Epic Soundscapes: 5 Tracks That Captured My Brain This Year

Artists have continued to level up and innovate, and this year has been nothing short of breathtaking in terms of sound design. It’s becoming more common for artists to break barriers with their sound, creating new, fresh vibes while still retaining their signature styles. Even though electronic music is more popular than ever, it still breeds innovation. I believe we are still in the “golden era” of EDM. With the summer festival season wrapping up (though plenty of incredible shows in Arizona are still on the horizon), I wanted to share five of my favorite songs released this year. I hope you discover something new!

“Power” by Subtronics, Level Up, Grabbitz

This is Subtronics and Level Up’s first Leveltronics collab, and it’s absolutely wild. Supported by chilling vocals from Grabbitz, the song starts off with a more standard dubstep drop, but the rhythm shows flashes of space bass innovation. The real mind-melter comes in the second drop, where a different rhythm leads into elongated space bass notes that seem to rip through space and time. This song is perfect for your drive to a festival and is best experienced through car speakers or headphones!

“Leave The Light On” by Trivecta, sod ven

Trivecta wowed the world with his second album, and this track is a true standout. Staying true to his melodic bass roots, Trivecta creates cascading arpeggios over massive chord progressions, layering tons of texture. The sound design in the accents is breathtaking and expertly done, making it one of my favorite melodic songs of all time.

“Ignition” by Levity

This song has been on repeat since it dropped. Levity continues to change the game, and the first track off their debut EP has audiences roaring. The first drop is a high-energy dubstep banger, with modern bass sound design layered over an old-school dubstep drop progression. The second drop sets a new standard for sound design. It’s like a Broadway show, with cinematic dubstep taking center stage. The accents between the heavy bass hits are insane, bringing in fresh sounds that aren’t overdone. This track belongs on every playlist!

“Ganja Tape” by Ganja White Night, Tape B

Ever since this highly anticipated collab dropped, the world hasn’t been the same. Both Ganja White Night and Tape B are true innovators, and they brought their A-game to this track. The first drop might seem like a typical Ganja White Night vibe, but then the fluttering deep dubstep accents hit, blowing listeners away. The second drop delivers unique sound design with a similar structure, and what really makes this track special is the intention behind every sound, with extended drops that highlight their mastery of sound design.

“Dubstar” by Dr. Ushuu, ROI OS

This might be the least-known song on this list, but it’s the perfect way to wrap things up. Dr. Ushuu and ROI OS created a space bass masterpiece. While slower and more chill, it still takes listeners on a journey to the stars. The first drop is a deep, blunt bass drop that tickles the brain, while the second drop features space bass roars that seem to carefully open up a space-time continuum. For any space bass lovers, this track must be on your playlist!