Perfect Havoc lines up a huge summer heater as London producer Coldabank links up with hybrid DJ-drummer Stephani B and rising vocalist Peonie for ‘To Be Mine’, set for release on 13th June. It’s a high-energy, no-nonsense club cut packed with attitude. Gritty, bold and built for movement. Download/stream it here: https://perfecthavoc.lnk.to/tobemine. Coldabank has racked up over 200 million streams across a string of high-impact singles and remixes. A Bristol-born producer now based in London, his sound spans euphoric club tracks and lyrical, late-night anthems. Releases on Sony and Selected have earned global attention, and standout cuts like ‘Lovin’ You’ and ‘I Just Wanna Dance’ show his ability to craft emotional club moments that connect. Stephani B continues to evolve as one of the UK’s most exciting multi-talents. Known for her explosive mashups and signature DJ-drum shows, she’s performed at Tomorrowland and Victorious Festival, toured with the Ibiza Orchestra, and become a face of Roland. Her breakout single ‘Sober (La Da Dee)’ flew onto the airwaves of Radio 1, her rework of the iconic ‘Blade’ drew top level support from Steve Aoki, Oliver Heldens and Freejak, and with Stephani’s huge social presence (80M+ views) mark her out as a serious name in dance. On vocals, Essex-born Peonie adds pure soul. A graduate of ELAM, she’s played the legendary Ronnie Scott’s and is set to support James Bay this summer, combining jazz influences with raw emotional delivery. The trio’s latest single ‘To Be Mine’ is built around Stephani’s dynamic percussion and Coldabank’s sleek studio touches, and fuses crisp tech house with layers of rhythmic bounce and emotion. Peonie delivers a soulful topline that cuts through with power and feeling, bringing real weight to the dancefloor impact. Punchy beats drive it forward while the vocal hook keeps things locked in. With slick production and future-facing sounds throughout, it hits just as hard in the rave as it does in your go-to playlist. Perfect Havoc, the label behind chart-breakers like Crvvcks, PS1 and Tobtok, continues to lead from the front. With over 11 billion streams and six UK Top 20s, the independent imprint is a steadfast go-to for club-ready releases with crossover potential. Coldabank Instagram - TikTok - Spotify - Soundcloud Stephani B Instagram - Facebook - YouTube - TikTok Peonie Instagram - Spotify Perfect Havoc Facebook - Instagram - Spotify

Stream the release here 'Spiritual Garden” draws its title from a lyric in Janet Jackson’s 'Special' and blends sensual alternative R&B with introspective reflections on abandonment and reclaiming self-worth. Farao’s signature vocal layering floats over a seductive early-2000s-inspired beat that nods to Aaliyah’s 'Rock the Boat,' while her use of the zither adds an ethereal texture that pulls you deeper into the song’s alluring production. "I wrote it as a kind of sonic ritual —something soft, intimate, and defiant. It’s a song for anyone who’s ever had to pick up the pieces and water themselves back to life" — Farao

International DJ and production trio ARKADYAN put their stamp on Raluka’s “Amsterdam”, reworking the original into a standout moment built for late nights and open-air sessions. What started as a Balkan pop cut is now reborn through ARKADYAN’s distinct lens: tribal percussion, rich horn arrangements, and a rolling afro-house groove that’s quickly finding favour with selectors worldwide. Formed in 2019, ARKADYAN - made up of Benjy (percussion/production), Gabriel (trumpet/production), and Marina (DJ/producer) - are known for live sets that blur genre lines, fusing jazz, afro, reggae, salsa, and house into an organic whole. Their remix of “Amsterdam” keeps the spirit of Raluka’s original vocal intact but strips back the pop elements, pushing the track into heavier, club-ready territory. With recent shows at Tomorrowland, Scorpios Mykonos, Beachouse Ibiza, and MIA Tulum – alongside yet another triumphant season at Surf Club Dubai - the trio continue to build a following for their immersive sound and live instrumentation. This May, they’ll bring their show to Romania for the first time, with dates in Bucharest and Sibiu – a fitting homecoming for a track that now connects both artists on a global level. Raluka, one of Romania’s most recognizable voices, broke through with a string of chart-topping hits and remains a fixture in Eastern European pop. Her vocal on “Amsterdam”—emotive, bold, and unmistakably hers—provided the launchpad for ARKADYAN’s rework. Amsterdam is out now on ROTON Records

