Rising Pop Icon Luke Darling Announces Second Single and Gen Z Anthem: Dreams

Stream Dreams (Pre-Release Version) HERE

Luke Darling Dreams

Photo: Pooneh Ghana

Musical prodigy and rising pop icon Luke Darling announces the release of his second single, Dreams, an anthem for Gen Z that evokes the spirit of resistance to authority and a declaration of independence to the naysayers who deter them. Luke Darling’s Dreams captures the passion and determination that propels every dreamer forward, Gen Z or otherwise.

With a powerful rhythm and a chorus that begs to be chanted, Dreams perfectly captures the ownership of personal power to which we can all relate, in the spirit of Miley Cyrus’ Flowers.

Luke Darling elaborates on this by saying, Dreams is one of my most honest songs. I strive to give as much passion as I can to the music that I make in hopes that others can relate. It’s really about doing things your own way and finding your own path when things get tough.”

Being the innovative multi-instrumentalist that Darling is, he masterfully combines the precision of a modern studio with the untarnished spirit of classic records on Dreams. He grew up in the City of Philadelphia and began developing his genre-bending production, writing, and performance skills at a young age, culminating in left-of-center pop that is timeless yet immediate, ambitious yet deeply relatable. Darling is the total pop package in the tradition of the icons: his artistic genius evokes the greats in a thoroughly modern and deeply authentic way. 

When it comes to writing, producing and recording music, Luke Darling has a unique gift. Written, recorded, mixed and mastered in his small Los Angeles apartment with only the help of his older brother, Luke Darling truly embodies his message repeated throughout the chorus of the song: “I don’t want to go that way.”  With a palpable and uncommonly powerful vulnerability and generation-bridging sound, Darling will capture your heart and soul, and will have you believing in him, and yourself, with every note. 

Courtesy of Appa Entertainment, Luke Darling’s powerful second single Dreams will be available on all music streaming platforms February 23, 2024. 

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Thee Mike B Drops Tripped-Out ‘Uh Yeah’ on DIRTYBIRD

Thee Mike B Drops Tripped-Out ‘Uh Yeah’ on DIRTYBIRD

It’s time to take a trip into the inner cosmos; longtime DIRTYBIRD friend Thee Mike B makes his grand entrance into the label fold with a slow-burning and psychedelic new single, “Uh Yeah (Thee Acid Song),” in tandem with Boy Stephen and Robyn Katz. Joining him for the ride are fellow Angeleonos Salva and Lubelski.

“Uh Yeah (Thee Acid Song)” in its original form is a trip for the senses, drawing in listeners with warped vocals before bringing in chugging percussion and hi-hats that glide beneath an assortment of 303 progressions. Heading toward the stars, Lubelski drenches “Uh Yeah” with otherworldly synth progressions and futuristic sound effects that combine into an entrancing soundscape. Salva’s approach, on the other hand, looks into the past; he presents a proper acid breaks piece for his take on “Uh Yeah,” peppered with 808 accents for a timeless feel immediately recognizable as his own.

Thee Mike B has played a crucial role in the growth of LA’s club scene; having cut his teeth in the American underground through the 90s, the “multi genre purist” helped give rise to the city’s electronic music revolution in 2006 in co-founding the legendary Banana Split party alongside his friend DJ AM and then-fledgling Dim Mak. He’s played the world’s biggest festivals from Tomorrowland to Coachella, and has released music on fabled imprints like Tiga’s Turbo Recs and the A-Trak-led Fool’s Gold.

Salva is a legend in his own right; known for his distinctive blend of hip-hop and electronic influences, he’s already clocked Kanye West and Banks remixes—plus a BBC residency under his belt via their ‘In New DJs We Trust’ program. His past work has additionally been praised by the likes of Pitchfork and FACT. These days, he can be found cultivating his global presence via his Twitch partnership, where he provides regular performances of his favorite underground electronic music in addition to gaming, fan chats, studio sessions and more.

Lubelski is a young producer who’s proven to be a force of his own. A DIRTYBIRD favorite and owner of Percomaniacs, the up-and-comer has been hard at work leading the minimal revolution on the West Coast. Catch him at Dirtybird Campout in October, and in the meantime tune into his Twitch channel, where every Wednesday viewers can have a hand in the creation of his next album via his new ‘Happy Accidents’ project.

