The electronic music landscape was dominated this week by Mau P’s Austin takeover. During his appearance at Billboard House during SXSW, the Dutch sensation opened up about his Coachella 2025 preparations, his humble origins using GarageBand, and his reservations regarding stadium-sized tours. Although high winds forced his “THE STAGE” performance to relocate to The Concourse Project, the sudden shift only added to the evening’s energy, resulting in a legendary set for thousands of attendees.
In the world of airplay, Calvin Harris and Kasabian’s “Release The Pressure” reigned supreme, claiming the top spot on the WARM Global Radio Dance Chart with over 800 plays across 200+ stations. Meanwhile, production luminary William Orbit revealed he has a spiritual successor to Ray of Light ready for the world, though he is currently awaiting a response from Madonna. We also caught up with Chris Lake to discuss the logistics of his Taylor Swift “Opalite” remix—a collaboration facilitated by Travis Kelce—while Jennifer Lopez, Bebe Rexha, and ANOTR made significant waves on the dance charts.
Industry insights continued with a conversation with CAA’s Alex Becket, the longtime agent for Rüfüs Du Sol. Reflecting on the band’s historic touring success, Becket noted that the entire dance genre has reached a fever pitch of popularity. Additionally, we had the distinct honor of hosting techno pioneer Jeff Mills to discuss his current tour celebrating the 30th anniversary of his seminal 1996 release, Live at the Liquid Room, Tokyo.
To cap off the week, we’ve curated the most essential new releases hitting the floor.
Zhu, Gc_bestbelieve_sa & HNTR – “Levelzzz”
The third glimpse into Zhu’s upcoming Black Midas LP arrives in the form of “Levelzzz,” a noir-inspired, pulse-pounding rhythm designed for the “late-night creatures” and dedicated club-goers. A collaborative effort with emerging talents Gc_bestbelieve_sa and HNTR, the track serves as high-octane sonic fuel ahead of Zhu’s scheduled performance at Ultra Music Festival on March 29. Black Midas is slated for a full release on April 24.
“Levelzzz” is available now via Broke/Blacklizt Sound Syndicate. Listen here.
Innellea – “Slave To the Hype”
In a recent moment of introspection, German producer Innellea questioned the constraints of audience expectations and the pressure to fit into specific musical boxes. His latest offering, “Slave to the Hype,” serves as his defiant answer. The track is an ironic nod to the modern algorithm-driven industry, delivering a relentless, three-minute burst of acid-tinged techno that prioritizes creative freedom over commercial safety.
“Slave to the Hype” is out now on Belonging. Listen here.
Ian Snow – “Flow State”
Rising bass architect Ian Snow continues to solidify his reputation in the low-end scene with “Flow State.” Both trippy and heavy-hitting, the track possesses a magnetic, rhythmic quality that aims to guide listeners into a deep state of immersion. Fans can catch Snow live this May at Austin’s Illfest, where he joins a heavy-hitting lineup featuring Excision and G Jones b2b Eprom.
“Flow State” is out now on Gud Vibrations. Listen here.
Bianca Oblivion – “Up!”
Los Angeles talent Bianca Oblivion has joined forces with fellow Angelenos AOBeats and ReniGAD for the spirited, percussion-heavy anthem “Up!” Fusing dancehall sensibilities with a driving energy, the track was born from a desire to blend baile funk influences with authentic Caribbean vocals. Oblivion noted that ReniGAD’s explosive delivery was the missing piece needed to turn the production into a genuine hype anthem.
“Up!” is available now on Club Aerobics. Listen here.
Horsegiirl – “an apple a day”
Moving away from the traditional club themes of hedonism, Germany’s Horsegiirl has delivered what might be the world’s first dance track centered on orchard fruit. “An apple a day” is a chaotic, high-energy production that flips the classic medical proverb on its head. Featuring a bizarre baritone cameo from a frustrated “doctor” and Horsegiirl’s own frantic commands to “take a bite,” the track is a masterclass in avant-garde club music that shouldn’t work, but undeniably does.
“An apple a day” is out now via RCA Records. Listen here.
