “expect Club beats, femme and FLINTA* centred energy, sexy sonics, fast bpm’s and bass boomin swag.” Tickets are on sale here.

‘angel 777’ is out 27th June via Hypercolour Records. Pre-order the EP here, and have an exclusive first listen to ‘nitro kart’ below.