Helsinki-based newcomer Dj Sofa has announced the upcoming release of their debut Ep on Up Ya Archives Records, titled Lionheart, set to drop on 12 November 2025. The title track, ‘Lionheart’, is available to stream now, marking the artist’s entry into the label’s roster of new-gen junglism. Fans of underground 150-170bpm dance music can anticipate this moody addition to the scene.
Drawing inspiration from pioneering duo Digital & Spirit, ‘Lionheart’ delivers a mysterious energy through an organic-meets-machine dub sensibility. The track features hypnotic chants and meditative basslines, creating a harsh yet mesmerising soundscape that allows the amen break to breathe with emotional intensity. This vibe extends across the full Ep, which conceptually explores themes of bravery, self-determination, and resilience amid uncertainty.
Dj Sofa shared their vision for the track, stating: “I’ve got a real respect for all the different styles of jungle and drum & bass, and when I made this track, I just wanted people to feel something. The thought of ‘Lionheart’ playing in a dark, sweaty basement rave at four in the morning while everyone’s going nuts, really excites me.” Rooted in a passion for 90s and early 2000s jungle, the production honours the era’s raw spirit while advancing it into contemporary territory.
The Ep represents a milestone for Dj Sofa, who has quickly risen in the scene despite operating under the alias for just a few years. Notable releases include a collaboration with Tim Reaper, ‘Helsinki to London Connection’, on Future Retro, alongside drops on N4, Straight Up Breakbeat, and Ruff n Tuff. Performances at iconic events like Rupture London, combined with influences from nineties jungle and childhood favourites such as The Prodigy, have solidified their reputation among underground enthusiasts.
Up Ya Archives x NTS Radio residency offers a prime platform for discovering new-gen junglism, with monthly shows highlighting global talent in the genre. Dj Sofa will feature an exclusive guest mix on the next installment, airing on 7 November, providing fans an early taste of their dynamic style. Tuning in promises exposure to both emerging artists and established names pushing boundaries at those tempos.
Launched in spring 2025 as the official home for innovative jungle sounds, Up Ya Archives is spearheaded by Nia Archives, whose journey began with a 2021 party in Manchester drawing 200 attendees. The brand has since exploded, selling out a 10,000-capacity Warehouse Project takeover in the same city a year later. Committed to inclusivity, it prioritises safe spaces for women, people of colour, and Northern youth, exemplified by initiatives like the 2023 Bad Gyalz rave and a women-only Boiler Room set in Nottingham for International Women’s Day, hosted by Charity Shop Sue.
With 8-12 releases planned annually, Up Ya Archives continues to pay homage to jungle’s roots while elevating future producers. Dj Sofa’s Lionheart aligns perfectly with this mission, blending personal storytelling with high-energy production poised to resonate in basements and beyond. For more on the label, follow Up Ya Archives on Instagram and Bandcamp.
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