A snapshot of March 2026 progressive house tracks, carefully assembled by Protagonist Dark for listeners who follow the deeper side of the underground

Genesis Music

A prolific and talented artist, Michael A now debuts on Meanwhile with his Bansuri / Orridian EP. A Belarusian producer with almost 1,500 credits to his name, Michael A has carved out a sizable niche for himself since his debut work for Stereofaza and Fluro Music in early 2012. Over a hundred of these credits can be found on his own Genesis Music imprint, with a substantial number appearing on a host of blue-chip imprints that include the likes of Replug, Perspectives Digital and Hernan Cattaneos Sudbeat Music. Moreover, almost a century of credits can be found on the long-running an iconic, Proton Music, with 12,000 Beatport followers to its name, including the much-lauded Fantasy series which released its fifth volume in June 2024. Now making a very welcome debut on GMJ & Matters flagship label, opener Bansuri is a typically deep and dominant track that bristles with dark energy. A driving peat provides a relentless propulsion mechanism as an immaculately programmed bassline sits perfectly within the mix. Rapid-fire shakers and hats create subtle urgency and tension while a light and airy melodic sequence gradually evolves, lifting the whole track out of its oppressive floor-filling character at the breakdown with an ethereal blend of spine-tingling melody. Dropping back into its rhythmic foundations in the second half with dynamic intent, the central melodic themes come to force once more in a majestic denouement. Partner track, Orridian continues the dancefloor narrative with its whip-cracking, chest thumping kick before a gently pulsating bassline displays additional low-end purpose. Intricate percussive shakers and intermittent effects generate a rich and squelching stereo-panned melange as layer upon layer of energy and intrigue is created in a sumptuous sonic tapestry. Pausing for breath at the mid-point, another light and refreshing melodic sequence develops with effortless ease. Hitting its stride once more in the third movement, the interlocked rhythmic and bassline patterns of earlier phrase emerge once more, this time accompanied by delicate motifs and multi-textured pads. Worth his wait in gold for a Meanwhile debut, Michael A excels in hallmark fashion with Bansuri / Orridian . Directed by GMJ & Matter Mastered by Cid Inc. Design by Matter Text by James Warren

A prolific and talented artist, Michael A now debuts on Meanwhile with his Bansuri / Orridian EP. A Belarusian producer with almost 1,500 credits to his name, Michael A has carved out a sizable niche for himself since his debut work for Stereofaza and Fluro Music in early 2012. Over a hundred of these credits can be found on his own Genesis Music imprint, with a substantial number appearing on a host of blue-chip imprints that include the likes of Replug, Perspectives Digital and Hernan Cattaneos Sudbeat Music. Moreover, almost a century of credits can be found on the long-running an iconic, Proton Music, with 12,000 Beatport followers to its name, including the much-lauded Fantasy series which released its fifth volume in June 2024. Now making a very welcome debut on GMJ & Matters flagship label, opener Bansuri is a typically deep and dominant track that bristles with dark energy. A driving peat provides a relentless propulsion mechanism as an immaculately programmed bassline sits perfectly within the mix. Rapid-fire shakers and hats create subtle urgency and tension while a light and airy melodic sequence gradually evolves, lifting the whole track out of its oppressive floor-filling character at the breakdown with an ethereal blend of spine-tingling melody. Dropping back into its rhythmic foundations in the second half with dynamic intent, the central melodic themes come to force once more in a majestic denouement. Partner track, Orridian continues the dancefloor narrative with its whip-cracking, chest thumping kick before a gently pulsating bassline displays additional low-end purpose. Intricate percussive shakers and intermittent effects generate a rich and squelching stereo-panned melange as layer upon layer of energy and intrigue is created in a sumptuous sonic tapestry. Pausing for breath at the mid-point, another light and refreshing melodic sequence develops with effortless ease. Hitting its stride once more in the third movement, the interlocked rhythmic and bassline patterns of earlier phrase emerge once more, this time accompanied by delicate motifs and multi-textured pads. Worth his wait in gold for a Meanwhile debut, Michael A excels in hallmark fashion with Bansuri / Orridian . Directed by GMJ & Matter Mastered by Cid Inc. Design by Matter Text by James Warren

A snapshot of March 2026 tracks, carefully assembled by Protagonist Recordings for listeners who follow the deeper side of the underground

Back for a fourth incarnation of the best-selling series, GMJ and Matter unearth the next batch of rare precious gemstones, courtesy of Meanwhile Excursions, Vol. 4. An album full of progressive promise from across the globe, US producer Sam Scheme opens proceedings, using a huge sub-bassline to devastating effect across Episode #9. Juxtaposed against muted, twinkling synth motifs and huge driving rhythm, it paves the way for Meanwhile supremo, GMJ, to deliver another majestic offering. Announcing his Higher Self through a meticulously arranged combination of deep bassline presence, thickly textured pads and dynamic arp, all the hallmarks of the Australians renowned production sound are in full evidence as a hypnotic powerhouse evolves over its duration. Regular on the likes of super-labels, Bedrock, Mango Alley and Lost & Found, Tantum showcases his sought-after sound through earworm motif, powerful effects and a developing soundscape. Further enhanced by Zurich-based YANIQ, the Swiss producers genre-blurring fusion of Progressive House and Melodic Techno gives Pluto a sound as sharp as a razors edge. Argentinean force, Not Demure, continues to serve up a bountiful supply of impressive releases as we move towards the end of 2025. Building on work for Movement, Worlds Apart and Paul Hazendonks Manual Music, Doomsday is a typically bristling affair, full of dark majesty and sprawling sci-fi landscapes. The result is a gloriously dynamic and complex affair with flashes of light sonic touch at the break. Fellow Meanwhile head honcho, Matter, never fails to disappoint, and Helios is no exception. Aptly named, shimmering sunlit melodies float across the track, developing out of a driving, mesmerising beat and delivering a devastating progressive number. Performing to a growing fanbase across North America, Europe and the Middle East, Kostya Outta confirms himself as a force to be reckoned with through Cloudy. Strong in melodic counterpoint and filtered synth phrasing, a rolling beat and light percussive touch illustrate the Russian stars dancefloor flair before prolific Belarusian artist, Michael A, adds to his 1300 production credits with a typically lavish combination of hypnotic rhythm and escalating melodic patterns. Trademark arps, thickly textured pads and stuttered vocal cuts add to the collage. The final trio sees a debut for important Cuban DJ, Ryan (CU). Founder of the La Cura de la Semena imprint, Succubus is redolent in Latin percussive flair which pans the stereo spectrum while a haunting motif flows freely atop. Providing a unique and innovative vibe, it paves the way for Michael Bennetts The Last Stand to hit effortless heights with full rhythmic force and gently pulsating pads for the Vapour, Mango Alley and Zero Tolerance regular. A relative newcomer, a gated melody and huge post-breakdown drop, keep intrigue high with a chorus of effects and bassline groove. The final act sees Israeli and Italian icons, Lonya and Graziano Raffa combine on the delightfully laid-back Breakups. Heavyweights of the underground scene for more than 15 years, a combination of deliciously smooth and evocative melodies drifts in nostalgic fashion over a heavy beat and sumptuous pads, made all the more powerful by a lead guitar motif in the second half. Hitting the heights once more with its global travels across the sound of Progressive House, Meanwhile Excursions, Vol. 4 is a sonic journey like no other. Directed by GMJ & Matter Mastered by Cid Inc. Design by Matter Text by James Warren