Some things just go together, like Aaron Hibell‘s trance sensibilities and Alex Wann‘s Afro-inflected signature. It’s no wonder then that “set me free,” the second single from Hibell’s forthcoming debut album, drummed up considerable interest in the weeks preceding its release. And while live play-out from RÜFÜS DU SOL and Adriatique further fanned the flames of anticipation, the song’s appearance as the official single of Ultra Music Festival‘s 2024 aftermovie trained seemingly all eyes (and ears) on “set me free.”
Hibell and Wann’s collaboration is certainly timely; the Afro-infused number extends the dance/electronic genre’s recent streak of high-performing Afro House one-offs, most notably Keinemusik’s “Move” and more recently, HUGEL, Topic, Arash, and Daecolm’s “I Adore You.”
“I love this song because it’s such a clear blend between both mine and Alex [Wann’s]’s styles,” Hibell wrote on Instagram.
Indeed, the classically-trained producer’s inspiriting hybrid of trance and orchestral music complements the deep percussive rhythms and smoldering Afro House style for which Wann has become known (remember, Wann was behind the “Milkshake” remix that dominated dance/electronic’s live circuit last summer, a run that supported his selection as a Dancing Astronaut Artist to Watch in 2024).
“set me free” is the propulsive second preview of what remains to come on Hibell’s LP, following his revelation of its lead single, “morning light,” at the end of August. Judging by the compelling sounds and overall polish of the album’s initial previews, the project already has the makings of a standout dance/electronic LP — a narrative that Hibell will only continue to strengthen as the rollout proceeds via Astralwerks.
Categories: Music
