Following the first instalment of the project earlier this year, Kathryn Brenna rounds off her debut D&B EP series with MODES Part 2 on Sofa Sound. The vocalist and producer has been steadily earning her much-deserved stripes in the scene over the last few years, with this latest release showcasing the sound she has been developing both through collaborations and her own tunes.
Having previously featured on Sofa Sound tracks with label head honcho DLR as well as Sweetpea, Kublai and Minor Forms while also releasing her own productions, Kathryn has become a regular on the Bristol imprint. Her powerful, soul-heavy vocal style and expressive lyricism have also seen her rack up releases on V Recordings, CIA, Transparent Audio and Intrigue; an already seriously impressive back catalogue that exhibits her versatility and establishes her as one of the most exciting artists to break through in recent times.
While MODES Part 1 demonstrated Kathryn’s ability to add a lyrical spark to heavier, dancefloor-focused tunes, the second segment of the project centres around two more soulful cuts that lend themselves to her warm, emotion-filled tone. The silky smooth ‘Coincidence’ with Genic instantly has the listener floating away, while Kathryn flexes her own production muscles with ‘Remedy’, a slice of rolling liquid excellence that marries perfectly with her enchanting vocals. With both her talent on the mic and finesse in the studio clear for all to see, Kmag delves into the tracks that have shaped Kathryn’s sound and inspired her musical voyage so far.
Fats Domino – Blueberry Hill
This track makes the list because it was one of my Grandad’s favourite songs, and it brings back such fond childhood memories. Beyond that, it’s a classic in its own right. Originally written in the 1940s with that bluesy warmth and unmistakable New Orleans shuffle. Just a great song through and through.
London Grammar – If You Wait (Calibre Alternate Remix)
This is still yet to be topped as my favourite drum and bass track. Calibre is a magician anyway, but the way he flipped this London Grammar tune is pure perfection. I remember hearing him play it at Hospitality and just floating away – such an incredible moment. An amazing track.
Katy B – Katy On a Mission
Another song that brings back core memories – somewhere around 2012 at Global Gathering, back when Andy C, Chase & Status, and the rest of that era were headlining. It was such a fun time in my life and really when my love for electronic music took off. We went every year until it (devastatingly) ended. Katy B was the soundtrack to so many festivals and nights out, and this track will always be up there for me.
The Cure – Just Like Heaven
Potentially my number one song – or at least a very serious contender. I adore The Cure anyway, so they’re always on my playlists. I saw them live at the O2 and it was insanely good. There’s just something about this era and genre that I love. I’m also a big Smiths fan, though Morrissey can be a bit hit or miss these days.
Drake, Jhené Aiko – From Time
Drake’s Nothing Was the Same was one of my favourite albums then and maybe still is now. This track in particular lived on repeat when it first came out, around the time I’d just started going out in the West End. The whole album is beautifully put together, but this song stands out – especially with Jhené Aiko’s vocals weaving through it.
Dilated Peoples – Worst Comes to Worst
This sample has been used countless times and in some great tracks (just trying to remember if this was the original use or not) but this is one of my favourite songs. There’s an effortless, timeless quality about this tune. It takes me back to when I first started digging deeper into hip-hop and how a simple groove can carry so much weight. It’s laid-back, iconic, and it still hits the same every time.
Jubei & dBridge – Show Me
This one really did the rounds — such a huge track. It stands out for me because it came out right when I was reconnecting with the dnb scene after a bit of a break. I’ve always been a huge fan of Jubei, dBridge and Carbon Music, and this release made me fall in love with the underground all over again.
Little Simz – Venom
Little Simz is easily in my top 10 artists. Her flow, lyricism, and talent are undeniable, and she’s been a huge inspiration for me as an artist. This track is immense — she has this raw energy and power that’s completely captivating. She’s one of those artists you’re always excited to hear new music from, while never getting tired of what’s already out.
Amoss & Objectiv – Sauna Season
Heading into newer releases here. Both Amoss and Objectiv are incredible artists in their own right, with a stack of amazing tracks behind them. This one, though, is still in pretty much all my sets. It’s so cleanly and cleverly produced – something these two absolutely excel at. The energy is unreal and it always gets me hyped.
DLR ft. Kathryn Brenna & Hal – Burn It All
Throwing one of my own in here. DLR is one of the most incredibly talented producers and engineers out there, and it was such an honour to work with him on his last album Money Till I Got None — a beautifully crafted piece of work. Shouts to Hal on the keys on this one too- another amazing artist! This track means a lot to me because it really gave me a lift into the scene and helped get my vocals out there. Lots of love for the Sofa Sound family.
MODES Part 2 is out now on Sofa Sound. Click here to stream and purchase.
