MP3 SELECTS: Playlists & New Music from Zeds Dead, ATYYA, VEIL & 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
The Polish Ambassador — “This Must Be The Place (Native Melody)”
The world’s funkiest diplomat and beatmaker, The Polish Ambassador, covered Talking Heads’ famous joyful melody, “This Must Be The Place (Native Melody)” and it’s everything we ever could’ve wanted and more. Keeping the classic composition and lyrics for the entirety of the track, the producer infuses a technicolor sound full of funky synths, ethereal vocals, and cinematic percussion.
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Zeds Dead, Chee — “Tomb of the Scorpion”
We may still be in August, but it’s never too early to get a jump start on spooky season. In preparation for what many of us think to be the best season of the year, Zeds Dead has released their newest We Are Deadbeats compilation chock full of spooky dubstep and wubs to get us in the right frame of mind. Spanning 20 total tracks, the duo’s “Tomb Of The Scorpion” opens up the compilation alongside Deadbeats’ artist Chee. Listeners will find throbbing bass, glitchy controllers, and vocal samples from the original Captain Marvel movie.
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SELECTS by Logan Sasser
ATYYA — “So Long…”
ATYYA is getting back to his downtempo roots with his lates single, “So Long…,” which captures the energy of sunrise festival sets and meditative bass music. In recent years, ATYYA’s sound has developed into a bass-forward, UK bass and UKG-influenced sound, but it’s clear he hasn’t lost touch with his downtempo and chilled-out bass music he came up on.
“So Long…” evokes the cool breeze and colorful rise of the morning sun, painted by deep, layered synths and whirling bass, topped off with a beautiful saxophone section that sets the tone for a proper transition from darkness into light; night into day.
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Axel Thesleff — “Bad Karma VIP”
Axel Thesleff released the original “Bad Karma” in 2014. Throughout the last decade, the track has become a staple of the trap community and reached global phenomenon-status, having amassed over one billion streams since its release.
In 2024, Thesleff is celebrating the track’s 10 year anniversary with his recently-released “Bad Karma VIP,” which features a fresh, melodic dubstep take on the original tune. Still, the iconic vocals remain as the track’s leading backdrop, but the music is oriented toward global dubstep sounds and melodies. Ten years later, “Bad Karma” is seeing new life once again. Additionally, Thesleff promises an entire remix album for “Bad Karma” in 2024, which will feature 10 new remixes from artists across three continents.
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Sinego, Millo Torres — “El Raton (La Noche)”
Colombian-Mexican producer & multi-instrumentalist Sinego released the long-awaited, second installment to his acclaimed Alterego album last week, appropriately titled Alterego (Deluxe). Delux is a great word to describe this newly expanded LP, because it’s massive in scope, ambition, and playtime.
The deluxe project includes several new versions of Alterego’s original tracks. The new versions are labeled “La Noche,”’ and strive to re-design the tunes for large-night club sessions and vibrant dancefloors. “El Raton (La Noche)” with Millo Torres is a particular standout thanks to it’s flamenco-inspired guitar solo and subtle, groovy atmosphere.
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SELECTS by Connor Phillips
Seth Schwarz, Lydgen — “Matter of Time (Stars Align)”
Seth Schwarz and Lydgen have finally released “Matter of Time (Stars Align),” one of the most sought-after tracks from Burning Man 2023, where it became an instant hit. This track exemplifies the duo’s deep musical synergy, forged over years of partnership and collaboration.
Their signature blend of classical violin, vocals, and electronic music shines through, showcasing their innovative approach and creative evolution. With each ARTEMIDES release, Seth and Lydgen continue to push the boundaries of electronic music, solidifying their place as pioneers in the genre.
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Disco Fries, Tiffany — “I Think We’re Alone Now” (Bexxie Remix)
Delivering tech house heaters left and right, Bexxie gives her take on Disco Fries rendition of the classic 1988 hit “I Think We’re Alone Now” from Tiffany. Powered by a groovy bassline and crisp snares, this remix is primed for night owls to get down and boogie on the dancefloor.
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Steller — “Vibe One Time”
We Are Deadbeats Volume 6 dropped this past Friday, and it is chalk-full of bass-fueled heaters. One of the standout tracks on the project is rising artist Steller’s “Vibe One Time.” It is a culmination of wubs, funk, and soul influences that comes together in seamless fashion, emitting a sonic wave of grooviness over listeners.
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VEIL — “Hellpod”
Another top track from the compilation is VEIL’s “Hellpod.” On the opposite side of the bass spectrum from “Vibe One Time,” this track is dark and ominous, descending its audience into a pit of low-end underground beats and experimental sound design. Crisp snares are layered with mysterious vocals that will leave you questioning the fabric of your reality.
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DRINKURWATER — “BODIES”
“BODIES” highlights DRINKURWATER’s versatility by blending bass house with trap elements and a hip-hop breakdown. The track features a hypnotic vocal loop of the word “bodies,” woven seamlessly into the explosive instrumental, creating a captivating and energetic experience. DRINKURWATER steps out of his usual dubstep comfort zone with this release, incorporating the heavy, dynamic energy of bass house to showcase his ability to produce across genres.
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RÜFÜS DU SOL — “Lately” (Adam Ten & Mita Gami Remix)
RÜFÜS DU SOL has been on a tear the last couple of months, throwing down mesmerizing club sets during their Las Vegas residency and dropping anthems like “Music Is Better” and “Lately.” The remixes for these feel-good tunes have been just as infectious as the originals. With Adam Ten and Mita Gami’s remix of “Lately,” they transform the track into a vibey, minimal-tech sonic weapon that is primed for the dancefloor.
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Kasablanca — “Breathe”
Kasablanca releases their fourth single from the upcoming debut album, Higher Resolution’ (Side A), featuring a viral cover of The Prodigy’s 1996 classic, “Breathe.” Originally a chart-topping hit and one of dance music’s most iconic tracks, ‘Breathe’ gained new life when Kasablanca debuted their thumping, live-oriented version during a 2023 set at the Group Therapy Weekender.
The cover quickly went viral, amassing millions of views across social media and becoming the most shared electronic music video by a melodic techno artist that year. Now officially released with The Prodigy’s blessing, Kasablanca’s “Breathe” fuses acid house and techno into a modern main stage anthem.
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