Welcome to a very special edition of Daily Beat’s original curated music series, Beats & Pieces. Each week, one of our contributors brings you a selection of songs that they think are hot, up & coming, and significant in some way. This week we’re breaking the 5-song formula to celebrate Veteran’s Day in the US, and bring you 11 fresh songs that will spice up your regular rotation of music.
As the author of this week’s playlist, I looked to my own music tastes to bring you a targeted group of songs that you might not find on your average mainstream radio station. Having grown up in Southern California, I have an affinity for a wide array of music that ranges from laid-back house music, loud and wild dubstep, all the way to jackin' UK garage. Here are 11 tunes that you’ll find on my own personal playlist that are also making noise in the scene right now. Enjoy!
1. NVOY – Higher
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London-based NVOY is up first this week, and their track “Higher” is a brilliant discovery for any house enthusiast around the world. Released less than two weeks ago on Black Butter Records, this tune will instantly grab you with the melody and keep you coming back for more with its infectious groove. Smooth, retro synths complement the soulful vocals perfectly – it’s got all the ingredients of a great House tune.
2. Doug English – Hood Life (rrotik remix)
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If any song could make house feel ‘hood,’ it’s this one right here. It’s also the perfect example of how less is more. There aren’t any shuffling hi-hats to give you the groove, just a huge kick and a groovy bass line that will rattle any big speaker system to its limits. I see this one working well in both opening and headline sets.
3. RÜFÜS – Like An Animal (Dom Dolla Remix)
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Dom Dolla has been nailing remixes left and right, and his take on this RÜFÜS DU SOL track is no exception. This one’s a balanced, restrained production that isn’t trying to pander to any mainstream masses, and that will make long-time house fans love it even more. It’s a no-fuss great tune that you’ve just got to hear to enjoy.
4. Alex Metric – Always There
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Alex Metric has been in the game for years now, but his recent supporting slot on Zedd’s True Colors Tour may be putting him on a younger generation’s radar. Having grown up being inspired by French electro and indie rock, among other things, his style stands out in a saturated EDM climate. “Always There” feels more like indie dance, and that’s what makes it great to me. Even if that’s not your typical preference, this one isn’t hard to enjoy.
5. Go Freek – Empire
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Self described as gutter tech, Go Freek is making a lot of noise with their unique, grimy sound. This release starts off with dreamy soundscapes and a great Empire of the Sun sample, before going into a growling drop that will have you grooving before you even try to figure out what it sounds like. This remix is as much a statement of their brand as it is a great remix, and it won’t be long before this Australian bred style starts taking over in other scenes.
6. Latroit & Fawks – Just Do That
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Latroit, a project by Static Revenger, and ICON Collective alumnus Fawks have teamed up to bring you this unique bass-driven future house track. Aggressive sounds have dominated the LA scene, and this is a fresh new flavor that should stand out and give contrast in any prime time set. Given the clear success of Static Revenger, it should come as no surprise that this one’s got a groove that sits just right.
7. Chocolate Puma & Tommy Sunshine – Scrub The Ground ft. DJ Funk
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Oliver Heldens' label Heldeep was wise to pick this one up – it bangs! Chocolate Puma has been kicking out filthy drops like they’re going out of style, and this collaboration takes it to a whole new level. This is one of those tracks that make you want to stop what you’re doing, get up and stomp. Don’t take my word for it, though; find your nearest subwoofer and fire away.
8. Drezo – Guap
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This one is another huge, aggressive gem that is certainly going to stay in the circuit for a while. Drezo’s signature sound is coming through clearly on his latest releases, and he’s solidifying his role as a leader when it comes to bass-heavy house music in Los Angeles. With recent support from Jauz and Porter Robinson on Halloween weekend, he is proving he can run with the big dogs without even hitting full stride.
9. Jauz & Pegboard Nerds – Get On Up (Getter Remix)
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Getter from San Jose, CA – a true maestro of filth – has held nothing back on this monstrous remix. After opening with a pitched sample from the original track, the song quickly builds into a rousing 160 BPM drop that effortlessly blurs the line between dubstep and trap. Seemingly as homage to the original, the second drop slows back to 128 BPM and Getter shows he is no stranger to electro house.
10. Candyland – Speechless fr. RKCB
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Recently released and already doing well on Hype Machine and Spotify charts, Candyland’s most recent release will have you feeling like it’s the first day of summer again. The vocal hook is extremely catchy and it’s a fresh departure from her other high-energy tracks. Candyland is certainly showcasing her diverse skill set with “Speechless,” which could mean big things, as this style-change may help her attract a new type of listener. Frankly, I just really love this tune.
11. No Mana – Tell Me
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Fresh off of playing EDC Orland, No Mana is the next anonymous producer that is poised to erupt into stardom. With an official release on Mau5trap, “Tell Me” will make any old-school Deadmau5 fan feel right at home. Giving contrast to the trend toward aggressive bass house in LA, and combining the mystique that comes with a face-less producer, No Mana has a chance to explode if more tracks of this caliber are coming down the pipeline.
Thanks for listening!