House Music Essentials Vol. 20 featuring AC Slater, Matroda & more – We Rave You

A truly impeccable summer indeed for the masses, the house music scene has definitely been on fire in the best way possible with stellar releases and legendary shows across the globe. What better way to celebrate than to present our twentieth edition of House Music Essentials featuring AC Slater, Matroda, Husa & Zeyada, Sherm, Isaac Palmer, LEFTI, Martial Simon, Holly T, Jakk’d and $on-$hine.
Starting off with the legend known as AC Slater and driven by a passion for bass house, UK garage, bassline, grime, house, and everything good in between, Night Bass boss AC Slater made it his mission to expose North America to these strongly under-represented genres. Today, he has established club and EDM record label Night Bass as a wildly successful, internationally renowned institution for groundbreaking, forward-thinking dance music that’s spearheading an underground movement across the country. In town or traveling to Vancouver this weekend? Well, you are in luck as Night Bass is taking over the breathtaking outdoor venue known as the Malkin Bowl on Saturday, September 2nd featuring sets from AC Slater, BIJOU, BLOSSOM, and Average Citizens. Hosted by Blueprint and Live Nation, be sure to grab your tickets here and we will be seeing you on the dancefloor. To keep you grooving until this weekend, listen to AC Slater and Chris Lorenzo’s first release “Shrine Banger” from the duo known as Fly With Us.
 
 
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Now speaking of events in Vancouver, we headed to the highly anticipated PUNCHBOWL Festival featuring a set from DJ Marvel. Known as one of Vancouver’s best-tasting events of the year, PUNCHBOWL featured over 50+ vendors sampling over 250+ of the finest summer spirits, beer and cider cocktail creations, wine, and delicious food. Behind the PNE Fairgrounds under the blue skies of a July Saturday, the live music was one of a kind throughout the day. If you’re looking for a fresh take on your average tasting event, at an open space that is relaxed, attractive, and fun, where you can be educated on cocktail culture, new alcohol products, and beyond, this one is for you and be sure to keep this event on your radar for next year here.
 
 
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Moving to the evening, we had to highlight the You Plus One “HEADS ABOVE” event featuring a headline show from Husa & Zeyada. Their sound simmers towards indie-rock dance electronica, draped in English and Arabic lyrics, open for experimentation. This inward trip is also visual – in an ongoing comic parallel world, Husa & Zeyada give center stage to the more curious and peculiar parts of themselves. Each release is accompanied by illustrated stories of the little creatures that inhabit our minds; the ones that spring from our subconscious, shaped by pressures and desires. These characters explore what happens when we listen to the creative monsters under our skin. A truly magnificent evening filled with the best of vibes and support from artists such as Jeff Gold and Kevin Shiu, this one was truly iconic. Be sure to stay tuned for more events from You Plus One here.
 
 
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Matroda – “Jack The House 4” EP
Matroda occupies a paramount position in the tech house realm. Commanding nearly 100 live performances annually and amassing hundreds of millions of streams across his career, both the tech house and the broader electronic scene would simply not be the same without his presence and influence. Jack The House 4 EP epitomizes his evolution; it’s more than just an EP—it’s a testament to Matroda’s journey, reflecting an exploration into a different type of house sound for the soloist. In this EP, the vibe is deeper and more suited for clubs. It’s well beyond a standard release, but a symbolic snapshot of his musical progression as a DJ/producer. Jack The House 4 articulates these mentioned qualities from start to finish, representing an excellent and naturally fitting addition within the Jack The House series, while bringing a refreshing, dynamic EP concept to life.
The EP opens with “My Mind,” a showcasing of the dynamism and technical capabilities that Matroda is renowned for. The amalgamation of classic house vocals and seismic basslines makes it an audacious foray into the EP. Next, “Can’t Fight The Feeling” flows with a smooth sophistication, its piano chords acting as the heart of the piece, pumping thick wub-filled basslines that resonate with soulful vocals. “I Want It” is an odyssey of unexpected turns. Near all-instrumental, it’s an excellent tapestry of expression with its diverse instrumentation – you’re left on the edge curious as to what moment will hit you next. “In The Air” paints a murkier picture, evoking nocturnal adventures with its gritty vocal samples while showcasing a more experimental end to what Jack The House 4 offers. “Pump Up The Volume” serves as a dynamic crescendo with its assertive soundscapes and vibrant piano chords leading to triumphant drops. The culmination, “Talk To Me,” a collaboration with TOBEHONEST, harmoniously blends the best parts of both DJ/producers style of both artists into a fitting grand finale.
Matroda’s Jack The House 4 is not just music. It’s an experience – a sonic story waiting to be heard.

