NIGHTMODE is back with the second installment of their ‘NIGHT DRIVE’ compilation series. The new project features eight distinct tracks exploring a myriad of genres from drum and bass and house, to trap, peak-time techno, and beyond. The release showcases new music from Rico56, twofaced., Malixe, Jade Sierra, Bladeboi, Semiire, JACKNIFE, Alexis B, Heimanu, Weston & Teston, Phorie, KEETZ, and Caster.
Stream here : https://nm.ffm.to/nightdrive2
Rico 56 is a Montreal-based vocalist and producer using his distinct vocal signature and emotion-drenched production style to create stunning dance music. The alter ego of twofaced. sees the artist exploring darker shades of deep house. Leading the project comes the gripping ballad “Your Ghost.” The chilling house groove channels the haunting feeling of a love that has slipped through the cracks. Captivating croons offer an outpouring of pain and yearning, which is matched by icy basslines and somber melodics. Stuttered vocal bends saunter over the pulsing drops, as rolling bass and punchy drums simulate the flaring wave of emotions. “Your Ghost” is a spellbinding creation that’s equally exquisite and heartbreaking. The release follows Rico 56’s previously released label debut “Falling For You” and his follow-up double-sided single ‘Something Real / Strangers.’
Joining forces for a cross-continental collaboration, Salt Lake City’s Malixe and Dutch artist Jade Sierra intertwine their talents for “Haven.” Flowing water and somber keys set the scene with a smooth and vibey introduction. Sierra’s vocals drift in with a whispered delivery that beckons with each passing bar. The understated backing envelopes into rolling waves of groovy house littered with smooth percussion and moving melodics. Capturing the feeling of a fleeting flame, “Haven” blends beauty with a dancey drive and an undercurrent of emotion.
“‘Haven’ is one of my favorite records I have ever written, and many of my friends have also said that it’s one of their favorites from me, which is when I knew we had something special. I am so excited to have ‘Haven’ released through one of my favorite labels: NIGHTMODE. Big thanks to NIGHTMODE for believing in this record.”—Malixe
Australian producer JACKNIFE push the Bladeboi moniker even further, exhibiting both sides of his artist aliases alongside Semiire on “REPLACE.” The track is a captivating fusion of DnB and R&B that’s sultry and heartfelt. The fresh vocals blur the lines between pop, R&B, and rap, as his cadence and delivery evolve. The driving backing presents an understated energy that feels like speeding through the sun-filled Gold Coast. Drifting between smooth and addictive verses and instrumental-driven sections sprinkled with pristine vocal bends and expertly placed adlibs, “REPLACE” finds perfect balance.
Mexican producer Alexis B continues his streak of heat with the label on “All Night.” Mixing his heavy-hitting UKG style with a lighter, more melodic approach, his latest creation gives fans what they crave while demonstrating his range. It’s an ode to unconditional love with a gripping vocal that’s bursting with affection and reassurance. The smooth hook drifts over evocative soundscapes before echoing into wobbly yet emotive drops that mix deep basslines with shimmering textures and swirling emotions. The track marks Alexis B’s third release with the label following his recent single “Hush,” as well as his debut “Don’t Go” alongside borne.
“I wanted to capture the feeling of waiting all night for someone special and being there when they needed it. I’m grateful to NIGHTMODE for including this track in the ‘Night Drive’ compilation, a curated collection of tracks perfect for those late nights.”—Alexis B
Hailing from Sydney, Australia, Heimanu makes his return to the burgeoning imprint with “Incision.” The fittingly titled trap banger is razor-sharp, blending stirring wave sensibilities with an onslaught of booming bass. Shadowy soundscapes conjure images of a dystopian future that is ominous yet alluring. Ghostly vocal bends drift through giving the track a haunting soul. Masterful percussion scores the first drop adding a tribal energy that’s amplified by the chunky kicks and cavernous low-end. The cinematic break offers an epic reset deepening the world-building, before Heimanu unearths a masterful finale driven by the impeccable drum work and pulsing bass.
“Excited to finally be back with NIGHTMODE after a long time away from releasing music. This is one is pretty different to what I’ve released in the past, but it still maintains that wavey vibe that I love.”—Heimanu
“ANOTHER DREAM OF YOU” arrives as the lead single from the compilation. Toronto-based dynamic duo Weston & Teston have been making their name known in the peak-time and melodic techno space after their initial success in progressive house. Uniting with fellow Toronto singer/songwriter Phorie, the trio crafts an electrifying techno anthem. Frenetic percussion and pounding kicks punch over moody melodies and the haunting, whispered vocals, courtesy of Phorie. The visceral topline deals with the painful process of cutting ties with a partner but still searching for them in your dreams. Roaring synth leads, hissing hats, ground-splitting kicks, and cosmic pads score the heart-racing affair.
“‘Another Dream of You’ is one of our favorite tracks we’ve created so far, and we’re thrilled to be releasing it with NIGHTMODE. We’ve always been big fans of NIGHTMODE and SCRIPT, drawing a lot of inspiration from both the label and his music. NIGHTMODE has been a dream label for us because of their impact and the incredible music they curate. We’re thrilled to finally be part of the NIGHTMODE family!”—Weston & Teston
KEETZ is a Michigan-based producer channeling his love for electronic music and classically trained roots into a unique music project spanning over a decade. “Anyone” fuses elements from techno and trance for a late-night ballad of loss. Built around a heartfelt vocal, the track breathes a sense of longing. Punchy kick drums are contrasted by massive synth patterns and a nostalgic dance aesthetic. The track possesses a commanding groove that will infect dancefloors as tender vocals pull at the heartstrings. The latter half strips away the club-friendly sound for an unbridled release of raw emotion.
“‘Anyone’ is a late night nostalgia drive, heavily inspired by some of the trance and techno I discovered years ago when first getting into electronic music. I’ve been a big fan of NIGHTMODE since their inception, and have been following them since. They’ve always been pushing the envelope with their brand and aesthetic. Showcasing great music and new, rising talent in the industry. I’m incredibly excited and honored for the opportunity to work with them!”—KEETZ
Drawing the compilation to a close comes the fittingly cinematic “Moonlight.” Crafted by the dark bass wizard Caster, the finale is a delectably sinister slice of shadowy drum and bass. The tension-building introduction is carefully crafted, as menacing melodies are intertwined with malefic sonic shimmers. The foreboding pre-drop vocal feels like the opening of an epic quest. A captivating DnB offering ensues moving between mystical twists, wonky sound design-driven turns, and an air of dark mystique. Sorrowful strings and glitchy echoes mark the end of the journey while leaving you reaching for more. “Moonlight” is a celebration of Caster’s production mastery and a showcase of the promise of storytelling within the realms of DnB.
The new ‘NIGHT DRIVE Vol. 2’ compilation is available on all platforms now via NIGHTMODE.
More About NIGHTMODE
NIGHTMODE, part of Insomniac Music Group, is founded by Twitch streamer and content creator Tucker (Jericho) Boner & Daniel Goudie (of Disciple Recs & Rare Breed).