The burgeoning beat scene of the Pacific Northwest is so flush with high-quality producers crafting a range of bass and hip-hop music that Seattle-based record label Car Crash Set is already churning through a second cycle of EPs for its No Northwest series, which showcases artists from the region. After dropping five EPs for the series from various West Coasters in 2011, C/C/S’ next No Northwest release will be a split EP from Portland’s Graintable and Seattle’s Kimnusico Trio, which is set for release on January 17. “April O’Neil,” the first track from the record, is a mellow slice of leftfield hip-hop where crooning female oohs and soft synths contrast sharply with the crisp staccato of the song’s fast-paced percussion.

April O’Neil