MP3 SELECTS: Playlists & New Music from Hayden James, RÜFÜS DU SOL, Barclay Crenshaw & More
In the modern era, distribution services push out over 60,000 new tracks every single day. How do you cut through all the noise, select what to listen to, and boost your playlist game? Introducing MP3 SELECTS, our weekly rundown of new music in the festival sphere. Shuffle through this week’s selections on our MP3 SELECTS playlist and read more about this week’s roundup below:
STAFF SELECTIONS
SELECTS by Mikala Lugen
Hayden James — ‘We Could Be Love’ EP
Australian multi-platinum artist Hayden James has unveiled his anticipated third studio album We Could Be Love. After months of previewing the album with four previously released singles, James has summoned an album that straddles the worlds of classic house, indie dance, and pop. The 11-track collection moves through themes of devotion and timeless, danceable soundscapes. Envisioned for the dancefloor, We Could Be Love is the soundtrack to James’ new Just Friends party series, completing its third edition in Los Angeles over the weekend. Now, James will bring his album anthems to venues and clubs across North America in support of the We Could Be Love Tour this fall.
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The Bloody Beetroots, Steve Aoki, longstoryshort — “Warp 1.9”
After a huge collab with Dillon Francis, longstoryshort has returned to bass house with a fresh take on The Bloody Beetroots’ iconic “Warp 1.9.” Surging with his signature cinematic bass and house sound while keeping the track’s infectious punk rock attitude, longstoryshort took on the classic rave tune, ready to dominate club and festival stages this fall. Coming full circle, the Dim Make team recently took it back to the roots as The Bloody Beetroots headlined the epic return of Dim Mak Tuesdays last month in Los Angeles.
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SELECTS by Connor Phillips
deadmau5 — “Strobe” (Layton Giordani Remix)
Layton Giordani has been showcasing his wizardry as a producer all of 2024 so far, with cutting-edge tracks like “Better Than U Thought” and flips of chart-topping hits like his remix of Dom Dolla’s “girl$.” Now he continues this hot streak with an electrifying official remix of deadmau5’s classic dance anthem “Strobe.”
This remix keeps all the amazing qualities of the original, like the main chord progression it is so widely known for, while introducing a techno flare that is guaranteed to have crowds roaring with excitement.
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DRINKURWATER, VRG — “Big One”
DRINKURWATER’s debut album, RIPPLE, is set to make a major impact on the electronic music scene with its genre-blending sound and unique production. One standout track, “BIG ONE,” featuring VRG, delivers a heavy dose of grimy underground bass, showcasing a powerful collaboration. This track captures the raw energy and intensity of the album, reinforcing DRINKURWATER’s distinct style and pushing the boundaries of bass music. RIPPLE flows with an intentional energy, reflecting the fluidity and forcefulness of water throughout the LP.
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NITTI, BRAYTON — “White Knuckles”
“White Knuckles” blends emo, alt-metal, future bass, and stutter house, marking NITTI’s first collaboration with rising artist BRAYTON. The track expertly fuses early 2000s influences with contemporary electronic production, creating a powerful and dynamic listening experience. BRAYTON’s heartfelt lyrics mesh seamlessly with the intense instrumental, incorporating electric guitar, heavy drumming, and atmospheric effects, making for an impactful sonic journey.
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Steller, AG — “Digital Delusion”
Combining dubstep, hip-hop, and wubby sound design, Steller and AG deliver the electrifying track “Digital Delusion” via bass music label Wubaholics. The song pulls listeners into a psychedelic trance with its echoing instrumental before building momentum through powerful lyrics and intense percussion.
Its energy peaks with a drop filled with heavy wubs, creating an immersive experience perfect for both festival stages and underground raves. With its hypnotic and explosive vibe, “Digital Delusion” promises to captivate audiences and challenge their perception of reality.
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RÜFÜS DU SOL — “Break My Love”
Legendary Australian trio RÜFÜS DU SOL is back at it again with “Break My Love.” Following up recent singles “Music Is Better” and “Lately,” this release comes alongside the announcement of their fifth album, Inhale / Exhale, dropping on October 11th. The album will encompass 15 tracks, including these three musical gems.
“Break My Love” is takes listeners on an emotional journey, welded together by heartfelt lyrics from lead singer Tyrone Lindqvist. Throughout the track, elements of deep house wash over its audience. This mesmerizing tune is complemented by an equally mesmerizing music video, showcasing the band’s creativity beyond their soundscape.
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Justin Jay — “Waiting…”
LA’s own Justin Jay unveils a thrilling, high-paced electro track “Waiting…” from his latest album You Are The One. Known for his dynamic range and exploratory approach to electronic music, Justin takes center stage with his own vocals, adding a personal touch that complements the energetic beats.
The track epitomizes the album’s theme of self-discovery and emotional depth, blending intense rhythms with introspective lyrics. “Waiting…” not only captures the essence of Justin’s artistic evolution but also serves as a standout anthem for listeners navigating the complexities of personal growth and anticipation.