Madrid’s Crusy returns with his latest single "Kiki" on Toolroom, continuing a prolific run of releases that has seen his profile steadily rise within the global house music scene. Known for his ability to craft tracks that balance underground energy with an accessible edge, Crusy has built a reputation as one of the most consistent producers in the game. Over the past year, Crusy’s collaborations have been a mainstay in DJ sets worldwide. His track "Casablanca" with Dombresky delivered a euphoric peak-time punch, while "Watch Out" alongside Tony Romera and Low Steppa leaned into a bouncy, club-ready groove. "Night Train" with David Penn brought a sleeker, driving energy, cementing Crusy’s knack for versatile yet distinctive productions. "Kiki" continues that trajectory, pairing a driving bassline with crisp, infectious vocals that cut through the mix. It’s a track that strikes a balance between Crusy’s underground sensibilities and his evolving sound – a fresh, yet familiar take on house music designed for peak-time sets. As the first in a series of new releases, "Kiki" offers a glimpse of where Crusy is heading next. To accompany the release, Crusy will also drop a live DJ stream filmed in Mexico, offering a direct snapshot of his energetic style and selection. With a growing catalogue of releases and consistent support from major DJs, Crusy’s momentum shows no sign of slowing. "Kiki" is out now on Toolroom

As the year deepens, the esteemed Paper Recordings is preparing to unveil an essential creation from the Norwegian, multi-decade spanning collective, and live performers, Lakeshouse. The forthcoming album will be a fusion of genres, swirling with pulses of spaced out disco, funk, soul, and house, with traces of far-off influences whispered through its innovative journey. Taking influence from each of the DJs, producers and jazz musicians within the band, never shying from oddities and obscurities but remains wholly dance floor functional. Before this masterpiece graces the world, the first single, “Ubegrensa Harmoni” will emerge this April, igniting the flight with a vibrant, and unmistakable energy. Accompanying this original cut, will be remixes from Flash Atkins & 2 Billion Beats, a Flash Beats remix, and, naturally, a radio edit, each offering their own distinctive touch. Lakeshouse, a group that has been by each other's side since kindergarten, is propelling the animated Norwegian sound when it comes to Todd Terje-esque disco and house. Flying the flag for their country, sharing their lifelong experiences, and transmitting that through their music. Chemistry like this is rare, and their music breathes this synergy. Over their time together, they have absorbed inspiration from the likes of The Beastie Boys, The Prodigy, and Faithless, keeping the band spirit alive. From early on, their creativity together has been incomparable, whether in art or music. The original composition unfurls like a sonic odyssey, almost seven minutes of hypnotic rhythms and elastic grooves. Slinky drum patterns intertwine with the uplifting energy that radiates from the synths and ethereal pads. The transcendent vocals float like whispers from beyond, casting an ethereal glow over “Ubegrensa Harmoni.” The remixers, Flash Atkins & 2 Billion Beats, reimagine the track with a sonic tapestry woven from luminous strings and an irresistible, pulsating groove that beats in harmony with the heart of the production. Their interpretation dances with playful yet captivating sounds, adding a new layer of enchantment to this off-centre package. As the voyage draws to a close, the nostalgic breaks and UKG sound of Flash Beats offers an atmospheric, simmering twist that enriches the story with a charming depth. This is a glimpse of the magical project to come later this year, leaving listeners with a sweet, lingering taste of anticipation for the forthcoming Lakeshouse album. Paper Recordings continues to weave its legacy, timeless music straining the boundaries as the label grows with the Lakeshouse group paying testament to exactly that, alongside the remixers at the helm. Buy/Stream The EP Here: https://www.beatport.com/release/ubegrensa-harmoni/5006505?srsltid=AfmBOoojrdI50ODGeR6-aMF2M_ZtiAK1SE61P5COT4CU7VsPFh1K8-1O

