Hey there, groove hunters! If you've been scrolling through your playlists lately, you might've noticed something electric bubbling up in the house music scene: a full-on revival of those old-school vibes, infused with fresh 2025 energy. We're talking funky basslines that hit like a sunset drive down the California coast, deep house layers that pull you in slow and steady, and just a dash of UK garage swing to keep things unpredictable. It's the kind of sound that's dominating summer mixes and underground sets right now, with soulful house tracks climbing charts and TikTok feeds alike. Enter "Shine Your Light," the killer collab between Venice Beach's Dos Mentes and the globe-trotting Awsumo. This isn't just another track—it's the lead single from their brand-new ALIVE EP, and damn, does it live up to the name. From the first drop, it feels like a shot of pure, feel-good adrenaline, designed to make you move and maybe even reflect a little on what lights you up in the dark.
Let's break it down, because this one's got layers worth unpacking. Born from Dos Mentes' signature funky soul groover potion—think warm, intentional builds that start cozy and ramp up to bass-heavy momentum—Awsumo swoops in with his tech house magic. You know Awsumo: the DJ who's been lighting up Repopulate Mars stages and touring with Becky G, bringing that choppy funk groove sauce that's become his calling card. The result? A track that's equal parts nostalgic nod to old-school house and forward-thinking deep house pulse, with subtle UK garage flair sneaking in on the edges. The production grooves hard, layering soulful elements over techy chops that keep the energy alive without ever feeling forced. It's got that underground precision, the kind that rewards a late-night listen or a packed dancefloor spin. No wonder it hopes to "make you feel alive"—it's engineered for those moments when the beat syncs with your heartbeat.
Now, if you're new to Dos Mentes (real name Nick), buckle up—this guy's got the kind of backstory that screams West Coast cool meets global hustle. Based out of Venice Beach, he's a DJ and producer whose sets are all about the groove. We're talking arcs that ease you in with soulful, warm selections across house, disco, minimal, jacking, indie dance, and deep house, then strip it back to let the bass take over as the night deepens. Influenced by heavyweights like Jamie Jones, LP Giobbi, DJ Harvey, Chris Stussy, and Crazy P, Dos Mentes bottles that California desert-and-coastal spirit: sunny yet shadowy, always anchored by rhythm.
His trajectory? Straight fire. He made his Ibiza debut this year at UNVRS, riding the wave of the island's superclub renaissance—talk about timing with house music's global resurgence. Before that, he's been holding down Venice spots like BOGA, Market, Hotel Erwin, and Members, plus festival runs at Lightning in a Bottle, Festival de los Vientos, and Equinox Festival. But Dos Mentes didn't just wake up behind the decks. Nick cut his teeth off-stage, first as tour manager for Thomas Jack (yep, pulled onstage and then hitting TomorrowWorld, Red Rocks, Burning Man, and Mad Decent Block Party). He leveled up to Marketing Director for RHA Festival in Puerto Vallarta, rubbing shoulders with icons like Green Velvet, Lee Burridge, Claptone, Guy Gerber, Purple Disco Machine, and Bedouin. It's that blend of insider know-how and pure passion that shines through in every mix—and now, in this collab.
Timing-wise, "Shine Your Light" lands perfectly amid 2025's house trends. Vocal deep house is everywhere, from mega summer mixes to Spotify's top house playlists, but it's the old-school revival that's really stealing the show. Think 90s-inspired bangers with funky disco edges and soulful hooks, echoing the UK garage boom that's influencing everything from high-energy club sets to chillout hybrids. Dos Mentes and Awsumo tap right into that, creating a track that's not just danceable but shareable—ideal for those Instagram Reels where you're syncing your moves to a beat that feels timeless yet totally now. In a year where electronic music's leaning harder into African and UK influences while ditching some of the ambient fluff, this one's a standout for keeping the groove authentic and alive.
So, what's next for these two? The full ALIVE EP promises more of this hybrid heat, and if "Shine Your Light" is the opener, we're in for a ride. It's the perfect gateway for anyone dipping toes back into deep house or craving that old-school house revival fix. Crank it up, let it wash over you, and tell me—does this track make you feel alive? Drop your thoughts in the comments below; I'd love to hear what grooves are hitting for you this season. And if you're an artist grinding in the studio, dreaming of dropping your own banger on platforms worldwide, check out DistroKid. It’s a game-changer for indies—super easy uploads to Spotify, Apple Music, and beyond, plus you keep 100% of your royalties. Snag a sweet 7% off your first year with this link: https://distrokid.com/vip/seven/2058328. Get your music out there and shine, just like these guys.
Keep the vibes rolling, friends—more fresh drops coming your way soon. What's your go-to house track for 2025? Hit play and let's chat.
