Contributing Writer
Truthlive – The San Francisco-based artist, also known as Evan Phillips – has spent the last few years shifting between various shades of musical styles. His last two commercial EPs October Summer and Love & Respect both hit #1 on Beatport’s New Releases chart, signalling a growing presence on the global circuit.
His latest single, Surrender, arrived on Mise En Place last month. Blending a laid-back, Kaytranada-style groove with sparkling keys, smooth guitar, and Ambrin’s soothing delivery, Surrender creates a sound that feels both intimate and uplifting. Future-soulful and effortlessly cool, it’s the kind of track that makes you want to surrender to the dance floor—or simply sink into the vibe.
With the single out now – and plenty more music coming – we asked Truthlive to put together a playlist of some of his all-time favorite cuts.
Prince – Controversy
While a classic, it’s still underrated in the Prince pantheon and is my favorite song of his lyrically. Prince was music Jesus, God, whatever… the Purple One.
Fred again.. – Danielle (smile on my face)
From the very first time I heard this song, it became an anthem in my life. I have cried in public a handful of times while DJing this song.
Vic Mensa – Down On My Luck
This is the most vibed-out shit ever. It is a perfect song. If someone tells you they don’t like House music, play them this—because they do like House music. They just didn’t know it, and just needed to hear this.
Le Youth, Sultan + Shepard ft. Panama – New Love
Such a beautiful song. I heard Le Youth play it live outside in the fog and mist at sunset in San Francisco, and it became a core memory.
Ultra Nate – Free
This song was huge when I was really becoming obsessed with buying records and learning to DJ as a really young person. It holds a special place in my heart, has such an important message, and still kills on floors.
RUFUS DU SOL – No Place
Like the rest of the songs on this list, every single time I hear this it feels amazing to me. It never, ever gets old. Again, I have a core memory taking this song in live in Golden Gate Park in SF under a fog layer at night. Magical stuff.
Thom Yorke – Eraser
Thom is so good. I don’t even know what genre this is. It’s just dope. Emote and feel. He knows how to draw it out of us.
Felix da Housecat – Ready 2 Wear
I wish I had been born to have been in my early 20s in the New Wave era. I think this song came out in 2004, but my God did he nail the aesthetic. Also, just a huge sucker for arp’s.
Elderbrook & Bob Moses – Inner Light
I am also a sucker for steady pianos/keys playing pretty chords. It might be the most simple approach to composing, but it’s also so damn beautiful when done right. And again, a beautiful message.
Q Lazarus & Garvey – Goodbye Horses
As you can probably tell so far—I am super duper emo. This is the end-all, be-all of emo dance jams. If someone doesn’t feel this song, don’t trust their musical taste.