Happy Hump Day! Check out some of our favorite recent dance music releases to help you get through the week. Inside, you’ll find gorgeous new tunes from 1tbp, IMANU x The Glitch Mob, Lefti, JACKNIFE, and many more.
TOBY – AIN’T IT (FT. CHELSEA WARNER)
Emerging from Australia’s Gold Coast, Toby Nolan – alias Toby -, an electro-house music maestro whose sounds evoke comparisons to the likes of Kaytranada, Flume, and SG Lewis, is set to charm the music world. Gearing up to unveil a series of fresh tracks, Toby introduces us to the sun-soaked rhythms of ‘Aint It‘, a collaborative gem with the enchanting Sydney-based singer/songwriter, Chelsea Warner. Originating during the Covid-19 lockdown of 2020, the song is a love child of Nolan and Warner’s shared fondness for bouncy R&B, with Kaytranada reigning as their muse. While a hard drive hiccup nearly cost Toby the finished piece, a fortuitous backup preserved the song. Toby has since decided it’s time to bless the world with what he believes is his most treasured production to date. The anticipation is palpable – has Toby’s musical prowess, combined with Chelsea’s golden vocals, crafted the perfect electro-house anthem? Only time will tell.
JACKNIFE – THE BLADED ROOM EP [BLADED BLACK RECORDS]
Also hailing from Australia, bass producer JACKNIFE unveils his latest sensation, “THE BLADE ROOM” EP. A 6-track masterpiece, it artfully meshes new offerings with recent hits like “NEED2KNOW,” “MOVE,” and “4U.” The EP’s release follows his celebrated U.S. debut at the iconic Sound Nightclub and marks the culmination of the first leg of his inaugural U.S. tour. With tracks ranging from the energetic beats of “MOVE” to the profound bass resonance of “HIVE MIND” and “TAKE ME,” JACKNIFE marries his classic sound with fresh, energetic twists, delivering a rich auditory experience. This dynamic blend of house and bass is set to take center stage in the upcoming second leg of his THE BLADE ROOM Tour. Fresh off a successful debut U.S. tour – including a standout performance at SVDDEN DEATH‘s sold-out L.A. show – JACKNIFE’s new EP is not only a nod to his evolving genius but also solidifies his stance as a trailblazer in the global bass community.
DAINJAZONE x REDFOO – LONG LIVE PARTY ROCK (SAK NOEL REMIX)
The party anthem “Long Live Party Rock” by Dainjazone and LMFAO’s iconic Redfoo is electrifying charts globally. Redfoo, known for delivering global anthems with LMFAO and his music lineage extending to Motown’s Berry Gordy Jr., marks a triumphant return after a six-year hiatus with the undeniably catchy new tune. The Latin Grammy-nominated, Gold & Platinum-certified DJ Sak Noel amplifies the excitement, remixing the track with his signature Latin House infusion. Noel, celebrated for his collaborations with the likes of Pitbull and Madonna and pioneering fusions in the Latin music arena, is also teasing the music scene with Jungle Tech, an emerging sub-genre. The “Long Live Party Rock” remix journey further expanded with contributions from talents like Audio1’s dual-toned remixes and Rye & Josh Stylez’s club-tuned interpretation. Meanwhile, Dainjazone, a revered figure across American clubs, is gearing up for his forthcoming EP, “Evolution In Progress. Vol 2.” With Redfoo’s unrivaled music pedigree, Sak Noel’s innovative beats, and Dainjazone’s eclectic DJ prowess, the electronic music realm is set for a mesmerizing sonic carnival.
GAMMER x RUNN – ROOTS [MONSTERCAT]
Gammer, a titan in the Monstercat community and the wider dance music realm, known for his signature fusion of UK hardcore and dubstep, unveils his latest festival anthem, “Roots,” in collaboration with the evocative vocalist, RUNN. Debuting today, this track promises more than just auditory allure—it’ll also feature in the globally-acclaimed online game, Rocket League. “Roots” dives straight into the heart, with RUNN’s soulful lyrics leading to a pulsating bassline and culminating in an unmistakably Gammer-esque drop, reminiscent of euphoric festival main stages. This isn’t the first time Gammer has enchanted audiences; hits like “THE DROP,” hailed as the most-played track at EDC Las Vegas 2018, and remixes for the likes of SLANDER and A-Trak, are testimonies to his musical genius. Gammer’s presence has also electrified crowds at grand stages like Tomorrowland and Ultra. With “Roots” offering just a taste of his upcoming brilliance, fans should brace themselves for more exhilarating releases and live sets from this seasoned artist in the near future.
1TBSP – BEST OF ME [SUMOCLIC]
Grammy-nominated Australian artist Maxwell Byrne, renowned as Golden Vessel, continues his journey into a refreshing sonic terrain with his side project, 1tbsp. Melding the intricate sounds reminiscent of luminaries like Daphni (Caribou), Four Tet, and DJ Koze, 1tbsp has recently teased fans with catchy singles, ‘Sleeves Touch My Elbows’ and ‘Circuit Current.’ The excitement doesn’t stop there, as Byrne recently launched his debut LP, an eight-track album, “Mosquito Love.” The lead single, ‘Best of Me,‘ is a vibrant indie-house track pulsating with echoing synths and a captivating vocal sample, promising to set any party alight. Eager fans can dive into ‘Best of Me’ now and ensure they’re among the first to experience “Mosquito Love” by streaming it across all platforms.
