DJ_Dave's Self-Coded "Castles" Is a Lucid Trip to the Dancefloor

image

Photo: Noah Kentis

Forgive me for sounding like an outdated '90s infomercial, but computers are radical. I'm not saying this just because working from home has drastically improved my work-life balance but because technology has significantly altered how we interface with all facets of the world, music included. DJ_Dave is one such brilliant example.

The alograve (algorithmic rave) and live code musician is rewriting how we look at not just electronic music but the very concept of a DJ, being the first to combine live coding and DJ mixing simultaneously in her shows. A queer female firmly planted in the center of music and tech, DJ_Dave is bridging the disparate worlds of live coding and pop sensible dance music. The latest result of this is "Castles," a self-coded and self-written lucid trip to the dancefloor.

Set to appear on DJ_Dave's forthcoming EP, releasing summer, "Castles" is a song that thrives in its inherent state of juxtaposition. Propelled by an electrifying soundscape, the alograve musician's vocals swim just below the surface, hinting at feelings of heartbreak and renewed love. "I found you in heartbreak / Thought you would be a mistake," sings DJ_Dave in a near whisper against a maximalist backdrop that threatens to swallow her whole at any moment.

The intoxicating emotional undercurrent of DJ_Dave's pop-minded dance music calls to mind both the catharsis of listening to Crystal Castles for the first time and falling in love with a stranger on the dancefloor, even if you know it's destined to end before last call. "Castles" is an underground club hit, a moment, and another bold step forward for the rising star.  

Watch the  "Castles" visualizer below:  

Related Articles

Satiate Your Club Fantasies on Kiimi's Electronic Dream of an EP "Pixie"

Satiate Your Club Fantasies on Kiimi's Electronic Dream of an EP "Pixie"

July 11, 2025 We happily caught Kiimi on a sweltering London day where they gave us the inside scoop on their project.
Author: DJ Connor
Fleetwood Kelly Releases Resilient Anthem "Summer Hymnal"

Fleetwood Kelly Releases Resilient Anthem "Summer Hymnal"

June 28, 2025 This dance-driven track is a euphoric collaboration with R&B and house legend CeCe Peniston that showcases Kelly's bold, expressive, and profoundly human style and adds a new dimension to the song, setting him apart in the industry.
Author: Alessandra Rincon
R&B
Deki Alem Tease Debut Album With Blazing Hot Single “House Fire”

Deki Alem Tease Debut Album With Blazing Hot Single “House Fire”

June 18, 2025 “House Fire” is a sweat-soaked sonic frenzy.
Author: Gia Acosta
rap