Venezuelan Jorge Antonio Alfonzo Arteaga, aka Jaxxtone, is another one of those names whose music you’ve probably heard without knowing it. Signed to Mad Decent publishing, Arteaga has worked as a songwriter and producer for the likes of Diplo, Steve Aoki, and Puerto Rican superstar Rauw Alejandro. These may not be the kinds of references you’re used to seeing on this site (or at least not anymore), but Arteaga’s work as Jaxxtone is as varied as it is strong.

While maintaining the kind of sheen and round bottom end of his previous productions, his latest release, Ad Astra, is thoughtful and deliberate work. The first two songs I’ve shared below rely largely on the kinds of rimshot-driven shuffling 2-step I like so much, and–while minimalist–are full of emotive sweetness. I’ve also included a third song for good measure, and this one speaks much more than the other two to the kind of main room post-trap sound with which Arteaga has had so much success–put plainly in the language of yesteryear, it’s a fucking banger.

Ad Astra is out now for streaming. No bandcamp on this one, but you can grab the mp3s for free on hypeddit.

Jaxxtone – “Inicio” (sc)

Jaxxtone – “Kūsō 空想” (sc)

Jaxxtone – “What’s Da Drill” (sc)