When Worlds Collide: Zeds Dead, IMANU & MKLA Launch 2026 with ‘Runaway’

Now, this is how you kick 2026 with a proper bang. 

When I heard that the legendary duo Zeds Dead kicked off 2026 with a bold collaborative statement, joining forces with one of my biggest inspirations, IMANU, and a familiar vocalist, MKLA, on their new single, “Runaway,” I knew this was going to be one of those songs that pulls at your heart strings, and boy was that an understatement. 

The track serves as a long-awaited reunion with MKLA following previous collaborations, “Alive” and “In My Head,’ combining heavy future bass wubs and IMANU’s future focused drum & bass sound design, delivering a track that feels equally expansive and tightly controlled. A vibe that hasn’t been duplicated since “Rush,” a collab between IMANU and Zeds Dead.

“Runaway” leans into a sense of euphoria from the very first moment, pairing dreamy, cinematic synth work with MKLA’s floating vocal delivery. The opening melody feels almost spellbinding, creating space for her lyrics to emerge and frame a narrative of two people yearning for connection. That emotional buildup gives way to a sweeping, unexpected drop that flips the track’s direction entirely, a reminder that Zeds Dead’s sonic identity remains instantly recognizable.

Equally so, the song builds up into my personal favorite part of the song a fast-paced second drop rooted firmly in IMANU’s sharp, signature genius in DnB framework. The song is straight to the point and has a constant shift in energy that keeps the listener engaged, creating a sense of tension and release that absolutely enhances the song’s emotional storytelling. A true poetic genre bending masterpiece.

Serving as Zeds Dead’s first new release following their 2025 LP, Return to the Spectrum of Intergalactic Happiness, “Runaway” continues a creative era defined by experimentation and evolution. The duo’s momentum remains undeniable, with their 12th annual Deadrocks event at Red Rocks Amphitheatre selling out once again, highlighting both their cultural relevance and the fiercely dedicated community they’ve built over the years.

MKLA once again takes center stage, with her vocals serving as the emotional glue that binds the track’s contrasting production styles. Light and expressive yet undeniably powerful, her performance deepens the song’s sense of yearning and release, grounding “Runaway” in raw feeling amid its hard-hitting sound design.

For IMANU, “Runaway” lands at a pivotal moment in his creative trajectory, as not only his fashion but his studio output and live performances continue to evolve at a rapid pace. During ADE in October 2025, the Dutch producer led his De Verte showcase alongside Mixmag LAB, capturing a live set at Melkweg scheduled to premiere on January 25. The performance captures what he calls, “one of the best moments in my life” & the momentum behind his current live show which is always fast, expressive, and unconcerned with rigid genre boundaries. Drum & bass, leftfield bass, and break-heavy structures are all elevated by IMANU’s signature visual world and all presented through his carefully curated visual and storytelling lens.

With “Runaway,” Zeds Dead, IMANU, and MKLA deliver a track that feels larger than a single release. It’s a convergence of eras, styles, and creative experiments — one that underscores electronic music’s ability to evolve while remaining emotionally profound.

Connect with Zeds Dead: Facebook | Instagram | X | Spotify |  SoundCloud

Connect with IMANU: Facebook | Instagram | X | Spotify | SoundCloud

Connect with MKLA: Instagram | Spotify