The 15 Best Melodic Techno Tracks Of August 2024
It is already our eighth edition of Magnetic’s melodic techno chart, where we select the top 15 tracks across this genre each month and dive into what we love about them, while sharing a look into the artist behind each song.
Our favorite 15 includes anthems from melodic techno superstars like Fatum, Adriatique, Cassian, and Dosem. However, this chart is never complete without a handful of mesmerizing tracks from underground and rising producers, such as Andrewboy, RAIDON, Cherry, and Sassa. We also have a solid amount of melodic techno veterans on display for your sonic entertainment; check out our picks for August below.
Give The ‘Top Melodic Techno Tracks Of 2024’ Playlist A Follow And Keep Up With All The Latest And Greatest Releases From Labels Such As Afterlife, Siona Records, Armada, And More. The playlist includes every track from each monthly chart this year!
Andrewboy, RAIDON – The Sun Is Dark [Sunexplosion]
Pulling vocals from a popular drum & bass sample pack, Origin Sounds’ ‘Liquid Motion,’ Andrewboy and RAIDON prove that these lyrics can seamlessly blend with any genre. These two rising melodic techno artists have been collaborating a lot this year, and many of their tracks are primed for both underground warehouse raves and open-air venues. “The Sun Is Dark” is overflowing with intense buildups, crisp percussion, and expertly placed plucks that collectively work together to support its vocal centerpiece.
Cassian – Dun Dun [Afterlife]
An Afterlife regular at this point, Cassian never fails to disappoint with his signature sound design embedded in every one of his releases. “Dun Dun” is no different; it brings something new and captivating to the table by merging dreamy vocal echoes with the deep and powerful “Dun”s used throughout. Cassian turns them into loops and chops as if they are a synth or drum, which is an interesting technique that I have rarely heard before. He also dropped another melodic techno banger this month, “Memento.” If you are digging “Dun Dun,” then it is defintiely worth checking out.
Dsnt Matter, Ali Bakgor – Aliens Attack [widerworks]
I was pleasantly surprised to see an artist like Ali Bakgor on a widerworks track. To give a bit of context, Ali Bakgor is an extremely talented producer within the deep house and chiller progressive side of dance music, drawing similarities to something you might here on Anjunadeep or Colorize. Clearly, he has a wide range of expertise when it comes to making different genres, since widerworks tends to be based around underground melodic techno. Teaming up with Dsnt Matter for “Aliens Attack,” this track incorporates really cool sonic elements like alarm clock beeping and robotic, AI-sounding vocals.
Ginchy, Tellur – Save The World [Ginchiest Records]
One of the more intriguing and original projects in electronic music, Ginchy is centered around two different personality states. This has led to alternating live sets of uplifting euphoric house and deep house to others filled with a hypnotic fusion of house and techno. Ginchy’s latest collaboration with Tellur, “Save The World,” falls under the latter. Its sound design makes the listener feel empowered and determined to hurdle whatever obstacles are in their way.
ASHER SWISSA, Lynn – Poison [Reborn]
ASHER SWISSA is one of the lead figures on the melodic techno and progressive house circuits and for good reason. He consistently takes his audience on a mesmerizing journey through dramatic basslines and chilling sound effects. His double-single release, Poison / Bylando, is remarkably refined and prioritizes elongated buildups before descending into explosive drops. The vocals in “Poison” are a major factor that caught my attention when listening to this track.
Cherry (UA) – Selene [Siona Records]
Cherry wastes no time delivering a wave of energy with “Selene.” Over the last few years, he has evolved into a fan favorite on Miss Monique’s renowned label, Siona Records. “Selene” is an anthem I can picture being played at an Afterlife show but also in a more underground, smaller crowd setting. Per usual with Cherry, the song’s sound design is very polished while sprinkling in different melodic techno-based sounds and layers throughout.
Einmusik, Jordan Arts – Echoes [Einmusika Recordings]
“Echoes” feels like a fever dream. It kicks off with tantalizing vocals that immediately lock you in, which provide a powerful message on whether we are truly free or not. This track has a timeless quality to it, and makes me think of the first time I heard Adam Port and Monolink’s “Point Of No Return.”
