You don’t need to hear any more about things I did this year or my ever-changing emotional state. We made it to the end of the year. Let’s party!
soty-sideB
my favorite songs of the year in no order. side b encompasses party music from pop to hip-hop to house. ideal for shuffling.
Spotify | Apple Music
The first playlist focuses on pop, hip-hop, disco and house jams fit for an at-home dance party or pregame or for slapping in your vehicular. Just some fun tunes.
selects…
Pop
honorable mentions include L’imperatrice, Empress Of (because you likely already knows how much I love her music), Nia Archives, Girl Ultra, Charli xcx (because Brat was inescapable anyways), Jamie xx (because, of course, it’s amazing),
TV Girl & George Clanton - “Butterflies” (feat. Jordana)
from Fauxllennium [Spotify | Apple Music]
TV Girl & George Clanton’s collaborative album brought summer to the wintertime. Combining influences ranging from 90s dance music to the heyday of 2010s chillwave, it’s a quick and sunny listen with endless replay value.
Brijean - “Workin’ on It”
from Macro [Spotify | Apple Music]
This one probably could’ve just as easily fit in Side A but it’s just too funky and catchy not to be with the slaps. This whole album is a truly impressive step forward in Brijean’s sound.
Magdalena Bay - “Image”
from Imaginal Disk [Spotify | Apple Music]
2024 was the year when the innovative duo Magdalena Bay finally got their well-deserved flowers. The music, which fuses pop, jazz and disco, and the creative DIY visuals have always been this good but it’s nice to see them truly breaking out!
Toro y Moi - “HOV”
from Hole Erth [Spotify | Apple Music]
Toro y Moi’s latest album is probably one of his least acclaimed projects of late. I may be biased as a diehard Chaz fan but it’s gotten better with every listen. The hook on this track is so fun, especially on phone speakers whilst drunk walking out of Boiler Room. I’m in the HOV Lane with my whole gang!
Two Shell - “Everybody Worldwide”
from Two Shell [Spotify | Apple Music]
I’m not sure pop/dance/bass duo Two Shell will ever top “home” but their debut album is as fun and strange as you’d expect. Definitely one of the highlight live performances of the year as well.
Erika de Casier & Nick León - “Bikini”
You’d be hard pressed to find a better pop song than “Bikini.” Erika de Casier’s glossy vocals glide over the Latin rhythms of Miami producer Nick León. Her 2024 album Still is worth a listen too while you’re at it!
Hip-Hop
honorable mentions include J.U.S, Maxo Kream, HiTech, Little Simz, ScHoolboy Q, Tyler, the Creator and Kendrick Lamar. Again, most of these are because I’ve already talked about them or they’re massive, inescapable projects (ie Kendrick, Tyler).
Doechii - “Nissan Altima”
from Alligator Bites Never Heal [Spotify ] Apple Music]
I’ve already talked enough about how much I love Doechii but had to shout out this project one more time! Also make sure to check out her Colbert performance and Tiny Desk Concert if you haven’t yet.
JPEGMAFIA - “don’t rely on other men”
from I LAY DOWN MY LIFE FOR YOU [Spotify | Apple Music]
JPEGMAFIA is constantly at the center of social media controversies. More importantly, he also holds the title of most interesting rapper / producer out. Leaning into influences from rock to Brazilian funk to IDM, JPEG is constantly pushing his sound into strange, abrasive territories while delivering scathing takes on hip-hop, politics and culture at-large. This album also features one of his most beautiful, self-aware songs to-date with “either on or off the drugs.”
Denzel Curry - “HOT ONE” (feat. Denzel Curry, TiaCorine & A$AP Ferg)
from King of the Mischievous South Vol. 2 [Spotify | Apple Music]
Denzel Curry’s consistency is second to none. His latest, feature-stacked album has a mixtape ethos and is a relentless celebration of southern rap.
TiaCorine - Olive (feat. Zeeloperz)
from Almost There [Spotify | Apple Music]
North Caroline emcee TiaCorine put out one of the most fun rap projects of the year. From front-to-back she shows off a wide range of flows and impeccable beat selection. Definitely give this one a full listen.
