Strangelove is shifting into a new gear for 2026, and the label’s forward momentum arrives with a sharp, club-focused statement from one of the UK’s most consistent rising names.
Welcoming fresh talent to the roster, Strangelove introduces HASKELL with his new single “Ice” – a release that feels purpose-built to signal the label’s tougher, more decisive evolution.
If you’ve been paying attention to contemporary house over the past few years, HASKELL is a name that’s steadily become harder to ignore. His catalogue already reads like a who’s who of respected dance imprints, with releases on Toolroom, Nervous Records, Myth Of NYX, IN/Rotation and now Strangelove. Among those highlights sits a particularly hot collaboration with label bosses Mark Knight and Gene Farris, a moment that placed HASKELL firmly on the radar of DJs and industry heads alike. Rather than resting on that milestone, he’s continued to build momentum with a clear focus on club functionality and long-term consistency.
“Ice” arrives as his first outing on Strangelove, and it couldn’t be better timed. As the label sharpens its sound for 2026, the track embodies exactly what that shift represents – leaner arrangements, firmer grooves and a confident refusal to overcomplicate the dancefloor. From the first bars, “Ice” establishes a cool, controlled pressure: rolling low-end, crisp percussion and a restrained sense of tension that rewards patience rather than chasing instant drops. It’s music designed for peak-time moments that don’t need to shout to command attention.
There’s a maturity to the production that reflects where HASKELL is at in his career right now. This is an artist who understands space, rhythm and restraint – qualities that have become hallmarks of his recent output. His records aren’t about chasing trends; they’re about serving DJs with tools that work across rooms, systems and set times. “Ice” slots effortlessly into that philosophy, balancing toughness with clarity and offering enough personality to stand out without sacrificing versatility.
That balance has been key to HASKELL’s rise within the UK circuit, where he’s built a strong reputation through regular appearances across the country. Over the past year, that reach has expanded further into Europe, with shows that have introduced his sound to wider audiences while reinforcing his reputation as a dependable selector. Whether in the studio or behind the decks, his approach remains focused and methodical – a quality that’s increasingly valued in a crowded scene.
Interestingly, that mindset didn’t originate in the club. Before committing fully to music, HASKELL spent years competing at international level in rugby, an experience that continues to shape how he works today. The discipline, routine and physical awareness required at that level translate naturally into his creative process. There’s an understanding of rhythm that goes beyond BPMs – an intuitive sense of momentum, timing and endurance that mirrors the flow of a well-constructed DJ set. It’s no surprise that his tracks feel built to last across long nights rather than burn out quickly.
For Strangelove, “Ice” represents more than just a strong single. It’s a statement of intent. As the label moves into a bolder, edgier chapter for 2026, aligning with artists like HASKELL signals a commitment to club-first music that values substance over hype. His consistency, work ethic and clear sense of direction make him a natural fit for where the imprint is heading.
For listeners who may not yet be familiar, this release is an ideal entry point. HASKELL isn’t chasing reinvention with every record; instead, he’s refining a sound that’s grounded, functional and confident. “Ice” captures that perfectly – cool under pressure, precise in execution and unapologetically focused on the dancefloor.
With serious momentum behind him and a growing catalogue that continues to deliver, HASKELL’s first release on Strangelove feels like the beginning of an important new chapter for both artist and label. If this is the tone-setter for what’s coming next, 2026 is already shaping up to be a strong year.
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