Contributing Writer
HotLap are a DJ and production duo formed by longtime collaborators Chris Mears and Joris Mur. Both bring more than a decade of experience across club music, with songwriting and production credits that span artists including Meduza, Tiësto, Vintage Culture, Goodboys, Imanbek and Alok. As HotLap, their focus shifts toward groove-led records built on rhythm, restraint and detail.
Drawing from Afro-influenced swing and pared-back European club aesthetics, their sound sits comfortably between functional and expressive, shaped by years spent writing for others and a clear sense of what works in the room.
We asked them to put together a list of some of their current favorites, and the guys duly obliged.
HotLap & UVITA
El Dorado is such a fun record to play. It crosses the border between Afro and melodic house in a really cool way, which makes it pretty easy to slide into a mix, and has become a real crowd pleaser in our sets!
HotLap – Waitin
This was such a fun record to put together. Whilst being super fun and featuring our own vocals, it also kills on a dance floor and really raises the energy…
Bontan – Forever
Bontan is a freaking powerhouse! We love playing his records… this one really feels classic and has a familiar feel. It really goes off…
HotLap – Sunbeam
Making sunbeam was a huge moment for us. It was really a pivotal shift in finding the new HotLap sound. It really lit a fire in us (especially with the crazy DJ support) and set the bar for what was to come.
Betical – Do It Again
We met Betical in Morocco last year, and they sent us this record for our USBS. They said they “love to play it live” … Damn, they were right. This thing SLAPS!
Yanick – Lifting Me Higher
Yanick DMed us this tune recently. It has suuuch a hypnotic groove. And when those Chord stabs come in, stop it. Shut down!
OSFUR, UVITA, The Scripture – No Way Out
We have a long history with our mate Uvita, weve been making music with him for YEARS. Now it’s kinda sick, cus we have ended up in the same genre of music, and by default have a bunch of collabs together. No way out is a sick representation of the genre and really moves the sound forward. Big Ups Uvita and Osfur!
Luch, Orsay, Ajna (BE) – Magik
We first dropped Magik when we played our Pacha debut in Munich. We dropped it mid set and it really went off! It has this Gesaffelstein groove with the dirtiest bass of all time. Its a killa
The Shapeshifters – Lola’s Theme (Tripolism Remix)
Lolas theme is such a classic throwback record. We both remember first hearing this song
and it feels so nostalgic. We love dropping this track to switch up the vibe, end the set, or just really lift the mood and put a smile on a crowd!
Vintage Culture & Goodboys – This Feeling
Anyone that knows us knows that weve been around a while, making alot of music for other artists. We had the pleasure of making this tune with Goodboys and Vintage Culture, and to be honest we had absolutely no idea what it would turn into! A proud moment for the boys!