Richard Durand – ‘Reactivate’
“This [‘Reactivate‘] is an LP born out of hope. Every clubber has either had, or is going to get that moment when belief turns to reality. I had mine at Dreamstate back in November of 2021. Unlocking some of the tracks from this album there for the first time was about as uplifting and belief-bringing as I had last year. It finally allowed me to see, not where we’ve been, but where we’re going. The proverbial light at the end of the tunnel, and growing brighter all the time.”
— Richard Durand
Cedric Gervais – ‘Hype’
So deep and dirty fans won’t know what hit them, Cedric Gervais’ latest on Delecta Records instantly gets the crowd excited. With grooves so infectious it could cause a widespread panic, ‘Hype‘ will have clubbers jumping up and down every chance they get.
Talla 2XLC – ‘The Rebel’
Talla 2XLC returns after his explosive Dreamstate performance with his official remake of the Bonzai / Yves de Ruyter classic ‘The Rebel‘. The full on uplifting signature style of Talla 2XLC is loud and proud with psy tech kicks and nasty basslines. The long and atmospheric breakdown is decorated with plenty of orchestral strings while the well-known dark and sinister synthy riff of the classic explodes in the thunderous crescendo moment. This is a top notch remake by Talla 2XLC out now on Technoclub Retro.
The Chainsmokers – ‘High’
“The song [‘High‘] perfectly captures the spirit of today’s relationships, the lengths we will go for someone we love, and the lies we tell ourselves to continue on unhappily. However, underlying these dark and often contentious lyrics is a production that feels celebratory because we all know at the end of the day, we never listen to advice, we do what feels best for ourselves and keep telling ourselves it will be different this time.”
— The Chainsmokers
Giuseppe Ottaviani – ‘Fade Away’
While in many respects Mila Josef’s voice conveys quiet fortitude & determination, there’s little escaping the infinite sadness behind her words. Giuseppe Ottaviani’s production on ‘Fade Away‘ plays to Mila’s considerable vocal strengths, but also counterbalances the lament with just the right amount of drive and floor-flint.
Armin van Buuren x Sam Gray – ‘Human Touch’
Five-time #1 DJ in the world Armin van Buuren issues one of his most infectious productions to date, together with the globally esteemed singer-songwriter behind #1 U.S. Dance radio hit ‘Unbreakable’ (with TELYKast). From the irresistibly uplifting piano chords of the radio edit to the energetic demeanor of its club-tailored counterpart to the eruptive vocals of Sam Gray supercharging both sides of the same coin, ‘Human Touch‘ is the song fans have been craving for so long.
Tom Staar – ‘By Your Side (feat. Nathan Nicholson)’
Speaking of unconditional support and a shoulder to lean on, ‘By Your Side‘ brings to light a new side of Tom Staar’s famed production aesthetic. Supporting Nathan Nicholson’s sirenic vocals with a driving low end and a brilliant melodic hook, this track is meant to empower all who hear.
Krewella – ‘I’m just a monster underneath, my darling’
“‘I’m just a monster underneath, my darling‘ is a story told from dual perspectives: both the victim and antagonist, the predator and prey. Through anger, despair, and power, this song explores the possibility that below the surface, perhaps both exist in everyone, regardless of who they see themselves as in the narrative.”
— Krewella
Andrew Rayel x Takis – ‘Closer (AVIRA Remix)’
Once again showcasing his triple-A remix capabilities, AVIRA issues a rework of ‘Closer‘ that has no trouble getting the club crowd going. Pushing Andrew Rayel and Takis’ original version into melodic techno territory with a deep and driving bassline, enigmatic melodies and Zagata’s beguiling vocals, the Canadian DJ and producer further cements his status as one of the most exciting names in dance music today.
Topic x Robin Schulz x Nico Santos x Paul van Dyk – ‘In Your Arms (For An Angel)’
Chart-topping German-Croatian DJ/producer Topic, house legend Robin Schulz and German singer-songwriter Nico Santos team up to bring a poignant update of the anthemic Paul van Dyk trance hit ‘For An Angel‘ to a new generation. Released by Astralwerks today in the U.S., ‘In Your Arms (For An Angel)‘ is centered around the beautiful piano riff from van Dyk’s all-time dance classic. A mellow, deep house groove underpins Santos’ yearning vocals alongside soft chords and warm bass tones. It’s joyous and melancholic and infectious all at once.
