MP3 SELECTS: Playlists & New Music from Lotus, STS9, ALLEYCVT & 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
Lotus — How To Dream In Color
The pioneering jamtronica band Lotus has proudly revealed their eleventh studio album, How To Dream In Color. Spanning 12 vibrant tracks, the album highlights the band’s relentless innovation and sonic mastery as they enter a new chapter of a group of four. The collection of songs comes following the tragic passing of longtime percussionist Chuck Morris, where each track adapts his memory and playing style through layered drums while also embracing new creative directions.
Much like the title of the album, the songs throughout the album traverse a sonic dream-like quality, evoking a sense of limitless possibilities. This theme of boundless creativity is evident throughout the album, inviting listeners to explore the vibrant and infinite realms of Lotus’ musical vision.
Lotus’ How to Dream in Color tour kicked off over the weekend in Philadelphia and will run through October, including major stops at the Rock the Dock in Lake George, NY, the Secret Dreams Festival in Thornville, OH, and their flagship Summerdance festival in Garrettsville, OH.
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STS9 — Chromalight
Keeping up with the color theme, STS9 has finally released their latest live album, Chromalight, exploring the synergy between sound and light. Recorded live at Red Rocks Amphitheatre last summer, the 14-track collection illustrates the connection between sound and light, associating musical notes and scales with color spectrums and the harmony shared between them.
Alongside the live album, STS9 will embark on a nationwide tour, including stops at Red Rocks Amphitheatre this weekend, Camp Elsewhere festival in Big Indian, NY on September 17th-19th, ACL Live at The Moody Theater in Austin, TX on October 31st and November 1st, and more.
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SELECTS by Connor Phillips
Malóne — “Talk To Em Mate”
Dropping his highly-anticipated house anthem “Talk 2 Em Mate,” Malóne delivers a groove-driven track layered with infectious vocals and crisp percussion, perfect for the dancefloor and afterparty vibes. This release follows his European tour, where he debuted at Hï Ibiza’s main room alongside The Martinez Brothers and performed at Spain’s Weekend Beach Festival. Malóne also kept the energy high at Mykonos’s premier venue, Alemagou, for Abracadabra’s residency, BLOND:ISH’s event series and label.
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RÜFÜS DU SOL — “Music Is Better” (MAXI MERAKI Remix)
In typical RÜFÜS DU SOL fashion, Music is Better Remixed elevates the euphoric essence of the original track while infusing danceable rhythms reminiscent of RÜFÜS’ bespoke DJ sets.
The package includes an extended club edit from the group and a remix by Maxi Meraki that weaves in elements of melodic techno. Meraki’s remix preserves the uplifting spirit of the original, stretching “Music is Better” into nearly seven minutes of crescendoing synths and driving bass lines, enhancing its dancefloor appeal.
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ALLEYCVT, Levity — “One For You”
North America’s bass music sensations, ALLEYCVT and Levity, are set to release their summer anthem, “One For You,” out on Deadbeats. The track is a fusion of ALLEYCVT’s refined bass sound design and ethereal vocals with Levity’s raw energy and distinctive sine bass, creating a magnetic synergy. The anticipation has been building since the duo premiered the track during their first back-to-back set at the Deadbeats x Cyclops show at Miami Music Week.
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Dada Life, DEXTER KING — “See What I See”
Drawing inspiration from advancements in AI technology, Dada Life and Chinese electronic prodigy DEXTER KING present their second collaboration, “See What I See.” This energetic track explores themes of AI development, transforming Dexter’s voice into a female persona. The lyrics poignantly compare the process of training AI to nurturing a child, reflecting on the evolving relationship between humans and technology in a dynamic and thought-provoking manner.
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Elohim — “Ticking Time Bomb”
One-of-a-kind artist Elohim has unveiled her highly-anticipated LP Power of Panic, a raw and honest album born from her struggles with anxiety, dissociation, and panic disorder. Originally envisioned as a triumphant project paired with a headline tour, it faced setbacks due to her dependency on Benzodiazepines and the need to cancel the tour.
Despite these challenges, Elohim turned her journey into a powerful narrative, highlighting the dual nature of panic as both destructive and transformative. This album not only showcases her personal battles but also opens up crucial conversations about mental health, making it her defining release of 2024.
“Ticking Time Bomb” kicks off the album with a unique fusion of mesmerizing vocals, low-end bass, and heavy trap. This song distorts reality with perfectly placed effects and other sonic components like ticking noises.
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