WALKER & ROYCE have had a milestone year when it comes to releases, notably having helped Diplo launch his Higher Ground label at the end of 2019 and more recently having been tapped by GODMODE to remix Channel Tres’ hit single, “Controller.”
On top of all this, their ‘Rules Don’t Apply’ show on Insomniac Radio (Sirius) has been flourishing, and they’ve a part of various high profile digital events— including sharing a bill with Snoop Dogg at Blond:ish’s Abracadabra Festival, DIRTYBIRD’s Couchout and Rave The Vote.
Following the release of their debut album, Self Help, Walker & Royce became a household name; the LP showed off their ability to wield music as a therapeutic agent and enter the crossover sphere with an array of notable vocal collaborations. It’s this widespread appeal that led to the outfit earning coveted spots at Coachella, Lighting in a Bottle, and more marquee appearances throughout 2019 and 2020 (pre-covid).
We caught up with them to ask them to compile an exclusive playlist and and they told us:
“It’s been such a crazy year for so many reasons so the theme of this playlist is ‘songs that got us through 2020’. While we spent a lot of time this year revisiting old music that we love we decided that we wanted this playlist to be mostly about new music that really caught our attention. Just like 2020 it’s a bit moody, we hope you enjoy it!”
Walker & Royce – Need2Freek
“Like we mentioned before, 2020 has been moody and Need2Freek reflects just that. We really miss being out DJing every weekend, we miss seeing everyone freak out on the dance floor. With hypnotic chords and relatable vocals it’s our message to the world to never stop dancing.”
Channel Tres – Skate Depot
“Hands in your pocket while we skate to Frankie Beverly…” Channel is so good, the entire vibe is always on point. This track has such a west coast/California feel, sort of like Dr. Dre made a disco track. Also the fact that everyone started roller skating this year makes it hit harder.”
Marc Rebillet – You and Me
“This guy is amazing! His live act is a lot of improv comedy and is insanely fun but he is also an incredible musician. He continuously loops and layers his own vocals over super funky basslines and keys mostly on the fly. This track is such a vibe.”
wwoman – Eating Ass 2020
“While the title of this track is a bit silly it has nothing to do with the song at all. It’s actually this super cool track that immediately takes you to another place. We can’t believe it’s not a huge hit, the vocals are so smooth and refreshing.”
Eli Escobar – Give Love
“Eli Escobar is a NYC legend and his music keeps getting better and better. This year he self released a bunch of stuff on his Night People label and we have been listening to it all. Give Love might be our favorite record all year.”
Armand Van Helden & Chris Lake – The Answer
“How about these two guys teaming up together? And if that wasn’t enough, Arthur Baker and Victor Simonelli are credited on the track as well. If we were still DJing all the time this would be played at every set. And Love really is the answer and is totally what we need after a year like this.”
Bonobo & Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs – Heartbreak
“Wow…. Proper 90’s rave vibes right here, this track instantly takes us to another place. The production on this track is perfect. We have always loved what TEED does and him teaming up with Bonobo doesnt effect that at all. Definitely can’t wait to see the dance floor react to this once things are back.”
VNSSA – Dance Night
“VNSSA hasn’t let 2020 get her down, she has released some of our favorite music this year and has really come into her own. We are really feeling the acid breaks vibe, it sounds so fresh to us but at the same time has a vintage feel we love. Dance Night is a perfect example of that.”
Wajatta – 138
“We have been obsessed with Wajatta since they came out with their first album a few years back. It is the incredible duo of musician and performer Reggie Watts and LA Techno legend John Tejada. This year they released their 2nd album Don’t Let Get You Down and it’s amazing. Reggies voice hugs John’s music perfectly. 138 is our favorite one right now but check them all out.”
Steve ‘Silk’ Hurley & The Voices Of Life ft Sharon Pass – The Word Is Love (Silk’s Anthem Of Life Mix)
“This is the only classic track on here but it’s a good one. As we mentioned before; what we all need right now is love and this song reminds us of that. Uplifting vocals and a universally good groove, proper House Music. These are the songs that helped us this year and we hope they help you.”
