In our latest Hot Picks feature, we’re excited to spotlight one of Northern Ireland’s brightest rising stars in electronic music, Jack Kelly. Known for his innovative blend of deep house and progressive sounds, the Belfast-born producer continues to turn heads with every release. His latest collaboration, ‘Minus Degrees’, sees him team up with fellow artist Jonny Fitch to deliver a brooding, atmospheric track that is both captivating and immersive. Download/stream it here: https://PerfectHavoc.lnk.to/8f3hP3. At the heart of ‘Minus Degrees’ lies the hypnotic vocal performance of UK singer Hazy Dark, whose sultry tones add depth and intrigue to the track. It perfectly fits the late-night club scene, combining carefully crafted sound design, driving rhythms, and emotive melodies. The result is a sonic journey that pulls you in, whether you’re on the dancefloor or lost in reflective listening. Jack Kelly’s ascent in the electronic music world has been nothing short of impressive. From his early days remixing chart hits at 15 to racking up millions of streams with tracks like ‘Into The Bloom’, Kelly has cemented his reputation as a go-to producer for forward-thinking house music. ‘Minus Degrees’ is yet another testament to his evolving sound and growing impact, and we can’t wait to see what he does next. Ben Bohmer, Oh Wonder - The Sun “Straight from Ben’s 3rd album, ‘Bloom’, which came out a few weeks back, this track puts a smile on my face and hits home every time. I draw most of my melodic and emotional inspiration from Ben and his music, so it only felt right to include this.” Nimino - I Only Smoke When I Drink “The dance track that’s taking over the internet right now, and I can see why. Incredible production and creativity from start to finish; trust me on this one.” Jack Kelly, Jonny Fitch - Minus Degrees (feat. Hazy Dark) “My favourite and best production to date. I had so much fun making this record with Jonny, who’s a great friend, complemented by ethereal vocals by Hazy Dark, a true collaboration. It’s emotive, soulful and a definite dance anthem all in one.” Tim Hughes, Shamar - Needing Now “Keeping the summer vibes going for as long as possible with this pick. Produced by another great friend, Tim Hughes, whether it’s at the afters or in the car, this track will always go off.” Fred Again.. , Sampha - Fear Less “I’ve always been a fan of Sampha’s music, so this was the collaboration I didn’t know I needed! Fred bringing the organic feels as always to the production; this track is a wild journey with amazing experimentation throughout.” Nu Aspect, Poppy Baskcomb - Over The Edge “Super cool dance track that is right up my street. Never a doubt it’s going to be a banger when you see the names Nu Aspect and Poppy Baskcomb together again on a track.” Follow Jack Kelly https://www.instagram.com/musicbyjackkelly https://soundcloud.com/jack-kelly-980915906 https://open.spotify.com/artist/1qXQAJC0HsasWQhGI8P1QC Follow Perfect Havoc https://www.facebook.com/perfecthavocmusic https://www.twitter.com/perfecthavoc https://www.instagram.com/perfecthavoc https://open.spotify.com/user/perfecthavoc Explore more Hot Picks: Hot Picks archive · Influences · All features

Tomi & Kesh have quietly become one of the most consistent duos in the modern club circuit. Based in Stuttgart, their sound blends rolling percussion, hypnotic basslines and stripped-back grooves with just the right edge. It’s earned them a home on labels like elrow Music, Deeperfect, Kaluki and their own NoZzo imprint, as well as heavy rotation from names like Marco Carola, The Martinez Brothers, Joseph Capriati, Paco Osuna, Nicole Moudaber and Dennis Cruz. Their tracks don’t just fill sets - they define moments. Latest release ‘Rainy Rica’ on Stacey Pullen’s Blackflag Recordings is another one for the collection. Built across two rain-soaked days in Costa Rica, the title track is a bubbling terrace tool packed with energy, while ‘My Bishh’ follows with a tougher, attitude-laced groove that hits right in the peak-time zone. To mark the drop, Tomi & Kesh deliver our latest Hot Picks feature with a playlist that reflects their current mindset - full of tracks that push dancefloors forward without losing their soul. Dem Boyz, Moreno & Prieto - Boom Bati Really love to play this one! These guys have definitely got the Colombian bounce and make your hips move 100% with ‘Boom Bati!’. Gino Da Koda - Vamos Mr. Respect-The-Groove aka Gino Da Koda is a certified hit maker! We’ve opened a couple of our sets with this track. This groove, those vocal chops and those stab shots - so delicious. Gino, we want a child of you! Kofla - Llamada This groove is bringing back the good old Amnesia vibe! Combined with those crazy phone sounds, this track takes you on a trip for sure. Well done! Hutu - No Diddy No Diddy, Yes Hutu! Another producer to keep an eye on. This track is just so smooth and will make slip’n’slide all over the dancefloor guaranteed! RSquared - In A Spell (Vito (UK) Remix) The man of the moment Vito (UK) smashed it with this one. He’s brought the anthem of the summer early. Joseph Capriati and Franky Rizardo approved as well! Nico Verploeg - Fck Dat Bih This one keeps your hips swinging from left to right, even if you’re already tired and your legs feel heavy. An excellent groove and a track for several occasions! Fer (BR) - Party All Day The faces on the dance floor once the sax appears on the drop is what we love to see! Fer BR with a funky stomper!! Lokia - Honey We heard the promo at home while being on the sofa and immediately started dancing. A proper minimal groove coming from Lokia out of UK. We can’t wait to hear more from him! Blaqq & Why’d - Whatever Oh yeahhh these boys know exactly what they are doing! We can’t even count how many of their tracks we’ve already played and ‘Whatever‘ is another dope production. Ben Graves - Hakuna Matata To finish this list we decided to introduce you to this monster! After signing it to our label we played it for the first time as our closing track at Now Here/Hï and the people went bananas. That vocal just fits the beat perfectly, and we wake up every day thanking God that he made Ben send us this track... Whether you caught them at elrow Town, Hï Ibiza or deep in the afters, Tomi & Kesh know exactly how to move a crowd. Their Hot Picks bring that same energy - built for the booth, tested on dancefloors worldwide. Lock in and keep your eyes on their next NoZzo drop... this ride’s far from over. Tomi & Kesh Instagram / Soundcloud Blackflag Recordings Website / Twitter / Facebook Explore more Hot Picks: Hot Picks archive · Influences · All features

