House Music Essentials Vol. 28 featuring Alex Alexander, ALANA, Elohim & more

In the realms of house and techno music, We Rave You proudly presents the twenty-eighth installment of our House Music Essentials series. Showcasing an impressive lineup featuring no other than Alex Alexander, ALANA, Sherm, Rich Furniss, Terry Hunter, James Patterson, Freshcobar, Eggwax, SUBSHIFT, Edward Blissard, Elohim, Cristian Marchi, Adiel Mora,  Santanelli, Smith & Sorren and Kyogre.

We Rave You takes a deep dive into the realms house and techno music as we presentthe twenty-eighth edition of our House Music Essentials series. Featuring a stellar lineup including talents Alex Alexander, ALANA, Sherm, Rich Furniss, Terry Hunter, James Patterson, Freshcobar, Eggwax, SUBSHIFT, Edward Blissard, Elohim, Cristian Marchi, Adiel Mora, Santanelli, Smith & Sorren, and Kyogre, this installment promises to satisfy all those needing to update those groovy, yet summertime ready playlists. Get ready to lose yourself and get to know these global artists absolutely taking over the dance music industry.

Alex Alexander –  ‘2080s’ Album

Known for his boundary-pushing prowess, Swedish award-winning artist Alex Alexander embarked on a musical journey to captivate his worldwide audience as both a lead singer and guitarist. His repertoire boasts chart-topping singles like “Everything With You” and “Won’t Let Go,” alongside his debut album “On My Way,” collectively amassing over 135 million streams on Spotify alone. Beyond his musical catalog, Alex’s production credits include hits like “Danse Avec Moi” for M. Pokora and chart-toppers like “Shi Tai” for Cross Gene, showcasing his talent on a global scale. Globally recognized for not only his masterpieces in the music scene and beyond, Alex shines bright through in his appearances in commercials and music videos, illustrating his multifaceted creativity.

Now, with the release of his latest offering, “2080s,” comprising 12 tracks of his eclectic, yet vibrant sound design, Alex continues to push his signature sound forward. An album for the books, “2080s” includes electrifying records such as “Leap Of Faith,” “Better Off Alone,” and “Sleepless,” a truly breathtaking masterpiece indeed, Alex Alexander has shown his pacifying vocals and capabilities are limitless to his worldwide fanbase. As the visionary founder of LoudKult, he remains at the forefront of innovation, solidifying his status not just as an industry trailblazer but as an award-winning force in his own right. With each endeavor, Alex Alexander reaffirms his position in the global music landscape, poised to leave his mark on the industry for years to come.

ALANA – ‘Motherless Money’

Dynamic singer/songwriter ALANA today unveils her first single of the new year, “Motherless Money,” along with a music video and remixes from esteemed artist/DJs Franky Boissy and D-Stone. The single, a captivating blend of jazz, pop, and house influences, is not just a musical masterpiece but a bold statement against vulture capitalism. “Motherless Money” is as ALANA describes, an “anti-corporate anthem” that challenges the ethos of heartless money-making practices. Known for her sultry tone, refined phrasing, and smart lyricism, ALANA infuses the track with a laid-back, soothing vocal performance that belies its powerful message. ALANA, who grew up in Cupertino and San Francisco, cleverly channels her anti-corporate sentiment with lyrics that carry a poignant blend of personal reflection and societal critique, challenging listeners to consider their own relationship with the controligarchs they encounter.

Produced by Henry Binns, part of the iconic Zero 7 duo, he seamlessly integrates his expertise in blending downtempo sounds with the art pop, and house elements inherent in ALANA’s style. Together, they create a musical experience that is both sonically rich and emotionally resonant. ALANA adds “it started out as a barebones instrumental track. Henry sent it to me and then I figured out the melody and lyrics in response to his initial genius.”

Sherm – ‘Suddenly’

Chicago-based artist Sherm has continued his meteoric trajectory in 2024, recently completing his first Reddit AMA and is concluding his “Toxic” tour tomorrow as direct support for Steve Aoki at District Atlanta.

Additionally, Sherm is set to make a triumphant return to Miami, gracing the stage at the Hood Politics MMW Showcase on March 22 alongside his Hood Politics partner in crime DJ Susan, hit singer/songwriter/ DJ Anabel Englund, and plenty more. In anticipation of this party, he’s thrilled to unveil his latest single, “Suddenly,” included on the Hood Politics MMW Sampler Compilation – out today.

“Suddenly” is a vibrant fusion of underground house and techno flair, pulsating with infectious rhythms, hypnotic melodies, and a throbbing bassline. Sherm’s dynamic production abilities shine strong, marrying richly textured synth elements with a mesmerizing vocal sample, reminiscent of Green Velvet, that equals a riveting listening experience.

