edm

post image

Kara Major’s “Can’t Control Me” Sparks a Powerful Burn of Purpose

When Kara Major punches in, she doesn’t clock out until she’s dismantled a system. In her new single “Can’t Control Me,” she doesn’t just offer another dance track to sweat through—she launches a full-bodied challenge to addiction, energetic manipulation, and conformity culture, wrapped in the volatility of EDM.

“Can’t Control Me” demands full presence. Produced by Grammy-winning Vinny Venditto, the track opens with a lean, tightly wound build, teetering on the edge of restraint before erupting into a serrated drop.

And that’s where Kara’s vocals land—front and center, unbothered and raw. It’s that confident, spoken edge that pulls from both rap and club traditions, but refuses to be boxed in by either. She’s here to remind you who’s running the room—and more importantly, who’s running herself.

The most striking part of “Can’t Control Me” is the shift in perspective Kara Major employs. She doesn’t just tell her story of growth and recovery from the outside in—she voices the chaos, the seduction of the forces that once had her under. There’s a quiet brilliance in that choice. It gives the song a kind of possession; not just thematic, but rhythmic. The result is a piece that plays like a spiritual confrontation at 128 BPM.

Kara Major’s entire trajectory has resisted simplicity. She is a senior executive and a national boxing champion—credentials that already set her apart in an industry full of familiar backstories. Her turn toward music is the story of a high-performing individual with no tolerance for compromise, finding the only medium vast enough to carry everything she has to say.

https://youtu.be/W_BFIhuS11Y

That’s perhaps what separates her from the glut of purpose-branded pop that often lacks teeth. There’s no empty empowerment rhetoric here. Her previous singles—“Win” and “White Collar Gangsta”—make it clear she’s not interested in performing strength for the algorithm. She’s dissecting it, redefining it, and feeding it through a sonic lens that knows exactly how much adrenaline and self-awareness today’s listener can handle.

post image

Kara Major Inspires with New Single “Win” and Empowering Music Video

Kara Major, the emerging singer-songwriter from Hollywood, FL, has made a strong impression with her latest single, "Win," paired with a visually captivating music video. The track highlights themes of self-confidence, perseverance, and strength, blending her dynamic vocals with electronic rhythms. With lyrics such as “Our highest selves are always calling. It’s important we pick up! Self love rescues. Self love WINS,” Kara Major aims to motivate her listeners to face challenges and focus on personal growth. This release marks an important milestone in her career, as she continues to demonstrate her skill in merging genuine storytelling with energetic EDM sounds.

https://youtu.be/xbcLSAQRM8A

In the production of "Win," Kara Major drew inspiration from an unexpected source: a reel of Jenifer Lewis’s interview on The Breakfast Club that came across her Instagram feed. Lewis’s words about her struggles with depression resonated deeply with Kara Major and arrived at just the right time only a day after she had conceptualized the track. Already having the chorus and the ending of the song in mind, Kara Major incorporated Lewis’s sentiments into the song’s intro, making slight alterations to fit seamlessly. This influence became a crucial element in the song, perfectly complementing its message of overcoming adversity.

Kara Major’s creative process for "Win" unfolded quickly and smoothly, with the track being completed in just a few hours. She attributes this efficiency to the great flow she shares with her producer, who brought his own creative touches to the project. One pivotal moment in the studio was the addition of the whispered "drums" throughout the track, an idea suggested by her producer that added a unique layer of character to the song. The synergy between Kara Major and her producer ensured that "Win" would stand out as a bold and dynamic anthem.

For the music video of "Win," Kara Major wanted to visually capture the emotions surrounding depression and self-rescue. The video begins with Kara Major being held captive by shadowy figures, a metaphor for the emotional isolation often associated with depression. As the video progresses, Kara Major uses a phone as a symbol of a call to self-help and personal growth, reinforcing the song’s theme of reclaiming one’s strength. Through these visuals, Kara Major portrays the journey of rescuing oneself through self-love and care, bringing to life the powerful message that lies at the heart of her latest release.

post image

“Don’t Be Sad” Marks a New Chapter for Swedish Innovators The Dorm

Following their impactful releases “Time Circus” and “Find Another Love,” which brought a new depth to the Deep House genre, The Dorm presents “Don’t Be Sad.” This latest effort cements their status as pioneers in the electronic realm, showcasing their relentless pursuit of artistic excellence. “Don’t Be Sad” is set to capture hearts around the world and energize dance enthusiasts everywhere.