LEFTI – GET WHAT YOU WANT (FT. BRANDON MARKELL HOLMES) [WHORE HOUSE]
Brooklyn-based house sensation LEFTI, the brainchild of the multifaceted musician Alex Suarez, drops yet another electric banger, “Get What You Want,” in collaboration with the dynamic Brandon Markell Holmes, known for his contributions with Gorillaz and Muscle Cars. This track effortlessly melds vintage funk vibes with contemporary soundscapes, punctuated by Holmes’ charismatic monologue. Suarez, renowned for his vast discography featured on labels like Toolroom and Love & Other, has risen as a colossal figure in the global house scene. His exceptional remixing skills have caught the attention of music industry giants like Atlantic, Warner, and Universal, and his creations have garnered accolades from renowned artists such as Calvin Harris and Disclosure. As 2023 unfolds, LEFTI is poised to further dominate the live music scene, promising vibrant shows echoing with his signature sound. Having shared the stage with luminaries like MK and Dombresky, a LEFTI gig is nothing short of rhythmic euphoria. Reflecting on his collaboration with Holmes, LEFTI shares the duo’s camaraderie and mutual enthusiasm in creating a track that’s equal parts confidence, fun, and infectious groove.
THE GLITCH MOB x IMANU – DREAM SEQUENCE [DEADBEATS]
Electronic maestro IMANU, also known as Jonathan Kievit, and LA’s trailblazing and globally revered duo, The Glitch Mob, join forces to serve an audial feast with their single, “Dream Sequence” out now on Zeds Dead’s prestigious label, Deadbeats. Hailing from the French island of Saint-Denis, Réunion, and nurtured musically in the Netherlands, IMANU’s eclectic roots permeate his “future breaks” style, which saw early inspiration from house music and later guidance from Dutch trio Noisia. “Dream Sequence” is more than a track – it’s a symphony that converges the innovative flair of IMANU and The Glitch Mob’s pulsating rhythms, embodying the contemporary minimalist wave in dance music. Riding on the wave of his debut LP, UNFOLD, and its subsequent remixes, IMANU’s soaring trajectory has even earned him a coveted spot in EDM.com’s Class of 2023. As the electronic community awaits with bated breath, “Dream Sequence” stands as a beacon of IMANU’s prodigious artistry and collaborative prowess.
HOMEMADE SPACESHIP – GASSED UP
Denver-based DJ, producer, and multi-instrumentalist, Homemade Spaceship is propelling the bass music scene to interstellar heights. With a decade under his belt, he has morphed his metal and hip-hop origins into a unique concoction of electro-soul, boasting collaborations with the likes of Maddy O’Neal and SoDown. Now, he’s setting the stage for his debut album, “Ghost Ride The Spaceship” – a testament to his knack for crafting bass-laden, genre-defying bangers. The latest offering, “Gassed Up”, is an electrifying dubstep track filled with ethereal melodies, contrasting synth arpeggios, and earth-quaking drops. It’s not just about the sound; it’s an experience, transporting listeners into the depths of the cosmos. Mark your calendars for August 19, when Homemade Spaceship brings his eclectic mix of electric guitar and flute-infused bass sets to Cervantes’ Masterpiece Ballroom in Denver, and later to the Glow Hard Music & Arts Festival in Portland, ME. In a universe filled with predictable beats, Homemade Spaceship is the star to watch.
RIELL – HAPPY FOR YOU
RIELL, the multifaceted artist revered for seamlessly merging music with immersive visuals, drops her latest single “Happy For You,” underscoring her dominant presence in the industry. With a staggering 500 million streams and collaborations with heavyweights like Blasterjaxx and Excision, RIELL’s artistic trajectory is nothing short of meteoric. “Happy For You” serves as a precursor to her eagerly awaited 18-track album, ‘Hymns for the Bitter.‘ But this isn’t just music; RIELL elevates the experience with an innovative 10-minute video game and distinct visuals for each song, pushing the boundaries of what an album can be. The track itself, a fusion of pop and rock, delves into the tumultuous feelings of seeing an ex-partner flourish in a new relationship. RIELL’s candid quote reveals the song’s genesis, stemming from a passive-aggressive social media update by her ex, which she cleverly intertwines in the song and its laundromat-set vignette. Through her art, RIELL continues to masterfully navigate the realms of music, visuals, and raw emotion.
44 ARDENT – DON’T GIVE UP ON ME [MAMMAL SOUNDS]
Enigmatic Australian producer (and Knockturnal favorite), 44 Ardent, is carving a unique niche in the music scene with sounds reminiscent of renowned artists Caribou, Tourist, and Odesza. Displaying unparalleled dedication, 44 Ardent set an ambitious mission to grace fans with a new single every month, and as we approach mid-August, he delivers a stimulating indie-dance track, “don’t give up on me.” The track is a testament to his free-spirited experimentation, aiming to encapsulate the emotions of feeling swamped and the need to retreat. While 2022’s “intothedeep” album showcased a structured and defined style, 2023 has been a voyage of sonic exploration for the artist. Although he aims to release a cohesive project in the coming year, his current phase is all about embracing creative freedom and delighting in the journey. “Don’t give up on me” resonates with listeners, addressing the necessity for breaks in life, the urgency for clear communication, and the emotional roller coaster that sometimes ensues. In his words, 44 Ardent believes in the essence of fun in creation, a spirit that is vividly mirrored in his eclectic tracks.
