Here’s a catchy tune for you — if you haven’t heard it before on socials.
In the bygone era of MTV and mixtapes, a catchy tune could propel an artist to stardom seemingly overnight. Today, social media has stepped up and is now the analogue means for producers to be found worldwide. Just like blockbuster films introduced hit songs to the masses in the 80s, viral trends and online communities are now the breeding ground for breakout sensations.
That’s exactly the waters in which American producer MOONBOY is swimming right now. Much like Kenya Grace’s ‘Strangers’ became a sensation before it even had a name and served as an unofficial anthem for the petrolhead corner of the internet, his hit release, ‘Need U‘, flooded Instagram and TikTok by the tens of millions — many weeks ahead of its release.
The level of industry support for MOONBOY speaks volumes. Heavyweights like Steve Aoki, Luude, Hardwell, Virtual Riot, Kayzo, Excision, and even gaming giant Nintendo have all publicly endorsed his work. He’s also opened up to conjoint musical projects with Ghastly, Borgore, and Madishu, among others, and locked brand deals with V-Moda, Loop Earplugs, Magic Mind, and Output, only broadening the scope of his sound inside and outside the music itself.
Even before ‘Need U’ saw its official release, fans clamoured to share their enthusiasm, filling socials with countless videos showcasing the song’s infectious energy. This viral phenomenon didn’t go unnoticed by the industry’s leading record labels. Major players like Capitol Records, Sony Music Entertainment, and Universal Music Group all vied for the opportunity to shepherd ‘Need U’ to the masses. Ultimately, Atlantic Records sealed the deal, under the Asylum Records imprint.
‘Need U’
In a spectacular blend of styles that borrow elements and atmospheres from Liquid DnB, Melodic DnB, and even a little sprinkle of Electro Pop, MOONBOY’s ‘Need U’ makes for a track that is easily digestible not only by Dance aficionados but by virtually anyone. Its laid-back nature, only solidified by Madishu‘s soft and airy vocals, appeals to most situations, and, particularly important to this release, is a great pair for video reels.
The song now stands at a whopping 7 million views on Spotify alone, plus the uncountable social media presence. MOONBOY explains that might have to do with him letting his mind roam free. “I feel this record came to life when I finally let my creative curiosity roam unrestricted“, he says. He then adds:
“at first I was afraid to create anything that wasn’t “heavy bass music” but I’ve realized there’s so much more inside me that I want to express in electronic music.”
-MOONBOY
Listen to MOONBOY‘s worldwide hit ‘Need U‘ below by interacting with the Spotify button we’ve attached. And stay tuned to our page for the latest news and views from the Dance music industry.
