EDM Music
Christian Vels Drops New EP Tech House Files Vol. 1
Christian Vels Showcases His Artistic Growth with the Release of Tech House Files Vol. 1, a Genre-Driven EP Now Streaming on All Platforms
Christian Vels releases ‘Tech House Files Vol. 1’, a four-track EP built with the dancefloor in mind, after years of experimenting across multiple styles and fine-tuning his production craft. Now officially out and streaming on all platforms, the project marks his most focused work to date—fully embracing tech house after exploring genres like drum and bass and melodic house.
Christian Vels, who grew up in Vancouver and learned production independently, has previously collaborated with artists like Alix, Aleesia, and Elle Vee. While his early releases often explored different genres, this EP keeps its attention on tight percussive grooves and consistent club structure.
Track-by-Track Breakdown
1. Sam’s Intro
The opening track sets a solid rhythm from the first few bars. With looping drums and minimalist vocals, it acts as a warm-up for the rest of the EP. The track avoids overproduction and instead holds a consistent pulse, ideal for early set transitions or buildup moments.
2. So Was I (feat. Jaime Arin)
Jaime Arin’s vocals bring a soft contrast to the rigid tech house framework. The arrangement keeps things restrained while letting the vocals sit just enough above the instrumental to create texture. It’s a functional track, useful for longer mixes without pulling too much focus.
3. Electricity
This solo cut from Christian Vels keeps things steady with filtered synths, percussive layers, and a subtle bassline that never tries too hard. It plays its role effectively as a mid-EP piece that connects the heavier openers to the final peak.
4. Pump It Up (feat. Victoria Grant)
The highlight of the EP is a reimagined version of Danzel’s early 2000s dance track. Rather than a dramatic overhaul, Vels keeps the original’s hook intact but stretches it into a more underground frame. Victoria Grant’s vocal presence updates the track without overextending it, giving it new utility for modern sets.
A Steady Step Forward
This is not a concept EP or a genre-bending experiment. Tech House Files Vol. 1 is focused and intentional. The tracks are not trying to reinvent club music but instead contribute to it, offering DJs reliable cuts for high-tempo sets. There is no overuse of effects, no attempts to turn every track into a peak moment. The strength of this EP lies in its simplicity.
Final Take
Tech House Files Vol. 1 is a disciplined first entry in what could easily become a recurring series. It confirms Christian Vels’ growing place in the tech house space, marking a shift from exploratory releases to something with more definition. If future volumes continue with this level of restraint and structure, Vels may become a dependable name for DJs looking for straight-forward, crowd-tested cuts.
In the beating heart of Mexico City, something special is unfolding after dark. Casa de Afro is not your average dance music series. It is a warm, living connection between the ancient rhythms of Africa and the electric energy of modern club life. Founded by Dr. ADO and Bud Lee, this project brings people together through Afro House in a way that feels genuine, respectful, and full of soul.
The Visionaries Behind the Sound
Dr. ADO grew up in London with Ghanaian roots running deep in his veins. Yet it was his years spent fully immersed in South Africa’s vibrant scene that shaped him as an artist. He stood side by side with legends like Vanco, Culoe De Song, Major League DJz, Thakzin, and Cuebur, learning the true essence of Afro-Tech straight from the source. That real-world experience shines through in every track he touches. His song “Get Away” has already passed 1.6 million streams on Spotify, and his recent Anjunadeep Explorations releases with BokkieUlt, “Hold My Hand” and “Starlight,” have earned him serious respect in the global underground.
Bud Lee adds the perfect balance. Hailing from Philadelphia, this African-American artist carries more than ten years of music experience. He has poured his heart into Afro House lately, bringing a soulful, distinctly American warmth that completes the picture. When these two step into the booth together, the chemistry is effortless because it comes from shared love for the diaspora and the music that connects it all.
Taking the Sound Across the World
Mexico City is still the heart of Casa de Afro, but the duo is making sure the vibe reaches far beyond. Their recent event at Maison Close in London’s Mayfair showed just how naturally the sound travels. In one of the planet’s toughest music cities, they created an intimate, magnetic night that felt right at home for fans on both continents.