Flight Facilities ‘Move’ with DRAMA in Epic New Single

Flight Facilities ‘Move’ with DRAMA in Epic New Single

Today, live electronic duo Flight Facilities return with ‘Move’, their latest single featuring DRAMA, the Chicago-based collaboration composed of producer Na’el Shehade and vocalist Via Rosa. Flight Facilities’ knack for sending listeners on a musical journey through time shines through once again as we’re transported back to the earl​​y days of the 1980s Chicago house music movement. Vibrant rolling piano progressions blend seamlessly with a distinct 909 rhythm, which are then layered with Rosa’s silvery vocals to create an instant classic that is sure to be white hot on the dance floor.

Written together in a single Los Angeles studio session, ‘Move’ represents an honest reflection and melding of both groups’ styles. Flight Facilities are well-known for their chameleon-like producer talents, able to bend their sound to fit their collaborators strengths; in turn, their range is extensive and can accommodate artists of all backgrounds. As a result, DRAMA’s trademark dance and R&B sound is perfectly at home in ‘Move’, decked out with snares, hi-hats and a bubbling melody to match.

“We’ve loved Drama’s sound since 2016, and in 2019 we finally found ourselves in an LA studio with the duo. In a session glued together by Jono Ma, we emerged with one of our favourite bassline driven jams to date. Subconsciously, a decade after releasing early 80’s inspired disco, our internal musical clocks have us creating early 90’s inspired dance. We couldn’t have asked for better collaborators than Via and Na’el to explore that genre with, and we’re just as lucky to call them friends. Whether you’re in the club, kitchen or a lockdown party of 1, ‘Move’ is our ode to piano house, and the pioneers of 909 drum-machine music.”

Flight Facilities

The new record arrives off the back of Flight Facilities’ giant remix package, which saw their two singles of 2021 ‘Lights Up ft. Channel Tres’ and ‘The Ghost’ get makeovers from a barrage of industry heavyweights including Honey Dijon, Gerd Janson, Myd, Mousse T., and ABSOLUTE. The pair have demonstrated that they are full steam ahead this year, adding an additional slew of US tour dates alongside RÜFÜS DU SOL to their 70,000 ticket, sold out Los Angeles Banc of California shows this November.

Introduced in the studio by a mutual friend, producer Na’el Shehade and singer-songwriter Via Rosa found a synergy in their artistry and designed DRAMA, a passion project that intermixes Shehade’s sophisticated production style with Rosa’s global influences and sensitive, soulful melodies. Shehade’s early studio work with Chance the Rapper, Kanye West, and music projects for MTV and BRAVO are a testament to his versatility as a music engineer, and gave the duo a foot in the door to explore their very own take on electronic infused RnB. Their most recent single ‘Don’t Hold Back’ was met with widespread industry support, premiered on Apple Music with Zane Lowe and praised by the likes of SiriusXM, Billboard, KCRW, FLAUNT and more. Prior to that, the pair were tapped for a collaboration with in-demand tastemakers Gorgon City, with their track ‘You’ve Done Enough’ racking up over 20M+ streams.

Both duos are uniquely captivating in their own rights, and ‘Move’ from Flight Facilities and DRAMA is a perfect example of the beauty in unlikely pairings. ‘Move’ acts as confirmation that there are no boundaries when it comes to creating fresh expressions in dance music, and yet again places Flight Facilities at the forefront of musical innovation.

Flight Facilities Drop Remix Pack for ‘Lights Up’ and Announce USA Tour with RÜFÜS DU SOL

Flight Facilities Drop Remix Pack for ‘Lights Up’ and Announce USA Tour with RÜFÜS DU SOL

Australian producer duo and live act Flight Facilities return with a loaded remix package of their two most recent releases, ‘The Ghost’ and ‘Lights Up ft. Channel Tres’. The remix package sees five unique voices from the global electronic music scene put their own spins on the originals.