Deltech return to Hot Creations with their highly anticipated ‘Funnnk’ EP, marking another step forward in their already impressive journey. Following their debut on the label last year, the Derby-based duo are back to push their groove-driven sound even further. With a string of Beatport #1 hits and releases on top-tier labels like Toolroom and Nothing Else Matters, Deltech have quickly become a go-to name in the electronic music scene. ‘Funnnk’ is a testament to their evolving sound, combining crisp percussion with infectious basslines that are primed for the dancefloor. Their distinctive approach to house music continues to turn heads, and their return to Hot Creations signals yet another milestone in their rise to prominence. Pre-order/Save it here: https://orcd.co/hotc254. Ahead of their latest EP, Deltech share their top 5 club bangers of the moment: Blackchild (ITA) - Changes (Acid Radio Mix) [LATEMORNING] We are loving this track. The acid bassline really drives the energy, and the vocals just hit perfectly when played at the rave. It’s got that raw, infectious groove that makes you want to lose yourself on the dancefloor. Chris Damon - The System [Be One Records] Love how this track fuses TechHouse with UK-Garage and Breakbeat elements. The rhythmic grooves from UK-Garage bring a nice edge, while the breakbeats add that extra punch. A perfect track for keeping the energy high and the dancefloor moving! ROKAR - Screwface [Semi Delicious] We’re absolutely loving this one! The gritty bassline and acid synth work perfectly together, creating that raw, deep energy that’s perfect for the late-night dance. It has that undeniable underground vibe that keeps the dancefloor alive and moving. Definitely one for the late hours. Sidney Charles - Low End Theory [Hot Creations] Absolutely loving this one! The bassline groove is on point, and the hypnotic synths tie everything together perfectly, creating that seamless vibe that keeps you locked in. Deltech - I Don’t Need That [Hot Creations] Last but not least, we’ve got one of our personal favourites! The groovy organs and catchy vocals are a perfect match, and they’ve been absolutely damaging dancefloors. It’s one of those tracks! As Deltech continue to hone their craft, ‘Funnnk’ cements their place as one of the most exciting duos in the scene. With their unique blend of deep basslines, tight production, and infectious grooves, this release is set to make waves in 2025. Keep an eye on Deltech - they’re only just getting started. Deltech Instagram / Soundcloud / Facebook Hot Creations Instagram / Soundcloud / Twitter Explore more Hot Picks: Hot Picks archive · Influences · All features

Liverpool’s Ben Jones is a name you’re going to be hearing more of this year. As the founder of Parallel Circuit and Before Records, he’s already carved out a respected place in the UK underground, pushing minimal-leaning house with real depth and groove. Now, he takes things up a notch with his debut release on Solid Grooves Raw. Out now, ‘Evolve’ is a sharp, acid-soaked roller built for low-lit rooms and long nights. Packed with warped basslines, crisp percussion and hypnotic energy, it marks a defining step forward for Jones. Download/stream it here: http://ffm.to/sgraw078. “Here is a selection of tracks that never leave my record bag and other releases and labels that I’m digging…” - Ben Jones In this Hot Picks feature, Ben shares the tracks currently lighting up his sets and inspiring his productions. Ion Ludwig - Think Music I have various memories of playing this track… however, the one that sticks out to me most is playing it at 93 Feet East on my debut set for FUSE/LOCUS. Unknown Artist - I Keep Rising I think we all share the same memory of this one… Sunwaves, Tent 4, Priku closing on crazy beach! SIT - Fabricated Odyssey I’ve always been a collector of SIT (Cristi Cons & Vlad Caia) releases, I probably play two tracks of theirs each set which can’t be helped - whether that’s a SIT production, or them solo. I’ve gained so much musical knowledge from them both over the years, and now to have my tracks played by them feels great! Jaydee - Plastic Dreams For me, ‘Plastic Dreams’ is a track I grew up listening to and still to this day. It will never get old, it’s a timeless piece! It always goes down well when and wherever I drop it, but I also have a selection of edits I that will be dropping on my Bandcamp over the next couple of months - keep peeled for my ‘Plastic Dreams’ edit! Origin Unknown - Valley Of The Shadows I grew up listening to jungle as a kid, and have a wide collection I’ve built up over the years. For me, it’s the snares! I love how they cut through in sequence at the speed it’s known for. It’s quite niche that you hear jungle these days incorporated into a set, and if there’s one that does it right it’s Enzo Siragusa. The guy knows when and how them snares should be rolled out! LFO - LFO (Leeds Warehouse Mix) No matter how old this record it still sounds incredible on a system. The elements really resonate to keep it sounding current and futuristic... LFOOOO! Housey Doingz - Curly Wurly For me, tech house wouldn’t be what it is today if it wasn’t for Housey Doingz… Say no more! Robert Owens - Was I Here Before (Fire Island Vocal Mix) Robert is a house music legend who made the genre of what house still is to this day… An incredible vocalist who I’m grateful to be working with on a release, stay tuned! Alexis Cabrera - Modular Therapy A great track… a stand out memory I have of playing this record has to be at Starlane London supporting Raresh and Praslea for the XTD afterparty! Also, Alexis will be releasing on my new label ‘Parallel Circuit’ (@_parallelcircuit on IG) with a very diverse four track EP very soon! Ben Jones - Evolve And last but not least, the track that led me here. I’ve had ‘Evolve’ in my unreleased archive for a little while, and even though I’ve recently switched up my sound, the energy throughout the drums, along with the basslines and wobbles, I thought would suit Solid Grooves really well. So thanks to Bibi and the SG team for having me come on the label! ‘Evolve’ captures a producer on the rise, pushing his sound into bold, club-focused territory. It’s out now via Solid Grooves Raw - one for the heads and the dancers alike. Ben Jones Instagram / Soundcloud Solid Grooves Instagram / Soundcloud / Facebook Explore more Hot Picks: Hot Picks archive · Influences · All features