Dance-Pop
honorable mentions include salute (again, you know how much I love!), Elkka, Joy Anonymous, Fcukers, Gesaffelstein, 1tbsp and Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith & Joe Goddard.
Caribou - “Come Find Me”
from Honey [Spotify | Apple Music]
As a longtime fan, I was honestly a bit disappointed to see Caribou lean into a more straight-ahead dance pop sound with his latest album. But I got over myself and have come to really enjoy Honey for what it is. This song in particular is just undeniably fun and uplifting while maintaining the signature Caribou quirks. Also, his recent live band Boiler Room set is absolutely incredible.
Tourist - “A Little Bit Further”
from Memory Morning [Spotify | Apple Music]
This technically came out as a single last year but I didn’t discover it until listening to Tourist’s solid 2024 album. Similar to “Come Find Me” it’s just a feel-good anthem (with a masterful sample flip).
Machinedrum - “H0N3Y”
from 3FOR82 [Spotify | Apple Music]
Machinedrum is a master of drum’n’bass production but his knack for pop melodies and collaboration is what truly sets him apart. His latest mixtape puts his versatility on full display ranging from pop to hip-hop to straight addictive dance tracks, like this one.
Justice - “Incognito”
from Hyperdrama [Spotify | Apple Music]
Justice take the cake for best performance I saw (twice) this year. Hyperdrama is easily their best studio album since their iconic debut — both a return to form and an expansion of their sound that they’ve been trying (with varying results) to achieve for years now.
I. JORDAN - “Close To You”
from I AM JORDAN [Spotify | Apple Music]
It can be difficult translate club music into a cohesive album but I JORDAN’s debut album achieves just that. It’s fully accessible and packed with emotion both within or outside of a dance floor context.
Chris Lake, Sammy Virji & Nathan Nicholson - “Summertime Blues”
2024 was Sammy Virji’s breakout year in the US and his Chris Lake collab “Summertime Blues” is a perfect encapsulation of his accessible take on the UK Garage / Bassline genres.
soty2024-on-the-floor
Spotify | Apple Music
my favorite house, techno and left-field club music of the year (that’s available on streaming) in no particular order.
This playlist focuses more on type of music I play out in DJ sets—disco, house, techno and a touch of left-field bass music. Some of my favorites are not on streaming so, for the full experience, you may want to spend a bit more time hitting play on the individual songs in the selects. This playlist could work well for cardiovascular activities, late night dancing or perhaps, for DJs, sourcing tracks.
selects…
House/Tech-House
Session Victim - “Screen Off”
from Screen Off EP [Spotify | Apple Music]
German duo Session Victim remain one of my all-time favorites. Their organic sound spans the realms of house, disco, jazz and hip-hop. Their latest EP sees them pulling in some dub vibes collaborating with Jamaican vocalist Ras Stimulant. The bassline on this one is addicting!
Max Watts - “Dimensions”
from Small Axe EP
Detroit DJ/producer Max Watts is your favorite producer’s favorite producer. He traded in his usual techno sound for a more classic house vibe on this EP — it’s pretty smooth!
musclecars - “Tonight (Louie Vega Bronx Dub)”
from Sugar Honey Iced Tea! [Spotify | Apple Music]
NY DJ/producer duo musclecars had an enormous 2024. Their debut album sees them bringing together House, Jazz and Soul for a truly beautiful listen. It was only right that the New York legend and Master at Work Louie Vega took on one of the standout tracks. This is a real groover that plays nice with tracks across the spectrum of house.
Patrick Holland - “Your Life (Revamped)”
from Your Life / Take It - Remix EP [Spotify | Apple Music]
Patrick Holland was on an absolute tear this year releasing several singles, a mixtape and a collaborative project with Physical Therapy. This French-touch leaning take on the groovy original is a great party starter.
Avi Loud - “Funk It”
from Traditions
I easily could’ve picked any of the 4 tracks on LA producer Avi Loud’s Traditions EP but “Funk It” with its funky (!) and bouncy top line stands out.
