This week has been a massive one for the electronic scene, and in this edition of Friday Dance Music Guide: Fresh Releases From Deadmau5, HorsegiirL and More, we’re diving into chart-topping albums, headline-making festivals, and the most exciting new tracks lighting up dance floors worldwide.
From career-defining milestones to bold creative reinventions, here’s everything shaking up the dance music universe right now.
Illenium Hits Another Career High
Illenium is celebrating a major milestone as his latest album, Odyssey, climbs to No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Dance Albums chart — marking the fourth chart-topper of his career. The project arrives just ahead of his highly anticipated Sphere residency kicking off in early March.
The residency promises to be a groundbreaking experience, with the producer openly expressing his excitement about the cutting-edge venue. He’s described standing inside the space during rehearsals in awe, already imagining the moment when fans fill the arena. If the album’s soaring, emotional soundscapes are any indication, this run of shows could be one of the most immersive electronic experiences of the year.
HAVEN. Scores a Breakthrough — After Controversy
Electronic act HAVEN. has reason to celebrate as “I Run,” featuring Kaitlin Aragon, jumps to No. 1 on the Dance/Mix Show Airplay chart. It’s the first Billboard No. 1 for both artists.
However, the journey to the top wasn’t without drama. An earlier version of the song, released without Aragon’s vocals, went viral on TikTok but quickly sparked backlash. Listeners questioned the heavy AI-assisted vocal processing, noting similarities to British singer Jorja Smith. Speculation about an unauthorized deepfake circulated, leading to takedown notices and the song’s temporary removal from streaming platforms.
The controversy ultimately led to a revamped version featuring newly recorded vocals from Aragon — the edition that has now claimed the chart’s top spot. It’s a reminder of both the power and pitfalls of AI in modern music production.
Kygo’s Palm Tree Festival Expands
Kygo continues building his live music empire. His Palm Tree Crew has secured a four-year agreement with the city of West Palm Beach, Florida, ensuring the return of Palm Tree Festival through the next several years.
The deal follows a record-setting debut edition of the festival in the city last weekend, reinforcing Kygo’s growing influence not just as a hitmaker but as a festival curator and brand builder.
The Best New Dance Tracks of the Week
Now for the main event in Friday Dance Music Guide: Fresh Releases From Deadmau5, HorsegiirL and More — the essential new releases you need on your playlist.
deadmau5 feat. Stevie Appleton — “Science”
deadmau5 returns with his first release of the year, and it’s a sprawling, nearly 10-minute journey. “Science” began simply — Appleton sent over a vocal demo, and deadmau5 built an entire sonic universe around it.
The result is lush and cinematic. Appleton’s lyrics explore the mechanics of love — “the science of my love for you” — while deadmau5 layers shimmering synths and meticulous percussion beneath. The track gradually evolves, pulsing steadily like a heartbeat before blooming into a euphoric crescendo. Released via mau5trap, it’s a reminder of why deadmau5 remains one of the genre’s most technically gifted producers.
horsegiirL — “Only the Best”
Berlin’s enigmatic horsegiirL continues to blur the line between fantasy and club culture. Her latest single, “Only the Best,” is a buoyant, layered dance cut packed with playful energy and genuine emotion.
Floating synths, driving basslines, and a surprising flute solo give the track unexpected depth. Released at the start of the Year of the Horse, the song sets the tone for a broader conceptual project she plans to unfold throughout 2026. The artistic vision hints at a mythical communal space where dance music reconnects listeners to instinct, joy, and collective release.
Armand Van Helden, Mark Knight & D. Ramirez — “You”
When three house heavyweights unite, expectations run high — and “You” delivers. The collaboration blends Armand Van Helden’s signature groove with Mark Knight’s polished precision and Toolroom flair. Meanwhile, D. Ramirez injects a subtle melodic intensity that elevates the entire track.
The result is a bouncy, feel-good house anthem built for packed dance floors and late-night sets. Funky basslines, tight percussion, and irresistible swing make it an instant standout.
Kygo, Gryffin & Khalid — “Save My Love”
Kygo reunites with Gryffin for the first time since their 2022 collaboration, this time bringing Khalid into the mix. “Save My Love” is bright, polished, and emotionally charged — the kind of track that turns heartbreak into something strangely beautiful.
The single arrives amid major promotional buzz, including cryptic social media wipes and high-profile billboards in cities like New York and Miami. If this release signals a larger project on the horizon, fans have plenty to look forward to.
Odd Mob feat. Lizzy Land — “Never Alone”
Australian producer Odd Mob may have delivered his most personal record yet. “Never Alone,” featuring Lizzy Land, blends trance textures with progressive and tech house elements to create a track that feels both haunting and hopeful.
The song serves as a tribute to loved ones lost, exploring the quiet comfort that memories can provide. Its melancholic undertones gradually rise into uplifting waves of energy — capturing that bittersweet space where sadness and gratitude coexist.
Final Beat
Between Illenium’s chart dominance, HAVEN.’s controversial breakthrough, Kygo’s expanding festival empire, and a lineup of standout new releases, this week has been packed with momentum.
As always, Friday Dance Music Guide: Fresh Releases From Deadmau5, HorsegiirL and More highlights the tracks pushing dance music forward — whether through technical mastery, emotional storytelling, or bold artistic experimentation.