Several exciting debuts, Caribou‘s club-focused side project, and Fred again..‘s perfectly timed new album are all releasing this month. October has been stacking up nicely in our release calendar over the year, and we’ve been eager to curate a list of which projects you should definitely listen to.
There’s a lot of dance music in here, but also some boundary-pushing hip-hop, pop, and more. There are also links to pre-order these projects so that they arrive promptly in your library when they come out.
Check out our list of the 8 best albums coming out in October below. Enjoy!
1. Daphni – Cherry (October 6) | Pre-order
Dan Snaith simply does not miss. As the mastermind behind Caribou, he blew us away in 2020 with his last album, Suddenly. Now, he’s reaching deep into his dancefloor knowledge to deliver a full album via his DJ-oriented alias, Daphni. Cherry will be the first Daphni album in exactly five years, and the singles so far have already sealed it as one of the most anticipated projects of the year. His upbeat, psychedelic rhythms will put you in a warm, day-dreamy trance.
2. TSHA – Capricorn Sun (October 7) | Pre-order
TSHA has already dazzled us with a flurry of lovely singles from Capricorn Sun this year. Now, we’re itching to hear the whole thing. She’s quickly ascending the ranks as dance music’s hottest talent in recent years, both production-wise and behind the decks. TSHA got the nod from some of the most respected dance music establishments in the biz, delivering an Essential Mix for BBC Radio 1 and a compilation for fabric presents. Her list of press features goes on and on, but her versatile music alone—which runs from indie dance to afro to breaks—is enough to convince you to listen.
3. Open Mike Eagle – Component System with the Auto Reverse (October 7) | Pre-order
An introduction for TSIS readers, Open Mike Eagle is an exceptionally interesting hip-hop artist. Typically straying away from common tropes in regard to lyricism, production, and his performances, he’s found a unique niche of the genre to thrive in. He calls it “art rap.” His upcoming project, Component System with the Auto Reverse, will feature revered underground artists such as Madlib, Diamond D, and Armand Hammer. It’ll be his eighth LP, and according to him, it’s been “inspired by blank tapes, CTA bus rides and WHPK in 1997.”
4. Tove Lo – Dirt Femme (October 14) | Pre-order
We’re very picky when it comes to pop music, but Tove Lo has been delivering some of her best performances to date recently. We immediately fell for her vocals (and songwriting) on her earlier hits like “Habits” and “Say It” (with Flume), but we’re eager to give her fifth studio album, Dirt Femme, a proper dive. She’s already churned out a couple of Y2K-leaning dancefloor hits with “2 Die 4” and “No One Dies From Love,” and it feels like Lo is approaching her moment here.
5. Ashe – Rae (October 14) | Pre-order
TSIS readers will most likely recognize Ashe’s name and voice from her collaborations with site favorites such as Big Gigantic, Louis Futon, Whethan, and others. That was five years ago, though. Since then, she’s blossomed into a very promising songwriter/storyteller. She’s now working with award-winning producers like FINNEAS, and the delicate yet gritty texture of her voice sounds better than ever. Rae will be her sophomore album, coming hot on the heels of her widely acclaimed debut, Ashlyn, last year.
6. Hagop Tchaparian – Bolts (October 21) | Pre-order
Once upon a time, Hagop Tchaparian was a tour manager for Four Tet. Now, he’s releasing his debut album, Bolts, on Text Records (Four Tet’s label). Not much is known about the British-Armenian producer, but Hagop is the first artist to release an LP on Text Records in over seven years, displaying a strong vote of confidence from one of the industry’s most prolific and celebrated figures. The sound of Bolts is certainly unique already, combining worldly instrumentation and percussion with leftfield house and techno like on “Right to Riot” and “GL.” He also has showcased a captivating knack for downtempo on “Round” and “Raining.”
7. O’Flynn & Frazer Ray – Shimmer (October 21) | Pre-order
They’re also brand new to TSIS, but O’Flynn and Frazer Ray (formerly known as Soundbwoy Killah), are among some of the top electronic producers in the UK right now. If you enjoy the sounds of Fred again.., Bicep, or Bonobo, this album will definitely be a must-listen. Shimmer is set to focus on club-oriented vibes, which is evident from the energetic singles like “You Need Me.” Expect breakbeats, garage, and hardcore, all set on a dreamy, atmospheric stage.
8. Fred again.. – Actual Life 3 (january 1 – september 9 2022) (October 28) | Pre-order
Perhaps the most in-demand act in electronic music right now, Fred again.. captured the attention of the entire world with his viral Boiler Room set last month. Many of the tracks that he played out during his set are confirmed to arrive on his next album, Actual Life 3, which is his third body of work in just two years. He has already released three singles that we can’t stop listening to.