Paige Tomlinson - “Floor Burn”
On “Floor Burn,” fast-rising British DJ/producer Paige Tomlinson plays on 90s rave nostalgia without being stuck in the past. The acid bass line on this is what really pushes it over the top for me.
Motiv8 feat. Angie Brown - “Rockin’ for Myself (PIEK Remix)”
Spanish producer PIEK’s Bandcamp profile remains a treasure trove for DJ-ready disco edits. The original song is so iconic but he fully does it justice!
Space Dimension Controller - “Komische Chonga”
from Acid Sampler 1.5 [Spotify | Apple Music]
This track has a truly epic and intricate arc, constantly building to an almost overwhelming climax before falling into a minimal acid bassline. It’s a flawless exercise in tension and release.
Demi Riquísimo - Windows 95 Anthem
Between running a label, releasing an impressive amount of music and international touring, London-based DJ/producer Demi Riquísimo had a busy 2024. “Windows 95 Anthem” is both tongue-in-cheek and rave-ready - a great track to transition from a disco to techno vibe.
Techno
Coffintexts - Make U Sweat
from 9FINITY001
Coffintexts is one of the most exciting artists within Miami’s surging dance music scene. As with her contemporaries, she weaves Latin influence in her Techno / Tech-House with excellent results. This one isn’t on streaming but I did include the equally strong “Todo Mi Cuerpo” in the playlists.
Cabizbajo & Berny - Diabolika
Mexican producer Cabizbajo teams up with Italian artist Berny for an absolutely hot ‘n heavy banger. I’m still waiting for the right moment to play this one out.
Regal86 - Temperature (Hot Mix)
from Club Issue ‘24
Mexican techno powerhouse Regal86 had a massive year. He brings a certain hip-hop bounce to his sound that really resonates with me — this track (not available on streaming) is a perfect example.
Leonce - “Kindle Dub”
from System of Objects [Spotify | Apple Music]
Similar to Regal86, Atlanta DJ/Producer Leonce brings a hip-hop mentality to Techno and put out one of my favorite EPs of the year. I first came across his music via his R&B/Hip-Hop edits. Speaking of which, his “Nasty” edit is exactly that!
CCL - “The Plot Thickens” (feat. D. Tiffany)
from Plot Twist [Spotify | Apple Music]
After establishing themself as a well-respected and fearless DJ, CCL finally released their debut EP this year. It’s liquidy and heady but also very danceable. “The Plot Thickens” gives you a little taste of all of those elements.
Skee Mask - “Matchpoint”
from ISS010
Berlin producer Skee Mask’s reign as king of underground dance music continued in 2024. “Matchpoint” was a personal favorite from an excellent EP released on Italian label Ilian Tape.
Bass & other left-field club sounds
Carré - “Cute Mad”
from Soft Fascination EP [Spotify | Apple Music]
LA producer Carré tapped into a truly magical sound on this EP mixing faster BPMs and elements of UK Dubstep basslines with soft, dreamy pads. The result feels like an alchemic genre all its own.
L-Vis 1990 - “Party Time”
After a few years producing unabashed party anthems under his excellent Dance System alias, veteran DJ/Producer James Connolly revived his original L-VIS 1990 moniker this year with a series of quality singles. The wonky “Party Time” is my personal favorite.
Verraco - “Godspeed >”
from Breathe..Godspeed [Spotify | Apple Music]
Columbian DJ, producer and co-founder of the incredible TraTraTrax label, Verraco’s 2024 EP is an absolute masterwork of intricate bass productions.
Hassan Abou Alam - Basha (feat. Ziad Zaza, Ismail Nosrat & Aly B)
from Mesh Mafhoom [Spotify | Apple Music]
Egyptian producer Hassan Abou Alam’s pummeling sound incorporates elements of Mahragabanat (essentially Egyptian trap music) with western club sounds with incredible results. This whole EP slaps.
ARCHANGEL - “Psyren”
from Critical Hit
Brooklyn producer ARCHANGEL’s Critical Hit EP reminds me a bit of the original XXYYXX mixtape - a perfect marriage of hip-hop and club sounds. This one fits just fine on the headphones while working on something at home but also features some slaps like this one.
Happy New Year!
