Have you ever noticed how a track feels completely different when real hands are playing the instruments instead of a mouse clicking notes onto a grid? In an era where most dance music relies on sterile software presets, your ears naturally crave warmth, imperfection, and genuine human chemistry. That exact feeling hits the moment you press play on "Into The Woods" by QUAS and Josiah Soren.
Taken from their collaborative debut album Esqalator Musiq, this track bridges the raw, soulful spirit of old-school Deep House and Chicago House with the spontaneous energy of a live jazz session. Inspired by legends like Larry Heard and Kaidi Tatham, the trio—consisting of Dallas Dawson, Marquinn Mason, and Josiah Soren—recorded the project using real, live instruments. Instead of relying on standard digital loops, they brought together a classic TR-808 drum machine, upright piano, saxophone, P-Bass, and a Rhodes electric piano. As you listen, notice how those warm, analog textures breathe together, pulling you deeper into the groove with every bar.
Understanding the background of these musicians makes the musical chemistry on "Into The Woods" even easier to appreciate. Coming out of Atlanta's vibrant improvisational scene, QUAS is the powerhouse duo of saxophonist Marquinn Mason and drummer Dallas Dawson. They built their reputation by hosting jam sessions and sharing stages across projects like Konda and Greenscreen, alongside releases with heavyweights such as Russell Gunn, Byron the Aquarius, Kamaal Williams, and Little Tybee. Their approach to House and techno is rooted in live improvisation, giving electronic dance floors an undeniable organic pulse.
Joining them on this journey is Josiah Soren, an Atlanta-based bass player, tour manager, producer, and published author who has worked on rock, jazz, funk, and hip hop records across the United States. Beyond his educational book with Mel Bay Publishing and his industry articles, Soren previously organized the Grammy Award-winning Maze Studios sessions for his January 2024 release Samurai—a project that united a five-piece contemporary jazz band, including Marquinn Mason, with eight Atlanta hip hop vocalists. That deep-rooted culture of musical respect and freedom carries straight over into Esqalator Musiq, where every bassline and horn phrase serves the collective rhythm.
Seeing independent artists craft this level of authentic, boundary-pushing music reminds us why direct-to-listener platforms matter so much right now. You do not need a major label gatekeeper to get a genre-blending record heard around the world. If you are creating your own tracks and want to release them across Spotify, Apple Music, and global streaming platforms while keeping 100% of your royalties, using DistroKid (affiliate link) makes the entire upload and distribution process effortless so you can stay focused on the music.
When you imagine your ideal late-night dance floor, it is hard to beat the timeless pull of a classic 808 paired with live Rhodes chords and saxophone. Take a moment to let "Into The Woods" play all the way through, and let us know in the comments what stands out most to you in this live-instrument house groove.