BUY / STREAM: KDYN - ‘FEEL THE SAME’ HERE South London-based DJ-producer and multi-instrumentalist KDYN returns with his latest vibrant release, "Feel The Same," a soulful, vocal-sampled track that radiates summer energy. As the next installment ahead of his new EP this June, "Feel The Same" showcases KDYN's unparalleled ability to fuse classic influences with modern electronic production. Bringing together soulful vocals, infectious house grooves, and shimmering disco bounce, "Feel The Same" delivers an uplifting experience designed to light up dancefloors and airwaves. Known for seamlessly blending UK garage, house, funk, and soul, KDYN continues to push creative boundaries while staying true to his signature sound. Speaking on the new track KDYN shares, “Feel The Same is built on classic hip-hop and soul samples — it’s like College Dropout meets house music. I wanted it to feel warm, nostalgic, but still hit with that energy you’d want on a dancefloor.” KDYN has already captured the attention of industry tastemakers, with early support from BBC Radio 1’s Jaguar on BBC Introducing Dance, Abbie McCarthy on BBC Introducing Kent, and consistent airplay from Sian Eleri on BBC Radio 1’s Future Artists. Additionally, Jess Iszatt featured KDYN’s previous single "Proud" on her BBC Introducing show, while Rebecca Judd highlighted him as her ‘Ascending Artist’ on Apple Music 1, reinforcing his rapid rise within the scene. With a reputation for self-producing, recording, mixing, and mastering all of his music from his home studio, KDYN’s hands-on approach results in a truly unique and personal sound. His debut EP last year, ‘As Souls Find Greatness,’ demonstrated his ability to craft immersive sonic experiences, and new single "Feel The Same" further cements his place as a forward-thinking artist to watch. Born into a musical family deeply rooted in UK garage, KDYN draws inspiration from a diverse array of artists, including Funkadelic, Prince, and Madlib, as well as contemporary influences such as Cleo Sol, SAULT, Kaytranada, and Little Simz. As he refines his artistry, his growing reputation places him among similar peers like Barry Can’t Swim, Fred Again, Mura Masa, and Tom Misch. With its sun-kissed energy and infectious rhythm, "Feel The Same" is set to be a standout track of the summer. As KDYN continues to ascend, his ability to craft emotionally resonant and dance floor ready music solidifies his place as one of the most exciting names to watch in 2025. For more information on KDYN please visit: SOUNDCLOUD | INSTAGRAM | X | DISCORD

Spring 2025 marks the launch of Avenoir, a new label from Moroccan artists Zakem & Yescene, dedicated to deep, afro, and melodic house. Setting the tone for its vision, the label’s debut release, Letters From Layla, is a collaboration between Yescene and UK singer, songwriter, and producer StanLei. A fusion of ethereal vocals, intricate cello layers, and a hypnotic legato bassline, Letters From Layla weaves organic textures with contemporary electronic production. StanLei—known for her poetic lyricism and genre-blurring approach—brings her signature vocal depth to the track, while Yescene channels his jazz and funk-infused musicality into a rolling, emotive composition. The result is a rich, atmospheric piece that embodies the label’s ethos: electronic music that stirs memories, emotions, and movement. Remixes from Zakem (Moblack Records, Redolent Music) and D-Malice (Defected, Reel People Music, 4 To The Floor Records) alongside beatless and instrumental versions of the original complete an impressive debut release from Avenoir. StanLei, based in the French Pyrenees, blends elements of folk, UK garage, and jazz into her music. A classically trained cellist, she honed her craft in Bristol’s vibrant underground scene before exploring the world as a nomadic artist. Her debut album AIPOD (2021) drew comparisons to Björk and FKA Twigs, leading to features on BBC Introducing and France Bleu Occitanie. She has since collaborated across multiple genres, including house music with Marbella duo Momo Khani & Meindel and an experimental live soundtrack tour in Mexico. Yescene, a Moroccan-born, London-based pianist-turned-producer, fuses live instrumentation with deep, melodic house influences. His work, shaped by 15 years of playing keys and percussion in rock, funk, and jazz bands, has landed on respected labels like Moblack Records, King Street Sounds, and Deepalma. His music has gained support from Black Coffee, Angelo Ferreri, and Low Steppa, while his live keyboard-heavy performances have seen him share stages with Sebastien Leger, Roy Rosenfeld, and Amine K in both London and Morocco. With Avenoir’s first five releases already locked in, Letters From Layla signals the start of an exciting journey for a label rooted in Moroccan electronic heritage yet reaching far beyond.

