You know that feeling when a track hits and the whole room just locks in? That’s exactly what happens the moment Nao’s new one, “HOLDING ON,” starts rolling. French producer Nao has teamed up with vocalist Bo Saero for a proper dancefloor weapon that mixes high-energy soulful house with a heavy UK garage swing. Think Kaytranada energy meeting Joy Anonymous warmth, and you’re in the right neighbourhood.
Nao is the electronic side of Noah Poisson, a Paris-based producer, composer and multi-instrumentalist who’s already put in serious time on the local scene. For six years he was right in the middle of things, playing spots like La Cigale, Madame Loyale and Le Badaboum. He’s also the bassist in the band Later., a project that’s racked up over 10 million streams. All that live experience and musical grounding comes through clearly on this track. He’s not just programming beats; there’s real feel in the way the elements sit together.
“HOLDING ON” is built around a soulful vocal sample that Bo Saero delivers with the right amount of emotion and attitude. The production keeps the energy high without ever feeling forced. There’s a strong UK garage swing in the drums that gives the whole thing that classic skip and bounce, while the house foundation keeps it driving and physical. The mid-song break is especially well judged – it drops the intensity just enough to let the vocal breathe before everything comes crashing back in. It’s the kind of moment that makes people throw their hands up on a packed floor.
The genres listed – old-school house, future house and UK garage – feel accurate. The track sits comfortably in that crossover space where people who love classic house records and people who dig the current garage revival can both find something to grab onto. There’s a sun-soaked quality to the atmosphere even while the drums stay club-ready. It’s designed for the dancefloor but still carries that sense of musicality that comes from someone who’s spent years playing instruments and performing live.
Nao’s wider sound is described as a vibrant mix of high-energy house and deep-rooted soul, with sleek UK influences woven through. The visual side of the project leans into the same idea – vintage Leica shots in the volcanic landscapes of Lanzarote, raw and timeless. That focus on movement and escape lines up with the music. “HOLDING ON” feels like it was made for late nights that turn into early mornings, the kind of record that keeps the energy going without losing its heart.
Past support from stations like KEXP and KCRW already shows the track has reach beyond the usual club circles. That crossover potential is real. In a moment when UK garage is having another strong run and soulful house never really went away, a record that sits right at the intersection of those worlds has a natural home.
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What do you think of the blend of soulful house and UK garage swing on this one? Drop your thoughts in the comments – always good to hear how these tracks land with people who actually play them out or just love the sound.
