Scottish DJ and producer Arkley has returned triumphantly to the music scene with his new EP ‘ExtRaveRted’ on Spirit Of Rave Records. The lead track ‘If You Ever Need Love’ sets the pace for the entire EP, drawing upon influences from classic 90s dance and rave acts such as The KLF, Orbital, Inner City, Black Box and The Prodigy.
‘If You Ever Need Love’ takes the listener on an emotive journey with Inner City-style synth stabs and a relentless 909 drum loop that underpin soulful vocals sampled from a rare 90s dance track by Groove Committee. The verse builds to an irresistible drop featuring an urgent vocal hook, insistent M1 bass and layers of interlocking house rhythms.
If You Ever Need Love’ is my favourite track on the new ExtRaveRted EP. I really wanted to mix the old skool 90s sounds of acts like Inner City with the fresh melodic style of people like Alex Mills, and also balance a real groove with a deeper emotion. I’m really pleased with how this record turned out.
With ‘ExtRaveRted’, Arkley brings his unique and fresh spin to acid house, rave and 90s dance influences. The striking black and luminous Keith Haring-influenced artwork reflects the acute attack and release of the music, building towards the ecstatic euphoria of losing it together on the dancefloor.
Arkley has garnered widespread support in the music industry since the release of his single ‘Rave ’92 (Everybody Dancing)’ in January 2022. He has been featured on influential DSP editorial playlists such as Apple Music’s New In Dance YouTube Music’s ‘Dance Hotlist’ and ‘New Dance & Electronic’. BBC Introducing has even dubbed several of his tracks as “track of the week” and he has received support from tastemaker DJs such as Judge Jules.
In addition to the release of ‘ExtRaveRted’, Arkley has also been featured in Notion, DMC World, Snack Magazine, Four/Four and 909 Originals, and produced guest mixes for Clubbing TV, BBC Introducing, HouseSessions and The Underground Hype. He is also the host of Spirit Of Rave, a monthly radio show on the Dance Vibez network that celebrates the sounds, vibe and energy of the 90s rave music, featuring a unique blend of classic acid house, rave and 90s dance alongside brand new tracks inspired by those times.
Arkley’s ‘ExtRaveRted’ EP showcases his undeniable talent and cements his position as a rising star in the dance and rave scene.
PHOTOGRAPHY by George Coppock
EP SMART LINK https://snd.click/un5l
