Insomniac’s IN / ROTATION imprint is kicking off 2025 with a fresh installment of their acclaimed ‘Rotate’ compilation series. Volume 14 sees new music from Matt Faulk, Dances, REBRN, Gissa, RELOVA, Naz, Dan be, Ben Arsenal, Katerina Sky, Danielinha, FENIK, B/AN/K, and ALAY.
Las Vegas resident Matt Faulk is a rising star in the dance scene, known for blurring the boundaries between underground and commercial. Teaming up with lauded Los Angeles-based vocalist and singer/songwriter Dances comes the addictive club anthem “WHOA!” The bold title perfectly encapsulates the energy of the track, which teeters between the raw power of bass-heavy house and the crowd-pleasing groove of tech house. The hefty house track is the soundtrack to a wild night out, with Dances’ raspy and edgy vocals creating an anthemic appeal over wonky synth caws, deep reverberating basslines, whirring tones, and sharp percussive arrangements. Infectious, raw, and addictive, “WHOA!” is an unforgettable club anthem primed to dominate the year.
Matt Faulk breaks down the collaboration, saying, “‘WHOA!’ was about taking the energy of a wild night out and bottling it into a track. Working with Dances was incredible—his vocals brought the perfect balance of swagger and tone that we needed to make this track hit hard. We aimed to create something that’s as much about the groove as it is about those big, unforgettable drop moments.”
Keeping the energy up comes “Faith” from veteran producer REBRN. Built upon a beguiling allure, the track is a hypnotic heater. Pitched-down vocals put listeners in a trance and guide them along the mysterious journey. ‘80s-inspired synths give the track hints of nostalgia with a modern backing. Pulsing basslines roll over crisp claps, and thumping kicks, amounting into a head-bobbing bounce. Building and releasing tension with expert precision makes “Faith” an intoxicating tech house offering.
Expressing his intent by the track, REBRN says, “‘Faith’ is a powerful track to drop on the dancefloor when you want to take the crowds high.”
Dutch producer Gissa makes his label debut with the funk-fueled “Keep It Real.” Organic basslines drive the track while soulful samples add a distinct flavor and catchy old-school feel. The vocals skate over the smooth grooves, while allowing classic synths to take center stage. Pristine movement, perfectly placed samples, and a timeless aesthetic are infused to bring the track to life.
RELOVA are a German DJ and producer duo from Dortmund taking over the European scene and beyond. Inviting listeners to dance “All Night Long” comes their infectious offering. Filtered vocals drift in under smooth rhythms that keep the vibe locked from the first beat. The poppy sensibilities of the vocals create an instant earworm. Warm horns fill the scene with a worldly touch while smooth guitar riffs emulate a summery sensation. Smooth bass and ever-evolving percussion wrap the fun-loving feels with a tech house touch that takes the groove to new heights.
Setting the stage for the record, RELOVA explains: “‘All Night Long’ convinces with catchy, repetitive vocals and a trumpet melody that sticks in your head. Complemented by the light running percussive house rhythm, the record stands out as the perfect song for the night.”
Taking a darker turn is “Face Off” from Australian producer Naz. The moody progressive anthem is at home in a warehouse rave or soundtracking a high-speed trek through a ghostlike city. Atmospheric pads create a cinematic foundation that’s built upon with driving basslines, mind-melting synths, and heart-racing drum programming. Teetering between uneasy and inspiring, “Face Off” is a thrilling release that puts the pedal to metal.
Giving fans a fun-filled explanation of what inspired “Face Off” Naz shares: “I wanted something with a little bit more grit and drive than my usual sound, something that would work well on a dancefloor that had a groove and a drop that could blow your grandma’s dentures out. Something that I could also play in the car when driving that would make me feel like I’m on a mission in ‘GTA.’ And lastly, something that my dog would approve and be proud of.”
