Dexter’s Beat Laboratory is a weekly collection of songs from DA managing editor Robyn Dexter. With a taste that can only be described as eclectic—to say nothing of a name that lends itself to punnery—DA is happy to present a selection of tracks personally curated by Dexter for your listening pleasure.
Listen in playlist format here.
Lenno‘s remix of Mickey Valen‘s “Ur Perfect I Hate It” made its debut nearly two months ago, leaving nu-disco-infused rays of sunshine in its wake. Lenno’s timeless production makes Valen’s original positively sparkle, and listeners will find their spirits effortlessly lifted by his rendition.
It’s practically impossible to predict what Mat Zo will do with each new release he unveils to the world. April saw the release of his enthralling “Next Chapter,” quickly followed by a jol collaboration with The Knocks. The next month, he’s returned to Anjunabeats for “Love Songs,” a refreshing and thoughtful house composition with vocals from Eddie Holman’s “I’ve Been Singing Love Songs By Myself.”
Rameses B returns to melodic dubstep in his new release: a remix of Zoe Phillips’ “Numb.” He composes a dramatic soundscape around Phillips’ vocals, building to an emotive drop and chorus. “The lyrics and vibe have such a relatable context to what’s going on with our mental state during these times of self-isolation,” he says in the song’s description. “I really hope this helps invoke hope and determination to stay strong, whatever you may be going through.”
Steve Aoki compiled more than two dozen artists to remix Neon Future IV, with many gradually making their debut in recent days. In the final few left to be revealed was a remix by UK drum ‘n’ bass duo Koven. Max Rowat and Katie Boyle put their own spin on “New Blood” with Sydney Sierota, kicking the tempo up and giving the tune a more energetic atmosphere.
Saint Punk‘s bootleg SoundCloud account is home to some truly formidable edits of everything from Pusha T to The Used. His latest creations are a pair of “The Taste of Ink” flips—one “summer lockdown edit” and one “underground lockdown edit.” The latter is a colossal trap- and metal-infused take, complete with thrashing bass, chopped vocals, and grinding guitar riffs. Its sinister energy is infectious, and listeners will find something new with each listen.