D&S have been bubbling under the surface of Chicago’s electronic scene for a while now, but with “Time & Space,” the duo steps forward with a track that feels like a true arrival. It’s the kind of club weapon that takes hold immediately—driven by acidic grooves, deep melodic touches, and a floor-rumbling low end built for peak-time energy.
Out May 17 on Magnetic Magazine Recordings, “Time & Space” finds its strength in contrast. It’s hypnotic and heady, but still made for movement—balancing tension with release, pressure with euphoria. You can hear the lineage of progressive and tech house in the mix, but the track also feels personal.
The premiere comes at a moment when D&S are hitting stride as artists. Rooted in Chicago’s underground but shaped by a wide spectrum of influences, their production leans on melodic storytelling as much as it does bassline power. And with festival slots, club residencies, and a wave of new releases planned for the year, “Time & Space” is less a one-off banger and more a signal flare. This is where they’re heading.
Who are the artists or sounds that most shaped your style early on?
Our sound has always been a blend of both our influences, but there are a few artists who really shaped the way we approach music. Hot Since 82 was one of the first artists who stood out to us with his deep grooves and dark, rolling basslines. His music taught us how to keep a vibe going strong in the club while still keeping things interesting.
Then there’s Bicep, who really opened our eyes to blending different genres and bringing in those emotional, melodic layers that hit you in just the right way.
We’ve also been inspired by Simon Doty and his insane attention to detail. His sound pushed us to focus more on storytelling and dialing in the production side of things. Maya Jane Coles has also been a huge influence to us, especially her ability to create moody, atmospheric tracks that still have a ton of groove. And of course, we can’t forget Gorgon City. They’ve shown us how to balance underground vibes with catchy, club-friendly hooks that work in any setting.
At the end of the day, we’ve always been drawn to the energy of bass music, the emotional pull of melodic house & techno, and making tracks that feel at home on the dancefloor. These artists and sounds have definitely helped shape who we are and how we approach every track we make.
What’s the one sound or technique that you think defines your signature style?
Our signature style is all about creating an experience that takes people on a journey, regardless if they’re in a packed club or just vibing with their headphones on. The heart of our sound is melodic synths that bring out emotion and set the vibe for each track. Those melodies really help tell the story, guiding listeners through all the highs and lows.
We’re also big on using euphoric vocals to add that human connection to our music.
Whether it’s a dreamy vocal phrase or catchy hook, vocals give our tracks that extra layer of emotion and energy. But the heavy low-end bassline is what really ties everything together and makes our sound what it is. A deep, driving bass gives our tracks the weight they need to hit hard on the dancefloor while still keeping everything feeling grounded.
It’s all about finding the right balance between melody, emotion, and bass. We want our music to hit you in the chest but also stay with you long after the track ends.
Why do you think some artists get stuck in a certain sound, and how do you keep pushing your boundaries?
Artists can get stuck in a certain sound because it’s easy to lean on what works or feels comfortable. While having a recognizable style is great, sticking to the same formula can limit growth. We believe this happens when there’s a lack of exposure to different genres and experiences. If you’re always consuming the same sounds, it’s hard to break out of that bubble. We’ve made it a point to step outside our comfort zone by going to live performances, underground parties, and music we wouldn’t normally listen to. These experiences broaden our tastes and spark fresh ideas.
We also keep pushing our boundaries with crate digging by exploring new artists on streaming platforms, digging through vinyl at record stores, or listening to DJ sets outside our usual genres. These new discoveries inspire us to try out fresh techniques and elements we haven’t thought of before. Staying curious and open to new influences helps us evolve while staying true to our sound.
What do you think makes an artist’s music stand out in today’s crowded music industry?
In today’s music scene, what really makes an artist stand out is their ability to create a unique sound and stay true to their vision. Fans can tell when music is authentic.
For us, that means focusing on what makes our duo different and trusting the process of creating music that reflects who we are. Staying authentic and evolving our sound ensures our music feels fresh and not just another version of what’s already out there.
But having a distinct sound alone isn’t enough. It’s just as important to give 100% in every performance and opportunity. Whether it’s a live set, remix, or new release, putting everything into it creates moments that really connect with our audience. We see each performance as a chance to leave a lasting impression—not just with the music but with the energy we bring to the experience.
Standing out is about combining originality with passion and effort. When you stay true to your vision and show up fully, it builds real connections with the people who vibe with your sound.
Where do you think the future of electronic music is heading?
Genres are blending together, bringing out completely new sounds and techniques. Tracks are becoming hybrids of house, techno, bass music, ambient, and more, allowing artists the freedom to create without being confined. This is leading to music that’s experimental and innovative, which is changing what people want to hear on the dancefloor.
This feels like the natural progression for electronic music, and as technology advances and global influences grow, the possibilities for creativity are endless. The artists shaping the future will be the ones who embrace these hybrid sounds and keep pushing boundaries to create new experiences we’ve yet to imagine.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received from another artist or producer?
The best advice we’ve received came from John Summit, who reminded us to always keep learning and not be afraid to create our own path. It’s a simple but powerful idea. No matter where you are in your career, there’s always room to grow and evolve. If you stop learning, you risk getting stuck.
What really resonated with us though was the part about creating your own path. In an industry full of trends and comparisons, staying true to your vision takes guts.
But it’s that authenticity and willingness to take risks that leads to something truly unique. This advice has stayed with us, helping us embrace the ups and downs of the journey and approach every project with curiosity and purpose.
The post PREMIERE: D&S – Time & Space [Magnetic Magazine Recordings] appeared first on Magnetic Magazine.