The electronic music scene was revitalized on July 19, 2024, by Swedish artists Linus “Lente” Johansson and Jonas Svensson, collectively known as The Dorm. Their fresh release, “Don’t Be Sad,” blends complex rhythms with poignant melodies to create an unforgettable auditory journey.

Encouraging emotional resilience, “Don’t Be Sad” serves as an anthem for hope and renewal. Its deep Afro-house beats and persuasive lyrics provide a testament to The Dorm’s talent in crafting tracks that not only entertain but also inspire and uplift their audience.

With “Don’t Be Sad,” The Dorm not only sets the tone for the future of electronic music but also invites listeners to experience a rebirth of dance floor energy.

post image

Ridley Bronson ‘s Forward-Thinking Fusion Resonates In “Flex My Drip” and “Blue Skies Aren’t Gray”

Ridley Bronson paints a vivid picture of his musical journey, one that is steeped in respect for the old and excitement for the new. His recent standout track, “Blue Skies Aren’t Gray,” is a glaring example. Its roots trace back to ANOTR’s unique take on acoustic 909 drums in The Reset. The DJ and producer’s admiration for this classic yet electronically enhanced drumming is evident.

His tracks, “Flex My Drip” and “Blue Skies Aren’t Gray” straddle the fine line between the comforting embrace of familiarity and the thrilling allure of innovation. And while Ridley remains mysteriously reserved about forthcoming collaborations, the hint towards female vocalists with a ’90s R&B vibe is thrilling. The prospect of real instruments like the Rhodes piano making a presence in his future tracks further adds to the anticipation.

Recently, Bronson highlighted that with “Blue Skies Aren’t Gray,” he primarily wants listeners to savor and lose themselves in the music. He envisions fans immersing in the beats and cherishing the experience. This evolution in his musical approach not only enriches his collection of works but also paves the way for enhanced live shows, synchronization opportunities, and greater reach.

Leaning more towards intuition and ambiance rather than rigid structures when crafting music, Ridley Bronson stresses that he doesn’t tackle a tune with a set blueprint; instead, he allows it to grow organically. Following “Blue Skies Aren’t Gray,” he hints that fans can look forward to more of his hallmark resonant atmospheres, compelling rhythms, and memorable choruses in future compositions.

Listen to “Blue Skies Aren’t Gray” here:

Watch the official music video for “Flex My Drip” here:

Listen to the song below:

post image

Reddit Reveals The r/EDM Award Winners for 2019

The results are in! r/edm has revealed its Best of 2019 Awards in various categories.


The cool thing about these awards is that they’re voted on by electronic/dance music fans just like you and me. Over the past two weeks, the community has voted on what it thinks is the best music from 2019.

Best artists for the year include JOYRYDE, Eric Prydz, Chris Lake, Martin Garrix, Madeon, Virtual Riot, RL Grime, Illenium, Tchami, Blanke and more, each awarded by genre. Some of the runners up in various categories include Habstrakt, KSHMR, Wooli, DROELOE, Flume, Brooks, 1788-L and Rezz. There’s plenty of crossover, as some artists are mentioned in more than one category.

Best original tracks for the year include JOYRYDE’s “IM GONE,” Illenium & Blanke’s “Gorgeous,” Madeon’s “No Fear No More,” Dog Blood‘s “Turn Off The Lights,” and NGHTMRE‘s “Redlight VIP.”

As far as sets and mixes go, RL Grime’s Halloween VIII is at the top for trap. Also, Tchami @ UMF Miami 2019, Martin Garrix RAI 2019 The Ether, Excision b2b Illenium Lost Lands 2019, and more are included.

Electric Daisy Carnival Las Vegas is the festival of choice, followed up by Electric Forest.

