The Disco Express continues to build out its catalog with XPRESS Singles Vol.1, a five-track release that brings together a focused group of producers working across house and disco. The format here is direct. Two originals anchor the project, and three remixes expand the material into different club contexts without losing the identity of the source tracks.
Bustin’ Loose leads the release with “Soulbound,” while Magnolia and Sam Karlson link up with Relaye on “Abracadabra.” From there, Dam Swindle, Phil Weeks, and La Felix each step in with their own interpretations, giving the record a clear arc that moves from vocal-led originals into more DJ-focused territory.
Two originals built for different corners of the floor
“Soulbound” is driven by a low-end that stays elastic and controlled, paired with string layers that sit in the midrange without crowding the mix. The vocal sits forward and carries the track, which gives it a clear direction for peak-time or vocal-driven sets. There is a strong connection to UK club influence in the arrangement, especially in how the groove is structured and how the bassline interacts with the drums.
“Abracadabra” moves in a different direction. Magnolia and Sam Karlson lean into a filtered house approach, with wah guitar elements and a tighter rhythmic pocket that leaves room for Relaye’s vocal performance. The vocal delivery is direct and rhythmic, which keeps the track grounded in a DJ-friendly format while still giving it character. The structure is built for repetition and consistency, which makes it easy to slot into longer blends.
Remixes that extend the record’s usability
The second half of the release is where the record opens up for selectors. Dam Swindle’s remix of “Soulbound” shifts the track into a deeper lane, with a more stripped-back approach that emphasizes groove over vocal presence. It holds onto the original’s core elements while rebalancing them for later sets.
Phil Weeks takes “Abracadabra” into a more reduced framework with his Ghetto Mix. The drums are pushed forward, the arrangement is tightened, and the track leans into a rawer house approach that aligns with his production style and use of hardware sampling.
La Felix closes the release with a version that leans toward a more polished, melodic structure. The remix maintains the groove but introduces a smoother top-end and more defined harmonic elements, which positions it well for crossover sets that move between house and disco.
XPRESS Singles Vol.1 works because it stays focused. Each version has a clear role, and the record as a whole gives DJs multiple entry points depending on the time of night or the direction of the set. It also reinforces what The Disco Express has been building toward, which is a catalog centered on groove, functional arrangements, and producers who understand how to write for the floor.
Will Vance is a professional music producer who has been involved in the industry for the better part of a decade and has been the managing editor at Magnetic Magazine since mid-2022. In that time period, he has published thousands of articles on music production, industry think pieces and educational articles about the music industry. Over the last decade as a professional music producer, Will Vance has also ran multiple successful and highly respected record labels in the industry, including Where The Heart Is Records as well as having launched a new label with a focus on community through Magnetic Magazine. When not running these labels or producing his own music, Vance is likely writing for other top industry sites like Waves or the Hyperbits Masterclass or working on his upcoming book on mindfulness in music production. On the rare chance he's not thinking about music production, he's probably running a game of Dungeons and Dragons with his friends which he has been the dungeon master for for many years.