After successfully launching his own ‘Know Where’ label and a series of well received hits, Martin Ikin returns to Toolroom with ‘Count On You’ – an instantly recognisable rework of one of dance music’s most inspired incarnations. Pushing the classic rhythmic arpeggiator to insane builds, Martin once again shows his production dexterity, as a true studio maestro with a keen DJ’s eye on what works on the dancefloor.

Teru Okada’s latest album, ‘Isolated Sonic Lab,’ is a masterclass in boundary-pushing electronic music. The Hokkaido-based artist has crafted a deeply expressive collection of tracks that seamlessly blend house, jazz, lo-fi, gospel, and techno. This is not an album designed for passive listening - it demands your full attention, rewarding those who take the time to absorb its intricate layers and bold artistic choices. The album opens with ‘Sakura Hallelujah,’ an immediate standout and the project’s focus track. Euphoric and emotionally charged, it layers housey beats with sweeping piano chords and gospel-inspired vocals, radiating an almost spiritual energy. It’s the kind of track that feels transformative - one that lifts the mood and cleanses the soul in a way only truly inspired music can. ‘Farewell My Moon’ shifts gears completely, embracing a jazzy, lo-fi aesthetic. Warm brass lines weave through gentle keys, backed by smooth grooves that carry a deep sense of nostalgia. It’s a track that feels tailor-made for quiet introspection - rain pattering against a window, a coffee in hand, and a moment of stillness in an otherwise chaotic world. The delicate interplay between its elements shows a level of musicality that goes beyond mere production - it’s storytelling through sound. ‘The Birth of Hope’ introduces the album’s only collaboration, featuring Ray Akaike’s ethereal vocals over a dreamy, floating soundscape. This track feels like a conversation between genres, with delicate rhythms and subtle cultural influences giving it a rich, layered depth. The use of organ work throughout adds a celestial quality, reinforcing the uplifting nature of the piece. The balance between organic instrumentation and electronic textures is particularly striking, creating an otherworldly atmosphere that lingers long after the track fades out. ‘Pipe Dreams’ takes a turn towards the retro, incorporating crisp live drum recordings and celestial organ melodies to create an atmospheric, almost meditative track. There’s a cinematic quality to this one as if it could easily soundtrack a late-night drive through neon-lit city streets. It’s one of those songs that isn’t in a rush to prove anything - it simply exists, fully realised and effortlessly cool. There’s an authenticity to its rawness, a feeling of spontaneity that makes it stand out within the album’s sonic palette. ‘Sparkling Orange Nights’ brings us back to the dancefloor, injecting deep house rhythms with funky guitar licks and striking string arrangements. The peaks and troughs in this track are executed perfectly, creating a sense of movement that keeps things fresh. There’s a playfulness to it, a reminder that electronic music can be both deeply thoughtful and unapologetically fun. It’s a track that could work in both intimate club settings and festival stages, showcasing Okada’s ability to craft something both personal and universally danceable. On ‘It’s True, It’s You, We’re All Feelin’ Blue,’ Okada channels early Daft Punk vibes, layering quirky arpeggios over vintage synth textures and punchy snare fills. It’s funky, nostalgic, and effortlessly cool, reinforcing the idea that this album isn’t confined to any one genre - it’s a playground for sound, unrestricted by expectations. The way the track develops, with its subtle shifts in tone and texture, keeps it engaging from start to finish. ‘Honesty’ takes a darker, more driving approach, sitting comfortably between house and techno. The rhythmic momentum here is undeniable, making it arguably the most club-ready track on the album. There’s a hypnotic quality to its groove, proving that Okada isn’t just experimenting for the sake of it - he understands exactly how to craft a track that resonates on a deeper level. The bassline alone is enough to pull listeners into its hypnotic spell, while its crisp percussion keeps the energy pulsing forward. Closing the album, ‘No Room for the Ordinary on This Road’ delivers one final genre-fusing moment. The track blends deep house foundations with soulful instrumentation, bringing to mind the energy of Gregory Porter’s ‘Liquid Spirit’ but with a modern, electronic twist. It’s an immersive, emotional ending that ties together the album’s themes of individuality and artistic exploration. The track’s warm textures and intricate layering give it an almost cinematic feel, making it a perfect closer to a journey that has been anything but predictable. What makes ‘Isolated Sonic Lab’ so compelling is its refusal to conform. This isn’t just a collection of tracks - it’s a statement. Teru Okada demonstrates a fearless approach to music-making, proving that electronic music can be both deeply personal and universally engaging. There’s a depth to this album that extends beyond just its sound design - it’s the feeling it evokes, the spaces it transports you to, and the sheer creative confidence it exudes. Every track feels intentional, from the smallest melodic details to the overarching moods that shape the album as a whole. Whether you’re drawn to its jazzier moments, its club-friendly peaks, or its more introspective offerings, one thing is clear: this is an album that refuses to be ordinary. It’s an exhilarating, deeply human piece of work, one that deserves to be played, explored, and revisited time and time again. Teru Okada https://www.instagram.com/teruokada123 https://open.spotify.com/artist/4X1WxwQjX3dKSKbm9vg6ej