Freshcobar & Eggwax – ‘Perfect for You‘

Freshcobar released a warm minimal tech house track ‘Perfect For You’ with Eggwax on NOS Recordings while preparing for his Miami Music Week run with sets during Twisted Funk’s party in collaboration with Anjunadeep, Sleeping Giant Music and United We Dance as well as an Essential Deep House Brunch with the Groove Cruise and Higher Grounds crews. Pulling inspiration from Maceo Plex, Camelphat, and Rüfüs Du Sol, the San Diego based Sound Engineer Freddie Harb shared on the flow of the studio sessions for ‘Perfect For You’, “Rick Rubin said, don’t be afraid for the work to progress and transform into something different, and that is exactly what happened with my new tune ‘Perfect for You’, a collaboration with my friend Eggwax.

This track went through three iterations. The first iteration was in Costa Rica and had more of a Latin flair. The second iteration was when we brought the track back home to work here in this studio. Then it became more of a tech house, bass house kind of sound.The third iteration was months later. The trick to this track was knowing what to strip back down and build it up from there. We crafted this amazing sound for the chords you hear in the breakdown. We got some good vocals and used isotope vocal synths to modulate the vocals with the chords then we added all the bells and whistles. We wanted to create a track that not only embodies the energy of tech house but also introduces unique elements from house and deep house.” If you are enjoying the mood of ‘Perfect For You’ also find Sasheen & Jacob Acosta’s essential melodic house single ‘Falling’ on Portland’s Where the Heart Is.

Rich Furniss, Terry Hunter, James Patterson – ‘Release Yourself’

“Release Yourself,” comes on the tail of a 2023 year that was packed with sold out shows, a slew of successful releases, and more validation that the vision that Rich Furniss has been driven to bring to life since 2021 was meant to be. While staying busy with production to secure a highly active release schedule, Rich Furniss was able to work in a direct support spot for Never Dule at Kings Hall in Brooklyn, while only a few short weeks ago in 2024, Furniss was invited to open for Austin Millz at Webster Hall (Sold Out) – a major moment which has only solidified his notoriety on another level. This only scratches the surface regarding the lexicon of projects and ventures Rich Furniss has been pursuing while simultaneously holding the position as president at Sound Collective in New York.

Now, “Release Yourself,” is set to be one of Rich Furniss’s biggest releases to date. The single features collaborators James Patterson and the legend himself Terry Hunter – the release infusing all the best elements of the 3 names into one seductive house experience. “Release Yourself,” taps into the wholesome and nostalgic spirit of house music’s golden age – soulful / heartfelt vocals, hypnotic percussion, and a reassuring sense brought forth in the melody all organized in a rudimental, entrancing arrangement that simply hits the spot. The release is the perfect inclusion into a DJ’s live set to ascend the crowd to a higher plane – all the right elements are built in to push our pleasure centers to peak the experience while paying tribute to the culture and spirit of house music.

SUBSHIFT edit – ‘leavemealone’ (Fred Again…)

Revered UK Producer and DJ, SUBSHIFT is keeping the momentum from his debut performances at Tomorrowland 2023, Ushuaia (Ibiza) and Italy’s legendary Yoki with a heavy tech house edit of Fred Again and Baby Keem’s ‘leavemealone’ via DJ Susan’s Chicago based Hood Politics records, who raved about the record, SUBSHIFT “blew the lid off this one, good LORD!” The remix has already been rinsed by artists such as North America’s Disco Lines, Spain’s WADE, UK’s Sammy Porter and Hawaii’s ZUEZEU. Beyond this edit, SUBSHIFT has become a resource for headliners such as DJ Snake, Goodboys, Tchami, Lost Frequencies, Acraze and Chris Lorenzo to name a few.

There is no doubt that in the last year SUBSHIFT has enter a higher level considering his massive performances and well-received discography such as an edit of the Gorillaz’ ‘Dare’, a bass house original ‘Dreamer’ for Tchami’s CONFESSIONS, ‘Unexpected’ and ‘Breakout’ on hau5trap as well as his most recent release ‘Pick Your Poison’ via Serpentale Records, among others that garnered over a million streams on Spotify in 2023.

Smith & Sorren X Kyogre – ‘Dirty Dancer‘

In the latest revelation from the tech house sphere, “Dirty Dancer” emerges as a vibrant collaboration between Smith & Sorren and Kyogre, with Brandon Smith of Smith & Sorren contributing his talents by writing and performing the vocals himself. This single, part of the ‘MMW 2024 Sampler’ by Hood Politics, showcases a seamless blend of their vibrant tech house sounds. Supported and played out by DJ Susan, its club-friendly vibe and compelling vocal samples have garnered enthusiastic responses from audiences worldwide, each and every time it’s played.

Kyogre, hailing from New York, has transitioned from the broader spectrum of electronic music to focus on tech house. His trajectory in the genre is marked by significant achievements, including a top-five hit on Beatport’s Bass House chart with “Move Like This” alongside Corrupt (UK). Kyogre’s contributions to the scene have been recognized and celebrated by peers and fans alike. Smith & Sorren, also based in New York, have woven their lifelong friendship into a prolific partnership within the music industry. Their work resonates with a broad audience, earning spots on prestigious Spotify editorial playlists and receiving support from global icons like Diplo and David Guetta. Their remix of Eliza Rose’s “Baddest Of Them All” has particularly stood out, earning widespread acclaim and airplay.

