The UK dance scene continues to churn out exciting talent, and two of its brightest rising stars, Zepplar and Ben Phillips, have teamed up to deliver "Carry On". Out now on Vivifier Records, this track blends the melodic energy of Deep House with the accessible hooks of Commercial Dance. Whether you're heading out for a night on the town or lounging by the pool, "Carry On" is the kind of track that suits every mood. Download/stream it here: https://vrecords.vivifierrecords.co.uk/co.
We caught up with Zepplar and Ben to get the lowdown on their collaboration, the creative process behind the track, and their future plans.
For Zepplar, the idea for "Carry On" was sparked by the chilled vibes of summer 2024. "It was the season of Afro-House and those laid-back, vibey tracks," he explains. "I was watching sunsets for inspiration and experimenting with those summery sounds when this track started coming together." The track was 90% complete when Zepplar remembered a chat with Ben about working together. "I dropped him a call, sent him the track, and that's where it all started. We met up, finalised it, and here we are." Ben was immediately on board. "We both have unique sounds, but when we combined them, it just worked," he says.
Zerb's massive Afrto-House hit "Mwaki" served as a key influence. "It's all about the melody and the emotion," Zepplar says. "The chord layering and darker tones in 'Mwaki' really stood out, so we brought that vibe into 'Carry On'. It gave the vocal space to shine and added depth to the drop." The result is a track that feels equally at home on a club sound system and in a more relaxed setting.
Blending Deep House with a more commercial sound is no easy task, but the duo nailed it by keeping things simple. "The key is not to overcomplicate it," Ben explains. "We went for a chilled vibe with deeper sounds, but the drop still has that driving bassline to keep it club-friendly." Zepplar adds: "It's all about giving the track an identity. Too many elements can make it messy, but we focused on making it smooth and catchy."
The standout feature of "Carry On" is undoubtedly its vocal, which Zepplar discovered by accident. "I was digging through my files, and I clicked on this vocal by mistake," he laughs. "But as soon as I heard it, I knew it was the one. It just clicked with the vibe I was going for." For Zepplar, the vocal is the heart of the track. "It's the glue that holds everything together. It's not just a catchy hook; it's telling a story. 'Carry On' is about resilience, about pushing through life's challenges. I like my tracks to have meaning and hope they connect with people on a deeper level."
The UK's ever-evolving dance scene profoundly influences both Zepplar and Ben. "The UK is so diverse," Ben says. "We've seen Drum & Bass go mainstream again, and Garage is making a comeback. It's always evolving, which keeps it exciting." This constant evolution has shaped how Ben approaches his music in the studio and during his 150 live shows each year. "Playing live gives me a chance to test out unreleased tracks and see what gets a reaction," he explains. "It helps me fine-tune what's working and what's not."
For Zepplar, landing on playlists like Apple Music's Dance XL has been a game-changer. "It's a huge confidence boost," he says. "It's not just about making the track; it's how you present it to the world. That recognition has pushed me to refine my sound and keep aiming higher."
The pair have big plans for the year ahead. "2025 is going to be massive," Zepplar promises. "There are some huge collaborations in the pipeline, and I'm hoping to play at venues all over the world." Ben is just as optimistic. "The goal is to keep experimenting and finding fresh sounds," he says. "Whether it's on stage or in the studio, it's all about staying creative and keeping your audience engaged."
Before wrapping up, we asked the pair for advice for aspiring DJs and producers. Ben's tip? "Don't be afraid to try new things, whether it's your sound or how you present yourself online. You'll only find your direction by experimenting." Zepplar agrees, adding: "Social media is just as important as the music. Don't overthink it—let your audience decide what works."
When asked to sum up "Carry On" in three words, Zepplar doesn't hesitate: "Feel Good Vibes."
With this track, Zepplar and Ben Phillips have delivered a perfect anthem to close out 2024. It's a testament to their talent and chemistry, and if this is anything to go by, 2025 will be a big year for both of them. Keep an eye on these two—you won't want to miss what's coming next.
Zepplar
Ben Phillips
V Records UK
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