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SELECTS by Logan Sasser
ATYYA, ColtCuts — “Anex”
ATYYA and ColtCuts’ latest collab falls on the heavier side of the spectrum for ATYYA’s catalog, which ranges from downtempo and melodic bass to 140 and traditional dubstep. “Anex” is definitely the latter, and their minimalist, dub-focused aesthetic creates an eerie, energetic atmosphere.
“Anex” is a perfect middle ground that rides the line of classic, deep, wubby dubstep, and a hip, modern aesthetic that approaches the popular UK-inspired sound spearheaded by artists like Hamdi.
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Meduso — “Hiraeth”
Hot off the heels of his Caverns performance with Mersiv, and preceding several upcoming festival performances at WAKKAN Festival and Cyclops Cove 3, Meduso’s “Hiraeth” gives fans a taste of the experimental rock/dubstep blend he’ll be bringing across the country the rest of this year.
“Hiraeth” is a monstrous banger that sounds like an underwater war raging on between ancient tribal nations. It’s a dubstep battle cry, screaming into the abyss with screeching bass sounds and metal-inspired sound design.
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Ahee, WonkyWilla — “The Action (WonkyWilla Remix)”
WonkyWilla’s remix of Ahee’s “The Action” has been a fan-favorite in his catalog since releasing it on SoundCloud earlier this year, amassing 90k streams in 3 months. Now, Jadu Dala has officially released the remix on all streaming platforms, igniting a collaborative spirit between two of dubstep’s wonkiest stars.
“The Action (WonkyWilla Remix)” is as wonky as it gets. It’s also simple, with a sound design that feels chunkier and more stripped back than much of these artists recent releases, highlighting the strange, unparalleled bass sounds that act as the backdrop to this colorful banger.
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Barclay Crenshaw — “Tiramisu”
Barclay Crenshaw is back with another experimental (and when we say experimental, we mean it) bass track, “Tiramisu” which features his daughter, Ella, who drops some adlibs and vocal chants throughout the song.
“Tiramisu” captures the punk rock spirit and joy of creation with Crenshaw’s daughter, and the energetic nature of youthful creative spirits. The track also represents the strange, untraditional production style Barclay Crenshaw has become known for throughout the past few years.
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Mantra Sounds, Abnr — “Hysteria”
Hot off the heels of her performance at REZZ’s all-woman lineup at Red Rocks earlier this month, Mantra Sounds delivers a tranquil liquid drum and bass tune with “Hysteria.”
The track is a fun, pop-adjacent jungle/drum and bass tune that features lighthearted autotune crooning from Abnr, smooth synth passages, and plenty of reverb to sooth the soul. This one is perfect for a study playlist, twilight car rides, or post-concert comedowns.
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Jaenga, GorillaT — “Bear Witness”
Two of dubsteps wonkiest stars, Jaenga and GorillaT, have teamed up to give us a whirling dubstep jam with “Bear Witness.” It’s a track that’s as playful as it is hard hitting, and a welcomed addition to both artists ever-extending catalog of bass music.
“Bear Witness” isn’t a track that re-invents the wheel. Instead, it follows the traditional dubstep formula, seemingly inspired by artists like GRiZ and LSDream’s colorful sound design and wonky bass drops. If you’re a fan of old school-style dubstep with a new school flair, this one is for you.
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Robot Sunrise, Robbie Rivera — “London Public Wifi (Robbie Rivera Remix)”
Robbie Rivera’s new remix for Robot Sunrise’s “London Public Wifi” is a strange glimpse into a futuristic, yet somehow retro-inspired, world that feels like a rave set in the Jetsons’ universe. It’s flooded with autotune, heavy synth layers, and a disco colored aesthetic.
“London Public Wifi (Robbie Rivera Remix)” is a strange, beautiful rave track for European nightclubs, and definitely fit for as robot romance.
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SELECTS by Franz Hilberath
ALIGN — “Staying”
Buzzing indie electronic artist ALIGN is back to reveal the second single, “Staying,” from his forthcoming ‘High Tide’ EP. He’s had a massive year so far, most recently announcing an upcoming set at EDC Orlando along with tour support for Laszewo this fall. “Staying” is a glimmering single that invites listeners in with its calming rhythms and delicate melodies. ALIGN’s masterful production allows each element to breathe, creating a sense of space and depth that is both soothing and emotionally engaging. The song embodies the essence of ALIGN’s music—a soundtrack for the moments in life when you need to unwind and find your center.
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ONHELL, KARAN! — “Foge”
Cultural bass bender and underground event tastemaker, ONHELL unleashes his most cutting-edge EP to date with ‘juntos,’ on Deadbeats label. ONHELL delves into Brazilian rhythms with “FOGE,” a collaboration with Brazilian producer KARAN! This track blends funk breakbeat patterns with dubstep, creating a dynamic fusion of world music and dubstep.This four-track EP serves as a testament to his mission of integrating world influences and bass music fusion, setting a fresh precedent for electronic bass music.
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