Many of us remember unexpectedly falling under Desire’s spell in 2011, when their single featured in Drive became one of the film’s most iconic creative choices alongside Ryan Gosling’s jacket and Albert Brooks going full villain. “Under Your Spell” matched the film’s ’80s-chic style while also recalling the dreamy work of their melancholy synthwave peers Chromatics—which makes sense, given that that band’s Johnny Jewel serves as the backing instrumentalist for vocalist Megan Louise.
After a quiet stretch following their 2009 debut II, the band returned with their second album Escape in 2022 after the dissolution of Chromatics, which they’re already following up with the forthcoming Games People Play. Much like its predecessors, the album has a sparkling sheen to its downtempo dance recordings which—as one can expect from anything Jewel’s label Italians Do It Better puts out—often flirt with Italo-disco influences. And while the synths and drum machines of that genre may fuel their recordings, Louise took a moment to share with us some of the music that informs their live sets, in the event that the band will be hitting the road to tour Europe and the UK next week in support of the new record.
“I’ve curated an exclusive playlist just for you to join me backstage as I get ready for the show—putting on makeup and having fun with Johnny,” she shares of the songs she compiled, which include tracks by tourmates Orion and System Olympia as well as pop staples by Charli and Kanye. Expect an official release date for Games People Play soon, and “experience euphoric Desire energy backstage” with the playlist below.
System Olympia, “Scandalous”
Leeds, London, and Edinburgh get ready to spend the night with Desire and System Olympia. Opening the night with her sultry synth sounds, this scandalous track can get anyone in the mood!
Nyra, “Both of Us Knowing”
The night is getting started, but it’ll also come to an end. The bittersweet nature of knowing that something beautiful is fleeting—both of us knowing it’s inevitable that the night will end, but we will stay together despite it.
Egosex, “Congo”
An anthem that’s impossible not to move to. This song delves into themes of connecting with the earth and mystical elements of nature and life.
Orion, “Time for Crime”
Joining Desire on tour for the Games People Play 25 European date tour, Orion’s “Time for Crime” sets the mood for a criminally fun night.
Charli XCX, “Talk Talk”
Can’t get this song out of my head, so we’ll keep indulging in brat behavior on tour singing along to this bop.
Ariana Grande, “Ghostin”
The perfect song to warm up vocals to, as loud as possible. A friend was playing this song in the car before dropping me off at the airport and it just stuck with me ever since. I love remembering moments in time by obsessing over a song.
Kim Petras, “Treat Me Like a Slut”
I’m the biggest Kim P fan—stan forever. I DJ this track every time I’m out because…I can! Tell me you didn’t dance after hearing it.
Default & Izzy Camina, “Heaven’s Gate” (Manilla Killa Remix)
This track goes too well after “Treat Me Like a Slut” to not play it right after. Experience euphoric Desire energy backstage. The party has officially started—time to hit the stage.
Spice Girls, “Wannabe”
We’ll be living on a double-decker bus for a month during the tour…just like the Spice Girls movie! It’s a total dream come true. Funny fact about Desire: One of the first recordings made was of me being playful and singing the lyrics to “Wannabe” to test the mic level. Johnny will play the recording out of the blue sometimes to make me laugh. I love the Spice Girls.
Le Boom, “Friday Night” (Radio Edit)
On Friday nights I like to dance—dance, dance, dance, and dance. What an incredible track. Puts me in a good mood instantly. Connecting with the boys from the band, hope we can make a banger together soon!
Shygirl, “Cleo”
This is for my merchboy Sidney! He introduced me to this track last year and I played it as the first track of 2024 on a rooftop in Thailand where we were vacationing together. Iconic artist and track, I can’t even! Come say hi to Sidney at the merch booth—he’ll be there all night with exclusive vinyl.
Marie Davidson, “Work It” (Soulwax Remix)”
You know it. Work it. On Repeat. Work hard, play hard.
DJ Gigola, “Gratitude Practice”
Play this track at its full speed of 170 BPM or slow it down to 70—it’s the only meditation you need to get your mind right and booty moving. A must on every playlist. Gigola is also a legendary DJ that I’m grateful to call a friend.
Kanye West, “Love Lockdown”
Desire’s biggest influence and the record always spinning on the tables: 808s & Heartbreak. If I could only bring one record to heaven it would be this one.
