Friday Dance Music Guide Highlights New Tracks by Skrillex, Slayyyter, and More, and it’s been a packed few days for the electronic music world. From courtroom drama involving superstar DJs to chart milestones and fresh releases primed for late-night listening, this week delivered plenty to talk about.
On the legal front, two major names grabbed headlines for very different reasons. Steve Aoki found himself dealing with a class-action lawsuit connected to his partnership with gaming company MetaZoo. Meanwhile, Calvin Harris scored a significant victory, winning $13.5 million in the opening round of a legal dispute with his former business manager.
Away from the courtroom, pop and dance culture offered its own moments. Robyn shared the exact instance she realized Elon Musk was, in her words, “tacky,” while Splice unveiled its list of the most influential music genres shaping 2025. Adding a nostalgic triumph to the mix, ABBA landed its first-ever No. 1 on a Billboard dance chart, as Gold: Greatest Hits climbed to the top of the Top Dance Albums ranking.
To round out the week, here’s a look at the most exciting new dance releases worth your attention.
Skrillex — Kora EP
Skrillex takes a left turn with Kora, a three-track EP that leans into ambient textures rather than peak-time chaos. Featuring collaborators such as Whitearmor and swedm®, the short but immersive project feels exploratory and introspective. At just over eight minutes long, it unfolds slowly, revealing intricate sound design and moments of unexpected weight, including touches of Skrillex’s own vocals. This is headphone music at its finest — subtle, experimental, and best enjoyed in a focused listen. Kora is out now via OWSLA/Atlantic Recording Corporation.
Slayyyter — “Dance”
Slayyyter delivers a hypnotic club-ready moment with “Dance,” a track that feels tailor-made for dark rooms and flashing lights. Breathy vocals ride a pulsing beat infused with French touch influences, while her half-bitter, half-carefree lyrics capture the cathartic release of the dancefloor. The message is simple: whatever’s going wrong, keep moving. The accompanying music video — equal parts disco fantasy and stylized chaos — only adds to the track’s allure.
Crankdat — “Movement”
Crankdat continues his rise as a standout bass producer with “Movement,” a hard-hitting dubstep release that pulls no punches. Packed with gritty drops and relentless energy, the track leans fully into headbanging territory. Featuring vocals from Linney, the song has already been making waves online and is now officially out on Crankdat’s own Crank It Up! Records.
Illenium, Bastille & Dabin — “Feel Alive”
“Feel Alive” marks the eighth single from Illenium’s upcoming album Odyssey, due out February 6. Teaming up with Bastille and longtime collaborator Dabin, Illenium sticks to what he does best: soaring melodies, emotional builds, and festival-sized drops. The release also comes alongside news of Odyssey’s expansive 19-track lineup, which includes collaborations with Kid Cudi, Zeds Dead, and Bring Me the Horizon. The track is available now via Republic Records.
Shimza & Elderbrook — “Falling”
Shimza and Elderbrook join forces on “Falling,” a polished Afro house track that balances rhythmic percussion with widescreen appeal. Driving beats underpin lush synths and soulful vocals, giving the song both club energy and crossover potential. Released on Helix Records, “Falling” is a strong example of Afro house’s global momentum.