Elohim – ‘Tiny Human‘

Following up the success of “Can’t Remember Your Name,” released in January, Elohim continues the waterfall of singles prefacing her upcoming album in “Tiny Human.” Embracing a dark-dance-infused aura, down a similar vein as artists like Rezz, “Tiny Human,” is a departure-of-sorts from the brightness of what “Can’t Remember Your Name,” brought to the table. The single highlights how we are all specks in the universe, the idea leaving an atmosphere of triviality in conjunction to the meaning and purpose behind our own lives.

Within “Tiny Human,” Elohim contemplates the delicate nature of being just one among many, exploring the nuanced dance between feeling lost in the crowd and the deeply personal moments of introspection that such a realization invites. This exploration is wrapped in the warmth of human vulnerability, acknowledging our shared experiences of longing, desire, and the search for meaning in an expansive world.

The imagery of life’s fleeting beauty, juxtaposed with the metaphor of a cosmic dance where we are but small players, evokes a romantic yearning for connection and understanding beyond the superficial. It’s a reflection on the beauty of our limitations, the humility in recognizing our smallness, and the profound connections that emerge from embracing our shared human condition.

Adiel Mora &  Santanelli – ‘El Aire‘

Renowned artists Adiel Mora and Santanelli have joined forces to deliver a groundbreaking musical experience with their latest single, “El Aire”. This minimal deep tech masterpiece not only boasts infectious grooves but also incorporates vocals from the iconic Spanish song “El Aire De La Calle” by Los Delincuentes, creating a harmonious blend of past and present.

“El Aire” is a testament to the artistic synergy between Adiel Mora and Santanelli, as they seamlessly fuse contemporary minimal deep tech elements with the timeless vocals of “El Aire De La Calle.” The result is a track that pays homage to the rich musical heritage of Spain while pushing the boundaries of electronic music. The infectious grooves of “El Aire” beckon listeners to surrender to the rhythm and embark on a sonic journey that transcends genres. The artists’ meticulous attention to detail is evident in every beat, creating an atmosphere that is both nostalgic and cutting-edge. The fusion of modern production techniques with classic vocals breathes new life into “El Aire”, making it a must-listen for music enthusiasts across the globe.

Smith & Sorren x Edward Blissard – What The Deal

In the track “What The Deal” by Smith & Sorren featuring Ezra Blissard, the essence of subtlety takes center stage. This piece seamlessly merges a robust tech house percussion foundation with a light, breezy sound design and a smooth vocal line. The result is a well-rounded experience that’s ready for the dance floor, exuding an effortless charm throughout its duration.

The New York City-based duo, Smith & Sorren, have established themselves as formidable forces. Their achievements include a noteworthy presence on major Spotify editorial playlists like Housewerk and Friday Crate Diggers. Their music has received accolades and support from industry stalwarts such as David Guetta, Diplo, and The Chainsmokers. A highlight moment of their career is their remix of Eliza Rose’s “Baddest Of Them All,” which dominated SiriusXM Diplo’s Revolution. Their tracks have consistently performed well on Beatport, securing one number one hit, five top 10s, and ten top 100 tracks – seriously head-turning accolades no matter how you cut the cake. Ezra Blissard, hailing from Mississippi, embarked on his musical voyage influenced by the iconic sounds of 80s and 90s funk and blues. With a guitar in hand from the age of 8, Blissard’s early introduction to music paved the way for his eventual exploration into production.

 Cristian Marchi – ‘Con Il Nastro Rosa’

Renowned for his discerning ear for electronic dance music and an unparalleled talent for remixing as well, Cristian Marchi steps into the limelight with his latest masterpiece, a re-work of Lucio Battisti’s timeless “Con Il Nastro Rosa” (With the Pink Ribbon). This track, which has electrified audiences during Marchi’s high-octane DJ sets across the globe’s most prestigious clubs and festivals, now transcends its bootleg origins to become an official single, eagerly anticipated by fans and fellow DJs alike.

Prompted by the deluge of acclaim on social media, Marchi, in collaboration with the skilled Luis Rodriguez and Paolo Sandrini and the distinctive voice of Massimiliano Ferriani, has crafted a version that bridges decades. This rendition is imbued with the spirit of the Future Rave movement, signaling a bold leap into avant-garde soundscapes while staying true to the soulful essence of Battisti’s original. The official release of the track represents a significant addition to Cristian Marchi’s body of work, marking a noteworthy moment in his career that illustrates his innovative methodology in music production. This release demonstrates his skill in reinterpreting classic songs, effectively updating them to align with the preferences of contemporary audiences in the electronic music genre.