MRD makes dance music for punk kids and punk music for ravers. It’s an intoxicating middleground between Joy Division and The Bloody Beetroots, hellbent on hedonism no matter the cost. The Oslo-based producer born Kent Tonning has been a stalwart in the European indie dance world since dropping R.O.T in 2018, but saw his star rise thanks to his relationship with Berlin-based nu-trance label Live From Earth, who released celebrated projects like 2023’s Løvehjerte.
His newly released EP MISLED YOUTH, meanwhile, is his first in conjunction with Mad Decent, and the four-track collection packs a punch far stronger than its slim tracklist suggests. To help explain his predilection for blending screaming guitars with dance beats and emo vocals with rave synths, we had Tonning share a playlist of songs that inspired the making of MISLED YOUTH. “Welcome to my playlist that gets me going these days,” he shares as an introduction. “These are the tunes I would play at my local pub. Enjoy!”
Check it out below, and stream the EP here.
The Chats, “Pub Feed”
This tune is pure perfection for me. The lyrics are so clear and relatable—it feels like you’re there—and the riff and hook is catchy. What more can you ask for? Also, I was listening to them while I was touring Australia and it made the experience feel more alive.
Holograms, “Monolith”
Composition and raw energy. Love the energy. And I love listening to it while I’m skating or hanging out at my local pub (Oslovelo, RIP).
Doss, “Puppy” (Feel the beat Mix)
As you can understand, I appreciate good arrangements. This one has almost three different parts before it breaks down into a beautiful bass line house drop. Fucking beautiful. And I’ve been playing this mix in my sets lately.
Amyl and the Sniffers, “Hertz”
What can I say, it gets you going and you want to go down to the pub and fuck shit up. Top tune and band!
Hard Corps, “Porte Bonheur”
Reminds me of strolling through the streets of Montmartre—beautiful song.
IDLES, “1049 Gotho”
One of my favorite bands. Joe’s lyrics are so good, he’s def one of my fave writers. Again, brilliant and clear message. Good story and bangin’ tune.
The Rolling Stones, “Heaven”
One of my favorite songs of The Stones’. Underrated, psychedelic tune that sends you on a trip. Love listening to this one on a sunny morning.
Safe Mind, “6' Pole”
What a beautiful bass line. Gives you that new-wave disco vibe. Good vibes for this dark season up here in Oslo.
Death, “Keep on Knocking”
Love the vocal—it fits everything in this song.