See the full list below  r/edm.

r/edm Best of 2019 Awards

Bass House/G-House/Bassline

Best Artist: JOYRYDE
runner up: Habstrakt

Best Album/EP: AC Slater – Hi8
runner up: Matroda – The RED Tape

Best Original Track (Solo): JOYRYDE – IM GONE
runner up: Habstrakt – The One

Best Original Track (Collab): tied vote, Habstrakt & Bellecour – Lasagne;
DJ Snake x Tchami x Malaa x Mercer – Made In France

Best Remix: Habstrakt – GUD VIBRATIONS (Remix)
runner up: DJ Snake – ENZO (Malaa Remix)

Best Mix/Set: Tchami @ UMF Miami 2019
runner up: Dog Blood @ UMF 2019

Bigroom House

Best Artist: Martin Garrix
runner up: KSHMR

Best Album/EP: Third Party – Together
runner up: KAAZE – Dreamchild

Best Original Track (Solo): Avicii – Heaven
runner up: Alesso – Progresso

Best Remix: Illenium ft. Jon Bellion – Good Things Fall Apart (Tiesto’s Big Room Remix)
runner up: Alesso – Sad Song ft. TINI (Alesso Remix)

Best Mix/Set: Martin Garrix RAI 2019 The Ether
runner up: Alesso UMF 2019

Dance Pop & Dancehall

Best Artist: Madeon
runner up: Illenium

Best Album/EP: Madeon – Good Faith
runner up: Illenium – Ascend

Best Original Track (Solo): tied vote, Madeon – No Fear No More;
Madeon – Dream Dream Dream

Best Original Track (Collab): Illenium ft. Jon Bellion – Good Things Fall Apart
runner up: MEDUZA & Goodboys – Piece of your Heart

Best Remix: Martin Garrix & Dean Lewis – Used to Love (Osrin & Beau Collins Remix)
runner up: Jay Sean – Ride It (DJ Regard Remix)

Drum & Bass

Best Artist: Feint
runner up: Muzzy

Best Album/EP: ShockOne – A Dark Machine
runner up: Delta Heavy – Only in Dreams

Best Original Track (Solo): Sub Focus – Solar System
runner up: Camo & Krooked – Atlas

Best Original Track (Collab): Sub Focus & Wilkinson – Illuminate
runner up: Delta Heavy & Muzzy – Revenge

Best Remix: Knife Party – Ghost Train (Muzzy Remix)
runner up: Unspoken – Muzzy & Oliverse Remix

Best Mix/Set: Hybrid Minds Boiler Room Set
runner up: KANINE summer essentials

Dubstep & Riddim

Best Artist: Virtual Riot
runner up: Wooli

Best Album/EP: Virtual Riot – Save Yourself
runner up: Excision & Wooli – Lockdown

Best Original Track (Solo): Virtual Riot – Wallmonger
runner up: MUST DIE! – Chaos

Best Original Track (Collab): GriZ & Subtronics – Griztronics
runner up: Excision & Wooli – Lockdown

Best Remix: Excision – Vault (Subtronics Remix)
runner up: Zomboy – Born To Survive (Wooli & Ray Volpe Remix)

Best Mix/Set: Excision b2b Illenium Lost Lands 2019
runner up: Excision Lost Lands 2019

Electro House

Best Artist: Au5
runner up: Feed Me

Best Album/EP: Feed Me – High Street Creeps
runner up: Stonebank – Life & Death EP

Best Original Track (Solo): Dog Blood – Turn Off The Lights
runner up: Feed Me – Defiant

Best Original Track (Collab): TV Noise & Dillon Francis – EDM O’Clock
runner up: Seth Hills & LOOPERS – Out of Control

Best Remix: Gammer – Needed U (Tony Romera Remix)
runner up: Martin Garrix & Dean Lewis – Used to Love (SWACQ Remix)

Future Bass

Best Artist: Illenium
runner up: tied vote, DROELOE; Flume

Best Album/EP: Illenium – Ascend
runner up: Hi This Is Flume

Best Original Track (Solo): Illenium – Hold On
runner up: tied vote, Flume – Rushing Back; Grant – Wishes

Best Original Track (Collab): Slander & Said The Sky – Potions
runner up: RL Grime & graves – Arcus

Best Remix: Alison WOnderland – Peace (QUIX Remix)
runner up: A R I Z O N A – Find Someone (DROELOE Remix)

Best Mix/Set: Illenium – Ascend Tour
runner up: The Alchemy Tour

Future House

Best Artist: Tchami
runner up: Brooks

Best Original Track (Solo): Brooks – Waiting for Love
runner up: Don Diablo – The Rhythm

Best Original Track (Collab): Brooks, Loote & David Guetta – Better When You’re Gone
runner up: Don Diablo & CID – Fever

Best Remix: Estelle – American Boy (Brooks Remix)
runner up: Ellie Goulding – Sixteen (Don Diablo Remix)

