Picture this: you’re cruising through a neon-lit cityscape at midnight, bass vibrating through your chest, with a track that feels like it’s pulling you into another dimension. That’s the vibe Dera Meelan nails with his latest single, “On My Mind,” a hypnotic blend of dubstep, garage, and trance that’s as fresh as it is haunting. Released on March 7, 2025, via 45RPM, this track is a bold step in Meelan’s ever-evolving sound, and trust me, it’s one you’ll want to keep on repeat. Let’s dive into why this New Zealand producer’s latest gem is making waves in the electronic music scene.
“On My Mind” is a masterclass in genre fusion. The track kicks off with fast-paced garage drums that hit like a caffeine rush, setting a relentless rhythm that pulls you in. Then comes the dubstep-flavored basslines—deep, wobbly, and downright filthy—paired with lush, eerie synth drones that feel like they’ve been lifted straight from a trance record. Floating above it all is a melancholic vocal that adds a layer of emotional depth, making the track feel both otherworldly and deeply human. It’s slower than Meelan’s previous work, clocking in at a deliberate pace that lets every element breathe, but it’s no less gripping. The production is crisp, with each sound meticulously placed to create a soundscape that’s equal parts club banger and introspective vibe.
What makes “On My Mind” stand out is how it reflects Meelan’s knack for blending influences. You can hear echoes of his love for house, jungle, and drum and bass, but there’s also a nod to the icy synths and thunderous bass of grime and drill. It’s a track that feels like a culmination of his journey as a producer, yet it’s clear he’s still pushing boundaries. In a world where electronic music can sometimes feel formulaic, Meelan’s willingness to experiment makes “On My Mind” a breath of fresh air.
The Man Behind the Music
Dera Meelan’s story is as compelling as his music. Born in 1999 to Kurdish parents who fled to New Zealand as refugees, Meelan grew up in Auckland, surrounded by stories of his father’s time as a freedom fighter with the Kurdish Peshmerga. His childhood was a mix of radio pop, hip-hop, and traditional Kurdish music, which sparked his early interest in sound. As a kid, he messed around with a basic music program on a Nintendo 3DS, laying the foundation for a career that would see him become one of New Zealand’s most exciting producers.
By his teens, Meelan was deep into house, jungle, and EDM, teaching himself production on GarageBand and Cubasis before graduating to Logic Audio. His big break came in 2018 when he started working with New Zealand’s underground hip-hop scene, collaborating with acts like Church & AP, Deadforest, and Fable. His work on Church & AP’s debut album TEETH (2019) earned him critical acclaim, and his track “Fire Sale” with Deadforest went viral, racking up over 10 million streams without major label backing. In 2020, he snagged the Red Bull Best Producer award at the Pacific Music Awards, cementing his status as a rising star.
Now, at just 24, Meelan is part of the YKK collective, serving as their in-house producer and engineer while carving out his own path as a solo artist. His sound is a melting pot of hip-hop, house, electronic, and grime, and “On My Mind” is a perfect example of how he’s pushing the boundaries of what electronic music can be.
Why “On My Mind” Matters
In 2025, the electronic music scene is buzzing with experimentation, and “On My Mind” fits right into this wave of genre-blending innovation. Dubstep has seen a resurgence in recent years, with artists like Skrillex and Zeds Dead pushing the genre into new territory, and Meelan’s track feels like a nod to that evolution. It’s not just about the heavy drops—though those basslines do hit hard—it’s about creating an atmosphere that lingers. The haunting vocals and trance-inspired synths give the track a cinematic quality, making it as suited for late-night drives as it is for the dancefloor.
Meelan’s ability to weave his cultural influences and personal story into his music adds another layer of depth. You can feel the weight of his background in the track’s emotional pull, making it more than just a banger—it’s a statement of identity and resilience.
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Final Thoughts
Dera Meelan’s “On My Mind” is a must-listen for anyone who loves electronic music with soul. It’s a track that balances raw energy with emotional depth, showcasing Meelan’s growth as an artist and producer. Whether you’re a dubstep diehard or just someone looking for something fresh, this song will pull you in and keep you hooked. So, stream it, share it, and let me know what you think in the comments—what’s your take on Meelan’s evolving sound?