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Two Nights You Need to Catch This Spring
The founders have never forgotten the local crowd that helped them grow. This spring they are giving back with two very special appearances in Mexico City.
On April 17, head to Symphonie for a true late-night journey. The session runs from 10 PM straight through until 5 AM. Expect deep, hypnotic Afro House grooves that wrap around you in one of the city’s most atmospheric clubs. Get your tickets through here.
Then on May 9, Casa de Afro joins forces with the global brand ¿PorquéNo? for their official Mexico City launch at the beautiful Faunna Rooftop. This is a proud milestone for the series, recognizing them as true pioneers of the sound in the region. Get your tickets through here.
Why It All Matters
Dr. ADO says it best: “We’ve worked hard to cultivate a community here that genuinely loves this music. To be able to bring that community along as we support global launches like ¿PorquéNo?, and to see the sound resonate in places like London, is a real honor for us. We’re just focused on keeping the quality high and staying true to the African roots, both by blood and by experience, that make this music what it is.”
That honest approach is what makes every Casa de Afro night feel like more than just a party. It feels like belonging.
Stay updated and follow their socials:
Instagram: @WilliamAdoasi, @ViewsWithBud, & @casadeafro_ofc
YouTube: @dr.adomusic & @budleemusic1
Spotify: Dr. ADO
After opening his label’s doors to fresh releases from UK producers James Hurr and Loz Seka, FLAMENCA Records boss STBAN returns to the imprint with his brand new single ‘Habibi’, out April 10th worldwide.
A scorching slice of percussive Afro-Latin House, ‘Habibi’ sees STBAN collaborate with two stars of the Spanish music scene – DJ and percussionist Javi Torres, and singer and DJ Alba Dreid. The result is a dance floor weapon that combines the heat and flavour of Arabesque vocals and instrumentation with thundering basslines and relentless rhythms.
Javi Torres is known across southern Europe and Latin America for his explosive Afrohouse and Latin Tech sets, performances enhanced by live percussion inside the mix. The Seville-based artist counts support from some of electronica’s biggest names, including Martin Garrix, Alok, Jamie Jones, Hugel, Aaron Sevilla, Roger Sanchez, Mëstiza, MichaelBM, Tom & Collins, Novak, Nicky Romero, Paco Osuna, Salvarote Ganacci and Sammy Porter. Known throughout Spain after winning the RTVE programme ‘La Bien Cantá’, Alba Dreid’s focus is set firmly on bringing Spanish folklore to a global audience, making her a perfect fit for STBAN’s ongoing mission to fuse traditional flamenco with electronic music through FLAMENCA Records’ growing discography.
Javi Torres, Alba Dreid, STBAN ‘Habibi’ is released April 10th on FLAMENCA Records via Toolroom Records.
CONNECT // FLAMENCA:
CONNECT // STBAN:
CONNECT // JAVI TORRES:
CONNECT // ALBA DREID:
New EDM Friday April 10 is here with new music from David Guetta, Anyma, Armin van Buuren and more
April keeps moving and this week brings another round of new releases across the scene. From David Guetta, Afrojack, and Sia coming together to Anyma teaming up with Lisa, these are the tracks you should not miss on this week’s New EDM Friday.
Afrojack, David Guetta & Sia – Awake Tonight
In a long-awaited reunion, Afrojack, David Guetta, and Sia reconnect on ‘Awake Tonight’, marking their first release together since ‘Titanium’ in 2011. The record had been in development for years before finally taking shape, first introduced during Afrojack’s Ultra Miami set, with Sia’s vocal once again central while the production reflects a more current direction, making it one of the most anticipated releases on New EDM Friday April 10.
Anyma x Lisa – Bad Angel
With his Coachella performances set for the same week, Anyma teams up with Lisa on ‘Bad Angel’, releasing the track just days before introducing his ÆDEN show on that stage. The record is positioned as part of that rollout, with Lisa moving into a different direction outside her recent solo work, placing her vocal within Anyma’s melodic techno approach, making it one of the more notable releases on New EDM Friday April 10.
