MP3 SELECTS: Playlists & New Music from Gryffin, BLOND:ISH, ISOKNOCK & 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
Gryffin, Ethan Holt — “FALLING TO PIECES”
We’ve got a pulse, thanks to Gryffin. The dance music maverick has unveiled his highly anticipated third studio album PULSE, and it’s everything we’ve wanted and more for this last month of summer. The 14-track album features a slew of high profile collaborations, including Disco Lines, Armin van Buuren, Elderbrook, Rita Ora, among others. Listening through, you’ll hear an early-mid 2000s influence, encapsulated by progressive house, techno, DnB, deep tech, trance, among others. “FALLING TO PIECES” is a new standout track on the album, a fast-paced melodic DnB piece led by Ethan Holt’s soulful vocals.
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Funkstar De Luxe, Fred V — “Sun Is Shining”
Bob Marley meets DnB. As if the absolute classic couldn’t get any better, drum and bass icon Fred V feeds into Funkstar De Luxe’s take on Bob Marley’s “Sun Is Shining” for a proper club-crashing rendition. Merging driving beats, throbbing bass, and frenzied synth salvos with the classic vocals, it’s a full force recharge that deserves the replay button.
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Close To Monday — “Flight”
Synth-pop duo Close To Monday have released the new single, “Flight,” taking fans on a techno journey. Effortlessly blending darkwave pop with modern techno elements, the track is both emotionally resonant and irresistibly danceable. This latest track release marks the European duo’s pivot to a more joyful tone, showcasing the versatility of the duo’s unique style. While they haven’t played much in the U.S., fans can look forward to hearing “Flight” as well as other notable tracks from the duo for a plotted tour in the U.S. this fall.
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SELECTS by Logan Sasser
ISOKNOCK — “4EVR”
Whispers of an official ISOKNOCK project have been circulating for years. The trap-forward duo, comprised of ISOxo and Knock2 have been working together since day one of their projects, and have given new life to the trap genre, bringing fresh new sounds and explosive energy to stages and festivals across the world. But, despite touring together for several years, very few official collaborations were officially released up to this point. Their debut album, 4EVR finally changes that.
The album is jam packed with trap bangers, heavy sound design, and party-ready tunes meant for stadium sound systems. “Trouble” is a standout, thanks to it’s west coast bounce and high-pitched synthesizers that eventually fade into an explosive trap/bassline fusion.
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RÜFÜS DU SOL — “Lately”
RÜFÜS DU SOL is back with their second release of 2024. The track, “Lately” is a subtle twist on the classic RÜFÜS DU SOL formula, which leads with beautiful, anthemic electronica and house-focused melodies.
“Lately” still adheres to this formula, but it has an energy that feels more club-ready than much of the group’s previous discography. Still, everything about this track screams RÜFÜS DU SOL.
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ATYYA — “Convex”
ATYYA has been on a tear this year, releasing his THE INDIVISIBLE album, remixes for ENiGMA Dubz, and several incredible performances at festivals like Texas Eclipse and shambhala. His newest tune, “Convex” mimics this hot streak with soundscapes in line with artists like Of The Trees and Esseks.
“Convex” is a playful expedition into experimental bass music and melodic dub inspiration. It’s simple, to the point, and undeniably effective. Somehow, it still manages to feel complex and intelligent while staying true to its stripped back nature.
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OLAN — “On Your Own”
From her sophomore album Floating Worlds, OLAN presents “On Your Own,” a track that seamlessly blends introspective lyrics with her signature soundscapes of melodic house and downtempo rhythms. Reflecting on themes of independence and self-discovery, this track stands out with its poignant vocals and lush, immersive production that echoes influences from the likes of Bonobo and Tycho. As OLAN explores deeper into her artistic journey, “On Your Own” highlights her prowess in crafting songs that resonate with listeners’ innermost thoughts and feelings.
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SELECTS by Connor Phillips
CASSIMM — “House Thing” (LEFTI Remix)
LEFTI’s remix of CASSIMM’s “House Thing” captures the essence of house music with its signature style and technical finesse. The track is smooth and sophisticated, seamlessly blending percussion and grooves that balance old-school vibes with a modern twist.
