Picture this: you’re sinking into a dimly lit room, the air humming with the pulse of modular synths and off-kilter percussion. That’s the vibe of “Down Below,” the latest track from Irish producer Kormac featuring the haunting vocals of Katie Kim. This lo-fi house and electronica banger is a masterclass in raw, immersive soundscapes, and it’s got me buzzing to share why it’s a must-listen. Dropped on Kormac’s Always The Sound imprint, this track marks a bold new chapter for an artist who’s no stranger to pushing boundaries. Let’s dive into what makes “Down Below” so special and why it’s lighting up the electronica scene.
A Stripped-Back, Synth-Driven Journey
Kormac’s been a force in music for years, known for his cinematic collaborations with everyone from Irvine Welsh to full-blown orchestras. But with “Down Below,” he’s gone back to basics—well, sort of. Trading in the grandeur for a gritty, hands-on setup of modular synths and drum machines, Kormac crafts a sound that’s raw, unpredictable, and alive. Recorded in his Dublin studio, the track feels like a sonic experiment gone gloriously right. The synths churn and swirl, creating a textured backdrop that’s both hypnotic and slightly disorienting, while the off-grid percussion keeps you on your toes. It’s lo-fi house with an electro edge, perfect for late-night listens or a moody dancefloor.
Then there’s Katie Kim, whose vocals elevate “Down Below” to another level. Known for her work with doom-folk outfit ØXN alongside Lankum’s Radie Peat, Katie brings an eerie, dreamlike quality to the track. Her voice floats between delicate and distorted, weaving through Kormac’s production like a ghost in the machine. The story behind their collaboration is pure serendipity—Kormac sampled her vocal from “Pause” as a placeholder, only to realize it was the voice for the track. Lucky for us, Katie was all in, and the result is a match made in electronica heaven.
Kormac’s Evolution and the Electronica Scene
Kormac’s no rookie. From his roots as a hip-hop scratch DJ and MPC beat-maker, he’s grown into a composer and producer who’s as comfortable scoring TV series like Steven Knight’s This Town (which snagged two Royal Television Society Awards in 2024) as he is selling out Dublin’s National Concert Hall with his orchestral project Equivalent Exchange. With over 80 million Spotify streams and a resume that includes Glastonbury, Electric Picnic, and tours with heavyweights like Portishead and Nas, Kormac’s a chameleon in the best way. “Down Below” feels like a natural next step, blending his knack for intricate production with a looser, more experimental vibe.
This track also taps into a broader trend in electronica right now: a return to analog, hands-on production. Artists like Four Tet and Bicep are leaning into modular synths and live hardware to create music that feels organic yet futuristic, and Kormac’s right there with them. “Down Below” captures that sweet spot where lo-fi house meets cinematic electro, making it a perfect fit for playlists buzzing with 2025’s underground electronic sounds. Plus, with Kormac’s new audiovisual live show—think immersive visuals paired with his machine-driven beats—this track is just the start of something big.
Why “Down Below” Stands Out
What grabs me most about “Down Below” is its unpredictability. The modular synths give it a living, breathing quality—you can almost hear the patch cables sparking in Kormac’s studio. Katie Kim’s vocals add an emotional anchor, grounding the track’s experimental edge with a human touch. It’s the kind of song that works whether you’re analyzing its layers through headphones or losing yourself to it at a club. The production feels deliberate yet spontaneous, a testament to Kormac’s skill in balancing chaos and control.
Get Your Music Out There with DistroKid
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Final Thoughts
“Down Below” is a bold, exciting step for Kormac, blending his signature storytelling with a raw, machine-driven edge. Katie Kim’s vocals are the cherry on top, making this track a standout in the lo-fi house and electronica scene. I can’t wait to see how Kormac’s new audiovisual show brings this sound to life. What do you think of “Down Below”? Drop your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear how this track hits you! And if you’re an artist ready to share your music, check out that DistroKid link to kickstart your journey.
