UPFRONTBEATS

Jonny White, the Canadian linchpin better known as Art Department, is next to bolster Kwench Records’ reputation as a sought-after source of heady club tracks.

Amassing a huge global following as a DJ, producer, record label boss and wildlife conservationist, he lands on Cassy’s label after an eventful six-month sprint. He’s dropped new tracks via his imprint No.19 Music as well as releasing tracks from Cassy, DJ Sneak and Tripmastaz through the imprint; toured across South America, Europe, East Asia and North America; dished up fresh solo material on The Martinez Brothers’ label Cuttin’ Headz; and worked tirelessly to promote peaceful co-existence with wildlife through his co-founded charity Music Against Animal Cruelty (MAAC).

‘Jonny and I were residents at DC10 at the same time, so we’ve hung out many times and bounced off each other. There was a strong musical connection there from the beginning, and that’s stayed with us. I was really flattered to hear that he loved the music that was coming through on my label, and it’s fantastic to now have him be a part of it. Fans of Kwench are really going to dig this one.’ ‘ Cassy

Vigorous title track ‘I’s On U’ is a magnetic slab of purposeful peak-time goodness, with a virulent groove propelled by propulsive drums and stacked claps. Art Department brings more heat with the tireless thrust and taut grip of ‘Mind Made Up’, before dusting the EP off with exultant track ‘Rings Of Jupiter’, an invigorating stomper that possess a kicking low end.

• FB: facebook.com/artdepartmentmusic
• Twitter: twitter.com/artdepartment
• Soundcloud: soundcloud.com/ARTDEPTMUSICy
• Beatport: beatport.com/artist/art-department