We’ve put together a must-hear selection of some dance music numbers from across the spectrum that we think you should check out.
October has been yet another exciting month for dance music, with standout releases coming from every corner of the electronic spectrum. From house and techno to dubstep, Afro house, drum & bass, and even the rekindled love for that Eurodance-trance hybrid sound, the landscape of dance music is thriving and able to balance demand and supply of quality releases.
We’ve seen a wave of long-awaited albums finally land this month; some of these album releases have marked major milestones in careers, while some have redefined their sound entirely. Going by the sheer volume of music being released, we know how overwhelming it can be to keep up with the constant flow of new music, so we’ve done the heavy lifting for you and picked a selection of essential dance tracks released over the past four weeks that you should consider adding to your playlist, whether you’re on the move, in the zone at work, or just kicking back and recharging!
Massuma – ‘Sikasso’ Feat. Nahawa Doumbia
London-based DJ and producer whose debut single, ‘Contesto,’ quickly became one of the most talked-about Afro house tracks of this summer. He has now returned with yet another powerful offering, with Nahawa Doumbia, one of the leading singers of Wassoulou music, a craft synonymous with southern Mali on ‘Sikasso.’ Steady, organic, and full of motion, the track is a magnetic Afro house cut that channels ancestral echoes into a contemporary pulse.
Mandidextrous, Samurai Breaks – ‘Ravers Anonymous’ Ft. Leanne Louise
Just a few months after collaborating on ‘Phonecall Riddim,’ Mandidextrous and Samurai Breaks have delivered a seamless follow-up on their previous joint release. Bringing the iconic vocal talents of Leanne Louise, ‘Ravers Anonymoys’ merges Samurai Breaks’ masterful drum programming with Mandidextrous’ signature 4×4 flow; the tune blends three distinctive and prolific styles that culminate into one cohesive anthem.
Nicolo Simonelli – ‘Sukano’
Italian mainstay Nicolo Simonelli will make his debut on Junior Jack’s ever-growing Adesso Music on November 7 with ‘Sukano;’ a rich and emotive Afro house journey that reflects his evolving sonic palette. Glowing piano chords and pulsating bass flicker like fading embers amongst rolling organic percussion, while smoky, emotive vocals evoke a sense of late-night introspection and raw vulnerability, ‘Sukano’ sees Nicolo Simonelli further refine this stylistic direction.
Pete Tong, Monolink, Moblack & Max Zotti – ‘Apocalypse’ Remixes
Following the success of Pete Tong, MoBlack, Max Zotti and Monolink’s acclaimed reimagining of Cigarettes After Sex’s modern classic ‘Apocalypse’ earlier this year, the track now enters a bold new chapter with some standout remixes on Berlin-based label Embassy One. Enlisting a handpicked selection of prestigious international talent, the release sees Tripolism, Anton Khabbaz, and Zamna Soundsystem and Andro each put their own stamp on the record, reshaping its haunting beauty into distinct and dynamic forms.
Lee Foss & Gabss – ‘So Hot’ Ft. Xkylar
Chicago-born powerhouse Lee Foss returns to home turf with a high-octane collaboration alongside Gabss and XKYLAR, ‘So Hot,’ on his Repopulate Mars imprint. Perfect for peak-time, strobe-lit floors, ‘So Hot’ delivers a blistering tech house workout packed with future-facing synths, slamming drums, and a monstrous bassline. The sultry vocal line drips with sensuality over the gritty, physical groove, adding just the right touch of tension and heat.
Ferreck Dawn – ‘Serious’
Known for his chart-topping releases on labels Defected, Relief and Kitball, Mark Knight’s Toolroom Records has now welcomed Ferreck Dawn onto the label for his infectious new production, ‘Serious.’ The track has become somewhat of a secret weapon over the summer with its heavyweight production, 80s feel-good vibes and a seriously catchy vocal. Finally getting a full release, this powerhouse of a cut from the house maestro is set to make heavy DJ set rotations.
Etherwood – ‘Hidden’
The moment you see a new Etherwood release on your screen, you’re sure to be taken on an emotional drum & bass journey like very, very few can. In his 2021 album ‘Neon Dust,’ Etherwood explicitly tied his music to meditation and personal discovery, and ‘Hidden,’ with its piano/guitar-led melodies, organic instrumentation, and lush pads, suggests a similar theme of something veiled or introspective while drawing on Etherwood’s penchant for thematic focus on self-exploration and ambient spaces.
Calyx – ‘Repurcussion’
Veteran drum & bass producer Calyx continues his unstoppable winning streak and releases yet another evolution of his sound on Kasra’s Critical Music with a masterfully crafted piece of sonic art, ‘Repercussion.’ True to its name, the tune is built around a hypnotic percussive framework that sees Calyx steer away from high-octane aggression in favor of a more restrained, groove-driven energy that thrives on its rhythmic progression rather than brute force.
Rygby – ‘Mouthbreather’
Five years after his last appearance on White Peach Records, UK-based dubstep beat machine Rygby makes a resounding return to the legendary label with the ‘Over Line’ EP. Known for his meticulous production style and razor-sharp low-end design, Rygby has delivered a four-track showpiece that defines his dark, sophisticated, and intricately layered dubstep sound.
Our pick from the EP is the deep, steppy, grime-influenced ‘Mouthbreather,’ a rolling and tightly wound hypnotic number that is built for the dark spaces of a low-lit underground club.
S-Pazz – ‘CE Matin La?’ (Tour Maubourg Spiritual Mix)
It wouldn’t be a stretch to call French DJ and producer Tour-Maubourg a magician. There’s a certain warmth and finesse to his music that defines his touch: an effortless blend of groove, soul, and emotion that turns even the simplest of melodies into something golden.
The timeless and radiating charm of his easy-going music is once again on full display in his stunning rework of S-Pazz’s ‘Ce Matin-Là,’ a track that feels like it was tailor-made for Tour-Maubourg’s brand of lush and soulful house music. He transforms the original into a sun-drenched journey, infusing it with delicate chords and buttery basslines that are simply made for the beach.
Tech Panda x Kenzani – ‘JIJA’
Delhi-based electronica producer duo Tech Panda x Kenzani, one of the biggest purveyors of blending Indian, classical and folk tunes that transcends all the conventionalities of dance music, have returned with their signature blend of folktronica with ‘Jija.’ Centred around a very popular Punjabi gidda song ‘Jeeja Kalrha Kyun Aaya,’ Tech Panda x Kenzani infuses the old folk song with a flamboyance that’s as suited to wedding celebrations as it is to club dancefloors.
Flava D & Stush – ‘Energy’
Versatility has always been Flava D’s superpower. She is one of those rare producers who can move seamlessly between genres with total ease and authority and maneuver through the complexities of garage, bassline, drum & bass, and dubstep while always maintaining that unmistakable clean and heavyweight production flair.
Her latest collaboration with Stush, titled ‘Energy,’ is a prime example of that fluid mastery. It’s a heavyweight roller that does exactly what its title promises: radiating pure energy through deep basslines, snapping percussion, and Stush’s commanding vocal delivery. It’s a tune that captures the spirit of UK sound system culture while still feeling fresh and forward-looking.
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