As per the loop of recurring trends, the 90s and noughties have re-emerged as the current ‘in’, whether that is with fashion, music or pop culture in general. In the UK, this has led to a particular resurgence of garage, therefore leading up-and-coming artists to create their own material inspired by that era.
When blending classic garage with today’s music scene, it seems to be the perfect genre for women to express their opinions whilst creating danceable, consumable tracks that everyone can enjoy. These people have rewritten the meaning of modern garage and made it appealing to young people, bringing its spirit back and showing the world how much the genre has been missed in the mainstream.
Here are a few artists to get you started!
WILLOW KAYNE - FINAL NOTICE
This song in particular caught my eye as Kayne brings together the 2-step of classic garage and brings modern sounds and aesthetics into it, bringing her youth back into into the genre. Hailing from Bristol, she is no stranger to rave culture, especially with her parents being avid fans of house and hip-hop (according to her Spotify ‘about’ page).
Final Notice begins with some rather scathing isolated vocals bashing those that are obsessed with profit and economy: ‘Money man, I’m not losing focus, please stop telling me what to do’. Highlighting the anti-establishment nature of garage, which started mainly through pirate radio, Willow Kayne has understood its message and energy clearly - a great beginning which then introduces a fast-paced beat that is heard in many a garage club night out. Her silky smooth voice really compliments the harsher backing, which I love - it’s also a common trope of the reignition of garage music. The energy stays up the entire way through. It’s a must-have on your summer playlist!
Still by Thomas Davis and Jake Erland
PINKPANTHERESS FT. WILLOW - WHERE YOU ARE
Undoubtedly the face of modern garage-inspired music, PinkPantheress has dominated TikTok with her self-produced, self-styled tracks. She rose to fame with Break It Off, sampling the iconic Circles by Adam F which brings a faster paced drum and bass element to the song. Similarly to Willow Kayne, PinkPantheress has an airy, delicate voice which she tends to autotune slightly to add an uncanny feel.
Where You Are brings garage overseas. Alternative musician Willow features in the chorus, adding stronger vocals and perfectly complimenting PinkPantheress’ softer ones - and also plays a guitar riff through the song, gently blending 2-step with pop-punk. Both genres have been reclaimed by women, and this song is no different - once male-dominated music scenes becoming more open for women.
Photo by Christine Kim
CAITY BASER - FRIENDLY SEX
This one is definitely is definitely the most modernised of the three with a whistled melody at the beginning, but it draws in a wider audience by combining this sound in with some garage elements. Also rising to fame from TikTok, Baser has amassed 450k followers at the time of writing this and made multiple videos to the lyrics of the chorus - ‘I don’t think that we should have friendly sex’. Whilst the lyrics aren't exactly sticking to the theme of the original genre and instead adopting modern topics, this is her only song with a garage beat - so it isn’t important for her to create that image. However, it is a good track for introducing the masses to garage.
Still by Callaway-Breeze Hoven and Oscar Stewart
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