Best Mix/Set: Don Diablo @ Untold 2019
runner up: RetroVision @ Tomorrowland

Hard Dance

Best Artist: D-Block & S-te-fan
runner up: Sub Zero Project

Best Album/EP: Sub Zero Project – Contagion
runner up: Clockartz – Chord V

Best Original Track (Solo): tied vote, Sub Zero Project – All For One;
D-Block & S-te-fan – Fallen Souls

Best Original Track (Collab): Sub Zero Project & D-Block & S-te-fan – Darkest Hour
runner up: Angerfist & Stereotype – Primal Instinct

Best Remix: D-Block & S-te-fan ft. Villain – Sound of Thunder (D-Sturb Remix)
runner up: Angerfist – Street Fighter (Audiofreq Remix)

Best Mix/Set: D-Block & S-te-fan @ Qlimax 2019
runner up: tied vote, Delete VIP @ Defqon 1;
10 years of Thera @ Defqon 1

House (other subgenres)

Best Artist: Meduza
runner up: Dombresky

Best Album/EP: Moksi – The Return of House Music
runner up: Jax Jones – SNACKS

Best Original Track (Solo): Dombresky – Soul Sacrifice
runner up: Diplo – Hold You Tight

Best Original Track (Collab): Meduza & Goodboys – Piece of your Heart
runner up: Gryffin, Gorgon City & AlunaGeorge – Baggage

Best Remix: Calvin Harris – I’m Not Alone (2019 Edit)
runner up: Kelsey Lu – Due West (Skrillex Remix)

Best Mix/Set: A-Trak @ Tomorrowland 2019
runner up: Palms Trax @ Dekmantel

Melodic Dubstep

Best Artist: Illenium
runner up: Seven Lions

Best Album/EP: Illenium – Ascend
runner up: MitiS – Shattered EP

Best Original Track (Solo): Illenium – Lonely ft. Chandler Leighton
runner up: Dabin – Alive ft. RUNN

Best Original Track (Collab): Seven Lions & Wooli & Trivecta – Island ft. Nevve
runner up: Seven Lions & MitiS – Break The Silence

Best Remix: Above & Beyond – Sahara Love (Seven Lions Remix)
runner up: Dabin ft. RUNN – Alive (Trivecta Remix)

Midtempo Bass

Best Artist: Blanke
runner up: tied vote, 1788-L; Rezz

Best Album/EP: Blanke – Change & Decay
runner up: Rezz – Beyond the Senses EP

Best Original Track (Solo): Pixel Terror – Ultima
runner up: Hex Cougar – Silence ft. Sara Skinner

Best Original Track (Collab): Illenium & Blanke – Gorgeous
runner up: Ekali & 1788-L – R U I N

Best Remix: Illenium – Pray (Blanke Remix)
runner up: Illenium & Call Me Karizma – God Damnit (Hex Cougar Remix)

Other

Best Artist: Madeon
runner up: Flume

Best Album/EP: Madeon – Good Faith
runner up: Flume – Hi This Is Flume

Best Original Track (Solo): Skrillex – Fuji Opener
runner up: KOAN Sound – Vibrant

Best Original Track (Collab): Alison Wonderland & QUIX – Time
runner up: Plastic Toy & DJ Snake – Try Me

Best Remix: deadmau5 – Unjaded (Mad Zach Remix)
runner up: Pierce Fulton – The Move (Direct Remix)

Best Mix/Set: Porter Robinson – Second Sky Set
runner up: Virtual Self Clubsystem

Progressive House

Best Artist: Eric Prydz
runner up: Tinlicker

Best Album/EP: Pryda – PRYDA 15 VOL III
runner up: Tinlicker – This Is Not Our Universe

Best Original Track (Solo): Feed Me – Feel Love ft. Rosie Doonan
runner up: Pryda – Terminal 5

Best Original Track (Collab): i_o & Tommy Trash – Let Me Go
runner up: Lane 8 & Yotto – I / Y

Best Remix: Above & Beyond – Is It Love? (1001) (Grum Remix)
runner up: Foals – The Runner (RUFUS DU SOL Remix)

Best Mix/Set: Eric Prydz Kinetic Field EDCO 2019
runner up: deadmau5 Creamfields 2019

Tech House

Best Artist: Chris Lake
runner up: CamelPhat

Best Album/EP: SNBRN – Sole
runner up: Shaun Frank – Activ8

Best Original Track (Solo): Fisher – You Little Beauty
runner up: Dom Dolla – San Frandisco

