Dexter’s Beat Laboratory is a weekly collection of songs from DA managing editor Robyn Dexter. With a taste that can only be described as eclectic—to say nothing of a name that lends itself to punnery—DA is happy to present a selection of tracks personally curated by Dexter for your listening pleasure.
Listen in playlist format here.
Degs and Unglued have teamed up to bring a collaborative effort to Hospital Records: “Levitate Your Mind.” This fast-paced drum ‘n’ bass tune features soulful vocals and fun variation in rhythm over the course of the song’s four minutes. It has an funky retro atmosphere to it, drawing the listener in from the first rapid notes.
After releasing his debut solo album in 2019, M Machine member Luttrell burst into the new decade with guns blazing. He’s gearing up for the release of his sophomore effort, Lucky Ones, due out March 13, and has blessed the music world with the LP’s first single: “My Friend The Sun.” The song features an energetic vocal that propels it forward, making for a stunning debut from the upcoming album.
Speaking of upcoming albums, Jason Ross has a thing or two on his radar. The producer’s new album arrives Jan. 24 Seven Lions‘ Ophelia Records. He’s tapped the vocal talents of Dia Frampton for new release “1000 Faces,” and the result is an emotive journey. “Dia has been one of my favorite people in this industry since the first time we talked, right after I remixed her track with Illenium,” Ross says in the track’s description. “The moment I heard this vocal, I was blown away and knew we had a big one on our hands.”
Though it appears to have been out for several months, Sofi Tukker‘s “Swing” just appeared as a new song at the top of my SoundCloud feed. As always, this creative duo has crafted something in a league of its own. “Swing” takes the listener on a venture (mainly in Portuguese) from orchestral elements to a chanted verse from Brazilian poet Chacal.
Lane 8‘s long-awaited Brightest Lights has finally arrived—its 13 tracks filled with luminous and relaxing energy. A clear standout is “The Flood” with Nevve. Featuring a gorgeous drifting melody, heart-wrenching vocals, and a mellow beat, this song serves as a shining example of some of Lane 8’s best work.