Oh hey! — We made you a mix tape: 140, UKG, DnB, LoFi
Flashback to the moment after you handed off a prized playlist to someone you care about. Maybe on a music app, or mix CD (if, like me, you’re unc enough for that).
Each track, you carefully selected and pieced together.
A little bit of you and your inner world, offered up.
The excitement. Some nervousness. The knowing you’d made an impact, whether they loved it or hated it — that they would feel something.
When you shared such a compilation, you participated in a tiny but powerful community-building activity. Just by spreading some tunes.
And consider this:
That gift might have even deeply impacted them in ways you’d never guess and you’ll never know.
…
Flash forward to today.
Communities are increasingly remote. Yet it’s increasingly important to stay integrated — especially for those of us who are on the fringe or in the underground. To keep our voices strong and our resources connected.
This publication is one way we’re doing that.
So we’re back on mission. Account recovered. Motivation ignited. Ready to share tracks your algorithm doesn’t want you to hear, while curating a list of up-and-coming visionary artists and ethical alt fashion resources that warrant your attention.
~ Let’s put content exposure back into our own hands, and build something substantial while doing so! ~
That said, let’s get into it.
Featured Visionary Artist
Our featured visionary artist brings to life— and draws you in to— a fantastical world of whimsy. Rediscover your childlike-awe with what Ashton Hill, of Kettlehead Art, calls “fairytale surrealism”.
“Choose Peace,” by Ashton Hill, Kettlehead Art
Known not only for her transportive pieces, but also for creating and coordinating safe spaces — including art galleries— across the country for a decade and a half, her work has been a strong healing force in the scene.
Congratulations to Ashton for being selected as Gallery Director for Secret Dreams! The honor is well-deserved.
~~ Find her recent works here. ~~
Hand-Picked Playlists
In celebration of SoundCloud’s artist payment model and expansive track selection, this edition’s selections are proudly SoundCloud exclusive!
Introducing our guest curator, Deano the Bambino! Deano lives by a contributor mentality, regularly caught hosting and otherwise participating in local DIY events.
With my own eyes, I’ve seen his work with HiVi Soundsystem (NY → NC) notably impact the underground community, so we are thrilled to have him!
beatbrief 26.1
This playlist was inspired by “recent trips abroad— late nights, early mornings, rides from here to there.” He aspires, “As my journey continues, may these tunes travel with you now, too.”
A compilation of music ready for the dance. Gentle reminders of the origins and sounds of now.
Get into the groove.
beatbrief 26.2
His second contribution was fueled by ponderings of existential hope, created, “with a feeling from the heart, that you may move onward and upward as these days go by.”
A journey through —
Times.
Trust.
Communication.
Commitments.
The teachers.
And the teachings.
^ (Throw either of these on the speakers to unwind and you can’t miss.) ^
~ Enjoy! ~
Thank you, Deano.
And now for your house-curated playlists:
Deep Wubz
Some of the best dark & dirty, bass-heavy tracks from the past year. UKG, 140, experimental bass, dubstep, ... (Explicit lyrics.)
The ‘riddim kids’ and 140-heads can agree on this one.
Warning— these tracks may give you prolonged stank face.1
—-—
Hard Candy
Your guilty pleasure playlist of the summer.
Poppy vocals + hard-hitting dnb.
… Get your finger guns ready.
Featured Mixes
To round out your music selections and celebrate our relaunch, we give you two mixes from up-and-coming producers to keep an eye on:
— Exiszt —
An all-original mix from talented NC producer and pathfinder, Exiszt, spanning genre-variety like halftime, downtempo, neuro garage, & 140.
This groovy, bass-forward mix will transport you from heavy, rubbery textures to melodic fluidity and back again.
Tip fam will love this one. Enjoy the ride!
— LEVT —
A bit of SoundCloud ‘crate digging’ unearthed this up-and-coming German producer!
LEVT’s long-time immersion in a rich techno culture shines, as he carries you through a journey of dark, hard-hitting techno sprinkled with melodic intervals in his Sputnik ‘25 mix.
High energy. Cathartic.
Ethical Alternative Fashion
The Fairie’s Pyjamas
Considered a “gateway to festival fashion,” this woman-owned brand promises fair trade production and features designs that are almost exclusively made from organic natural fibers.
~We’re here for it.~
—-—
The Hushfall Archives
HFA focuses on “curious” designs, rather than gender.
Made for anyone, and with a commitment to, “ecologically, economically, and ethically friendly fashion everywhere along the pipeline,” this brand fits right in line with the TBB ethos and offers a unique style to our alt fashion directory.
They just released a new collection, “Celestials.” Check it out.
If you loved any of this, if you hated it, or if you want to share any visionary artists / ethical alternative fashion resources, shoot us a message or drop a comment.
And if you know anyone who might enjoy this community newsletter, give us a share! Pulling in the right people helps our community project grow.
Feels good to be back.
Much love,
~ Boots ~
If your stank face does not dissipate within 4 hours, please see a medical professional.