Best Original Track (Collab): Diplo & SIDEPIECE – On My Mind
runner up: Chris Lake & Solardo – Free Your Body

Best Remix: Calvin Harris – I’m Not Alone (CamelPhat Remix)
runner up: Dom Dolla – San Frandisco (Walker & Royce Remix)

Best Mix/Set: Solardo & Eli Brown @ DJ Mag Best of British Awards (The Steelyard, London, United Kingdom) 2019-12-11
runner up: Kyle Watson @ Mixmag The Lab Johannesburg, South Africa 2019-08-06

Techno

Best Artist: UMEK
runner up: Boris Brejcha

Best Album/EP: UMEK & D-Unity – Eliminating the Need EP
runner up: I Hate Models – Intergalactic Emotional Breakdown

Best Original Track (Solo): T78 – Megator
runner up: Adriatique – Craft

Best Original Track (Collab): Kolsch & Sasha – The Lights
runner up: ANNA & Miss Kittin – Forever Ravers

Best Remix: Monolink – Return to Oz (ARTBAT Remix)
runner up: Eats Everything – Space Raiders (Charlotte de Witte Remix)

Best Mix/Set: Kolsch @ Tomorrowland 2019
runner up: tied vote, Cirez D @ Seismic Dance Event;
Adriatique @ Tomorrowland 2019

Trance

Best Artist: Above & Beyond
runner up: Andrew Bayer

Best Album/EP: Andrew Bayer – In My Next Life
runner up: Andrew Bayer – Parallels

Best Original Track (Solo): Andrew Bayer – Magitek
runner up: Andrew Bayer – True Feelin’

Best Original Track (Collab): Jason Ross & Seven Lions – Known You Before
runner up: Fatum, Genix, Jaytech & Judah – All In

Best Remix: alt-J – Breezeblocks (Tinlicker Remix)
runner up: Andrew Bayer ft. Alison May – End Of All Things (In My Next Life Mix)

Trap

Best Artist: RL Grime
runner up: NGHTMRE

Best Album/EP: G Jones – Tangential Zones
runner up: Party Favor – Layers

Best Original Track (Solo): NGHTMRE – Redlight VIP
runner up: G Jones – Immortal Light

Best Original Track (Collab): RL Grime & Juelz – Formula
runner up: NGHTMRE & ZHU – Man’s First Inhibition

Best Remix: G Jones – In Your Head (RL Grime Edit)
runner up: Alison Wonderland & Quix – Time (Slumberjack Remix)

Best Mix/Set: RL Grime – Halloween VIII
runner up: NGHTMRE b2b Slander Gud Vibrations @ UMF

Tropical House/Shallow House

Best Artist: Kygo
runner up: Redondo

Best Album/EP: Lost Frequencies – Alive & Feeling Well
runner up: tied vote, BLR – Odyssee; Moon Boots – Bimini Road

Best Original Track (Solo): Kygo – Higher Love
runner up: Lost Frequencies – Beat of my Heart

Best Original Track (Collab): Kygo & valerie Broussard – Think About You
runner up: DallasK & Nicky Romero – Sometimes

Best Remix: Above & Beyond & Seven Lions – See The End (Nora En Pure Remix)
runner up: 5 Seconds of Summer – Easier (Seeb Remix)

Other Bests

Best Label: Ophelia Records
runner up: STMPD

Best Album Art: Dabin – Wild Youth
runner up: tied vote, Avicii – Time; Flume – Hi This Is Flume

Best Breakout Artist: Blanke
runner up: William Black

Best Compilation Album: Ophelia Volume One
runner up: Anjunabeats Vol. 14

Best Radio Show: Above & Beyond – Group Therapy
runner up: tied vote, Madeon – Good Faith Radio; Noisia Radio

Best Content Creator: Jonas Aden
runner up: Sidewalk Talk

Best Social Media Presence: Dillon Francis
runner up: Alison Wonderland

Best Festival: Electric Daisy Carnival (EDCLV)
runner up: Electric Forest

Best Live Performance (incorporating non-DJ Elements): Illenium Ascend Tour
runner up: Madeon – Good Faith Live

Post of the Year (r/edm meta vote): Flume eating ass at Burning Man
runner up: Every Boiler Room Set Ever

 

Photo Rukes.com