An industry driving force since 2010, Flight Facilities has thrilled their fans by ramping up new releases this year. Their first single of the year ‘Lights Up,’ featured West Coast selector Channel Tres, and sits at over two million cumulative streams and climbing. The ‘Lights Up’ remix package sees the track get a makeover from three international tastemakers. 

The Ghost’ is another reminder of Flight Facilities’ ability to effortlessly pull inspiration from a wide range of musical genres while still making it recognizable as their own. The darker, heavily synthesized record lends itself to grittier reworks, released July 9, allowing Gerd Janson, Running Back label boss and one of Germany’s best and most versatile producers; and ABSOLUTE., a formidable name from the queer club scene that stepped out of the London underground in the past few years, to add their signature touches. 

Gerd Janson’s seven minute rendition of ‘The Ghost’ sees him jack up the tempo as he transforms the track into a club-ready groove that demonstrates his widely-known mixing expertise, while ABSOLUTE. makes ‘The Ghost’ his own as he incorporates breaks with prominent 303 bass lines, transporting us back to the early days of the UK rave scene.

Three forthcoming sold out performances alongside RÜFÜS DU SOL at Los Angeles’ Banc of California this November plus a slew of US tour dates with the trio keep fans guessing whether they’ll be graced with more new Flight Facilities hits in 2021. Luckily, the abundant remix package acts as a welcomed indicator of the caliber and tone of music they may be able to expect as Flight Facilities return to the international stage.

‘The Ghost’ remixes are available on the usual spots here, ‘Lights Up ft. Channel Tres’ remixes available here

RÜFÜS DU SOL with Flight Facilities 2021 North American Fall Tour Dates:

Thu Nov 04 – Phoenix, AZ – Arizona Federal Theatre

Sat Nov 06 – Las Vegas, NV – Downtown Las Vegas Events Center

Thu Nov 18 – Houston, TX – 401 Franklin Street 

Sat Nov 20 – Irving, TX – The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory

Arnold & Lane Jump on DIRTYBIRD with ‘Dinky Whale’

Arnold & Lane Jump on DIRTYBIRD with ‘Dinky Whale’

Today, Arnold & Lane take their relationship with DIRTYBIRD to the next step with their first full EP on the label, ‘Dinky Whale.’ The two-tracker follows up the duo’s debut via the 2020 ‘Couchout Compilation,’ as well as various live stream appearances on DIRTYBIRD TV.

‘Dinky Whale’ encapsulates the buoyant, tech-fueled sound that the flock has come to love in recent years, beginning with a title track whose off-kilter sound effects, deepened vocals, and zippy bassline bounce around the ears. With an explosive post-breakdown section, “Dinky Whale” was designed for dancefloor destruction. “That’s House Music” starts off with a trip to nostalgia via its central vocal clip, building itself into a grooving composition with a hefty low-end and hypnotic synthwork.

Arnold & Lane met and bonded over their mutual love of all things bass and house, eventually fine tuning their sound into the club friendly blend of genres they’re known for today. Outside their ties to DIRTYBIRD—which also includes a slot in the upcoming CampINN event from May 14-17—the duo have become regulars in AC Slater’s Night Bass fold, and have additionally signed records to the likes of Box of Cats and Dumb Fat. Expect to see them continuing to make waves on the event circuit as the world continues its transition back to normalcy.

Channel Tres Features on Flight Facilities’ Latest Classic, ‘Lights Up’

Channel Tres Features on Flight Facilities’ Latest Classic, ‘Lights Up’

Today, Australian producer duo Flight Facilities return to their beloved fanbase, delivering a new single immersed in a feeling of West-Coast cool imparted by collaborator Channel Tres. Released on Future Classic/Glassnote Records, ‘Lights Up’ marks the band’s first release of 2021 with a direct flight to Channel Tres’ own Compton California.

The track marks a highly anticipated return to North America for the duo as well, who will be gracing the stage for three nights at Downtown Los Angeles’ Banc of California stadium alongside electronic giants RÜFÜS DU SOL this November. 50,000 additional tickets were added to keep up with demand after the first show sold out in mere minutes.

