The Guest List: lau.ra turbo-charges Spring with dance music from powerhouse women producers

Since releasing a single on Mike Mago’s BMKLTSCH RCRDS at the end of 2019, British producer, DJ and vocalist Laura Bettinson, has become known as lau.ra.

Almost two and a half years later, a promo for ‘Volume 1’ falls in our laps as a package of fired-up singles that plays out like a high-energy mixtape — it’s been getting its fair share of spins by international DJ heavyweights and plenty of radio support. Leading up to ‘Volume 1’, lau.ra has earned a ‘Ones to Watch for 2022’ accolade from The Blessed Madonna on her BBC6 Music show.

Says lau.ra of the project, "I didn't want the pressure of framing these tracks as an album. They weren't approached as a 'body of work' I just made some banging singles. And then I made some more banging singles, and suddenly I had a lot of banging singles and thought why not sling them all together and press them as a collection on vinyl. So that's how 'lau.ra - volume 1' was born.”

In praise of the powerhouse vibes lau.ra has been amassing over the last couple of years, and through his highly favoured Spring release, we asked her about other female producers who’ve been impressing on her. Her response, "Here’s a playlist of newish releases that I’m enjoying right now. The selection is dominated by some powerhouse women producers who are currently making some of the most exciting, forward looking tracks in dance music.”

So here’s 10 tracks we know you’ll be needing for the weekend, and the weekend after.

"A massive release from Anna Lunoe who is an absolute inspiration. She's back with a banger and this has caused a tidal wave of excitement on the scene. It’s sexy, playful and provocative with a meaty drop."

"This track embodies TSHA’s talent in creating a top class dance tune through layers of beats, choppy vocal samples and wavy synths. That kick is like a repetitive punch to the thorax and I love it."

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"This is my latest single and was a dream collaboration. Eliza Legzdina. This woman! She turns it out every single time. She’s the whole package, fun to work with, spits gold and brings the best energy into the studio. This track combines the best of her bars with my penchant for wobbly bass."

This track has such good vibes. It’s futuristic and bouncy and makes you feel like you're travelling through some kind of space wormhole. Highly recommend putting this on loud and getting lost in it.

"ELKKA’s on a roll and everything she releases turns to gold. This track is no exception."

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"Huge tune with an incredible climax. Almost too massive and no doubt will be a crowd pleaser on the festival circuit. AmyElle is such an exciting artist and DJ on the rise."

"Great track, great vocal. What's not to love about this collaboration between two epic artists on the dance scene?"

"Such a great return from Odesza. This track was made for the stage - unbelievable tension, and climax, with those beautifully raw and soulful vocals. As with most things Odesza the tempo is a bit more laid back than everything else on this playlist but it still manages to hold its own. I can't wait to hear the new album they have coming."

"Rye Rye back on that 2010 NRG! This has old school Blaqstarr vibes all over it and I can't get enough. Minimal. Confident. Absolute smasher."

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"She's wonky, she's weird, she's wonderful... It's Meg Ward! A DJ and producer you have to keep an eye on as every release gets bigger and bigger. She has crafted herself a very distinctive sonic signature as a producer and I'm here for every minute of it."