By Azzam Bilal 
HangupsMusic.com – Manchester, The electronic music landscape continues to witness a fascinating convergence of genres and generations, a phenomenon perfectly encapsulated by the latest announcement from the Manchester-based producer salute. In a move that bridges the gap between the contemporary high-energy "French touch" resurgence and the seasoned expertise of the international house scene, salute has joined forces with the venerable Riva Starr for a new single titled "soulreply." This release serves as a pivotal precursor to salute’s highly anticipated upcoming mixtape, infinite passion, marking another significant chapter in what has already been a monumental year for the artist.
The collaboration, "soulreply," is more than just a meeting of minds; it is a sonic dialogue between two artists who, despite their different career trajectories, share a fundamental devotion to the groove. Salute, who has spent the last few years ascending the ranks of the electronic elite with a signature sound defined by hyper-melodic synth work and breakneck rhythms, finds a perfect foil in Riva Starr. Starr, the founder of Snatch! Records and a long-standing titan of the house music world, brings a rhythmic discipline and a deep understanding of dancefloor mechanics that grounds salute’s characteristic exuberance. The resulting track is a vibrant, soul-infused house cut that manages to feel both nostalgic and forward-thinking, capturing the essence of the "soul" promised in its title.
To further cater to the diverse needs of the global club circuit, the release is bolstered by an additional "Warehouse Love" edit provided by Riva Starr. This alternative version leans into the grittier, more industrial atmospheres suggested by its name, stripping back some of the melodic flourishes in favor of a driving, percussive focus designed for the late-night intensity of underground spaces. By offering both the original collaboration and this specialized edit, the duo ensures that the track will find a home in both sun-drenched festival sets and the shadowy corners of the world’s most storied basements.
This new single is the latest glimpse into infinite passion, a project that serves as a spiritual successor to salute’s 2024 full-length debut, TRUE MAGIC. Scheduled for a global release on July 31st via the prestigious Ninja Tune label, the mixtape represents a specific moment in time for the artist. The title itself is not a mere marketing slogan; it is derived from a series of club events hosted by salute, which were designed to foster a sense of community and unbridled joy within the dance music scene. By naming the mixtape after these events, salute is signaling a desire to capture the raw, unfiltered energy of a live DJ set—a format that allows for more experimentation and spontaneity than a traditional studio album.
The partnership with Ninja Tune remains a cornerstone of salute’s current trajectory. As a label that has historically championed innovation and cross-genre experimentation, Ninja Tune provides the ideal platform for salute’s eclectic influences. From the shimmering textures of Japanese pop to the heavy low-end of UK garage, salute’s music is a tapestry of global sounds, and infinite passion is expected to weave these threads even tighter. The transition from the structured narrative of TRUE MAGIC to the more fluid, kinetic nature of a mixtape suggests an artist who is comfortable in their skin and eager to share the sounds that soundtrack their own life on the road.
Salute’s rise to prominence has been characterized by a relentless work ethic and a distinct aesthetic sensibility. Based in Manchester, a city with a rich tapestry of musical history, the producer has managed to carve out a niche that feels entirely modern while paying homage to the greats. Their 2024 has been particularly busy, marked not only by original productions but also by high-profile remix work. Recently, salute lent their midas touch to a remix of Madonna’s "Love Sensation," featured on the Confessions II: Afterhours project. To be handpicked for such a task—reimagining a track from the Queen of Pop—speaks volumes about salute’s standing in the industry. It reflects a level of cultural penetration that few electronic artists achieve so early in their careers.
The synergy between salute and Riva Starr on "soulreply" also highlights the importance of mentorship and mutual respect within the industry. Riva Starr has seen the ebbs and flows of house music over decades, surviving trends to remain a relevant and respected figure. For an artist like salute, who is currently at the vanguard of a new movement, collaborating with a veteran like Starr provides a sense of continuity. It validates the "new school" while reinvigorating the "old school." This intersection is where the most interesting developments in electronic music often occur, as the technical proficiency of the past meets the uninhibited creativity of the present.
As the July 31st release date for infinite passion approaches, the buzz surrounding salute shows no signs of dissipating. The artist has become a fixture at major festivals and a regular feature in industry publications, including a notable 2024 cover feature for DJ Mag that explored the "Push System" and the technical innovations behind their performances. Their live sets, such as the 2022 performance from DJ Mag HQ, have become essential viewing for fans of high-tempo, euphoric dance music, showcasing a performer who is as technically skilled as they are emotionally resonant.
The upcoming mixtape is expected to further solidify this reputation. By moving away from the "album" format so quickly after TRUE MAGIC, salute is embracing the fast-paced nature of modern music consumption without sacrificing quality. The mixtape format allows for a "snapshot" of a creative period, offering fans a more immediate connection to the artist’s current inspirations. If "soulreply" is any indication, infinite passion will be a masterclass in balance—balancing soul with synthesis, house with garage, and the intimacy of the studio with the communal power of the dancefloor.
For Riva Starr, this collaboration adds another impressive notch to a career defined by versatility. Known for his ability to pivot between tech-house, soulful house, and even pop-leaning productions, Starr’s involvement brings a level of polish and "swing" to the track that is unmistakably his. His "Warehouse Love" edit, in particular, demonstrates his keen ear for what makes a track work in a functional club environment, proving that he remains as connected to the dancefloor today as he was when he first emerged on the scene.
The broader implications of this release for Ninja Tune are also noteworthy. The label continues to curate a roster that defines the cutting edge of electronic music. By supporting salute through this prolific period, they are betting on the longevity of an artist who values melody and emotion as much as technical precision. In an era where dance music can sometimes feel clinical or overly processed, the "soul" in "soulreply" serves as a necessary reminder of the genre’s roots in human connection and expression.
As fans count down the days until the end of July, "soulreply" will undoubtedly become a staple in summer playlists and festival sets. It is a track that demands to be heard on a large system, where its intricate layers and driving bassline can truly shine. Whether it is the original collaboration’s bright, uplifting energy or the darker, more rhythmic pulse of the Riva Starr edit, the release offers something for every facet of the electronic music community.
Ultimately, the story of "soulreply" and infinite passion is the story of an artist in full bloom. Salute is no longer just a "rising star" or a "producer to watch"; they are a central figure in the conversation about where dance music is headed next. By surrounding themselves with legendary figures like Riva Starr and legendary labels like Ninja Tune, salute is ensuring that their "infinite passion" for the craft is heard loud and clear across the globe. When the mixtape finally drops, it will not just be a collection of tracks, but a testament to a vibrant, evolving career that shows no signs of slowing down. For now, "soulreply" stands as a perfect bridge to that future—a soulful, rhythmic, and undeniably infectious piece of music that confirms salute’s place at the top of the game.