‘Lights Up’ is the first track to be released in over a year from the live-electronic selectors, who have been working together for over a decade, creating timeless, genre-defying classics drenched in a sense of nostalgia. ‘Lights Up’ is a continuation of this philosophy, aided by Channel Tres’ propensity for crossing genres and drawing inspiration from eras like 90s Detroit house and West-Coast hip-hop. The result is a track that belongs to these moments in time as much as it represents what’s next for the global dance sound, a confluence of feeling and style.

“We’ve always loved the sound of the early Detroit House scene that crossed over with the Paradise Garage era. Combined with our love for Channel’s voice, it seemed like a perfect fit. His voice has a magical ability to make songs that are made for strutting. We felt it was important to keep enough of our sound and influence in the track, to avoid it sounding too derivative, so we wanted to include some 90’s and 00’s elements to give the song its own character.”

Flight Facilities

While forthcoming performances at the Banc of California and New Zealand’s Snow Machine Festival point to exciting projects ahead, the guys have kept their productions flowing, most recently dropping a disco-forward remix of ‘Vintage‘ for New York bassist Blu DeTiger, delivering a brand new 1962-72 Decades mix, and launching their very own app – Flight Deck. The free IOS and Android compatible app, built to celebrate 10 years of Flight Facilities magic, is a one stop shop that houses a treasure trove of unreleased Flight Facilities tracks, bootleg cuts, mixtapes and more.

Initially gaining recognition in 2010 for singles like “Crave You” ft. Giselle Rosselli and “Foreign Language”, Flight Facilities has since been a constant industry driving force, which included releasing their debut and only full-length album to date Down to Earth in 2014. The LP went on to achieve gold certification and garner three ARIA nominations, with widespread appreciation for their feel-good, dance floor ready tunes. The band followed the album with a multi-year run of singles which included “Need You” ft. NÏKA, “Arty Boy” ft Emma Louise, “Stranded” ft. Broods, Reggie Watts, Broods & Saro, “All Your Love” ft Dustin Tebbutt, and “Better Than Ever” ft Aloe Blacc.

Channel Tres has been steadily continuing on his unstoppable trajectory, having most recently released his I Can’t Go Outside EP, an introspective mixtape which boasted a sexy blend of classic house and West Coast rap and featured collaborations with the likes of Tinashe and Tyler the Creator. He also featured on further major hits including “Impact” with SG Lewis and Robyn, and “Recap”, a collaboration alongside Kito and VanJess.

‘Lights Up’ is an eagerly awaited homecoming for Flight Facilities, who remain two of the most recognizable forces in the globally facing Australian electronic music scene that took hold in the early 2000s. As they prepare to once again position themselves center stage alongside budding superstars like Channel Tres, it is clear that the duo are ready to build upon the catchy and comforting sounds that remain at the core of the Flight Facilities journey.

Paraleven Makes Next Big Label Debut on RÜFÜS DU SOL’s Rose Avenue

Paraleven Makes Next Big Label Debut on RÜFÜS DU SOL’s Rose Avenue

RÜFÜS DU SOL have built their imprint Rose Avenue around one core principle: to shine the light on artists who push the envelope of dance music’s emotive shades. Today they welcome rising talent Paraleven into their fold with a spacey single, “Lucid,” infused with the vocals of Nathan Ball.

In true Paraleven fashion, “Lucid” tugs at the heartstrings with dulcet harmonics. Subdued synths, stringed pads, and a warm bassline interlock with one another to create maximum emotional impact while serving as a complementary foundation for Nathan Ball’s breathy vocal work and touching lyrics. Underpinning it all is a distinctive percussion section, making “Lucid” equally appealing for dancefloor and at-home listening.

“Nathan was a pleasure to work with. I am a huge fan of all of his work and to have this record come to life with his vocals was a real treat for me. This song was written with an abstract “late night” feel, focusing on loneliness – and thoughts that run through one’s head in solitude. The beauty of this song lies in the back and forth of vocal focus and synth driven sections – without being heavily reliant on one or the other to drive the track. My favorite line is “If there was another place to hide from the world today, would you follow me there” – something I feel we can all relate to at one point or another.” — Paraleven

Paraleven has racked up well over a decade of production experience. As a solo act, Paraleven found his calling in the progressive house arena, where he was promptly picked up by Lane 8, signed to This Never Happened, and tapped as main support for the icon’s namesake sold out label tour. It wouldn’t be long before RÜFÜS DU SOL noticed his knack for arrangement, thus beginning what’s shaping up to be a long and fruitful relationship between the two acts.

