Kaskade, La Fleur, UMEK, DJ Minx, and MEDUZA delivered standout house and techno tracks over the week of October 9.
As fall sets in, the temperature starts to drop, and leaves turn red before falling to the ground. Nightlife is still going strong, though. House and techno producers keep putting out killer tracks that make their rounds during the handful of lively weekends remaining before the holiday season thins out the crowds.
Last week saw Tomorrowland Brasil navigate the aftermath of heavy rainstorms while Insomniac announced the return of its New Year’s Eve gathering, Together As One. At the same time, music by DJ Minx, UMEK, Maddix, Kaskade, La Fleur, and MEDUZA kept bodies in motion on dancefloors the world over. By our measure, those same tracks will find their way into countless more sets in the following months.
Don’t take our word for it, though. Good music will always speak for itself. Read on for five house and techno tracks from the week of October 9 that we think you need to hear — if you hadn’t already at a party over the weekend, that is.
Read along for more information on the five tracks that dropped this week, and then check out last week’s list. Listen to more house and techno curations on EDM Identity’s Subterranean Sounds, Melodic Marvels, and Dancefloor Decadence Spotify playlists!
Salomé Le Chat – Parc Des Princes (DJ Minx Remix Edit)
Salomé Le Chat delivered a spirited addition to the Cuttin’ Headz discography with her February EP, Time To Move. As part of a remix pack, the label enlisted DJ Minx to inject some Detroit flavor into one the effort’s groovy, soulful tracks, “Parc Des Princes.”
In place of the original mix’s wonky minimalism are dissonant synth stabs that perforate an echoey sample of its signature vocal. Hints of early Detroit techno set DJ Minx’s remix apart from the heaps of tech house tunes that came out on the same day.
Kaskade – “Save Me” ft. Lauren L’aimant
Seldom can an artist set the mood quite as well as Kaskade. “Save Me” sees him do what he does best with help from vocalist Lauren L’aimant. Her angelic verses soars over tranquil layers of melody, interspersed with woodwind atmospheres at calculated intervals.
“Save Me” is the lead single from REDUX 006, which arrives in full on October 17. While the series was initially a vehicle for Kaskade’s more house-oriented fare, there’s now less of a distinction as most of his output has assimilated to the recent house music resurgence.
MEDUZA – Ecstasy
MEDUZA cuts tracks that strike a clever balance between soothing the soul and starting the party. Case in point: Their self-titled double EP, which pairs classics that put the trio on the map with previously unreleased music.
As you might have guessed, “Ecstasy” falls closer to the party end of their creative range. Complementing the sultry spoken-word sample and techno-inspired kick drums are simple lead synths that, if you listen closely, take inspiration from Melbourne bounce.
UMEK, Maddix – Hypnotizing
“Hynotizing” offers a prime example of the trance-inspired approach taken by bigger techno artists as of late (but shh, don’t say that within earshot of them). In it, UMEK and Dutch DJ and producer Maddix pair driving rhythms and subtle acid sounds with serene breakdowns to compelling effect.
The collaboration marks UMEK’s 300th release in his 30-year electronic music career. “Here’s to the rhythm that unites us, the beats that inspire, and the magical 300 that reflects a journey of persistence and undying love for music,” he shared of the milestone.
La Fleur – Chian
Three years have passed since La Fleur released music. The Swedish DJ and producer is making up for lost time with a new album titled Vasën in early 2024, and in the meantime, she’s offered up a two-tracker titled Chian / Slowdive.
The former track hooked our attention more than any other release this week. Between its synthwave-inspired sound design, danceable rythm, and soulful vocal sample, the track has officially piqued our curiosity for what else will appear on Vasën when it arrives in full.
