Shafkkat tightropes between UKG and emotive electronica on "In The Wind" EP

The talented Londoner Shafkkat is forging his own path

London producer Shafkkat has been threading a needle, consistently across his releases — music that works as hard emotionally as it does rhythmically — and In The Wind, his first full project, is the most complete articulation of that approach yet. Four tracks, each occupying its own distinct corner of his sonic world, and together forming something that feels genuinely considered rather than assembled.

The EP opens with “Girly,” which establishes its intentions immediately. Pulsating bassline, distinctive vocal chops, high-energy groove — it’s the most straightforwardly playful thing here, and it earns that energy without having to work too hard for it. As an opening statement it makes sense: get the room moving before you ask it to feel something. It’s clear standout track on the project, taking the EP into a pure, future garage space with pure energy and playful synth elements.

“Tides,” featuring vocalist Jess Young, is where the EP reveals its real ambitions. Cinematic strings opening into UK funky-inspired drums and intricate percussion — the track moves between vulnerability and uplift with a fluency that takes genuine craft to sustain. Young’s vocal is the key element, giving the production a human centre that keeps it from becoming an exercise in texture for its own sake.

“Untitled String Song” is the EP’s most striking moment — sweeping strings set against hard-hitting drums and commanding low end, a collision of beauty and weight that manages to feel simultaneously festival-ready and deeply intimate. It’s the kind of track that reminds you how rarely club music and genuine tenderness occupy the same space successfully.

Having already picked up Spotify editorial support on Altar and New Music Friday UK, the audience is clearly finding it. Deservedly so. Shafkkat sits as a clear future star in the thriving future/ nu garage space..

“The EP is the next chapter in the journey towards my upcoming album Unity. Following on from Jaan, it explores similar emotional ideas through a lighter and more open perspective. Inspired by the raw energy of UK funky, groovy DJ tools, emotionally driven tracks and even Disco, I wanted to create a sonic world that blends nostalgic elements, subtle field recordings and familiarity whilst still feeling fresh and distinctly me. For me, every track has to tell a story, connecting people emotionally and physically on the dancefloor, whether that’s through deeper moments of reflection or simply being silly with your friends and sharing a moment together.” – Shafkkat