Dexter’s Beat Laboratory is a weekly collection songs from DA music editor and staff writer Robyn Dexter. With a taste that can only be described as eclectic — to say nothing a name that lends itself to punnery — DA is happy to present a selection tracks personally curated by Dexter for your listening pleasure.
Over the past few weeks, the United States has been racked with harsh winter conditions. As cruel as winter can be, there are some songs make the perfect soundtrack for the more serene, peaceful side the season. Ennja’s latest release, “Mirrors” is such a song. With glistening vocals and a minimalist, ambient pattern, the nearly 7-minute song is an ethereal journey that encompasses the sounds the season in an impeccable manner.
has been on a roll lately, releasing a fiery cover just last month and following it up with a fresh flip ‘s “Young Dumb & Broke.” He’s transformed the R&B track into an EDM-friendly future bass remix that’s more lighthearted than its foundation track. “I] wanted to throw it back to some that OG StéLouse sound I was doing back in ’14-’15,” the producer explains.
promised his fans a big 2018, and he wasn’t kidding. Just four days into the new year, he unleashed a powerful remix ‘s iconic “Rage Valley.” It kicks f with pure bass madness that’s rings true to the song’s name. Halfway through, Crystalize steps back, then builds to something even more intriguing: a shimmery, synth-laden, downtempo pattern that’s bursting with creativity and passion. The second half the song is by far my favorite, and it makes me wish I had more than a minute and a half it.
It’s been 14 years since ‘s “Ecstasy” came out, but passing time hasn’t stopped producers all persuasions from modernizing the track in their own way. The latest such artists are “8-bit rogue” duo . Their revival “Ecstasy” uses the original’s vocals to draw the listener in before building into a formidable melodic drop. Its harmonized layers synths lay the groundwork for a rework that’s glitchy and computerized, while still maintaining the emotive power the root song.
is in for a huge year. Just watch. The g-house guru has been cranking out a steady stream top-notch songs for a few years now, making appearances on ‘s imprint and kicking it into high gear the past few months with originals like “” and “Assassin.” He tells the work that went into his latest, “Count On Me,” on SoundCloud. “This song has been over a year in the making with over 10 different versions worked during that time. This final record is one that is a crossover record with Kaleena’s beautiful vocals, but a dark and driving drop that has the potential to be a dance floor killer.”
