At the end of May, Australian producer HAAi announced the follow-up to her ambient-techno debut Baby, We’re Ascending from 2022 with a pretty straightforward theme serving as the new record’s title: HUMANiSE. This new batch of songs (largely collaborative, with guests including Jon Hopkins, Hot Chip’s Alexis Taylor, and the Trans Voices choir) maintains Teneil Throssell’s strong suit of crafting driving, trance-y, bass-heavy beats while also making more room for the human voice—including her own.
While the title aims to denounce the recent imposition of AI-slop sounds into streaming troughs, it also serves to humanize HAAi and her peers in the midst of a stiflingly conservative political moment that’s both inciting and inflicting violence against queer and trans folks. With the release of lead single “Satellite,” HAAi made it abundantly clear who, exactly, the project is dedicated to: “This album is for my trans and queer family and our allies, to say thank you for lighting up every space you’re in. I will always be in your army.”
While Pride Month may be wrapping up today, we still have several months to anticipate HUMANiSE’s release, reminding us that the celebration never really needs to stop. And who better to soundtrack that party than HAAi, who welcomed the opportunity to step into the DJ booth to curate a playlist of 15 tracks that best represent queer artists in the electronic and dance music sphere? Before her new record drops on October 10 via Mute, tap into the playlist—as well as written intros to each song—below. You can also pre-order HUMANiSE here.
Smoke City, “Underwater Love”
This track is the sound of floating. It’s smooth and dreamy, one of those tracks you just sink into.
Armando feat. Sharvette, “Don’t Take It” (Thomos Edit)
This is late-night energy. It can be used in sooo many ways on a dancefloor/in a mix. Huge work by Armando.
Alena, “Turn It Around” (Another Mix)
Uplifting but a bit emotional. The kind of track you’d dance to with a lump in your throat.
Christopher Port, “Me & My Heart”
This song is incredible! It’s so gentle and atmospheric. It’s a sunny day lying on grass and looking at a clear sky. Guaranteed to make you feel amazing!
Lovebirds feat. Stee Downes, “Want You in My Soul”
I mean...classic. Shouts to Stee Downes and the impeccable vibes that he brings on this and everything he does.
Cassius, “Feeling for You”
You could pick any number of Cassius tracks, but “Feeling for You” is an unbeatable DJ tool. It perfectly encapsulates the end-of-the-’90s sound that was so good and reflected the zeitgeist. Cassius, Daemon, Stardust, Armand van Halden, etc.—so good.
Crystal Waters, “100% Pure Love”
Big vocal, big groove. An absolute classic that never gets old.
Lime, “Your Love” (Remix)
This will put you into a good mood immediately. It’s impossible not to sing along to “Your Love.”
Regular Fantasy, “So Sweet” (Spriitzz Remix)
Killer little project from an amazing producer. “So Sweet” is a very sultry track. It’s a time machine back to ’90/’00s summer clubbing.
The Paradise, Alan Braxe, Romuald, “In Love with You”
This will make your heart skip a beat! It’s so simple but evokes so much emotion! Great, great track to end a DJ set with!
The Art of Noise, “Moments in Love”
Weird and beautiful. A proper headphones track—nothing else really sounds like it...will anything again? After 40 years it still sounds so modern and futuristic. Obsessed.
L’Impératrice, “Agitations Tropicales”
The French just understand disco in a way that we can’t comprehend.
Stardust, Benjamin Diamond, “Music Sounds Better with You”
One of the best. I bought this in 1999 and I still blast it at least once a week. Classic for a reason. It can be looped forever and you’d never get tired of it. The lore of Stardust, as well, is magical.
Sunscreem, “Doved Up”
Chaotic and emotional—like the last tune at a rave when you’re totally in it.
Diamond Girl, “Cirez D”
Cold, minimal, and driving. Doesn’t do too much—just keeps moving forward.
