CODEKO returns to Lost In Dreams with a diverse and inspiring five-track EP.
London-based producer Codeko is a true one-of-one. The classically trained musician possesses a Master’s degree in Physics, allowing him to approach his melodic-powered productions with an analytical, meticulous pedigree. Returning to Lost in Dreams comes his five-track EP, ‘Glow.’ The project fuses his love of UK garage and trance with elements of electropop, melodic house, and beyond.
Codeko offers fans a preview of the EP, saying, “My love for high energy, melodic music has always been a priority; but the resurgence of faster bpm 4×4 has allowed me to draw influence from my old trance and UK roots. This EP keeps the melodic focus and characteristics that makes my music my own; but produced in a fresh and interesting way with a focus on the dancefloor—resulting in some of the most fun and unique dance records I’ve made in a very long time.”
“Sleeping” sets the stage with a nostalgic vibe that soundtracks the feeling of living out one’s dreams. Tender keys and lush pads create a heartfelt foundation that is enhanced by steady drum grooves and an upbeat vocal. The lyrics center around an unforgettable night out that feels like it will never end. As the questioning refrain poses the question: “What’s the point of sleeping?” the drops erupt with ‘80s-inspired synths, chunky drums, and a steady groove made for dancing the night away.
Fusing melodic house with elements of UK garage and breakbeat comes “Set Me Free”. The alluring topline anchors the track as it moves between uncertainty, infatuation, and pure elation. The melodic production traces the peaks and valleys, as it drifts from pensive keys to soaring synths, working together to stimulate a sense of unbridled joy. Crisp garage-inspired percussion keeps a dance-friendly rhythm poised to keep the hips swaying and feet shuffling with ease. Twinkling keys and a carefree air add to the breezy house groove. “Set Me Free” is the epitome of summer love, with its radiant essence set to bring shining rays of hope to part any grey, gloomy clouds on the horizon.
Codeko explains the influence and inspiration behind the release, saying, “‘Set Me Free’ was a track where I was determined to try some new concepts and try something truly unique. I decided to take some UK garage and breakbeat influence from my childhood in London, and incorporate it into the sound that I’m more well-known for. I chose a distinct ‘happy-but-sad’ feeling when writing the melody and harmony, which I combined with a strong garage-influenced four-four beat throughout, and a distinctly faster bpm. The end result is a dancey yet emotive track that I hope provides a more interesting take on melodic house.”
Joining forces with Ella Poletti, the pair compels the crowd to “Keep Smiling” through the madness. Embracing the idea of dancing in the rain, Poletti’s captivating vocals center around finding hope amidst the pain. The inspiring message is amplified by her intoxicating vocal delivery, which breathes a steady sense of freedom. Building upon the framework, Codeko intertwines infectious piano chords with stunning melodic flourishes and a bouncy house groove that tilts its hat to house classics while remaining fresh and vibrant.
“Save Me” sees Codeko teaming up with emerging singer/songwriter Lake Silver on the penultimate track. The single mixes throwback trance elements with a modern twist. Frothy arpeggios, thumping four-on-the-floor rhythms, lysergic synth flourishes, and roaring low-end layers are interlaced for a dancefloor-igniting anthem. Lake Silver’s husky croons cry out into the darkness, drowning in the need to be rescued. Acid flourishes and crisp percussion collide for a powerful addition to the dark sound. “Save Me” is a club-ready ballad about finding light through darkness.
Expanding on the influence behind the track, Codeko shares: “I’ve been aiming to take my trance roots and fuse it into a dance record that is more relevant and more on trend, for a while. The whole concept started with the old school, trance-inspired synth in the builds, drawing inspiration from my roots. Lake Silver’s vocals added perfectly to the euphoric nature of the track, which leads into the drop that fuses the synth melody into a faster, on-trend record that’s great for the dancefloor.”
Lake Silver shares his excitement around the collaboration, saying, “I’ve been a fan of Codeko for a while now, so I’m incredibly excited to have this song out there. It’s a track about that feeling of emotional helplessness we all have occasionally, and the safety net we look for in our personal relationships. It’s a song about needing that light in the darkness.”
Closing out the EP is the energetic festival-inspired title track. “Glow” is an uptempo anthem that blends elements of peak time techno with the artist’s melodic signature. Driven by an intoxicating and vibrant vocal that’s chopped and bent, the production progresses with mastery. Dizzying arps are mixed with rich chords, electric leads, and precision percussion. Chunky drums build anticipation and drive the heart-pumping drops, which see fluttering vox soar over a barrage of melodic elements, bringing the track forward while simultaneously giving it a counterbalance to the grittier low-end.
Codeko expands on the DJ-centric desires that inspired it, saying, “I started this song in the Las Vegas airport this time last year, having just performed at EDC Vegas. Inspired by the variety of other sets I had seen, I wanted to make a melodic track fitting my brand, that incorporated the rolling bassline, faster bpm, and high energy that would work across both clubs and festivals alike. The track came together very quickly and has instantly became one of the harder-hitting IDs in my sets.”
British producer Codeko is a classically trained pianist, seasoned producer and a brainiac with a master’s degree in physics. The brilliant mind has been carving out a space of his own in the electronic music sphere, constructing a catalog driven by timeless and emotion-packed productions. His previous outings with the Lost In Dreams Records stable has seen him gain support from tastemakers such as Illenium, Monstercat, Frank Walker, Chill Nation, xKito, Magic Music, Relentless Beats, Acid Stag, EDM Sessions, This Song Slaps, and The Music Essentials. Codeko is a former ‘Sirius XM BPM Breaker of the Year’ award winner, and he continues to uphold that reputation every day since.
On the live side, he has had the pleasure of touring with Lost Frequencies, Gryffin, Audien, Matoma, and Two Friends, in addition to performing at some of the biggest festivals out, including Lost In Dreams, Beyond Wonderland, and EDC Orlando. He is currently gearing up for an upcoming show at Temple Ballroom in Edmonton, as well as a festival performance at Nocturnal Wonderland. On the horizon, Codeko is looking forward to a string of debut headline shows at Echoplex LA, Midway SF, Darkstar AZ.
‘Glow’ expands Codeko’s sonic offering, traversing house, trance, UK garage, electropop, and beyond for a five-track hope-fueled adventure.
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Codeko – Glow EP is out now on Lost In Dreams Records
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