Sam Silver and ALRT, collectively known as Leap 96, have just dropped their eagerly awaited collaborative, eponymous EP ‘Leap 96’ via the LA-based label, TH3RD BRAIN Records. The EP features four standout tracks, including the already successful singles ‘Back It Up’, ‘Again’, ‘Downtime’, and the EP’s focus single ‘1999’.
Leap 96 takes listeners on a nostalgic yet fresh journey, drawing inspiration from the late 90s and early 2000s, when genres like Garage and Drum and Bass began dominating the rave scene. The project fuses vocal-driven dance music with both uptempo and downtempo settings, blending old-school rave vibes with contemporary electronic sounds.
The EP’s title ‘Leap 96’ is deeply personal, signifying the leap year that falls between Sam Silver and ALRT’s birth years. As the two artists explain, this symbolism extends into the project’s sonic direction, melding ALRT’s background in the old-school rave scene with Sam Silver’s influences from new-age garage, rap, and ethereal house. Together, they’ve crafted a sound that spans garage, rap, DnB, and vocals with an indie pop twist.
What began as a casual studio session in Hollywood, California, where ALRT is a co-founder alongside renowned artist and producer JOYRYDE, quickly evolved into a two-month co-production endeavor. The creative synergy between Sam Silver and ALRT produced not only the four tracks on the EP but also several works-in-progress, setting the stage for future releases.
The EP’s final track, ‘1999’, is ready for prime time play. Inspired by French house and infused with 90s nostalgia, the production merges house, garage, and grime elements to deliver a unique and modern twist on the familiar.
Sam Silver shares: “‘Leap 96’ is a fresh chapter in my musical journey, a vibrant exploration that redefines how I approach sound and creativity. It’s about embracing the fun and breaking the mold, inviting listeners into a dynamic, playful experience.”
ALRT adds: “‘1999’ is an all-around banger. It combines a mixture of French house, UK garage, and deep dubstep, it has it all! At first, we weren’t sure if it would make the EP, but once it was finished, we knew it had to be a part of ‘Leap 96’. This one has something for everyone, and I’m already playing it live. It’s going to rock the dance floors for sure.”