An innovative DJ contest with no prerequisites—born in Australia—lands stateside this autumn, hosting open auditions in New York City and Los Angeles later this month. Designed to democratize DJ culture and empower aspiring beatmakers lacking gear or formal instruction, the competition not only provides hands-on training but also offers a coveted slot on a forthcoming festival bill. Its advisory panel features Femme House co-founder LP Giobbi, Live Nation Vibee president Harvey Cohen and representatives from leading electronic management outfit The Circuit Group.
Meanwhile, IMS Dubai has unveiled the first phase of its November conference lineup, welcoming industry luminaries such as Nicole Moudaber, Hugel, Bedouin, Pete Tong and top executives from across the dance music ecosystem to the United Arab Emirates.
Elsewhere: TikTok choreographer Kelley Heyer, creator of the viral routine to Charli XCX’s “Apple,” has settled with Roblox over unauthorized use of her dance; Lady Gaga abruptly canceled her Miami appearance, citing vocal strain and prioritizing long-term vocal health; and Aloe Blacc teams up with Sickick on the soulful new single “Lonely Together.”
And now, dive into our curated selection of this week’s most compelling dance tracks.
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Calvin Harris & Jessie Reyez, “Ocean”
Years in the making, “Ocean” finally washes ashore today. Initially envisioned with Miley Cyrus on vocals—previewed last year but indefinitely shelved for reasons beyond Cyrus’ influence—the track reborn features Jessie Reyez, whose delicate inflections float atop Harris’s lush, guitar-tinged production, peppered with subtle psytrance textures.
Out now on Sony Music. Listen here.
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SG Lewis, Anemoia
British producer SG Lewis unveils his third studio album, Anemoia, today. The 10-track opus weaves introspective lyricism with sleek dancefloor sensibilities, featuring standout collaborations with Shygirl, London Grammar, TEED, Frances and Oliver Sim, evoking nostalgia and the electric rush of the club scene in equal measure.
Released via Forever Days/Astralwerks. Stream now.
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Sébastian Tellier, “Refresh”
French auteur Sébastian Tellier returns after a five-year hiatus with “Refresh,” his debut single on Because Music. A meditative blend of synthpop and electronica, the track explores themes of rebirth, overcoming failure and the perpetual evolution of self, likened by Tellier to an animal shedding its skin or software rewriting its code amid internal chaos.
Available now on Because Music. Listen here.
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Alesso, Sentinal & Sick Individuals, “Upside Down”
After its premiere at Tomorrowland 2024, “Upside Down” lands today via the festival’s label. Alesso joins forces with Australian trio Sentinal and Dutch duo Sick Individuals, marrying euphoric big-room energy with the darker, club-ready soundscapes Alesso’s been crafting through his BodyHi alias.
Released on Tomorrowland Music/BodyHi. Hear it here.
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Layton Giordani & Green Velvet, “When It Kicks”
New York-based Layton Giordani kicks off his Madminds imprint with “When It Kicks,” a brooding tech-house collaboration with veteran Green Velvet. Originally slated for release on Velvet’s own label, the track instead launches Giordani’s new venture, which champions boundary-pushing dance music.
Out now on Madminds. Stream here.
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Weval, Chorophobia
Dutch duo Weval confronts their so-called “fear of dancing” head-on with Chorophobia, their fourth LP on Ninja Tune’s Technicolour. Embracing irony, they craft an album of unabashedly kinetic tracks that retain the duo’s trademark sophistication and emotional depth.
Out today on Technicolour. Listen here.
