Author Archives: TMN Staff

Able Grey, head of the Ex Medias label and a rising figure in Chicago’s electronic music scene, are bursting out of the Chicago scene and quickly gaining attention along the way. These performances are enhanced by his use of an electronic drum pad and MIDI controller, which add an engaging element to his multi-genre presentations. His recent performances include opening for Clozee and Daily Bread at Radius Chicago, and his – not one but two – sets at the 2023 North Coast Music Festival. Moreover, Grey is slated to perform at the inaugural Chicago Beyond Wonderland festival, showcasing his talent on a grand scale. His musical creations have also found a home with Subsidia, a label founded by Excision, the man is making the right moves in the right ways.

“In The Forest,” a collaboration between Able Grey and Meridian, is a standout track released by Ex Medias. Set at 110 BPM, the track engages listeners with deep bass and sharp percussion that invigorates and compels a deep, rhythmic experience. Each listen unveils further intricacies within its richly layered sounds, punctuated by clean and forceful wubs at the drop, which show off its mysterious and moody atmosphere.

Meridian, performing under the alias Tom Giannola, has crafted a excellent musical identity that refuses to conform to one genre. At 26, his dynamic performances at renowned Chicago venues like Prysm, Soundbar, and Chop Shop, alongside his participation at the North Coast Music Festival, mark him as an artist with a promising trajectory. His style, which blends various elements of electronic dance music, continues to evolve, drawing a dedicated following eager, larger and larger fanbase to his side.

“Hope I Did Okay,” stands out in the large Feint catalog. It starts off strong and maintains a gripping pace, effortlessly drawing listeners in with its energetic rhythm and cleverly incorporated mid-tempo elements at the drop—a smart twist that enhances the thrill. It’s a carefully crafted piece that fits perfectly into Feint’s impressive portfolio, showcasing his flair for blending stirring rhythms with emotional undertones.

Andrew Hu’s journey from a fresh-faced artist to a mainstay in the scene is as inspiring as it is impressive. From his early label signings to Monstercat paving the way for numerous hits, along with his work with Liquicity Records, the man continues to bring quality to the forefront when it comes to his productions.

Feint’s collaborations, especially those with Laura Brehm, such as “We Won’t Be Alone” and “Words,” have not only resonated but also skyrocketed in terms of streaming numbers, reaching millions of listens. This speaks volumes about both where he’s been and how far he will go.

“Hope I Did Okay” is expected to thrill longtime fans and newcomers alike. Feint’s knack for keeping the adrenaline high while delivering new and exciting music keeps his work fresh and continuously engaging. As he moves forward, his impact on the drum and bass scene is undeniable, proving that his journey is far from peaking—it’s just getting more interesting.

KTrek is setting the wave genre ablaze with his remarkable streaming success and a knack for energizing sold-out events. With over 3 million streams from his hit “Lohka” and an impressive total of more than 6 million streams across all his work, KTrek has proven his ability to resonate deeply with fans. His music, celebrated on prestigious labels such as Lowly/Trap Nation, DEKTORA, and Harmony Haven, continuously have strong stickiness due the music just being a down-right good vibe.

Recently, KTrek dropped his latest single “Ahri,” first unveiled during a thrilling back-to-back performance with REMNANT.exe at the Ogden Theater and later at the bustling Wave Night with Ravenscoon. This track marks KTrek’s exciting debut in vibe.digital’s impressive catalog. “Ahri” combines epic percussion with serene melodies and a distinct sonic personality that instantly grabs the listener.

The track itself is a standout, masterfully merging a festival-ready aura with peaceful harmonies, creating a journey filled with rich, immersive environments and refined production techniques. The robust percussion and ethereal music blend to evoke a relaxing trance-like state, welcoming listeners into a other-worldly experience. This combination of powerful percussion and gentle melodies illustrates KTrek’s skilled hand in the studio, which is both challenging to execute and rewarding to witness.

With humble beginnings , Bleu Clair has truly made his mark. With tracks that find a unique place in DJs’ playlists around the globe, his musical contributions resonate strongly across the dance floors and through streaming speakers everywhere. For example – in 2020, his collaboration with Ytram on “Make You Mine” under Martin Garrix’s STMPD Records brought a sound that caught the scene my storm, at the time, and became a staple in numerous DJ sets. His ability to maintain a fresh approach is further proven in his highly praised remixes for Tchami and Habstrakt.

2021 saw Bleu Clair climbing charts and filling playlists with “Have Me All,” featuring Jelita, which rapidly accumulated millions of streams. He didn’t stop there; his collaboration “Green Light” with AC Slater featuring Kate Wild under Tiësto’s Musical Freedom label, and “Disco Tool” with Matroda, reached #3 on Beatport’s overall chart. His first tour in the USA brought him to major stages like EDC Las Vegas, Seismic Dance Event in Austin, and CRSSD Fest in San Diego, confirming his place in the top echelons of the music world. He was ranked at #22 on the 1001Tracklists’ inaugural 1001 Top Producer list, underscoring his growing influence and popularity.

Bleu Clair, originally from Indonesia, has established himself as a producer and as a leader in the house and tech house genre. Simply put, he has his own signature approach when it comes to house he makes – a sound that can picked out of a lineup. His work not only moves the crowd but also shapes the course of underground music trends, as he continues to push boundaries and excite audiences all around the world.

Get ready, hardstyle fans. Jorrit Popkema, famously known as D-Sturb, is dropping his highly anticipated solo album, ‘Through My Veins’. This album marks a thrilling milestone in D-Sturb’s career, showing off the next chapter he wants to bring to the hardstyle scene.

This exciting release features 12 tracks that delve into the core of hardstyle music, with a focus on robust kicks and a precise blend of breaks and melody. Throughout ‘Through My Veins’, D-Sturb’s expertise in production goes off the chain and it extremely impression, which is really no surprise at the end of the day.

The album includes partnerships with talented vocalists such as Meryll, Nathalie Blue, E-Life, and Nolz. It also showcases collaborations with producers Aversion, The Purge, Mutilator, and Hard Driver, and even features an official remix for the duo Showtek, which highlights D-Sturb’s creative flair.

The celebration of the album’s debut will kick off at the Rebirth Festival in the Netherlands, followed by a special, sold-out party in Utrecht, his hometown. The excitement builds as D-Sturb prepares for a tour across America with stops at renowned events like Midnight Mafia in Santiago, Chile, and EDC Vegas in May.

Experience the album for yourself directly below.