Contirbutor
Following the groundbreaking success of their inaugural ‘Bestiary Vol. 1’ compilation, Barcelona-based electronic music label Marginalia continues to assert its position as one of the most forward-thinking labels in the global underground dance music scene. On Friday, February 21, 2025, the trailblazing imprint will release ‘Bestiary Vol. 2’, a twenty-one-track collection showcasing some of the most exciting, boundary-pushing artists from around the world.
Since its launch in September 2023, Marginalia has grown into a creative hub for raw, innovative electronic music. Helmed by Turkish-born, Barcelona-based DJ and producer ELIF, the label has consistently provided a platform for emerging talents to showcase their unbridled creativity, fostering an ethos of artistic freedom and boundary-pushing sound design. With ‘Bestiary Vol. 2’, the label takes another bold step in its mission to amplify diverse and compelling voices in the electronic music landscape.
A Journey Through Unique Sonic Worlds
The term Bestiary—rooted in the Middle Ages—symbolizes an “encyclopedia of beasts,” perfectly capturing the eclectic and untamed spirit of this VA series. For the second installment, Marginalia welcomes a new wave of artists while celebrating the return of familiar names from the label’s growing roster.
Featuring twenty-one cutting-edge tracks, the compilation spans a kaleidoscope of underground house, techno, and experimental beats, each track representing a distinct voice within the Marginalia community. From hypnotic grooves to cerebral soundscapes, ‘Bestiary Vol. 2’ continues the label’s tradition of pushing sonic boundaries while staying firmly rooted in the dancefloor.
Standout Contributions / Promo Featured Tracks
Headlining the compilation, ELIF partners with electro poet David LeSal for ‘The Artist’, a track that embodies the ethereal yet driving ethos of Marginalia. Returning artist Ayan delivers ‘Within These Walls’, a transcendent exploration of melody and rhythm, while contributions from Komilev (‘Skrilla’) and Accent (‘Time’) infuse the compilation with innovative textures and electrifying energy.
Other highlights include Mumboi’s return with the enigmatic ‘Puzzlement’, IVGI’s haunting ‘Desert Waves’, and Sara Bluma’s poignant and raw ‘Blackstef’. From the trippy, genre-bending stylings of Aggernaz (‘Djoya’) to the high-octane energy of Saint Carmo (‘Rhytmamatic’), ‘Bestiary Vol. 2’ is as diverse as it is cohesive, ensuring something for every discerning listener.
Speaking about the project, ELIF said:
“The Bestiary series is my love letter to the incredible under-championed producers whose music shapes the foundation of my DJ sets. It’s a privilege to continue showcasing such remarkable talent and to create a space where their creativity is celebrated. ‘Bestiary Vol. 2’ feels like a natural evolution for Marginalia, and I’m so excited for the world to hear it.”
Buy / Stream – https://www.marginalialabel.com/bestiaryvol2