Spanish DJ and producer Crusy is on fire! His meteoric rise started in 2022 with the release of Selecta on Toolroom Trax, which exploded across dance floors worldwide. With support from heavyweights like Carl Cox, Nic Fanciulli, and John Summit, Crusy quickly cemented his name as a rising star in electronic music. Since then, Crusy has only picked up speed, signing with Toolroom management and dropping tracks on Defected, Claptone's Golden Recordings, and Danny Howard's Nothing Else Matters. He's also racked up collaborations with major names like HUGEL, Dombresky, and Low Steppa, pulling in over 20 million streams along the way. His latest record on Toolroom is another step up, blending underground and accessible elements in a peak-time, acid-infused Tech House roller. With shades of Techno and a nod to The Chemical Brothers' iconic Hey Boy, Hey Girl vocal sample, this track is a DJ's dream, made for the dance floor. Download/stream it here: https://toolroom.lnk.to/HeyGirlsTT. To mark the release of his latest record, we're delighted to welcome Crusy with his very own Hot Picks selection: Mark Knight & Funkagenda - Man With The Red Face This is my favourite song ever. A lot of my music has been inspired by it. The rhythm and the melody are just timeless. Stardust - Music Sounds Better With You The best House song ever created, in my opinion. It's perfect - happy, classy, cool. It brings up the energy at a party, no matter when you play it. A forever classic. Crusy & Prophecy - Pills This is my favourite personal production to date. I made it as a collaboration with Prophecy, who are really good friends of mine. The vibe here is just unbelievable. It's sexy but dark at the same time. It defines me a lot as a producer. Crusy - Hey Girls B Boys This is the most versatile record I have made. This song just works everywhere, and I'm so proud to have released it with these timeless vocals. I feel truly blessed to have this in my discography. Huge shoutout to the Toolroom team, too! Hot Since 82 - Veins I've been a fan of Hot Since 82 for a lot of years, and this song is one of the reasons. Dark, energetic, and versatile for different venues. One of my favorite tunes to play at 4 am. Wheats - Poison One of my favourite Toolroom tracks. Ideal for bringing up the energy of the club before closing. A song that sits perfectly between Tech House and Techno. &ME, Black Coffee - Rapture Part III This is a future classic. I like to play a wide range of music in my sets, and at some point, I bring the vibe down a bit with a deeper track before building it back up. This is one of those records I play to introduce a melodic vibe. Absolute tune! Marco Lys - The Story Continues One of the best modern House tracks. This is as good as House music gets in modern times. Works everywhere! Green Velvet - Flash (Latmun Remix) This is Tech House at its peak for me - groovy and uplifting, with great build-ups and a killer drop. One of the best Tech House tunes to play, with the iconic Green Velvet vocals. Crusy - Selecta The song that changed my career forever. It's still one of my favourite tunes today. I made it almost by accident in about three hours, and it became my debut release on Toolroom. As Crusy's schedule heats up with shows in the USA, Ibiza, Mexico, Canada, and beyond, this release is set to be one of his biggest yet. Crusy https://www.instagram.com/crusyofficial https://open.spotify.com/artist/6oIoaURalGEtkYTswOLoft https://soundcloud.com/crusyofficial Explore more Hot Picks: Hot Picks archive · Influences · All features

Marasi continues to push boundaries in 2025 with the release of his Zuri EP on Madorasindahouse. Following the success of Opera—a track that earned him a spot on Shazam’s Fast Forward 2025 list—the EP further cements his reputation as one of Afro-house’s most exciting names. With over 7 million Spotify streams, Marasi’s music has gained heavy support from Black Coffee, Solomun, Damian Lazarus, and Joseph Capriati, placing him at the forefront of the genre. His productions blend intricate percussion, deep melodies, and hypnotic rhythms, making them a fixture in DJ sets across the globe. Tracks like Tormenta and Rapture have dominated the Beatport Afro House charts, while his growing international tour schedule has taken him to over 25 countries, from underground club nights to major festival stages. The Zuri EP showcases his signature style—rich, percussive grooves layered with emotive melodies. Already picking up club and radio traction, it’s another strong addition to his discography and a statement of intent for the year ahead. Marasi’s latest release is a perfect insight into the gradience that fills his musical taste and this Hot Picks feature. From deep, hypnotic Afro-house to cutting-edge club tracks, these are essential sounds shaping the dancefloor in 2025. Liva K, Marasi – Sahara "Sahara" is one of my latest collaborations with my good friend Liva K, and the reason I highlight this track is because of the hypnotic groove it delivers. The rhythmic foundation is deep and pulsating, while the nostalgic brass melodies in the breakdown add a mystical, almost cinematic element. This track was a truly organic collaboration—Liva and I both shared the same vision and emotions while producing it, which made the creative process seamless. Released in January on MadorasInDaHouse Records as part of my Zuri EP, Sahara is a journey through sound, blending Afro House elements with a deep, entrancing atmosphere. Demaya – You Are One of my favorite after-hours selections as of late, You Are by Demaya is a hypnotic masterpiece that perfectly fits the Ibiza summer vibe. Already out via Calamar Records, this track is a slow-burning, evolving piece that grips you from the first beat. The deep, rolling bass riff sets the tone, while the progressive layers keep building, creating an immersive sonic journey. Demaya is an exceptional producer who consistently delivers high-quality productions, and You Are is no exception—perfect for those sunrise sessions or deep club moments. Tayllor – Baby V Tayllor delivers one of his most melodic and emotionally charged tracks to date with Baby V, and it does not disappoint. The track's piano-driven progression, combined with beautifully arranged chords, creates a powerful sense of movement and