“When Paraleven sent over the track I was immediately transported to that late night feeling, a melancholic solitude of sorts. I wanted to replicate that feeling in the lyrics and the melody, so they explore the desire to escape the monotony of everyday life with the only person you’d want to be there with you”—Nathan Bell

With arrival on Rose Avenue, Paraleven joins a robust slate of talent which includes the likes of Cassian, Township Rebellion, Colyn and Lastlings. Be sure to keep watch on the label as it prepares to unveil its ambitious latter half of 2021.

bad tuner Stirs Emotions in ‘Back To Me’

bad tuner Stirs Emotions in ‘Back To Me’

Today, Brooklyn-based multi-instrumentalist and 2021 artist to watch bad tuner delivers his latest single on LG105. ‘Back to Me’ marries the smooth, pitched down vocals of British singer Marbl with rolling drum breaks and strong melodic chord structure to create a soulful collaboration oozing with movement. bad tuner’s project is one that lives and breathes creativity, drenched in decades of technical learnings. The lo-fi heater is out on LG105, the new electronic division of Virgin Records UK that boasts a slew of releases from emerging and established artists, producers and independent labels. Recent cuts from the like of Mall Grab, Ross From Friends and Fakear.

“Back To Me is a true pandemic internet collaboration. After being linked with UK vocalist Marbl through Adam of Keys N Krates, we immediately started sending vocals and instrumentals back and forth. For the visuals she recorded a video of herself singing, and I then projected it on the wall behind me and played the keys and danced along. It put us in the same space if just for a moment!”

bad tuner

He’s created remixes for the likes of TOKiMONSTA and Two Another, had releases on Kitsuné and Young Art Records, received support from industry titans including KCRW and Pete Tong at BBC Radio 1, and performed alongside A-Trak, Nosaj Thing, Bon Entendeur and Catching Flies. Most recently, bad tuner’s first socially-distanced show with NYC party crew Purgatory as part of the city’s Open Culture program sold out in under a day. The show was so popular that a second performance was added to keep up with demand, with bad tuner returning to the stage for another round this Saturday, May 1. This continued reinforcement remains proof of his growing significance as one of Brooklyn’s up-and-coming DIY producers.

bad tuner is a budding musician with a deep knowledge of musical theory, synthesis, and songwriting; with records like ‘Back To Me’ continuing to add momentum as he remains poised to amplify his sound to a global scale.

Monolink Unveils New Single from Upcoming LP: “The Prey”

Monolink Unveils New Single from Upcoming LP: “The Prey”

Riding a remarkable wave of success off the back of his two huge singles from 2020 (‘Sinner’ and ‘Otherside’) Monolink now looks to emulate this endeavor into 2021, with the release of his next mesmerizing offering, ‘The Prey’. Out today on Embassy One, Ultra Records and Sweat It Out, ‘The Prey’ is the third stunning single to be taken from the celebrated German producer, singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist upcoming sophomore studio album, and one which sees him explore an increasingly despondent and melancholic timbre to its two predecessors.

With a forced hiatus in international touring casting a shadow over the majority of 2020, Monolink has been channelling his boundless creativity by dedicating an unprecedented amount of time into doing what he enjoys most – writing music. Transporting listeners into his own reflective dimension of sonic exploration, Monolink’s beautiful harmonies are tempered by chugging down-tempo beats and warped analog synthesizers, with his unmistakable top-line and trademark lyrics of human iniquity forming the backbone of the narrative.

The Prey is a story of seduction, of using each other. It’s a story of projection, of only seeing yourself in the other. It’s a story of realization, of waking up from a dream.”

Monolink

Released in 2018, Monolink’s debut album, Amniotic, has collected over 100 million combined streams to date. The project was largely supported through remixes from the titans of the modern house and techno scenes such as Patrice Bäumel, Tale Of Us, Rodriguez Jr, Ben Bohmer, Artbat, Adam Beyer and Nicole Moudaber. These remixes all went on to achieve Beatport Top 10 placings, with Artbat’s remix of ‘Return to Oz’ reaching a staggering 43 million combined streams. 