BT, Matt Fax – Vertical [Armada Music B.V.]
Arguably the most uplifting tune on this month’s chart, BT and Matt Fax is a lethal combo when it comes to making hits in the progressive space. A perfect match for Armada Music’s sub-label Armind, “Vertical” takes your spirit and lifts it vertically for the entire song. It has beautiful synths and melodies that are difficult to describe but have somewhat of a callback to the early era of deadmau5 with sonic components that resemble “Strobe.”
Fatum, Bren Lock, Brieanna Grace – Make Me Wonder [Interstellar]
Another enchanting composition, Fatum, Bren Lock, and Brieanna Grace are a trifecta that forms musical serenity in “Make Me Wonder.” I love the rollercoaster of emotions that you feel throughout this track. At one point during the breakdown it is very tranquil, with Brieanna’s spellbinding voice taking center stage. Then suddenly you’re encapsulated in an energetic bassline that makes you want to dance.
Adriatique, Rivo – Like A Dream [X Recordings]
What happens when you merge melodic techno and Afro house? Listen to “Like A Dream” and you will find the answer. Hailing from progressive house, superstar duo Adriatique teams up with Afro house breakout artist, Rivo, who blew up after his debut remix of Disclosure and Eliza Doolittle’s chart-topping hit, “You & Me” in 2023. It has a Keinemusik vibe, but also has sounds that bring me back to Adriatique’s “Miracle” with WhoMadeWho and Rampa &ME remix of Moderat’s “More Love.”
Return Of The Jaded – Attila [Purified Records]
This is one of those tracks, where you can the cover art and get a little confused, but then listen to it and somehow it all makes sense. Even though Purified Records usually has a deep ocean aesthetic, the shot for “Attila”‘s artwork is a great counterpart for the sonic atmosphere that the track creates. It has deep, underwater-esque melodic techno tones and dramatic buildups that crank up the anticipation for each drop. It is released alongside “The Hun,” which should be given a listen too.
Dosem, HANA – Ethernal [Anjunadeep]
Dosem and HANA have joined forces on “Ethernal,” a transcendent single that merges the deep, textured sounds of house and techno with ethereal vocals that elevate the track into a realm of pure sonic bliss. Dosem, one of the most influential underground Spanish DJ-producer hybrids, brings his signature deep rhythms and relentless precision to the track, creating a driving yet atmospheric foundation.
HANA, an LA-based singer, songwriter, and producer, known for her boundary-pushing work and collaborations with artists like Grimes and LP Giobbi, infuses the track with her hauntingly beautiful vocals. Together, they have crafted a journey that’s both uplifting and otherworldly. “Ethernal” is a perfect fusion of their unique styles, creating a soundscape that is as captivating as it is innovative.
Nihil Young, Fredrik Ferrier – Shimmer [Nomade Records]
Nihil Young has been featured in a number of our previous melodic techno and progressive house charts. His sound is undeniably deserving of this level of recognition, and so is “Shimmer.” Collaborating with British singer-songwriter Fredrik Ferrier on this track, “Shimmer” is a solid option to play during a late-night drive. It has the ability to take the listener to whatever realistic or fantasy place their minds wants to travel to.
D-Nox, Vakabular – THE END [ERRORR]
As we near the end of August’s top melodic techno chart, D-Nox and Vakabular enter the fold with an absolute banger. “THE END” aligns with the electrifying nature of ERRORR, the rising melodic techno label founded by twin brother duo RUBACK (Dubdogz’s side project). D-Nox released this alongside “BLIND,” with Vazik and Leif Hatfield, similarly embodying a futuristic vibe and pounding basslines.
Sassa, Jager – Hurricane [Phobiq]
Capping off this chart in style is Sassa and Jager’s “Hurricane.” With its name having a bit of literal meaning to it, this track makes you feel like you are trapped in a sonic hurricane of melodic techno, fueled by punchy stabs, whirring sound effects, aggressive vocals, and a bassline that will leave you shook. If you make it out the other end of “Hurricane” with capacity for more than check out the lead single from this two-track EP, “Clown’s Revenge.”
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