MP3 SELECTS : Playlists & New Music from Barclay Crenshaw, LEVEL UP, REAPER, & More
In today’s digital age, where over 60,000 tracks are released daily, finding the right music can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Introducing MP3 SELECTS, our weekly rundown of top picks from our staff selections, featuring the latest releases in the festival sphere. Explore these curated tracks on our new Spotify playlist, MP3 SELECTS, where each week’s picks will be sorted for your convenience. Shuffle through this week’s selections on our MP3 SELECTS playlist and read more about this week’s round-up below:
STAFF SELECTIONS
SELECTS by Connor Phillips
DIESEL, LEVEL UP — “NEXT LVL”
This marks the electrifying debut collaboration between DIESEL and dubstep sensation LEVEL UP, aka Sonya Broner. Out now on renowned imprint Monstercat Uncaged, “NEXT LVL” is a partnership that underscores DIESEL’s commitment to genuine connections in the electronic dance music scene. It also merges his colossal presence with LEVEL UP’s innovative sound, promising an unforgettable heavy bass-fueled experience.
Reflecting on the collaboration, LEVEL UP shares, “‘NEXT LVL’ with Shaq was truly an amazing experience. We both originally came from a more hip-hop turntablism background, and we were both so excited to bring some of those elements into the song.”
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The Two Fake Blondes — “Holy Spirit Lead”
Following a year-long break, husband and wife duo, The Two Fake Blondes, make a triumphant return with their latest anthem, “Holy Spirit Lead,” a captivating drum & bass track. Originating as an acoustic demo, the song underwent a metamorphosis into its final DnB arrangement, showcasing the duo’s unwavering passion and creativity.
Since their debut in 2020, The Two Fake Blondes have garnered acclaim for their danceable house tracks, with their 2021 debut album, Out Of The Darkness, receiving praise and support from industry heavyweights like Steve Aoki and Don Diablo. Their venture into drum & bass territory marks a bold and successful departure from their signature sound, signaling an exciting new chapter for the pair.
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SELECTS by Logan Sasser
Barclay Crenshaw — “The Rebel (Ft. Snowy)”
While much of Barclay Crenshaw‘s recently released sophomore LP, Open Channel is surprisingly upbeat and melodic, “The Rebel (Ft. Snowy)” is much more in line with the experimental sounds of modern day bass music you might hear on record labels like WAKAAN and Deadbeats.
Led by eerie, horror-inspired piano keys that fit perfectly into the Friday the 13th movie saga, “The Rebel” is an anxious demonstration of powerful, earth-shaking bass loud enough to wake the Loch Ness Monster from her slumber. It’s a warning call of sorts — one that signals Crenshaw’s compelling interest in ominous sounds, despite much of the lighter material found throughout Open Channel.
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SELECTS by Franz Hilberath
Layton Giordani — “Paranoid”
Layton Giordani debuts on Experts Only with the electrifying techno anthem “Paranoid.” With mentorship from techno legend Adam Beyer and performances on global stages like Drumcode Festival, Giordani showcases his mastery of tension and release in this new school techno gem. A surefire crowd pleaser, “Paranoid” solidifies Giordani’s place among techno’s elite.
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Bleu Clair — “Underwater”
Bleu Clair‘s latest tech house gem, “Underwater,” drops listeners into a hypnotic groove. Released via BLEU LABEL / MCMLXXXI on March 8, the track follows Bleu Clair’s successful 2024 release, “Shake What You Mama.” With a Tomorrowland 2023 performance and support from industry giants like Skrillex and Diplo, Bleu Clair is a rising star in the tech house scene. “Underwater” takes a stripped-back approach, letting the club-ready vocal sample shine amidst pulsating basslines and exotic percussion. Clean and captivating, it’s a testament to Bleu Clair’s ability to craft tracks that resonate with audiences.
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Meduso, MLOTIK — “Turing Test”
Meduso & MLOTIK team up for a nutty collaboration with “Turing Test“. Combining Meduso’s deep, progressive bass with MLOTIK’s dynamic sound design, the track offers a sonic journey filled with intense grooves and rich soundscapes. With both artists gearing up for festival appearances and exciting projects, “Turing Test” is poised to ignite their momentum in the electronic music scene. Fun fact: the vocal is pulled from this eery album teaser from The Black Keys’ Turn Blue album. Read more about Meduso and MLOTIK via our 2023 and 2022 interviews linked HERE and HERE, respectively.
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SunSquabi — “Cloudburst”
SunSquabi introduces their latest EP, Cloudburst, as the fourth and final release, marking the latest chapter of their hydro-funk saga. Released independently on March 8, this collection, including the lead single “Trick Shots,” showcases the trio’s innovative fusion of live electronic music and jam band elements.
READ — SunSquabi: The Healing Power of Music, Red Rocks
“Cloudburst,” the title track, stands as the centerpiece, offering a compelling blend of fluid electronic rhythms and funk-driven grooves. As SunSquabi headlined Denver’s Mission Ballroom this past weekend, Cloudburst reflects their resilience and creativity during challenging times.
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Justin Jay, Bayer & Waits – “Wait For The Drop – VIP Edit”
Check out the latest release from Justin Jay, as he delivered his first ever dubstep EP, Wait For The Drop, on Deadbeats. This EP offers three unique renditions of the title track, including a VIP radio edit that brings nostalgic electronic vibes reminiscent of the 2014 trap era. With rhythmic saw leads and tangy vocals, this wonky bop promises to captivate festival audiences with its explosive energy.
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REAPER — “COLD CASE”
Check out “COLD CASE,” the latest track from REAPER‘s album CHALLENGER, featuring the return of vocal talents Bella Renee. This marks their first collaboration since their hit track “IMY,” which garnered over 19 million streams.
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DIVE INTO OUR MP3 SELECTS PLAYLIST ON SPOTIFY TO CHECK OUT THE REST OF THIS WEEK’S TOP NEW TRACKS!
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