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deadmau5 Provides New Electronic Journey with “XYZ”

By Emma Page

“XYZ,” not the top-level domain name or the 80’s hard rock band, but the latest single released by world-renowned electronic musician deadmau5 (pronounced ‘dead mouse’) on June 17, is an electric whirlwind. 

The “GRAMMY®-nominated artist’s ability to push the boundaries of his talent grows at an equal rate to his fan base, which counts 15 million and more over his combined social media channels.”

The nine-and-a-half-minute instrumental track serves as the lead single from the We Are Friends Vol. 11 compilation due later this year by deadmau5’s (Joel Zimmerman’s) independent label mau5trap. “Over a decade since its formation, mau5trap … has become a bastion for trailblazing and genre-defying artists.” Zimmerman paves the way for rising talents that utilize “a combination of electronic music, techno, progressive, electro, and leftfield sounds”. 

In particular, “XYZ” contains fast-paced, driving beats that build as the track continues. An enticing electronic opening progresses in volume, leading to a mystical beginning. This trip for your ears contains a vocal chorus within its background, as well as deep bass pulses. It leaves the listener awaiting the beat drop; you feel your heart rate climb as the beats become faster and heavier. 

This single is a listening journey that you could take along with you while exercising, driving, or just dancing to shake out negative emotions. “XYZ”’s beats settle down towards the end, leaving the listener ready to dive into another exhilarating mau5trap track. 

For the label compilation’s 11th edition, “the mau5trap family is celebrating the milestone with its first-ever branded tour: deadmau5 presents We Are Friends, headlined by deadmau5,” with support from NERO (DJ set), Kasablanca, Lamorn, and more friends TBA on select dates. “Presented with Live Nation, the WAF trek kicks off July 15 in Philadelphia at The Met and will take deadmau5 and friends across the U.S. through December with stops in Madison, Minneapolis, Washington, D.C., Detroit, Buffalo, Chicago, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, San Francisco and Boston. Check out the tour schedule and find more details about deadmau5 coming to DC here.

Find this single and more new exciting music on our Alchemical Multigenre Mixdown Playlist on Spotify

Alchemical Records contributor Emma Page

Emma Page

Emma Page, a recent Journalism graduate of The George Washington University, possesses a passion for music journalism and storytelling in all its forms. Originally from Baltimore, MD, when she is not writing, she can be found at a local concert or making music of her own.

Join the Alchemical Records Street Team to promote these and other artists, live music, and music community organizations & events while receiving cool perks from artists throughout the region.

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