Armin van Buuren, Olive Anguz – Vem Comigo
After first appearing in his sets during ADE, Armin van Buuren has collaborated with Olive Anguz on ‘Vem Comigo’, a track he has continued to play across festival stages before its official release. The record reflects his recent move into techno-oriented releases, with the collaboration bringing in a different influence on New EDM Friday April 10 while already proven in large-scale settings.
Virtual Riot – Burning Out (Album)
After previewing several tracks across recent months, Virtual Riot releases his third studio album ‘Burning Out’, bringing the full project together following that rollout. The album moves between heavier bass records and more melodic tracks, reflecting a shift in his recent output, with the project landing as part of New EDM Friday April 10.
GoldFish – Little Wonder
Global electronic duo GoldFish return with ‘Little Wonder’, an uplifting new single featuring legendary South African vocalist Zolani Mahola, via their own label 33 Degrees. The track marks the genesis of a new chapter for the duo, signaling a broader creative evolution: One rooted not only in sound, but in lifestyle, storytelling, and cultural perspective.
HI-LO, Brennan Heart, Project Zeitgeist – Adagio For Strings
Taking on one of the most recognisable melodies in electronic music, HI-LO, Brennan Heart, and Project Zeitgeist revisit ‘Adagio For Strings’, bringing it into a heavier direction through their combined styles. The track has already been played in DJ sets ahead of its release, with the rework on New EDM Friday April 10 drawing from its trance legacy while pushing into a more driving version.
Sara Landry, Godtripper – Hekataia (EP)
Following their earlier release ‘Chaos Magicka’, Sara Landry and Godtripper return with ‘Hekataia’, a new EP out on her Hekate Records imprint. The project stays in line with the high-BPM, industrial techno direction she has been playing in recent sets, while also expanding the catalogue of her own label, making it a strong addition to New EDM Friday April 10.
The Chainsmokers ft. Oaks – Echo
After teasing the track across recent months, The Chainsmokers return with ‘Echo’, featuring Oaks, continuing their current run of releases following ‘Hope’. The single introduces another newer vocalist into their catalogue, making it part of New EDM Friday April 10 following multiple previews leading up to its release.
Honorable Mentions:
Arcando – Wide Awake (feat. Sam Harper)
Audien, Sam Harper – Sacrifice
Ben Nicky, ARTY – Oxygen (Olly James Remix)
Benny Benassi & Felix da Housecat – Chicago Baby
CASSIMM – Anything And Everything
Coone – Trippin On That Oldschool
Danny Avila, Sarah De Warren – Kiss Girls
DJ Kuba & Neitan, RAVEKINGS & JSPH – Automatic
DVBBS, CHRSTPHR – One Night
Fragma, Rave Republic – Toca’s Miracle
Italobros – Inside (EP)
Joey Dale – Hollow
Jurgen Vries – The Theme (Amy Wiles Remix)
KURA – CHASING THE HIGH
longstoryshort – KILL EM WITH THE
Mark Knight, Rome Fortune, Pietro – Shut It Down
Matrick – Naughty Pleasure
Matt Pridgyn & Amél ft. Jordan Grace – Do It All Again
Mauro Picotto, Nifra – Like This Like That
Mike Candys – Headlights
MORTEN, WUKONG & Chuanzi – Whenever You’re Alone
Naeleck – Jikininki’s Hunger
NOME. ft. Alessia Labate – Other Side
Novah – Rave Never Ends
Paul Oakenfold, Sneijder – Bullet In The Gun
Rezz – A Shift in Perspective (EP)
Route 94 – 4Get The Girl
Sonny Fodera, Chrystal – My Loving (4am Club Mix)
Sub Zero Project – Are U Me
Vluarr – ANF
Westend, Lizzy Land – Surrender
Stream all the new music on Spotify and Audiomack to hear the full New EDM Friday April 10 playlist.
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