Essential lockdown beats

Medya Gungor recommends tracks to inspire your minds and get you groovin’ through isolation in May

hand washingAs Brixton enters its second month of official lockdown, it’s remarkable to consider how quickly we’ve become accustomed to the changes in our surroundings.

Social distancing, the car park queues and retreating indoors are beginning to feel just as normal as roaming around Brixton Village or bustling through the Underground once was.

While some days prove harder than others, it seems as though the simple thoughts and rituals are the ones that provide us with the most comfort.

Setting a routine for each day, missing your family and friends but acknowledging you’ll see them again and sitting comfortably in the uniqueness of our situation by embracing and accepting the means which are out of our control.

One element that remains entirely in our control is what we are choosing to consume – aside from copious amounts of snacks and alcohol – in terms of our music choice.

The sounds we choose to lift our spirits and energise our bodies undoubtedly have a huge effect on us and with this in mind I’ve listed some certified bangers, both timeless and new, that are essential for your lockdown playlists.

Clipz – Again (ft. Ms Dynamite, Ms Banks, & Jaykae)

“This one goes out to the ravers …” Seriously though, Clipz has done it AGAIN with this huge tune and a definite listen for any Hootananny and Brixton Jamm regulars needing a filthy new jungle track in their lives.

Anyone But Me – Joy Crookes

This beautiful song captures the honest, contemplative inner voice of artist Joy Crookes reflecting on experiences with her own mental health. During such an uncertain phase of our lives, her lyrics provide relatability to all our inner monologues.

Dance Flaw – Sammy Virji

There is no better way to welcome the sunny summer days than sipping on a Red Stripe whilst belting out a bit of bassline, fact. Sammy Virji can always be relied upon to provide us with the classic garage bangers and this track is no exception.

Fade Away – Icarus

If you find yourself missing a large night at Electric Brixton or Phonox, this is for you. Icarus have gifted us with this progressive, captivating single to immerse ourselves in, transfixing our attention whilst transporting us to another dimension from the comfort of our own living rooms.

Lean on Me – Bill Withers

As we’ve recently remembered the life and career of soul maestro Bill Withers, it feels only right to honour this legendary track at a time when we find ourselves leaning on our friendships more than ever.