anticipation. Then comes the drop—emerging with energy and intensity, taking the listener on a euphoric ride straight to the dancefloor. Baby V is the kind of track I can already envision playing at sunrise on a Greek island during the summer of 2025—pure magic. atsou, Noah Kulaga – More With Less With More With Less, atsou and Noah Kulaga craft a hypnotic Afro House weapon designed for late-night dancefloors. The track seamlessly blends deep, driving basslines with percussive intricacies, creating a groove that is both entrancing and energetic. The standout element? The haunting vocals that pull you in, building tension and release throughout. Strong lead sounds and well- placed drum fills add another layer of excitement, making this a secret weapon for any DJ set. Already released on MadorasInDaHouse as part of their Selected #5 compilation, this track is an essential addition to any Afro House lover’s playlist. Catz 'n Dogz – The Choice (Angelos Remix) Angelos takes The Choice, a Catz 'n Dogz classic, and transforms it into a deep, acid-infused Afro House banger. This remix fuses two distinct worlds— Afro rhythms and acid textures—resulting in a hypnotic yet high-energy production. The haunting vocal adds an extra layer of depth, while the underground, dark ambiance gives it a raw and edgy feel. Angelos once again showcases his unique ability to merge genres effortlessly. Expect to hear this in my sets, especially during peak-time moments where the energy needs to be lifted to the next level. Elias Kazais – Neon Nights Greek producer Elias Kazais delivers an electrifying blend of new wave, electro, and club-driven energy in Neon Nights. This track has been making waves in my sets, creating absolute dancefloor destruction whenever I play it. Included in Solomun’s Four to the Floor 40 via Diynamic Records, the track is loaded with shimmering synth pads, powerful basslines, and euphoric melodic progressions. It’s a sonic ride that feels like driving through the neon-lit streets of downtown Miami, capturing that late-night, cinematic club vibe. A must- listen for fans of melodic club anthems. Samm & Sebjak – Holding You Samm collaborates with the legendary Sebjak to create Holding You, a track that effortlessly blends uplifting piano melodies with deep, pulsating basslines. The combination of soulful chord progressions, atmospheric synth leads, and an infectious vocal sample makes this track a dancefloor anthem. Out now via Samm & Ajna’s personal label, Holding You is one of those tracks that brings hands in the air and emotions to the surface. If you're curating a playlist, this is one you need to add—pure euphoria wrapped in a club-ready package. Bun Xapa – Stockholm Bun Xapa crafts a hypnotic Afro House journey with Stockholm, blending deep grooves, pulsating rhythms, and atmospheric melodies. The rolling bassline and crisp percussions create a mesmerizing flow, while ethereal synth layers add a dreamlike intensity. The track's minimal yet intricate arrangement keeps the tension alive, making it perfect for both peak-time sets and deep after-hours sessions. With its immersive soundscapes and dynamic energy, Stockholm is a must-have for Afro House enthusiasts and DJs alike. A deep, groovy masterpiece built for the dancefloor. Kashovski – Ghost (feat. Callum Finn) Kashovski teams up with Callum Finn to deliver Ghost, a deep and atmospheric Afro House gem. The track combines haunting vocals, pulsating rhythms, and hypnotic synth layers, creating a moody yet infectious groove.Callum Finn’s soulful delivery adds an emotional depth, seamlessly blending with Kashovski’s rich basslines and intricate percussions. The evolving melodies and subtle tension make Ghost a perfect fit for sunset sessions, late-night dancefloors, and deep, introspective moments. A soulful, deep Afro House track that lingers long after it ends. zarusman, Da Mike – The Thing (MANQO Remix) MANQO reimagines The Thing by Lazarusman and Da Mike into a deep, hypnotic Afro House journey. The remix blends mesmerizing spoken-word vocals, rolling percussions, and atmospheric synth textures, creating a sound that is both soulful and immersive.Lazarusman’s poetic delivery remains the focal point, adding depth and storytelling, while MANQO’s signature groove keeps the energy flowing. The build-up is subtle yet powerful, making it an ideal track for deep club moments and late-night sets.A hypnotic Afro House remix that pulls you in and keeps you locked in the groove. Marasi https://www.instagram.com/marasi_dj https://open.spotify.com/artist/0Dcekxlb2bwUGn3neC6J4J https://soundcloud.com/marasi_dj Explore more Hot Picks: Hot Picks archive · Influences · All features

Alex Kislov, a rising star in Chicago's electronic music scene, has been making waves with his unique blend of deep house, techno, and experimental rhythms. From playing iconic venues like Radius and Spybar to performing at major events like the EVOL AFTERS Electric Forest afterparty and multiple sets at Burning Man 2024, Kislov's sound has resonated with fans worldwide. His tracks, such as "This Is the Way" and "Want to Feel," have garnered support from key radio shows and influential music blogs, further solidifying his place in the scene. Time Stops perfectly reflects the quality fans can expect from his highly anticipated debut album Dream Sequence. Its emotive synth lines and punchy beats provide the perfect backdrop for a spoken-word vocal, evoking the golden age of progressive house. As Kislov reflects on his collaboration with MAA Films for the music video, it's clear that this release is more than just a track—it's a deeply cinematic journey. Fresh off the back of his album, we invited Alex to join us as our latest Hot Picks guest as he shares a touching selection of melodically enriched cuts: Marsh - Reminiscent Absolutely love this track lately, it's been in nearly all my sets and radio mixes. Big fan of the pulsing acid 303 and the way Marsh incorporates his signature pads and arps creeping their way into the grime. Great track. Rampa - Les Gout Another heater that is surprisingly chill in its nature but gets every single inch of your body screaming to move to the rhythm and vocals. This track really got me hooked on Rampa and Keinek Music in general. It's nice, vibey, catchy, and good luck trying to get it out of your head for the next few days. "I said deny, got my head in the FBI" Bianca Kinane & Ur2wo - Do 4 Love (Paul Sirrell & Bradderz