We Speak Music
Shannon Smith drops infectious earworm ‘Dance The Night Away’
“Dance the Night Away” is an upbeat and energetic pop-soul / pop-rock song that’s infectiously catchy and toe tappingly satisfying. Hailing from Fremantle WA, this first single from his debut solo album finds Shannon Smith in a melodic pop-soul frame of mind, sounding something like Van Morrison in an especially good mood. Its well-crafted lyrics and emotive vocals create an engaging narrative, whilst the joyful melody and chorus make it a guaranteed listener favourite and one all mighty earworm!
“Dance The Night Away” is a toast to the first flush of romance. It’s the giddy feeling that comes with newfound love – ‘Let’s go driving down the freeway/Feel the wind blow through our hair/Leave our worries all behind us/We can dance the night away’. Spring is in the air and in his step and you can just feel the energy in the recording studio as the band vibes on the groove and the keyboards and horns flavour the song with soulful flourishes. Ain’t love grand? Sure sounds like it here.
Although this is Shannon’s debut single, he has been performing for many many years. Raised within a musical family amidst an atmosphere of creativity and live performance, Shannon is a born and bred musician. He has played thousands of shows in all manner of formats – including acclaimed tributes to the likes of Fleetwood Mac, ABBA and Beach Boys.
His ‘70s sensibilities are in the blood and bones of this multi-instrumentalist’s songs, which evoke the soulful climes of inspirational artists such as Steely Dan, The Beatles, The Eagles and 10cc, complemented by his deep love of Americana and alt-country music.
We Speak Electronic
“HYPNOTIC” by Ari Martin Is a Chillwave Gem That Lives Up to Its Name— A Stylish Synth-Funk Vibe You Won’t Forget
Okay—where has Ari Martin been all my life?
I stumbled across his new track “HYPNOTIC” while deep-diving into new indie electronic releases, and I legit had to stop what I was doing and just listen. Not scroll. Not skip. Just…vibe.
“HYPNOTIC” is exactly that—an instrumental groove that lives up to its name. It opens like a slow-motion sunrise over some retro-futuristic cityscape, with glassy synths and subtle funk chords pulling you in before you even realize it. There’s this undeniable throwback flavor—something in the DNA of the track that feels inspired by the cool polish of ‘80s electro-funk—but with a modern edge that makes it feel right at home on today’s EDM playlists.
And that bassline? It doesn’t just slap—it glides. Smooth but confident. Funky but never over-the-top. The whole production is clean, deliberate, and honestly kind of addictive. It’s like Ari Martin reached into some neon-drenched corner of his mind and pulled out this glittering groove that’s impossible to ignore.
You can tell Ari’s not just pressing buttons—he’s composing. There’s musicality here, cinematic layering, and a clear respect for the genre. It’s no surprise he’s backed by Powerblast Worldwide; this is the kind of song that DJs love, producers respect, and casual listeners will catch themselves humming after just one spin.
If you’re into artists like FKJ, Kaytranada, or even the more soulful side of ODESZA, Ari Martin might just be your next favorite follow.
Bottom Line:
“HYPNOTIC” is a smooth, stylish, and subtly brilliant debut for new listeners of Ari Martin. It’s the kind of track that sneaks into your playlist—and before you know it, you’re checking out everything else he’s released. Consider me officially tuned in.
RECOMMENDED for:
* Late-night drives
* Curated electronic playlists
* Lo-fi chill beats with a soul
* Dancing alone with your thoughts
Follow Ari Martin at @mr_ari_martin and stream “HYPNOTIC” now at AriMartinMusic.com.
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