LEFTI honors CASSIMM’s work by creating a fresh instrumental, featuring drums, vocal chops, and a phat, funky bassline. This remix showcases LEFTI’s ability to innovate within the genre while paying homage to its roots, making it a standout addition to the house scene.
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Kode PinK, bnji — “How The Great Have Fallen”
“How The Great Have Fallen” by Kode PinK, featuring production from bnji, offers a satirical take on post-breakup disillusionment. The song opens with the line, “I shoulda knew Cupid had to go and give ya someone new. Just thought that he’d have better aim,” setting a tone of sarcastic disappointment.
This track explores the defense mechanisms employed to cope with heartache, turning a clever breakup acoustic ballad into an ensemble of upbeat instrumentation. Kode PinK delves into the projection and emotional cycles of breakups, using their unique pop sound to present a relatable and thought-provoking narrative.
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ALEXA PERL, Phebe Edwards — “Say My Name”
Emerging LA-based DJ-producer Alexa Perl presents her sophomore single, “Say My Name,” featuring UK vocalist and theater star Phebe Edwards. This vibrant disco-house reinvention of the Destiny’s Child classic merges iconic vocals with infectious melodies, creating a wave of retro nostalgia.
The track is packed with contagious energy, layering drums, guitars, bass, and strings with classic house influences. Collaborating with top session musicians, Perl crafts a distinct sound anchored by a striking bassline. With its disco danceability and Edwards’ commanding vocals, “Say My Name” invites listeners to embrace pure freedom and shed their inhibitions.
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Riot Ten, Boogie T, Peytn — “Bad Attitude”
Standing as his favorite EP to date and debut EP on Monstercat, Riot Ten has unleashed Feral, a seven-track adventure that masterfully balances his heavy dubstep roots with a ‘wonkier’ riddim influence. Featuring thrilling collaborations with Boogie T and INFEKT, this project is poised to create major waves in the dance scene.
Speaking of Boogie T, the two team up on “Bad Attitude,” embodying a stellar rap delivery from Peytn. This track is equal parts hip-hop and bass music, hitting listeners in the face with a barrage of wubs.
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Malóne, CJ Jeff, Ellivia — “Missing (Back To You)”
Club Space resident and international DJ Malóne teams up with Greek artist CJ Jeff and vocalist Ellivia on “Missing (Back To You).” Released on Spinnin’ Records’ sub-label Spinnin’ Deep, this Afro House anthem reimagines the classic 1994 hit “Missing” by Everything But The Girl.
The track captures listeners with captivating lyrics and a dance-inducing Afro House bassline. Its seamless blend of percussion layers creates a tribal vibe, making it perfect for club play and casual listening alike. This dynamic collaboration breathes new life into the classic, showcasing its timeless appeal with a fresh, modern twist.
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BLOND:ISH, Stevie Appleton — “Never Walk Alone”
BLOND:ISH and Stevie Appleton join forces on “Never Walk Alone,” an anthem that sends waves of grooviness over its audience. The vocals from Stevie are incredible across this track, which blends perfectly with the funky house bassline. “Never Walk Alone” almost feels like an Empire Of The Sun tune fused with retro disco-house.
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SELECTS by Julia Kauffman
Wuki — “Rave Day (Happy)”
Denver-based producer Wuki is well known for sampling pop and classic hits to create feel-good house songs. His latest release, “Rave Day (Happy)” is reminiscent of his popular remix, “Sunshine (My Girl).” His discography continues to prove his ability to produce club bangers. Wuki describes his latest release as “happy dance music” and we certainly can’t help but dance when the beat drops.
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Player Dave, Sumthin Sumthin – Hush
Experimental bass artists Player Dave and Sumthin Sumthin have found the perfect way to blend their sounds in their latest collaboration, “Hush.” A synthesizer is layered into the chill tune, which has a liquid drum and bass feel. The song is the first release under Player Dave’s new label called Daisy Chain Recordings.
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Drinkurwater – SENSATION
Drinkurwater is back with his latest heavy-hitting riddim tune, “SENSATION.” The song starts slow before building up to an intense drop. Words in the song continue to carry the producer’s theme of drinking water. Drinkurwater teased that he is working on a lot of new music and “SENSATION” is the first release of an upcoming project that he promises to fill fans in on soon.
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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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