#11 Feat. New Releases in Overall

Delving into an ever-growing archive of blue-chip releases, GMJ & Matter end the year with a compilation of the highest quality. "Meanwhile Impressions - 2023" is a new series that takes a retrospective look back at another year chock full of musical highs after another phenomenally successful year for the label. Combining original works from the likes of Simos Tagias, label head-honchos themselves and fellow countryman, Jamie Stevens, remixes come from industry icons such as Hernan Cattaneo & Marcelo Vasami, and Cid Inc. Adding further to the smooth sonic latticework, rising stars Mike Rish, Tantum and Ruben Karapetyan fit elegantly into the 12-track showcase that is the perfect snapshot of an exciting year before Meanwhile continues its assault on the progressive house scene throughout 2024. Directed by GMJ & Matter Mastered by Cid Inc. Design by Matter Text by James Warren

GMJ, Matter, Alex O'Rion, Ezequiel Arias, Jamie Stevens, Jiminy Hop, Mike Rish, Simos Tagias, Tantum, Ivan Aliaga, Ruben Karapetyan

#14 Feat. Banner in Progressive House

Back for a full debut on Meanwhile, Ruben Karapetyan returns with a twin-track offering of impressive stature as he delivers Nostalgic Moments / Perceptual Isolation. Formerly hailed as Armenias top electronic music export back in the late 1990s, Ruben Karapetyan has continued to find himself at the forefront of the global Progressive House community with a distinctive sound palette. A double century of production credits since a November 2020 release on Tashs Movement Recordings and the Armenian has not looked back. A host of original and remix production material has since found its way onto the likes of Paul Thomas UV, John 00 Flemings JOOF Aura and 30 credits for Mangos top-selling Mango Alley. Moreover, Ruben has also found notable success on his own RKP label. Opening his Meanwhile account in July 2023 as part of the Meanwhile Excursions, Vol. 3 compilation, Ruben Karapetyan illustrates impressive flair with opener, Nostalgic Moments. Fuelled by percussive verve and effortless bass groove, it is certain to rip up dancefloors. Full of gravitas and a deep dark character, an increasing number of rhythmic layers add groove aplenty while a breakdown introduces increasing energy via pitched effect and snare rolls. The drop back into the earlier bass groove is a joy to behold. The lighter, more airy qualities of Perceptual Isolation creates a magical touch that glistens and shimmers through the early phases. A subtle bassline sequence adds depth and club-friendly quality while the smooth melodic flourishes are able to shine through the delicate breakdown. Picking up the pace again in the third movement, a delicate and meandering acid-tinged arpeggio adds another memorable touch. Reflecting on beautifully imagined nostalgia, Ruben Karapetyan reflects in glorious isolation with Nostalgic Moments / Perceptual Isolation. Directed by GMJ & Matter Mastered by Cid Inc. Design by Matter Text by James Warren

Ruben Karapetyan

#14 Feat. Staff Picks in Progressive House

Back for a full debut on Meanwhile, Ruben Karapetyan returns with a twin-track offering of impressive stature as he delivers Nostalgic Moments / Perceptual Isolation. Formerly hailed as Armenias top electronic music export back in the late 1990s, Ruben Karapetyan has continued to find himself at the forefront of the global Progressive House community with a distinctive sound palette. A double century of production credits since a November 2020 release on Tashs Movement Recordings and the Armenian has not looked back. A host of original and remix production material has since found its way onto the likes of Paul Thomas UV, John 00 Flemings JOOF Aura and 30 credits for Mangos top-selling Mango Alley. Moreover, Ruben has also found notable success on his own RKP label. Opening his Meanwhile account in July 2023 as part of the Meanwhile Excursions, Vol. 3 compilation, Ruben Karapetyan illustrates impressive flair with opener, Nostalgic Moments. Fuelled by percussive verve and effortless bass groove, it is certain to rip up dancefloors. Full of gravitas and a deep dark character, an increasing number of rhythmic layers add groove aplenty while a breakdown introduces increasing energy via pitched effect and snare rolls. The drop back into the earlier bass groove is a joy to behold. The lighter, more airy qualities of Perceptual Isolation creates a magical touch that glistens and shimmers through the early phases. A subtle bassline sequence adds depth and club-friendly quality while the smooth melodic flourishes are able to shine through the delicate breakdown. Picking up the pace again in the third movement, a delicate and meandering acid-tinged arpeggio adds another memorable touch. Reflecting on beautifully imagined nostalgia, Ruben Karapetyan reflects in glorious isolation with Nostalgic Moments / Perceptual Isolation. Directed by GMJ & Matter Mastered by Cid Inc. Design by Matter Text by James Warren