Remix) Pretty new track to hit the scene, I think? But either way, I really miss this style of music and genre from the days of my childhood and growing up. It's got a very modern definition to hit today's dance floor with still enough nostalgic chords and vocal loops to remind you of the golden days of dance music. Reset Robot - Draggin Chords I don't believe this track is out yet, so I added a feature of Reset Robots track that was kind of similar to this one. Anyways, at first glance I didn't feel fully hooked by the track until I gave it a chance. Once I played it on the dancefloor and felt more than I heard the vibe of it, I got hooked. Well done! Above & Beyond - Screwdriver (Jono Grant Summer of 95 Extended Mix) I mean what can I say, anything Above & Beyond touches is gold, and that includes Jono. Love this tune, especially the more "house" direction they are headed there too. Maz (BR), Antdot, Ginton - Jolie Fille Feat. Layefa I mean this track just makes you happy. I discovered Maz opening for him at a club called Spybar and he was an instant hit for me. I love the very authentic latin-america vibe that this track gives without being cheesy or overboard like many tracks in this style of music can be. The guitar is enchanting me to keep replying and once the perfectly tightened percussion hits with the vocals, you are no longer in control. Sevenn - DARE A classic take on one of my favorite groups and songs. This is a good dancefloor generator and good enough to hit the Karens without letting down the underground progressive and house guests. HUGEL - La Verdolaga Feat. Toto La Momposina Once the bassline hits in this track, it's over. This song takes you to another dancing dimension and is easily mixed between Afro House, Progressive, Tech House and Organic. The percussion is perfect, lightly building you before completely smashing you on the dancefloor. Eric Prydz & Empire of the Sun - We Are Mirage Not one, but two classics getting seamlessly mashed into a beautiful track. This is my go-to for opening shows, or a last minute energy boost / room reset. Really really well put together as if it was made for each other. Alex Kislov - Time Stops Shameful plug but I am honestly so proud of this music video and the track and how it all came together, and the amount of reception it's been getting is also unreal! We really took this visual to another level on both the storyline, acting and the animation. Listen to Alex Kislov's Dream Sequence album here, and follow Alex Kislov via any of the links below: https://linktr.ee/alexkislovmusic https://soundcloud.com/alexkislov https://www.instagram.com/alex.kislov https://x.com/AlexKislovMusic https://www.facebook.com/AlexKislovMusic Explore more Hot Picks: Hot Picks archive · Influences · All features

DEADLINE Brazilian producer DEADLINE has quickly become one of the most exciting names emerging from the new wave of melodic techno. Blending cinematic emotion with huge festival scale energy, his productions have earned support from names including David Guetta, Vintage Culture and Tiësto, while performances at Tomorrowland Brasil, Ultra Brasil and Laroc Club continue pushing his profile onto a global stage. Fresh from reworking Nathassia’s ‘Perfect Harmony’ into a darker, more expansive melodic techno weapon via ArchangelUK Recordings, DEADLINE steps into Hot Picks to share 10 records that continue shaping his DJ sets, productions and wider connection to electronic music. David Guetta, MORTEN & Fedde Le Grand – Night In Detroit [Future Rave] “I’ve been playing this track for over a year now, and I’m still impressed by the reaction it gets every time. The combination of those heavy, distinctive synths with the iconic ‘Put Your Hands Up For Detroit’ vocal makes it incredibly effective on the dancefloor. It manages to feel both nostalgic and modern at the same time, which is something I really appreciate. David Guetta and MORTEN have been major influences on me as artists, and this record perfectly showcases why their collaboration works so well. It’s powerful, memorable and consistently one of the strongest moments in my sets.” Sentinel – Like Fire [BODY HI] “One of the reasons I picked this track is because it immediately felt unique when I first heard it. The combination of rave-inspired stabs with a modern melodic techno bassline caught my attention right away. It felt familiar and nostalgic while still sounding fresh and forward-thinking. Even before the release, I knew this was a record I wanted in my sets as soon as possible. Since then, it has become a regular part of my shows. It creates energy without feeling predictable and always seems to connect with people on the dancefloor.” Adam Sellouk & Zerky – Touch It [Spinnin’ Deep] “I’m a big fan of both Adam Sellouk and Zerky, so it’s no surprise this record became one of my favourites. What I love most about ‘Touch It’ is how naturally it blends modern indie dance influences with melodic techno elements. The groove feels effortless, the vocals are memorable and the atmosphere has a lot of personality. It’s become one of those tracks that I consistently use near the beginning of my sets because it helps establish the mood without giving away all the energy too early. Elegant, musical and extremely effective.” Rafael Cerato & Laherte – Thunderbolt [SIMULATE] “This track grabbed my attention because of its acid synth work and the way it develops tension throughout the arrangement. The groove is tighter and more restrained than many melodic techno records, which gives it a very distinctive character. It’s actually a track I often play directly after ‘Touch It’ because the two records complement each other perfectly. While they share a similar energy, ‘Thunderbolt’ takes things into a darker and more hypnotic direction. I’m a huge fan of tracks that create movement without relying on huge drops, and this record does exactly that.” ARTBAT, R3HAB, Stylo, Eli & Dani feat. NAIIM – Fight Machine [UPPERGROUND] “ARTBAT have been one of my biggest influences for years, so I was immediately curious when this collaboration was announced. What makes ‘Fight Machine’ stand out for me is how naturally it blends different worlds of electronic music. You can hear the melodic techno influence from ARTBAT alongside the bigger festival energy that R3HAB brings, creating a track that feels powerful without losing its identity. The vocal works perfectly and the overall production is massive. I love records that can bridge underground and mainstream influences while still feeling authentic, and this track does exactly that. It always brings a huge amount of energy to my sets.” ICYMI: Influences: pdqb Explores The Records Behind ‘DER TRANSIENTE ZEUGE’ Nutritious On New York Club Culture, Analogue Instincts And The Energy Behind ‘Freefall’ Qolaj On Transformation, Hardgroove And Rebuilding Club Music Through ‘Re-Adoption’ Jebu – Consequences [REFUNE] “This track brings back a lot of memories for me. I remember hearing Steve Angello play it regularly in his sets around 2015, at a time when I was still dreaming about becoming a DJ and performing on big stages myself. Back then, I used to think, ‘If I ever get the chance to play those kinds of shows, I have to include this track in my sets.’ Recently, I rediscovered it and started playing it again. What’s amazing is how well it has aged. The acid-driven drop and the distinctive groove still sound relevant today, and it continues to fit naturally into my shows.” Vintage Culture – Find A Way (Adam Sellouk Remix) [VINTAGE CULTURE] “This is easily one of the tracks I’ve played the most since it was released. Adam Sellouk took an already strong record and transformed it into something that feels perfectly tailored for modern dancefloors. The electro-inspired synths in the drop bring a unique character that immediately stands out, while the vocals in the breakdown create a huge emotional moment. That combination of power and emotion is something I’m constantly searching for in music. Every time I play this track, it creates a reaction. It has become one of my favourite weapons during my sets.” Armin van Buuren & JOA – Heavy [ARMADA] “‘Heavy’ is one of those rare records that completely transforms the energy of a room. Even though it has been played extensively since its release, it still feels incredibly powerful every time I hear it. The combination of the melody and those huge synths creates an instant emotional connection with the crowd. It’s become one of those tracks that I always try to fit into my sets because I know it will have an impact. Few records manage to feel both massive and emotional at the same time, and that’s exactly why this one remains so special to me.” Simon Doty & My Friend feat. Tailor – Follow Me [ANJUNADEEP] “Simon Doty is one of those artists whose music I genuinely listen to outside of DJ sets and studio sessions. While not every one of his tracks fits naturally into my performances, I’m consistently inspired by his songwriting and melodic approach. ‘Follow Me’ is a perfect example of what makes his music so special. The melodies feel emotional without being overly dramatic, and the arrangement unfolds in a way that keeps you engaged from start to finish. It’s the kind of track I can listen to repeatedly, whether I’m driving, relaxing at home or looking for inspiration in the studio.” Orbital – Halcyon + On + On [London Records] “This is one of my favourite electronic tracks of all time. My connection to it goes back to childhood, when I first heard it during the ending sequence of the 1995 Mortal Kombat film. That moment stayed with me for years and played a role in shaping my appreciation for electronic music. Recently, with the new Mortal Kombat releases bringing back those memories, I found myself listening to it frequently again. Beyond the nostalgia, though, ‘Halcyon + On + On’ is simply a masterpiece. Its atmosphere and emotion remain just as powerful today as when it was first released.” DEADLINE Instagram - Spotify - SoundCloud Explore more Hot Picks: Hot Picks archive · Influences · All features

Manuel Ribeca Italian DJ and producer Manuel Ribeca steps onto Milan imprint Motel Calypso with ‘Traigo Mi Flow’, out now via stores & streaming. The release marks Ribeca’s first appearance on the label founded by Massi Rocket, a platform known for its blend of minimal deep tech, disco and progressive house. Across Milan’s underground circuit and beyond, Motel Calypso has built a reputation for spotlighting artists whose sound prioritises groove and dancefloor function. ‘Traigo Mi Flow’ captures Ribeca’s approach clearly. Hypnotic percussion loops, warm bass pressure and robotic vocal textures combine into a stripped but textured club tool designed for late-night rooms. It follows a growing run of releases on labels such as Sola Records, Clarisse Records and And Dance, while his DJ schedule has taken him through venues including Hï Ibiza, Amnesia Ibiza and Marina Beach Club Valencia. For this edition of Hot Picks, Ribeca highlights ten tracks that consistently shape his sets. The selections reflect the sound he gravitates toward in the booth. Groove-led tech house, minimal rhythms and rolling basslines designed to keep the dancefloor moving. TRACE - Good Time [8bit Records] “Essential lines, constant energy and a warm, enveloping groove.” Supernova - Velvet Avenue [Lapsus Music] “A house journey with a velvety touch. Refined groove and funky bass leading straight to the dancefloor.” Sebastian Villavisencio - Euphoria [Under No Illusion] “Warm frequencies and driving tech energy with drops that never let up.” Rob Stillekens - Tell Me Why [Altra Moda Music] “A minimal weave of fresh grooves, deep bass and hypnotic vocals.” Datelees, Swavè - I Sabes Que [Somethin Light] “Rounded bass and hot energy. The Spanish vocal drives the dancefloor.” Malone, Cyava - She Like [Elrow Music] “The elegance of Italian tech house meets Cuban fire. Warm flow with strong club pressure.” Fifi Forte - Reflections [Deeperfect] “Controlled pressure with clean dynamics and a rhythm that captivates.” DJ Oliver - Body Shaker (Rendher Remix) [Mindshake Records] “A concentration of rhythm and pressure with sharp groove and club energy.” Qubiko - Momento [8bit Records] “A perfect balance of rhythm, atmosphere and intensity with constant energy.” Alex Steve - Baby Drive Me [Sound D Elite] “A deep groove wrapped in a sensual vocal with a warm and hypnotic atmosphere.” Manuel Ribeca’s selections reflect a clear philosophy behind the decks. Groove always leads. Each track builds momentum through rhythm, bass weight and subtle textures rather than excess layers. That approach carries directly into ‘Traigo Mi Flow’. The record sits comfortably within the Motel Calypso catalogue while reinforcing Ribeca’s own direction. Club-focused music that values feel, energy and connection above all else. As his international presence continues to expand through touring and releases, these Hot Picks offer a window into the sounds currently shaping his sets and studio mindset. For anyone following the deeper corners of tech house and minimal, Ribeca’s trajectory is one worth watching closely. Manuel Ribeca Instagram - Soundcloud - Spotify Motel Calypso Instagram - Website - Soundcloud Explore more Hot Picks: Hot Picks archive · Influences · All features