Sherm & Isaac Palmer – “P**** & Millions” (Edit of Drake & Travis Scott)
Two undeniable rising talents Sherm and Isaac Palmer have individually earned a global following around their infectious tech house tracks and electrifying live performances. They recently teamed up with Amero for their anthemic club single “Going Numb,’ and today, they are releasing their highly anticipated collaboration of Drake & Travis Scott’s hit ‘P**** & Millions’, signed to the prestigious Hood Politics imprint. It’s a sizzling tech house edit that sets the tone early with a rumbling bass line and sizzling drum patterns. Sampling Drake & Scott’s voice with masterful fashion, they build the track into a peak time heater that’s laced with blistering synth stabs and electrifying energy.
“Cutting my teeth as a Chicago DJ has taught me so much about knowing when to move fast and shift the energy in sets. This edit can take you into the darkness from a light place or vice versa very quickly. Its underground sound and mainstream verses give any DJ the agility and ability to flex the energy while keeping the crowd engaged. Isaac and I had a shared vision to create a track that’s banger and will become a staple in a DJ’s set but also a “must hear” track for every fan.” – Sherm

 
 
LEFTI –  “Get What You Want “
Following the swift releases of his recent singles “To The Rhythm,” “411,” and “Walk The Walk,” Brooklyn’s very own LEFTI returns to enthrall fans with the release of his latest track “Get What You Want,” in a groovy collaboration with Brandon Markell Holmes. The result is a song that channels the electrifying pulse of vintage funk, redefined, and brought into the contemporary soundscape. Brandon Markell Holmes, celebrated for his projects with The Gorillaz and Muscle Cars, infuses the track with a cheeky bravado through a captivating monologue. It’s a fusion that fans didn’t know they needed until now. As a bridge between the past and present, Brandon’s signature flair enhances the raw energy of LEFTI’s production.
The mastermind behind LEFTI, Alex Suarez, walks the world as a touring musician, DJ, and songwriter. Today, he stands in the spotlight as a highly successful and sought-after figure in the house scene, creating waves not only in Brooklyn but across the world. His rich discography, spanning releases on iconic labels like Toolroom, Love & Other, and Let There Be House, is a testament to his growth and evolution over time. LEFTI’s commitment to innovation doesn’t stop there. Major labels including Atlantic, Warner, and Universal having caught wind of his chops over the years, tapping him for a reimagining of songs through various remix projects. He’s a force celebrated and supported by industry giants — gaining support from Calvin Harris, Disclosure, Claptone, and Fatboy Slim.

Martial Simon – “This Is Your Night”
From time to time, an artist manages to carve out a niche that truly stands out in the rapidly evolving world of music. Enter Martial Simon, the pioneering force behind a sound he labels as ‘Nu-Freestyle – an idea stemming from the genres of electro-pop and dance. His latest track, “This Is Your Night,” serves as the first step in bringing this innovative genre to the public, enveloping listeners in a rich tapestry of rolling bass, entrancing synths, and a captivatingly smooth vocal line. The result is a sound that does much more than merely entertain – it imprints on your mind. Nu-Freestyle, as showcased by Simon, is a revitalized take on classic electronic music, encapsulating the feeling of nostalgia while introducing innovative and groundbreaking elements. “This Is Your Night” harnesses the emotions of those who listen, inviting them to indulge in the moment and the soundscape Simon has meticulously crafted.
Simon’s musical strategy for 2023 has been triumphant, to say the least, already clocking in over one million streams. But there’s much more than just his signature sound that articulates his story. Martial has tapped into a pulse, rhythm, and frequency that his listeners across the globe have resonated with. As we navigate to the latter half of the year, Simon has many musical treasures yet to be unveiled. For fans and new listeners alike, the message is clear: Now is the time that Martial Simon’s musical odyssey has begun to emerge into the mainstream.

 
Holly T – “Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop” feat. Martial Simon
Rising DJ Holly T has set the dance-pop scene alight with her newest single, “Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop” (feat. Martial Simon). This record is the newest chapter in a career that has already taken her all across the States, delivering memorable performances while cultivating a dedicated fanbase. “Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop” is a dance-pop gem with a Nu Disco twist, demonstrating her capacity to produce tracks that captivate and energize. Holly’s unique ability to blend popular music with a nostalgic feel is epitomized in her official remix of Nervo and Krewella’s hit song ‘Goddess’. Her cover of Ultra Nate’s ‘Free’ not only underscored this ability, but also earned nearly 5 million streams and a cover feature on Spotify’s Editorial playlist ‘Friday Cratediggers.
This East Coast artist’s vibrant energy and creative mixing skills have made her a staple in New York City’s dance music scene, always delivering a performance that keeps everyone on their feet. She has been a resident DJ at famous landmark, The Edge, and has played private events for a multitude of clients, including Drew Barrymore, As she continues to rise in the ranks of the industry, Holly T remains a name to watch.

Jakk’d & $on-$hine – “Luven Me”
Rising electronic artists Jakk’d, and $on-$hine are celebrating their latest collaborative release, “Luven Me,” a track that masterfully bridges the past and present of house music. By intertwining classic elements reminiscent of house music’s golden era with today’s modern production values, “Luven Me” captures an essence that is at once nostalgic and fresh. Drawing from the unique stylings of each producer, the single serves up a light, romantic, and warm soundscape, accompanied by an R&B-tinged vocal that effortlessly elevates the overall listening experience. It’s a composition that feels alive, exuding an eased, vibrant energy.
In “Luven Me,” these three dynamic artists unite, crafting a song that reflects their individual strengths and shared passion for electronic music. It’s an anthem that is bound to resonate with both old-school house aficionados and fans of contemporary electronic music.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Photo Credits: Avant Gardner Official Media
 
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