The friendly rivalry between Monstercat and NCS enters its latest chapter with “Musical Journey,” the newest installment of their 15-year anniversary showdown. Arriving Wednesday, September 2, the round brings Monstercat’s cinematic powerhouse Brian Tyler and his new audiovisual project ARE WE DREAMING against NCS favorites Netrum and Halvorsen, with each side delivering a contrasting track that contributes to the same larger story.
Representing Monstercat, Brian Tyler introduces ARE WE DREAMING with “GODLIKE,” a dark and ominous electronic production that channels the cinematic scale that has defined his career. Built around robotic textures, imposing sound design and an unmistakable sense of tension, the track marks the beginning of an ambitious new chapter for the acclaimed composer as he expands his storytelling into the world of electronic music.
With more than two decades of experience scoring some of the biggest film and video game franchises in the world, Tyler has contributed music to projects including Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron, Fast & Furious, Assassin’s Creed and Call of Duty. With ARE WE DREAMING, that experience translates into an electronic project designed to blur the boundaries between music, visual art and immersive storytelling.
On the NCS side, Netrum and Halvorsen answer with “Glowing,” taking the showdown in an entirely different direction. Bright tropical grooves, vibrant instrumentation and uplifting synths give the track an energetic, feel-good character that highlights the duo’s melodic synth-pop approach.
Longtime contributors to NCS, Netrum and Halvorsen have developed a strong presence within the label’s community. Their standout track “Phoenix” played a central role in NCS’ 10-year anniversary campaign, while their music has continued to connect with the gaming world through projects such as NCS x Geometry Dash: Volume 1. Their 2024 collaboration “Backstreet Boy” was also included on the compilation.
With “GODLIKE” bringing the darkness and “Glowing” supplying the light, the latest Monstercat vs. NCS round highlights the dramatically different ways electronic music can approach storytelling, atmosphere and emotion.
The rivalry itself dates back to 2011, when NCS and Monstercat emerged as two of the defining forces in the rapidly expanding internet music landscape. Both labels helped introduce millions of listeners to electronic music through YouTube, gaming, creator culture and online communities, developing catalogs that became deeply intertwined with the digital generation.
Over the years, the crossover between their audiences has fueled a playful debate over which label has built the stronger catalog. Now, 15 years after both labels began their journeys, NCS vs Monstercat: 15 Year Anniversary transforms that long-running fan discussion into a full-fledged musical competition.
Rather than simply revisiting their respective histories, the anniversary campaign places artists from both sides against one another across a series of themed rounds, highlighting the different sounds and creative identities that have allowed NCS and Monstercat to remain influential forces in electronic music.
With “Musical Journey,” Brian Tyler and ARE WE DREAMING bring cinematic darkness to the competition, while Netrum and Halvorsen counter with a brighter, more uplifting sound. Together, the two releases demonstrate the creative range that has made the Monstercat and NCS catalogs so influential over the past 15 years.
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