[Tech House] Gjoka Drejaj – Where Did Ya Go

Gjoka Drejaj isn’t just another name on the lineup; he’s a story of ambition, growth, and the power of finding one’s voice. From his roots in the Bronx’s pulsating underground scene to becoming a seasoned DJ since 2009, Drejaj’s journey into music production in 2020 has been nothing short of transformative. With his debut EP, “Where Did Ya Go,” Drejaj invites us into a space where emotion meets sound, a display of his newfound sonic identity crafted in his recently upgraded studio.

“Where Did Ya Go” is an exploration of Drejaj’s inner landscape, brought to life with lush vocals that he couldn’t resist. This project showcases his ability to channel deep feelings into sound, a skill that has propelled him onto stages shared with heavyweights like DVBBS and Oscar G, and into venues like Pacha NYC and Quantum Brooklyn.

His accolades speak volumes: collaborating with Smith and Sorren on “Believe in the Music,” which climbed Beatport’s Tech House charts and featured on Apple Music’s New In Dance playlist. His single “Ensueno” further cemented his status, reaching impressive positions on Beatport’s Tech House Releases.

As Drejaj continues to make waves, “Where Did Ya Go” shows both how far he’s come as well as where he’s going – all signs are pointing to him headed toward greatness given the quality of the music that we have in front of us today.

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[Tech House] Bleu Clair – Underwater

Bleu Clair, a figure synonymous with innovation in the tech house genre, has experienced a meteoric rise in the electronic dance music scene. With a discography that boasts over 50 million Spotify streams and a monthly listenership nearing 450,000, his influence is both widespread and profound. Notably, his collaboration on “Have Me All” with Jelita achieved the #22 spot on the 1001Tracklist’s Top Producer list, this is just scratching the surface. His partnerships with industry titans like Ytram, Tchami, and AC Slater highlight his prominence within the community.

His performance history is equally impressive, having graced stages at premier festivals such as Tomorrowland 2023, EDC Las Vegas, and CRSSD Fest. Bleu Clair’s ability to win over audiences worldwide is one of many reasons why he is a leading figure in the tech house landscape.

2024 has seen Bleu Clair continuing his momentum with the release of “Shake What You Mama,” quickly followed by the compelling single “Underwater.” This track marks a departure towards a more elemental and fundamental production style. With its straightforward composition, “Underwater” allows its club-ready vocal sample to shine against a backdrop of entrancing basslines and exotic percussion. This latest addition shows off Bleu Clair’s knack for creating music that not only resonates with his audience but also enriches his already impressive catalogue. As Bleu Clair embarks on his 2024 tour with stops in Miami, Texas, and California, his journey remains a compelling narrative of relentless achievement and creative evolution.

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[House] Dunes of Dawn – Phonetics

In late January, Dunes of Dawn made a significant mark with their “Dimensions” release through IN ROTATION / Insomniac Records. Building on this momentum, the duo announces their next big step with the release of “Phonetics”, under Sorted Records, a sub-label of Nervous Records. This high-energy techno single underscores the duo’s knack for super creative productions that are both unpredictable and easy to return to.

Formed by Tanner and Yianni, Dunes of Dawn embodies a profound connection and shared passion for electronic music. Their distinctive approach to house and techno has not only defined their sound but also allowed them to align with influential figures in the scene, sharing stages with ANNA, Layton Giordani, Hot Since 82, Skream, and Hiroko Yamamura. Their evolving journey now includes partnerships with esteemed labels like Insomniac Records and Nervous Records.

“Phonetics” emerges as a perfect example of their artistic development, featuring meticulous percussion that invites listeners into a captivating narrative. The track seamlessly integrates a unique vocal element, infusing an Italian essence that elevates the overall experience. This release is a continuation and expansion of Dunes of Dawn’s musical evolution, promising more intriguing developments in their career.

As Dunes of Dawn continue to gain traction, with a growing Spotify listener base and notable performances across various venues, their upcoming projects remain highly anticipated. Their collaboration with prestigious labels hints at the promising trajectory of their career in electronic music.

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[House] Bleu Clair – Shake What Yo Mama

Bleu Clair, a prominent figure in the tech house music scene, capped off a bustling year in December, highlighted by his appearances at renowned events such as Parookaville Festival 2023 and Tomorrowland 2023. His consistent performance throughout the year, maintaining over 450,000 monthly listeners on Spotify and garnering millions of streams, underscores his unwavering commitment to his craft.

His recent track, “Shake What Yo Mama,” embodies the essence of his musical direction. The song skillfully blends exotic and primal influences with a classic house vocal sample, creating a harmonious and down-right beautiful listening experience. The track’s drop, with its powerful synths, leads listeners into an unexpectedly thrilling territory that’s easy to repeat again and again.

With more than 50 million Spotify streams and a substantial follower base, Bleu Clair’s influence in the electronic music industry is evident. His collaboration “Have Me All,” featuring Jelita, achieved the #22 spot on 1001Tracklist’s Top Producer list. He has also gained recognition from industry giants like Skrillex, DJ Snake, and Diplo.

Bleu Clair’s discography includes releases on prestigious labels like Musical Freedom, STMPD, Insomniac Records, Realm Records, and Terminal Underground. His collaborations with notable artists such as Ytram, Kyle Watson, Tchami, AC Slater, and Matroda highlight his significant contributions to the dance music scene.

This man continues to grow year after year, 2024 is looking no different – keep an eye on his and see what he does next.