Ruben Karapetyan

#37 Feat. Banner in Progressive House

A storied artist with a rich seam of high-quality releases to his name, Nicolas Rada is a welcome addition to the Meanwhile catalogue with a superb twin-track offering in the shape of Glasgow / Riot. Operating out of his Buenos Aires home, Nicolas Rada has been at the forefront of the Progressive House scene for almost 2 decades. As part of the artist roster under the Analog Agency banner, Nicolas has travelled the world, spanning the continents with performances in Australia, Mexico, Ecuador, Spain, Netherlands, Hungary, Scotland, and not forgetting his Argentina homeland. Contemporaneously, a production career has seen Nicolas Rada scale rarified heights. From early work and almost a century of credits on Balkan Connection South America, to work on Lee Burridges Tale & Tone, Nick Warrens The Soundgarden and fellow countryman Hernan Cattaneos Sudbeat Music, the Argentinean star has shone brightly in the underground dance firmament with over 400 production credits to his name. Now gracing Meanwhile with his sizeable talent, Glasgow is a typically powerful offering that revels in a thumping beat, off-beat hats and running 16th note bassline. Picking up the pace in the second movement, subtle melodic motifs begin to accentuate the rhythmic collage as they seamlessly develop over the 8-minute timeframe. Atmospheric pads and steam-pressured white-noise risers add to the overall feel as Glasgow hits its height in delay-infused melodic patterns that propel it forward to an epic conclusion. The cleverly named Riot immediately excites with its complex rhythmic arrangement and bassline narrative that extends the vibe of its partner track. With bouncing phrasing, it syncopates effortlessly alongside a cascading array of melodic characters that build in dizzying fashion. Using vocal samples drawn from the classic Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas film, first used by the likes of Chicagos iconic progressive breaks act, Grayarea, the spoken word melds effortlessly with the shimmering synth stabs and textured pads. The result is a 24-carat modern progressive jewel that sparkles from start to finish. Making a welcome Meanwhile debut, Nicolas Rada lays down a powerful marker with Glasgow / Riot. Directed by GMJ & Matter Mastered by Cid Inc. Design by Matter Text by James Warren

Nicolas Rada

#37 Feat. Staff Picks in Progressive House

A storied artist with a rich seam of high-quality releases to his name, Nicolas Rada is a welcome addition to the Meanwhile catalogue with a superb twin-track offering in the shape of Glasgow / Riot. Operating out of his Buenos Aires home, Nicolas Rada has been at the forefront of the Progressive House scene for almost 2 decades. As part of the artist roster under the Analog Agency banner, Nicolas has travelled the world, spanning the continents with performances in Australia, Mexico, Ecuador, Spain, Netherlands, Hungary, Scotland, and not forgetting his Argentina homeland. Contemporaneously, a production career has seen Nicolas Rada scale rarified heights. From early work and almost a century of credits on Balkan Connection South America, to work on Lee Burridges Tale & Tone, Nick Warrens The Soundgarden and fellow countryman Hernan Cattaneos Sudbeat Music, the Argentinean star has shone brightly in the underground dance firmament with over 400 production credits to his name. Now gracing Meanwhile with his sizeable talent, Glasgow is a typically powerful offering that revels in a thumping beat, off-beat hats and running 16th note bassline. Picking up the pace in the second movement, subtle melodic motifs begin to accentuate the rhythmic collage as they seamlessly develop over the 8-minute timeframe. Atmospheric pads and steam-pressured white-noise risers add to the overall feel as Glasgow hits its height in delay-infused melodic patterns that propel it forward to an epic conclusion. The cleverly named Riot immediately excites with its complex rhythmic arrangement and bassline narrative that extends the vibe of its partner track. With bouncing phrasing, it syncopates effortlessly alongside a cascading array of melodic characters that build in dizzying fashion. Using vocal samples drawn from the classic Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas film, first used by the likes of Chicagos iconic progressive breaks act, Grayarea, the spoken word melds effortlessly with the shimmering synth stabs and textured pads. The result is a 24-carat modern progressive jewel that sparkles from start to finish. Making a welcome Meanwhile debut, Nicolas Rada lays down a powerful marker with Glasgow / Riot. Directed by GMJ & Matter Mastered by Cid Inc. Design by Matter Text by James Warren