Party Favor – ‘Superhuman (feat. K.Flay)’
Ultra Records celebrates the arrival of ‘Superhuman‘, a song by Party Favor and K.Flay. The title of the track refers to humans with enhanced characteristics that go beyond what is naturally found in us. Here alt-rock has its moment. This radio-ready jam incorporates catchy guitar riffs, steady kickdrums and a thumping bassline, showing off fresh aspects of Party Favor’s obvious versatility and featuring the always enticing stylings of singer and multi-instrumentalist K.Flay.
Yoel Lewis – ‘Dubai’
Placing his solar-powered sound into the limelight again, Israeli producer Yoel Lewis makes his long-anticipated debut on A State Of Trance with one of his most anthemic productions yet. Decked out with sunlit melodies, soaring synths and a beat drop that instantly elevates listeners, ‘Dubai‘ comes with so much charm and dance floor appeal fans won’t even try to resist.
Onova – ‘Ad Astra’
Returning to Who’s Afraid Of 138?! after 2017’s ‘Revive‘, Swedish producer Onova delivers yet another cut of cosmic proportions. Lighting up the night sky with sparkling melodies and mesmerizing piano play that hints at something beyond, ‘Ad Astra‘ lifts listeners up so high they might as well soar to the stars and back again.
The Librarian – ‘miss u’
“‘miss u‘ EP is an ode to the rave, to the dance floor, and to the wildly eccentric community of music lovers who were separated over the past two years. Composed in my basement studio at oddly early hours of the morning, the EP is a hopeful story intended for when we meet again surrounded by sound. ‘Howe Sound‘ is where I call home. I work and play on the traditional, ancestral and unceded Indigenous territories of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish) people. It is where I learned to appreciate beauty in the colour grey. Mist floats up from the rainforest canopy painting pictures in the sky. Winters are dark and cool but when you embrace the wet environment it is powerful and moving. The first single captures the mood of winters in ‘Howe Sound’.”
— The Librarian
KILL SCRIPT – ‘Forever (feat. Crooked Bangs)’
After debuting on Armada Music with his two-track ‘THE FALL‘ EP, KILL SCRIPT issues another banger that underlines his standout production aesthetic. Moving into a melodious, vocal-infused space after setting the mood with a deep and gloomy intro section, ‘Forever (feat. Crooked Bangs)‘ will make listeners hit repeat until the end of time itself.
Damon Sharpe x VIVID – ‘First Time’
After working together with Morgan Page on Top 10 dance radio hit ‘Fire & Gold‘, award-winning producer and songwriter Damon Sharpe and Tokyo-based producer VIVID bump fists again for another release on Armada Music. Decked out with velveteen vocals that gracefully complement its strong and snappy production, this track makes every listen feel as good as the ‘First Time‘.
DESTRUCTO x DJ Glen – ‘Distorted Reality’
DESTRUCTO returns to his tech house roots for an unexpected collaborative track with DJ Glen, one of the most brilliant and creative producers to come out of Brazil. Together, the two question the reality of the world we are living in through a pulsating production with ‘Distorted Reality‘.
Niiko x SWAE – ‘Way That I Move’
Helmed by sexy vocals and an equally seductive groove, Niiko x SWAE’s ‘Way That I Move‘ immediately catches listeners in the heat of the moment. Hot, sensual and even a bit spicy at times, this track offers so much dance floor appeal things are destined to get steamy.
Funk Cartel x Ultra Naté – ‘Supernatural (GotSome Remix)’
Dripping in funk-fuelled attitude, and with more than a touch of musical swagger, comes the brand new GotSome remix of Funk Cartel and Ultra Naté’s soulful summer single ‘Supernatural‘ on Norman Cook’s Loaded / Skint Records.
Kasztan – ‘Celeste’
Deftly balancing post-rock sensibilities with the emotive grandeur of ambient techno, Kasztan’s ‘Celeste‘ EP represents his love for richly cinematic instrumentals and epic apex moments. With immense theoretical knowledge and innate musicality to his name, Pierre-Marie Maulini’s new sound profile serves as a welcomed progressive voice in the industry; straddling a host of musical references from his past to craft a new perspective on electronic music.
*Featured image via Richard Durand, Cedric Gervais, Damon Sharpe and The Librarian*