Monolink has brought his captivating live performance to notable venues and festivals around the world, including Burning Man, Lightning in a Bottle, III Points, Tomorrowland, Osheaga, Melt, Montreux Jazz, and is confirmed to perform at Coachella 2021. His first headlining tour across Germany and Switzerland in 2018 was so popular that four additional dates were added to accommodate demand, as he went on to sell out three shows in Berlin’s Säälchen venue, selling over 6000 tickets in just eight weeks. 

Rooted in a guitar-focused musical background, Monolink – AKA Steffen Linck, has managed to remain one of the most dynamic melodic techno selectors on the scene, tastefully straddling the fence of electronic producer and live singer-songwriter and incorporating the beat and groove of electronic music into his compositions, creating the ultimate examples of melodic dance music. 

‘The Prey’ is available to stream now on Embassy One Records


Colyn’s ‘Bridges In The Sky’ is Melodic Mastery

Colyn’s ‘Bridges In The Sky’ is Melodic Mastery

Melodic savant Colyn has been tapped once again by RÜFÜS DU SOL to forge his next introspective body of work for their now globally renowned Rose Avenue. The resulting ‘Bridges In The Sky’—a polished, double-sided composition—arrives today, serving as an idyllic opener to 2021 for the Dutch producer.

‘Bridges In The Sky’ exudes a sense of tenderness and cohesion. Its eponymous A-side features subdued, emotive analog chords that float over subtle licks of percussion. Colyn’s brother and frequent collaborator, Maurijts Colijn ties everything together, providing breathy vocals to complement the instrumentation, adding buoyancy to the finished product. “Caroussel” picks up where “Bridges In The Sky” left off, opening with a similar rhythm in its synths. Though more dynamically pronounced than its predecessor, the EP closer is softened by its piano accents and ethereal breakdown.

“‘Bridges In The Sky’ represents a hopeful look into the future. It has obviously been a really difficult year for all of us and with Bridges In The Sky I wanted to tell a story of opportunity, the story of recovery, and looking up. I am really happy with how the airy vocals and the emotional, yet uplifting synths, have come together. ‘Caroussel’ is a bit more of a deeper cut that slowly transforms from a more timid groove, towards a more melodic euphoric journey. Definitely a track that has been working well for me during the few opportunities I have had to play my music live in the last year. I think Rose Avenue is the perfect home for these two tracks, as they fit their philosophy and I love to work with their amazing team. So definitely a shout out to the boys from RÜFÜS DU SOL and the team that’s working on all things Rose Avenue.”

Colyn

With a decade of experience under his belt, Colyn is poised to take on a leading mantle in the melodic space. He enjoys constant support from an array of industry bellwethers, including Joris Voorn, Solomun, Artbat, Bedouin, Adriatique, Lane 8 and of course, Tale of Us—who fueled his break with constant play in their sets before signing him onto Afterlife for several releases. His distinctive live performances have landed him gigs at top venues spanning from São Paulo to Belgium for his first Tomorrowland set.

Colyn’s ear for forward-thinking electronic music caught the attention of RÜFÜS DU SOL in 2020, who promptly brought him into Rose Avenue family for his lauded ‘Concepts Of Love’ EP. His dedication to pushing the envelope in the melodic space that he sits in aligns with the label’s ethos, mirrored in fellow signees Township Rebellion, Cassian, and Yotto, to name a few. ‘Bridges In The Sky’ is yet another bold chapter of the collective’s ever-evolving story, setting the tone for a strong 2021.

Colyn’s ear for forward-thinking electronic music caught the attention of RÜFÜS DU SOL in 2020, who promptly brought him into Rose Avenue family for his lauded ‘Concepts Of Love’ EP. His dedication to pushing the envelope in the melodic space that he sits in aligns with the label’s ethos, mirrored in fellow signees Township Rebellion, Cassian, and Yotto, to name a few. ‘Bridges In The Sky’ is yet another bold chapter of the collective’s ever-evolving story, setting the tone for a strong 2021.