Nicolas Rada

#65 Feat. Banner in Progressive House

An artist with a rich and impressive pedigree, Mike Rish returns to Meanwhile with a triple-tracker of exceptional quality in Sunset on Mars / Tornn / Shokl. A Melbourne native with a strong back catalogue stretching back over 15 years, Mike Rishs debut quickly became a starting point for a successful career, predominantly focused on the sound of Progressive House. Since 2009, the Australian has gone on to see his music featured on the likes of Vapour Recordings, Anjunadeep and Guy Js Lost & Found, while a trio of EPs for Meanwhile between 2021 and 2024 have seen Mike Rish sparkle with a collection of beautifully crafted original sonic sculptures. Now returning for the first time since August 2024s Akhnaton / Gröv / Cloudbreaker triumph, 3 new original tracks take centre stage. The compelling Sunset on Mars opens with a thumping beat and smooth percussive top-line before a swathe of effects-laden synths percolate the soundwaves with rich delays and reverb. A powerful bassline adds dancefloor urgency while an evocative arp filters its way to the foreground through the second movement. Rising and falling with club-friendly knowhow, the track gradually picks up pace before entering the second half full of punchy bravado. Immaculately constructed, Sunset on Mars is an aural triumph. Continuing the powerful rhythmic character of its predecessor, Tornn is a thumping, chugging bassline monster that rolls seductively across its 7-minute timeframe. Endless delays and effects swim across the stereo spectrum in swirling atmospheres as vocal snippets talk of remembered dreams and an eerily pitched menace. Evolving easily through its phases, the second half comes to life as bassline and rhythmic prowess take control across the shape-shifting soundscapes. Opening with a strong tribal rhythm and subtle jungle-themed effects and bird calls, another chorus of reverb-drenched effects and delays across a smorgasbord of vocal cuts, provide a beautiful dub-inspired atmosphere. Coming to the fore at the stripped-back breakdown with expansive ease, Mike Rish gently picks up the pace through the second half to create and intriguing and dynamic listening environment through his sublime layering of vocal elements. Returning to the label that is fast becoming a second home, Mike Rish delights Meanwhile listeners with Sunset on Mars / Tornn / Shokl. Directed by GMJ & Matter Mastered by Cid Inc. Design by Matter Text by James Warren

Mike Rish

#65 Feat. Staff Picks in Progressive House

An artist with a rich and impressive pedigree, Mike Rish returns to Meanwhile with a triple-tracker of exceptional quality in Sunset on Mars / Tornn / Shokl. A Melbourne native with a strong back catalogue stretching back over 15 years, Mike Rishs debut quickly became a starting point for a successful career, predominantly focused on the sound of Progressive House. Since 2009, the Australian has gone on to see his music featured on the likes of Vapour Recordings, Anjunadeep and Guy Js Lost & Found, while a trio of EPs for Meanwhile between 2021 and 2024 have seen Mike Rish sparkle with a collection of beautifully crafted original sonic sculptures. Now returning for the first time since August 2024s Akhnaton / Gröv / Cloudbreaker triumph, 3 new original tracks take centre stage. The compelling Sunset on Mars opens with a thumping beat and smooth percussive top-line before a swathe of effects-laden synths percolate the soundwaves with rich delays and reverb. A powerful bassline adds dancefloor urgency while an evocative arp filters its way to the foreground through the second movement. Rising and falling with club-friendly knowhow, the track gradually picks up pace before entering the second half full of punchy bravado. Immaculately constructed, Sunset on Mars is an aural triumph. Continuing the powerful rhythmic character of its predecessor, Tornn is a thumping, chugging bassline monster that rolls seductively across its 7-minute timeframe. Endless delays and effects swim across the stereo spectrum in swirling atmospheres as vocal snippets talk of remembered dreams and an eerily pitched menace. Evolving easily through its phases, the second half comes to life as bassline and rhythmic prowess take control across the shape-shifting soundscapes. Opening with a strong tribal rhythm and subtle jungle-themed effects and bird calls, another chorus of reverb-drenched effects and delays across a smorgasbord of vocal cuts, provide a beautiful dub-inspired atmosphere. Coming to the fore at the stripped-back breakdown with expansive ease, Mike Rish gently picks up the pace through the second half to create and intriguing and dynamic listening environment through his sublime layering of vocal elements. Returning to the label that is fast becoming a second home, Mike Rish delights Meanwhile listeners with Sunset on Mars / Tornn / Shokl. Directed by GMJ & Matter Mastered by Cid Inc. Design by Matter Text by James Warren

Mike Rish