Ragie Ban and Enne rework Let’s Go Deep into a sleazy, late-night creeper — a hypnotic, slow-burning remix that pulls David Squillace’s original into deeper and more disorienting terrain. The groove is stripped-back but taut, with tightly wound percussion and a prowling low-end holding the tension throughout. A warped, ghostly vocal weaves through the mix — not pitched down, but twisted just enough to feel unsettling. It’s a track built for dark rooms, long blends, and that strange hour when the energy shifts and the dancefloor locks in. Based in Brazil, Ragie Ban has built a reputation for precision-cut minimal grooves with an unmistakably raw edge. With years of experience behind the decks and a growing catalogue of stripped, percussive productions, he’s become a mainstay of South America’s underground — known for pushing a sound that’s equal parts restraint and release. His collaborations with Enne have steadily caught attention beyond the region, and this latest outing sees them tapping into something darker — not aggressive, but quietly menacing. A proper after-hours tool with just the right amount of weird.

Brighton Music Conference (BMC) is levelling up for 2025. Running from 21 to 23 May, the UK’s leading electronic music conference is back with a fresh layout, more networking opportunities, and the return of its popular A&R Sessions. This year, the event will stretch across some of Brighton’s best-loved seafront venues. The new BMC Hub will be located at Players (formerly Coalition), acting as the base for registration, networking, and exhibitions. The Arch will now host DJ, producer and promoter-focused sessions, while The Lazy Fin takes on morning networking and workshops. Harbour Hotel will lead on mental health, wellbeing and lifestyle sessions, supported by Skiddle. One of the key venues this year is The Tempest, which will host industry panels, the A&R Sessions and the official BMC Welcome Mixer in partnership with AFEM. Expect a mix of seafront views and underground vibes. BMC founder Billy Mauseth said: “As the event has grown, we realised we needed to expand and offer more space for delegates to network… it felt right to involve more venues in the city this year.” The A&R Sessions are back by demand. Headed up by Steve Mac, over 30 labels will take part, giving artists face time with some of the most respected A&Rs in electronic music. Confirmed names include Toolroom, Armada, Defected, R&S, Shogun Audio, Beatport, Trusted Rhythm, Wh0 Plays, and many more. Last year’s sessions were a sell-out success, leading to real signings and direct label feedback on the day. This year, spaces are limited and will be offered on a first-come-first-served basis. The Official Welcome Party will go down at The Tempest on Wednesday 21 May from 7pm–1am, featuring DJ sets from Anna Cee, Jess Bays, Dorian Flagrant, Miss Cee and Trophy. The 2025 edition of BMC is already shaping up to be its biggest yet, with 100 speakers and session topics announced so far — and more to come. Details and tickets at: brightonmusicconference.co.uk

As the dust barely settles from this year’s collaboration with Alex Mills, Toolroom welcomes ESSEL back on the label with ‘Look Back’. A certified club weapon that’s been a highlight in her recent DJ sets, demonstrating her production versatility; flipping from stand out ‘feel good’ moments to ‘lights off’ driving club bangers. Stylistically, ‘Look Back’ is a return to club form in the vein of previous Beatport number one’s ‘Sweat’ and ‘Lennon’. ESSEL is a Liverpool-born DJ and producer shaping a fresh take on UK house—rhythmic, vocal-led, and built for late nights. With recent releases on Toolroom and Ministry of Sound, she’s picked up heavyweight support from Danny Howard, Gorgon City, and BBC Radio 1. Her sets are tight and purposeful, rooted in groove but open to crossover moments. From Printworks to Creamfields, she’s become a fixture on major lineups, while continuing to push a sound that feels both immediate and refined.