Cloonee Explores His Artistic Journey on Debut Album

5 days ago 7

Cloonee explores the different sonic phases of his artistic journey in the 16 tracks found on his debut album, Are You Still You?

Many artists in the scene share a common desire to express their creativity in multiple ways and evolve their careers. Yet fans don’t always welcome that evolution. That experience aligns with Cloonee‘s rise through the ranks of the house music scene. As he honed his skills as a producer and drew on a range of influences, fans called for his tunes from different phases of his career.

The UK-born, Los Angeles-based DJ and producer heard these calls for the “this Cloonee, that Cloonee, or the current Cloonee,” but through it all, he’s stayed true to himself. On his debut album, Are You Still You?, he answers the question he asks himself with an affirmative yes.

The 16-track debut album from Cloonee, which is out now via Hellbent Records and Good Music For Bad People, isn’t your standard collection of tunes from a house hero. Instead, it’s a love letter to every side he’s explored, from past to present, showing that artists can evolve consistently while still staying true to their roots.

This was put on display with the initial run of singles, which included “What Would I Do,” “True Love Never Dies,” “Nobody Likes The Records That You Play,” “Kill The Noise,” “It’s Time,” “Catch Me In Amsterdam,” “Back Of My Mind,” and “3:30AM.” While each tune is grounded in Cloonee’s consistent tech house sound, vocal flourishes, rave-ready elements, and even nostalgic moments drive many of these soundscapes forward.

“Paradise,” Cloonee’s collaboration with longtime friend and mentor Chris Lake, arrived as the album’s latest single. This absolute groover is accentuated by a strong vocal performance by Aiyah’s Interlude, and it’s a perfect track for peak hour on the dancefloor or when you’re vibing out at an afters.

That tune is one of many collaborations that show how well Cloonee works with others. On previous singles, collaborators have ranged from Joseph Capriati and Galo to Tocadisco and Sirolf. One of the biggest standouts on the album is “What Would I Do” with Ranger Trucco, which layers in a nostalgic sample of Freshlyground’s “I’d Like,” a sample notably featured in the hit dubstep track “Sierra Leone” by Mt Eden in 2009.

Others, like “Menealo” and “Movimiento” with Yandel and ATLAC, showcase Cloonee’s love for Latin sounds, with infectious grooves and organic drums leading the way through their hip-shaking soundscapes. Yet a plethora of classic house sounds mix throughout, including tunes such as “Get Up And Dance” and “Why Does Your Love Hurt So Much?,” which harken back to different house music eras with strong vocal performances and bumpin’ basslines.

Another UK icon, Chris Lorenzo, joins in the fray for the closing track, “Don’t You Want Me.” From the pop-fueled vocals to the drums, this one feels like it was ripped straight out of a smoky ’80s nightclub. While this inclusion might feel out of place for any other artist’s album, on Are You Still You? it fits perfectly and represents another chapter of Cloonee’s influences and growing legacy in the scene.

Cloonee quickly made a name for himself as one of the hottest house artists of the scene’s current era, and his choice to deviate from the norm on his debut album is admirable. He could’ve dialed in this album by sticking to one style, treating it like any other release. Instead, the message behind Are You Still You? shines through. It’s a definitive album of where Cloonee came from, where he is today, and where he’s headed — and that dynamism is something fans can only hope to see for years to come.

Give Are You Still You? a spin on Spotify or your preferred platform, and stay tuned for more from Cloonee by following him on social media.

**Stream Cloonee – Are You Still You? on Spotify:**

Cloonee – Are You Still You? – Tracklist:

Catch Me in Amsterdam (ft. Siroj) Good Girl (with Prospa ft. Tristan Henry) Back of My Mind (with Gale) 3:30AM (with SOSA ft. Lzee) Back Of The Club Paradise (with Chris Lake ft. Aiyah’s Interlude) True Love Never Dies (with Fallon) Kill the Noise (Interlude) (ft. Harvey Whyte) Get Up and Dance Nobody Likes the Records That You Play (with TocaDisco) Why Does Your Love Hurt So Much? What Would I Do (with Ranger Trucco) Movimiento (with Yandel & ATLAC) It’s Time (with Joseph Capriati) Menealo Don’t You Want Me (with Chris Lorenzo) Cloonee Are You Still You?