by: Robyn Dexter
Sep 21, 2018
Dexter’s Beat Laboratory is a weekly collection of songs from DA managing editor Robyn Dexter. With a taste that can only be described as eclectic — to say nothing of a name that lends itself to punnery — DA is happy to present a selection of tracks personally curated by Dexter for your listening pleasure.
Listen in playlist format here.
Seven Lions is a master at building cinematic, picturesque soundscapes. When “Dreamin’” with Fiora came out in July, listeners were enraptured with the blissful beauty of the vocals layered over Seven Lions’ production. The artist just revealed a three-track set of remixes for the track, featuring a drum & bass take by Mazare, a trance remix by Sunny Lax, and melodic dubstep version by Last Heroes. While each one brings something refreshing to the table, Mazare’s drum & bass rendition is particularly entrancing. It’s subtle but strong — my favorite kind of music.
QUIX continues his consistent release schedule with a future bass-meets-trap power piece with Jaden Michaels. The contrast in this track is jarring — but in a good way. While Michaels’ vocals can be tender at times, she amps up the power in sync with QUIX, who builds into a series of gut-punching drops over the course of the song. This was intentional. “I especially wanted this track to be remembered for having a powerful first drop and a hard second drop,” he notes in the track’s description.
Hunter Siegel has been churning out a series of genre-spanning tracks this year, ranging in classification from hip-hop to house to electro. His latest, though, dives deep into the bass house realm. He teams up with Seelo for a searing bass-backed heater called “12 Gauge” on Zeds Dead‘s Deadbeats imprint. With feisty vocals and an overpowering dosage of bass, these two have crafted a short but engaging piece of work, encouraging a late-night dance floor fiend to “pump ya body like 12 gauge shotty.”
Talk about a talented trio of artists. Bearson links up with Lemaitre and josh pan for this stunning original, “It’s Not This.” Though seemingly simple, this laid-back track is backed by crisp production, a mellow beat, and a moving melody. Though summer ends officially tomorrow, songs like “It’s Not This” show the timeless quality of sun-soaked rhythms and vocals.
Dutch downtempo producer Allay just released an ethereal collection of tracks, Journey Of The Velvet Adorned Nomad. As mystical-sounding as the LP title, Allay delivers “Adrift In the Borderless Sea” with Rod V. This six-minute venture is ushered in by a saintly set of synths that crescendo into a haunting melody. Its enigmatic qualities draw the listener in immediately, leading them into a song that’s rich in light percussion and lush piano themes.
Categories: Features, Music
