Recommended club and dance music

[Expert Picks] 10 Dance Tracks with Satisfying Kicks

[Expert Picks] 10 Dance Tracks with Satisfying Kicks

Last updated:2024/7/23

[Expert Picks] 10 Dance Tracks with Satisfying Kicks

Ableton Certified TrainerToru Ikemoto
Starting in 2004, he began performing as part of the unit yotogi under the name dotaro, releasing “Start EP” and “002” on the renowned techno label Monoid Recordings and proving his potential in the techno and minimal scenes. In June 2009, he launched his solo career as Toru Ikemoto and continued releasing on labels around the world; tracks such as “#CADFDF” and “16Sustainable” were played by Richie Hawtin at numerous clubs. In 2010, he placed in a competition by Plus Records, and in 2011 he also placed in Cocoon Recordings’ Japan–Germany 150th anniversary competition curated by Sven Väth. That same year, he was interviewed as a promising rising star by a Dutch online music magazine. In 2015, he released an original track on CMYKmusik, the label of Enter resident Alex Under, and in 2014 he launched SPECTRA, a label comprised exclusively of cutting-edge Japanese artists; its first release received support from Richie Hawtin, Paco Osuna, Marco Carola, and others. In 2016, his vinyl release “15such” was featured in Hito’s DJ mix for the worldwide DJ magazine Mixmag and gained further play across the globe. Continuing to release music, he has seen his tracks played by top artists worldwide, including Joseph Capriati, Bryan Brack, Alex Bau, and Moonbeam. In recent years, while touring internationally, he also performed at Strawberry Fields Festival, one of Australia’s largest. In 2018, he was selected as Osaka’s only Ableton Certified Trainer. He also launched SiiNE, an event team focused on techno and house, and opened the DJ/DTM school yell0w in Shinsaibashi, Osaka, dedicating himself to nurturing the next generation of artists. For inquiries about the school, please visit the website below.

The most important part of dance music: the kick.

It’s often layered multiple times, and because it reflects the producer’s personality, people even say things like, “If you can make a cool kick, you’re off to a good start.”

At the same time, the kick is the key element that governs the groove.

Especially in four-on-the-floor, where it’s constant, if this part is weak, even an otherwise cool track can be ruined.

In this article, Toru Ikemoto—an artist recognized by the minimalist icon Richie Hawtin and an official Ableton trainer—will pick standout tracks with great kicks from a wide range of genres and break them down.

If you’re particular about kick sounds or you’re a producer, be sure to use this as a reference!

[Expert Picks] 10 Dance Tracks with Satisfying Kicks

Moon Rocks [Drumcode]Enrico Sangiuliano

Enrico Sangiuliano – Moon Rocks [Drumcode]

Moon Rocks [Drumcode]Enrico Sangiuliano

A pleasantly distorted kick! By intentionally clipping or adding distortion to the kick, you give it presence.

As a result, even when other parts are assertive, you can still clearly catch the rhythm in the kick’s mids—a nice balance.

Raise the rankinglower

Papercut (feat. Troye Sivan) [Grey Remix]Zedd

Zedd – Papercut ft. Troye Sivan (Official Audio)

Papercut (feat. Troye Sivan) [Grey Remix]Zedd

In this track, the kick and bass are boldly separated by dividing their frequency ranges so they don’t interfere, and they’re also triggered at different timings to create the groove.

The pitch relationship between the kick and bass is carefully considered, so it sounds very clean to the ear.

Also, this track is available as a free download on SoundCloud.

Raise the rankinglower

RayAdriatique

AL012 – Adriatique – Ray

RayAdriatique

This is a masterpiece by Adriatique, the electronic music duo from Switzerland.

Its gentle atmosphere and warm chords blend in harmony, captivating listeners.

Characterized by cleverly arranged analog synths and tribal-style drum patterns, it carries a cheerful sense of nostalgia while still conveying musical depth.

Released in March 2018 on Afterlife Recordings, this work brilliantly showcases their musical identity.

It’s perfect both for those who want to energize the dance floor and those who enjoy a meditative mood.

Experience this comforting dance music that fully displays Adriatique’s musical talent.

Raise the rankinglower

Strobedeadmau5

deadmau5 – Strobe

Strobedeadmau5

Unlike other tracks, the attack is composed of high-frequency elements like a click or layered closed hi-hats, giving a crisp, ticking feel, and the kick has almost none of the descending pitch characteristic of the TR-909.

This approach is also commonly used.

Raise the rankinglower

Drum Machine (feat. The New Sins)Alex Metric

Alex Metric – Drum Machine (feat. The New Sins) [Official Music Video]

Drum Machine (feat. The New Sins)Alex Metric

A dance floor track infused with love for drum machines.

Its minimal beats and repeating phrases draw listeners deep into the world of music.

Released by Alex Metric in February 2016, the track was created in collaboration with The New Sins.

Featured on the album “Fitness Beats 2016,” it showcases the full appeal of electronic music.

Perfect for igniting the energy at clubs and parties, it’s sure to captivate those who want to surrender to the rhythm.

Highly recommended for anyone looking to refresh mind and body through the power of music.

Raise the rankinglower

StrandStephan Bodzin

AL009 – Stephan Bodzin – Strand

StrandStephan Bodzin

The melody is so grand and emotional that it almost sweeps you away, but the kick is outstanding too.

From the very start of the sound, the pitch envelope immediately drops to below 50 Hz, creating a kind of midrange ‘pop’ attack, which makes the kick feel like it has exquisitely crafted envelope processing.

Raise the rankinglower

Elektriciteit [HD]Egbert

Egbert – Elektriciteit [HD]

Elektriciteit [HD]Egbert

A track that makes you feel an astonishing separation between the kick and the bass.

Normally, because the kick and bass occupy similar frequency ranges, they tend to mask each other’s contours, but in this track they’re cleanly and naturally separated, enhancing each other nicely.

Raise the rankinglower