Beatportal Weekly 5th September 2025
Welcome to this week’s Beatportal Weekly! Olivia Mancuso sits down with Josh Baker to trace his journey from house parties to founding Hide and Seek Festival and Syntho. Plus, dive into Yoko’s introspective new release, Serve Cold & Grigoré’s Defected return with LOW, DTLA’s closing ADE party plans, and Mason’s funk-fuelled Cheetah on Melé’s Club Bad. Let’s explore the latest stories and tracks shaping the scene!
Olivia Mancuso Interviews Josh Baker: From House Parties to Hosting Festivals
Josh Baker started out with a £20 generator and house parties where he was often told to “turn this off.” Fast forward to today, and he’s the co-founder of You & Me, the creator of Hide and Seek Festival, and the mind behind Syntho, his artist education platform. In conversation with Olivia Mancuso, Josh reflects on his journey of determination, independence, and building something from the ground up.
Yoko Lands With a Message of Reflection and Self-Exploration
Alan, Broz, and Erick unite for “Yoko” on XDM Records, a thoughtful cut that channels hope, reflection, and the uncertainty of what lies ahead. With atmospheric production and an emotional core, “Yoko” urges listeners to pause, look inward, and explore their own journey.
Serve Cold, Grigoré & Jaguar Jaguar Return to Defected With “LOW”
After their acclaimed Afro-house hit “Dancing,” Serve Cold and Grigoré once again team up with Jaguar Jaguar—this time delivering “LOW (Love Is the Only Way)” on Defected. The single is a lush, genre-blending journey, filled with dreamy textures and euphoric builds that reaffirm their creative chemistry.
DTLA Set to Co-Host Closing ADE Party
DTLA Records, led by Redux Saints, is joining forces to co-host a closing party at this year’s Amsterdam Dance Event. Known for championing cutting-edge tech-house and deep-tech sounds, the LA-based label continues to expand its influence on the global stage with this major ADE moment.
Mason Delivers “Cheetah” on Melé’s Club Bad
Electronic innovator Mason returns with “Cheetah”, his latest release on Melé’s Club Bad. Funk-fuelled, playful, and bursting with personality, the track blends chunky basslines with rolling percussion and cheeky synth stabs. It’s another bold reminder of why Mason has remained a true original for over two decades.