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[Tech House] San Pacho – No Guest List

Kicking off 2024 with an electrifying bang, the Croatian sensation San Pacho has unleashed “No Guest List,” a single that might just be his most exceptional work yet. The track is vibrant and creative from start to finish, taking in the high-energy thrill of club culture with an epic, catchy, and powerful style that distinctly sets him apart. Characterized by its riveting build-ups and masterful drops, “No Guest List” captures the quintessence of the clubbing experience, making it an anthem for dance floors worldwide.

Since his debut in 2019, San Pacho has rapidly emerged as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. His unique blend of tech house and club house has captivated global audiences, carving a niche distinctly his own. “No Guest List” epitomizes this artistic evolution, incorporating real-life audio clips into a Latin-infused tech house framework, creating an immersive and invigorating club experience.

San Pacho’s signings with top labels like Insomniac, Terminal Underground, and Sink or Swim exemplify validates his sonic direction and evolution as a DJ/producer. Esteemed industry pioneers like Tiesto, Chris Lake, MK, and Matroda have not only supported but also respected his work, underscoring his significant impact in the music world.

San Pacho’s track record boasts impressive achievements. His singles “La Pasion” and “Amor” have resonated globally, breaking barriers and amassing multi-millions of streams. His involvement with deadmau5’s hau5trap label and the release of “The Vault” mixtape have further cemented his status in dance music. Notably, his tracks “Elektro” and “Amor” have dominated the Beatport charts, with “Amor” even clinching a top spot in the tech house category.

With over 800,000 monthly listeners on Spotify and a social media reach of 70k followers, San Pacho’s place in global house music culture is high. His presence in Spotify’s editorial playlists and endorsements from icons like Tiesto and David Guetta highlight his burgeoning influence.

“No Guest List” is a labor of love and a tribute to his dedicated fanbase. San Pacho is riding the waves as much as he’s steering the ship, charting a course for an even more extraordinary future.

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[House] itsCHRISJOHNSON – Get Close

In a electrifying fusion of nostalgia and creative innovation, Christopher Johnson, widely recognized as itsCHRISJOHNSON, has unveiled his latest single “Get Close,” igniting a promising 2024 after a triumphant 2023. This track, pulsating with energy and an infectious rhythm, is a dance anthem that has plenty of elements that are easily to connect with, no matter what part of the world you are from.

Hailing from Delray Beach, Florida, Johnson’s roots in hip-hop production have evolved into a distinguished presence in the dance music scene. His latest single, “Get Close,” draws its essence from the iconic electro vibes of the early 2010s, a nostalgic nod to a beloved era in dance music. This track emerges from Johnson’s creative endeavors during festival season.

2023 was a year full of highlights in his career, with his music reaching audiences in 143 countries, “Sweet Lies,” debuting on Sirius XM’s BPM, and more, all helping grow his name in dance culture. His work, particularly under his label Social Sound Club and especially during the quarantine, propelled him to a better place within the electronic community.

Johnson’s talents extend beyond music production. His guest mixes on platforms like Dash Radio, The Music Essentials, and C89.5 all are dynamic aspects to what make him alluring and one to watch. Additionally, his robust social media presence, including an Instagram takeover for Ultra Worldwide and over a million plays on Instagram Reels, are just more examples that what he is doing is meeting the needs of a hungry audience.

Notably, “Sweet Lies” premiered on BPM Beta with Liquid Todd, and Johnson also enjoyed song premieres on Sirius XM Chill’s “Day Life Radio.” His tracks have featured on prominent Spotify playlists by Steve Aoki, Revealed Recordings, Enhanced Music, and Ultra Music’s “The Gateway.”

With “Get Close,” itsCHRISJOHNSON continues to push the envelope of dance music, offering a vibrant, enthralling track that encapsulates the essence of Johnson’s artistic journey.

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[Indie-Electronic] Close To Monday – First Class

Close To Monday, a European indie electronic duo, has a knack for crafting music that resonates deeply with the soul. Composed of the talented producer Alexander and the expressive singer/songwriter Ann, they’ve been making waves in the electronic music scene. Their work, which includes chart-toppers on the Deutsche Alternative Charts and accolades from international film festivals, showcases their ability to blend deep emotional narratives with captivating soundscapes.

Entering 2024, Close To Monday releases “First Class,” a track that marks a delightful shift in their musical style. It’s a piece that stands out, not just for its inclusion in Uproxx’s ‘Favorite Hotel Stays In 2023’, but for its distinct departure from the energetic design of their previous songs. “First Class” slows things down, inviting listeners on a more introspective journey. The track is a fascinating exploration of ambition and the pitfalls of luxury, wrapped up in a metaphor about a man’s transformation into a monster amid the lavishness of first-class travel.

The accompanying music video for “First Class” is a minimalist work of art. Filmed in an art space by their dedicated team, it shows the duo’s commitment to their artistic vision. The video emphasizes the interplay of light and shadow, sound and silence, drawing viewers into the emotional core of the song. It’s a visual narrative that complements the song’s thematic exploration, ensuring the focus remains on the melody and the core essence of the sound.

“First Class” shows off Close To Monday’s musical evolution. It’s a track that displays their ability to weave complex narratives into their music, creating an immersive experience that goes beyond just listening. The song’s slower tempo and introspective feel offer a fresh perspective, highlighting the duo’s versatility and depth.

In essence, “First Class” is a vivid illustration of Close To Monday’s musical capabilities and creativity. It’s about storytelling, emotional exploration, and the connection between artist and audience. With this latest release, Close To Monday invites listeners to dive deeper into their world, offering a glimpse into the rich tapestry of human emotions that they so skillfully depict in their music.

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