Khen Khen and Yotam Avni have just released their ‘Retro’ EP via Sasha’s Last Night On Earth, delivering two records built around atmosphere, movement and emotional depth. Across both tracks, the pair balance hypnotic grooves with melodic detail in a way that feels timeless rather than trend-led. There are clear nods to classic progressive house structures throughout, but the production stays firmly rooted in the present. Warm textures, rolling percussion and subtle tension define the EP from start to finish. To mark the release, Khen shares ten records that continue to shape his sets and wider musical identity. The selections move between deep progressive rollers, darker melodic cuts and timeless dancefloor records that prioritise feeling over excess. Eli Nissan - Hedonism This one is a true piece of art. Truly beautiful, hypnotic, and groovy with a flow that takes every floor to a different dimension. Dilby & Danny Howells - Soul Drive I’ve been a huge fan of Dilby's productions for a long time, and this collab with Danny is a great example of why. A peak-time and full-on track on the house tip that always does the trick. Y-Traxx - Mystery Land (Roy Rosenfeld Remix) A huge remix of a true classic. Very mysterious build-up, an epic breakdown, with a super tight and pumpy groove. Kasper Koman - Different Plain A perfect long intro that creates a special vibe leading into a beautiful proggy groove. Kasper is a master at these kinds of tracks, and that’s why he’s one of my favourites. Sahar Z & Shai T - Rebirth A bunker in my sets. A close to complete track that has everything I like in House, Progressive, and everything in between. Greg Ochman - Eyeshausca A super groovy melodic track with an incredible breakdown. Keeps the tension in a way that’s perfect for the dance floor. TEED - The Echo (Durante Remix) Straight, solid groove. Sometimes, simple is better. A classic progressive kind of track with a modern touch and a great vocal. Play this a lot. Mike Rish - Primah The darker side of progressive is what I usually play. Pumpy and uplifting vibe. Kyotto - Home In The Sky Very talented new artist from Sri Lanka, which is a new hotbed for my kind of sound. He debuted on my label, Closure, with a beautiful tune full of emotion. Alcatraz - Giv Me Luv (Sebastien Leger Remix) I can’t stop playing this remix from Seb. An evergreen track that I still enjoy as much today as when I was a kid. There’s a clear consistency running through these selections: Long-form tension. Emotion through groove rather than overload. Records that slowly pull a room deeper instead of demanding instant reaction. That same approach defines the ‘Retro’ EP. It’s music built for dancers who want to stay inside the journey rather than rush to the drop, balancing warmth, restraint and hypnotic energy in a way that feels increasingly rare in modern club music. Khen Instagram - Soundcloud - Spotify Yotam Avni Instagram - Soundcloud - Spotify Last Night on Earth Instagram - Soundcloud - Website Explore more Hot Picks: Hot Picks archive · Influences · All features

HOLL3 Nottingham’s HOLL3 is entering a defining moment. Her ‘Transcend EP’, released via d0ted, marks the next step for an artist translating years of dancefloor experience into sharp, genre-blending productions. Drawing from UKG, techno and bass-driven club sounds, the three-track release captures the same low-end pressure and percussive intensity that have defined her DJ sets across the UK and Ibiza. Alongside her release, HOLL3 steps up for our Hot Picks series with a selection that reveals the foundations behind her sound. Moving through nostalgic house, jungle, and modern underground club weapons, these are the records that continue to shape her identity as both a DJ and producer. Late Nite City – Head Nod [Late Nites] Had on non stop repeat this last year. The perfect level of dreamy stabs with a groovy bassline. This song just clicks in my mind, I absolutely love it. Madvilla – I Said Dance [Hot Wings Trax] After hearing Dungeon Meat first play this track out, I was desperate for the ID and eventually stumbled across it which is one of the top feelings. Since then Madvilla has become one of my favourite producers of the year. So much talent and such a unique sound which is medicine to my ears. The Trip – A Bit Spooky [Tessellate] Such an insane second drop on this track. Sounds absolutely huge in the club and is one of them which really surprises you the more the track develops. A regular in my sets. Units For Hour – I Get Ready (Bass Mental Mix) A life changing track. It changed the path I wanted to take with the music I played and produced, and made me fall deeply in love with that 90s nostalgic house style. Those who know, know. George Daniel – Screen Cleaner (Oscar Farrell Remix) Has such a naughty drop, proper bass face moment. Crowds have been loving this one in my sets recently. John Acquaviva, Dan Diamond, Alex D’Elia, Nihil Young – Good Music (St. David Club Room Remix) [Definitive Recordings] The names in the title. Relatable lyrics. A proper naughty little underground track that was made for playing in the darkest and naughtiest of clubs. Tim Reaper, Comfort Zones – All The Time [Banoffee Pies Records] Jungle is my guilty pleasure, and this one does it all for me. Expertly layered breakbeat rhythms into dazzling ambient sounds that come together to form a track that is heaven to my ears. Reaper is one of the top in the game. KAYTRANADA – Home I first discovered this track in an old 2018 set and instantly fell in love with it. He kept us waiting years before releasing it. Very special track from an insane producer. Disclosure – My Intention Is War (Fig ii) [Moda Black] Had to include one of the first artists that led to me falling in love with dance music. That old deep house sound is incredibly special and still resonates strongly today. Lone – From A Past Life [R&S Records] Another of my favourite tracks. A record that takes you away instantly into a dreamy and calm state. Forever on repeat. Taken together, HOLL3’s Hot Picks reflect an artist grounded in dance music’s lineage while pushing firmly forward. From formative discoveries that shaped her early direction to newer tracks commanding attention in her current sets, the selection mirrors the same balance of emotion and impact found across the ‘Transcend EP’. As she continues to build momentum through her productions, events and club appearances, HOLL3 is steadily defining a sound rooted in UK culture while speaking to the future of the dancefloor. HOLL3 https://www.instagram.com/holl3_dj/ https://open.spotify.com/artist/1EFei8elIe5yxmYk3A8T3Q https://soundcloud.com/holly-nicholson-1 Explore more Hot Picks: Hot Picks archive · Influences · All features

