The return of a pioneer: Loco Dice consolidates his alliance with Universal Music
The veteran Tunisian-German producer and DJ Loco Dice has broken his recording silence this July 2026 with the release of 'Hold Up (You Feel That)'. Released on July 10th under exclusive license to Universal Music GmbH and in synergy with his own label Desolat, this single marks his first major solo move following the release of his acclaimed album 'Purple Jam' in 2025. Far from settling into commercial formulas, the artist reaffirms his commitment to the most purist club sound.
This new production is presented as a precision tool designed specifically to tear up dance floors. With an agile tempo of 130 BPM, the track deliberately avoids the big melodic breakdowns that dominate current tech-house. Instead, the producer opts for an ecosystem of dense percussion and a robust bassline that generates tension through hypnotic repetition, demonstrating an absolute mastery of the physical dynamics of club spaces.
Anatomy of the rhythm: Hip-hop roots and vocal synthesis
To understand the sonic architecture of this new track, it is essential to look toward the origins of Yassine Ben Achour. Before becoming a central figure of global clubbing with historic residencies at Ibizan institutions such as DC-10, Space, or Amnesia, Loco Dice forged his rhythmic identity in the hip-hop scene. He began his career as a resident at the legendary Salon des Amateurs in Düsseldorf, going on to open tours for urban legends during the nineties. It was the push from pioneers like Timo Maas and Sven Väth after a season in Ibiza in 2002 that catalyzed his definitive transition toward 4/4 rhythms. That urban cadence is palpable in every beat of his new work.
The technical side of 'Hold Up (You Feel That)' stands out for the inclusion of spoken-word vocals by singer Alaina Arnez, whose infectious rhymes intertwine with the pinpoint percussion. Furthermore, the mastering was handled by renowned engineer LOPAZZ, ensuring impeccable acoustic fidelity that rewards large-format sound systems.
An implacable and physical work, where rhythmic tension and release replace conventional drops, reminding us why Loco Dice does not adapt to the dance floor, but rather molds it to his will.
— Universal Music Group
The magnetism of percussion: Why the rhythmic formula continues to reign
In an electronic industry often saturated with viral edits and prefabricated melodies, Loco Dice's return to the ranks of a multinational record label proves that raw tech-house still carries undeniable weight. Throughout his more than two decades of experience, the boss of Desolat (a label he founded alongside Martin Buttrich in 2007) has maintained an enviable consistency. His versatility has allowed him to sign remixes for Moby or Disclosure, and collaborate with profiles as varied as Skrillex, without losing an ounce of his credibility in the underground circuit.
The producer's discographic evolution reflects a sonic maturity that culminates in this latest single. Below, we review the long-play milestones that have cemented his status in contemporary electronic music:
- 2008: '7 Dunham Place', his debut album that laid the foundations for the Desolat sound.
- 2015: 'Underground Sound Suicide', a bridge between techno and hip-hop released via Ultra Music.
- 2018: 'Love Letters', an authentic love letter to club culture.
- 2025: 'Purple Jam', his latest studio LP that preceded his current phase.
- 2026: 'Hold Up (You Feel That)', his annual debut that marks the beginning of a new rhythmic era.
With this new release, Loco Dice not only delivers heavy ammunition for selectors during the demanding European summer season, but also revalidates his title as one of the most respected architects of tech-house worldwide. His ability to maintain the groove in its purest form remains his greatest asset, consolidating a legacy that transcends fleeting trends.