Dan be’s “EfEm” is a chameleon-like cut that shapeshifts between moods and sonic dimensions. Opening with playful percussion, the track invites listeners to start vibing as picturesque melodics glide across the frame effortlessly. Just when it seems as though the next direction can be predicted, Dan switches the scene with a robotic synthy bassline that adds an unexpected layer of grain. Moving between scenes of beauty and gritty club drops, “EfEm” is an ever-evolving class in contrast that never loses its groove.
Bridging the gap between emotion and intensity is Ben Arsenal, Katerina Sky, and Danielinha’s “JOIA.” The Portuguese vocal injects an exotic allure that’s enhanced by the passionate delivery and breathy tones. The progressive house production mixes entrancing melodic scores with pumping low-end, and worldly percussion, culminating into a one-of-a-kind balance. Lush guitar licks and transcendent flutes elevate the physical and spiritual senses, sweeping listeners away to a world of pleasure.
Ben Arsenal pulls back the curtain on the collaboration, explaining: “‘JOIA’ is a captivating progressive house anthem featuring the enchanting vocals of D Medes, sung entirely in Portuguese. With heartfelt lyrics dedicated to her sweetheart, the song radiates warmth and passion. Its unique soundscape balances softness and intensity, blending delicate melodies with powerful beats. Worldly percussive elements infuse the track with global energy, while lush progressive synths weave a mesmerizing melodic journey. Perfect for both intimate moments and electrifying dancefloors, ‘JOIA’ is a sonic exploration of love and connection that transcends language barriers.”
Fenik provides listeners with their new “Obsession” via his mesmerizing floor-filler. Tension-building drums pulse over eerie synths and hypnotic vocal chants. Pounding fourth-on-the-floor kicks drive the drops alongside cavernous low-end and relentless hi-hats. The namesake vocals cut through the mix and echo throughout, creating a maddening yet addictive edge. The midpoint break serves as a brief respite, which builds in intensity before erupting into the dancefloor-aimed finale.
Fenik breaks down the track’s intention, saying, “This song is meant to provide a moody feeling on the dancefloor, and hopefully help you find your new obsession during a night out.”
Taking listeners to the after-hours, B/AN/K explores an intense “Frequency.” The track is built around an addictive acid lead that propels it forward with a delightfully dizzying pulse. The simple “Frequency” vocals repeat, locking deep into the groove. Hard-hitting drums pound alongside chest-filling low-end, and dizzying synth patterns, working in-tandem to produce an energetic groove.
Breaking down the inspiration behind the release, B/AN/K states: “‘Frequency’ is all about energy and connection. The acid lead drives the track with an electrifying pulse, capturing the raw intensity of the dancefloor. This one is for the late-night ravers, where the vibe is all about losing yourself in the sound and letting the frequency guide you.”
Bringing the effort to a close comes the uplifting “Take Me” from Swiss producer and DJ, ALAY. The track acts as an auditory adventure that invites revelers into a realm of pure bliss. The vocals are calm and soothing with a meditative feeling that is truly transcendent. The vibrating leads hit hard alongside the kicks and bass while still maintaining a sense of comfort and calm. Blurring the lines between upbeat and vibey, “Take Me” is an ode to living in the moment and letting music offer a pure sense of escape and awareness.
ALAY speaks to the importance of the song, saying, “This song came from a personal place of wanting to shift to a more positive mindset. ‘Take Me’ is about letting go of the past, not overthinking the future, and just being in the now. The groovy energy and bright melodies are meant to inspire people to dance, smile, and feel good in the moment.”
‘Rotate Volume 14’ is a 10-track trip through some of the best in house and techno, offering unique sounds from some of the scene’s brightest talents.
Rotate Vol. 14 Track List:
- Matt Faulk and Dances - WHOA!
- REBRN - Faith
- Gissa - KEEP IT REAL
- RELOVA - All Night Long
- Naz - Face Off
- Dan be - EfEm
- Ben Arsenal, Katerina Sky and Danielinha - JOIA
- FENIK - Obsession
- B/AN/K - Frequency
- ALAY - Take Me
‘Rotate Volume 14’ is available on all platforms via IN/ROTATION Records.