BABA New York producer BABA arrives on Modern Delivery Xpress this month with ‘River’s All Wet’, a loose-limbed house cut built around winding low-end grooves, sweeping melodies and the kind of understated movement that rewards repeat listens. The release marks the first MDX appearance from the multi-instrumentalist, whose musical roots stretch back to indie surf rock bands, piano lessons and years spent developing as a songwriter before turning his attention towards club music. That live background continues to shape his productions today, with ideas often performed rather than programmed, creating records that feel organic, fluid and full of character. Ahead of the release of ‘River’s All Wet’, we asked BABA to share some of the records that continue to inspire his approach to house music, groove and sound design. The result is a selection that moves between Hot Creations classics, deep house staples and modern club weapons, all connected by a shared sense of personality and individuality. Lee Foss – Run Around “This track is perfect within its imperfections. Throughout its runtime, the third ever Hot Creations release continuously threads the needle between dissonance and consonance. Repetitive beeps and squawks draw in a peculiar soundscape that can only really be found in this era of music. The vocals are repetitive yet switch up at the perfect moments. The whole song just feels kinked, like something is wrong with it but everything is right at the same moment. It never fails to leave me craving for more.” Crazy P – Disc Odyssey (Remix) “After seeing a video of Ben Sterling drop this track in his Raw Cuts Brooklyn set, I was instantly hooked. ‘Disc Odyssey’ has so much organic character to it. It's a perfect breather, giving the audience a fresh taste of the past while tying in the present. The second drop features a supercharged moment that I can only describe as a psychedelic explosion.” Yamagucci & Mary Jane – Please You “Yamagucci and Mary Jane really do their thing on ‘Please You’. It's a sleek, futuristic thumper with enchanting vocals and one of the catchiest, most provocative basslines I have ever heard. My favourite part about ‘Please You’ is the fact that you can listen to it in the club, in the car with your grandparents, when you are going to sleep, or when you are waking up. It’s incredibly versatile. It's one of those tracks that's easy to instantly fall in love with, especially through its beautifully curated simplicity. If a spaceship from the year 2070 were a song, it would be ‘Please You’.” Lee Foss & Lee Curtiss – Closer “‘Closer’ is hands down one of my favourite Repopulate Mars releases because it refuses to sit in a box. The synths are reminiscent of Foss’s earlier works with Hot Creations, playful yet driving. Slightly off, while being exactly where they need to be. The vocals are seductive, hypnotic and full of air. It's a quirky yet confident piece of timeless art that will forever be one of my favourite songs.” Calussa, Ammo Avenue & Jungle Jack – Vacilón “Not many tracks radiate the same warmth and comfort as ‘Vacilón’. I remember discovering this one in the peak of the NYC winter, only to feel like I was in Miami hearing the boys play it out live. The sampling is just immaculate on this one, accompanied by percussion honed through years of experience. It's impossible for me to listen to this track without feeling the irresistible urge to smile and dance.” Patrick Topping – Shwicked “This early Hot Creations release does what Lee Foss’s ‘Run Around’ achieves, perhaps in a slightly more stripped-back manner due to its lack of vocals. This song has so much space in the mix, occupied by playful, percolating synths. The bass sounds a little detuned which throws things off in the right way. ‘Shwicked’ has a certain humour to itself, a self-awareness of the absurd settings it might find itself being played in.” Jay De Lys – Someday “This elrow Music roller is an instant standout and immediately got me into Jay De Lys. The M-1 organ lead and catchy vocals drive the track while percussive elements keep the groove running on high. The track is relatively simplistic yet genius in its strategic placement of all elements. Each ingredient is clearly curated through Jay’s expertise, proving how important it is for a producer to have an artistic ear.” Babak Shayan – Believer “‘Believer’ holds an extremely special place in my heart. It represents everything I love about the Plastic City label, pure deep house class. The soft-spoken, breathy vocals are the cherry on top and the track’s blissful simplicity carries it to vast depths. The amount of space in this mix is also worth mentioning.” Nick Curly – Joystick “I could picture Nick Curly dropping this masterpiece in Ibiza with the sun beaming down on a packed dancefloor. The drums and background textures carry serious weight, but the glitched-out, hypnotic one-note synth is the true reward of ‘Joystick’. The energy is undeniably taken up a notch with this track. I can only imagine its impact live.” Nick Curly – Ushuaia “With ‘Joystick’ featuring bright spurts of energy, ‘Ushuaia’ represents the darker side of Curly’s discography. You can literally feel the lights being dimmed as you listen to this 8bit Records story. The melodic synths and samples are hard to pick apart as they deeply blend into the track. Every sound feels very rounded off in this piece. Nothing is too harsh on the ears. A whispered vocal chop percolates throughout the track and the melodic aspects yearn for more, leaving me to wonder what was running through Curly’s mind when he produced ‘Ushuaia’.” BABA Instagram - Soundcloud Modern Delivery Website - Instagram - Facebook - Twitter (X) Explore more Hot Picks: Hot Picks archive · Influences · All features