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Olivia Stock
9 May 2023, 17:25

Bou samples Robert Miles’ ‘Children’ on new track, ‘Closer’: Listen

The Manchester-based d&b artist shares his own twist on the dance classic

Photo of Bou wearing a black hoodie in front of a red background

Bou has shared a new track, ‘Closer’, which features vocals from Manchester’s Slay and samples Robert Miles’ 1995 track, ‘Children’. Listen to it below. 

The Manchester-based Algerian drum & bass artist’s latest single (released 5th May) samples one of dance music’s most iconic tracks, introducing a heavy bassline and rolling percussion to its dreamy trance melody. Released on Island Records, ‘Closer’ is Bou’s major label debut, and follows a string of singles on his own Gossip label, as well as via DnB Allstars and Souped Up Records

Bou was first introduced to d&b through the Northern free party scene, before becoming immersed in the UK jump-up sound. Building on these early influences, ‘Closer’ is described as “blending heavy basslines with catchy melodies and high-energy beats.”

Speaking about the track, Bou shared: “After months of heavy touring my studio time was so restricted and by the time the touring was over (late January) I was just literally itching to get back in the studio and I did exactly that. Fast forward a couple of months here we are today! CLOSER has been an absolute whirlwind from start to finish but I really cannot wait to share it with my fans and play out all SUMMER.”

Sharing his gratitude on Instagram, he added: “I still can’t believe I’m actually releasing a song on a label like island and I feel so lucky and humbled that you lot have enabled me to be in this position.”

Bou has blazed a trail in the UK d&b scene in recent times, amassing over 1.3 million streams on Spotify with tracks like ‘Streetside’. He’s set for a busy summer too, with dates up and down the UK scheduled over the next few months. 

Following the release of ‘Closer’, Bou teased via Instagram that he will be dropping eight additional new tracks, along with short previews of each. In the meantime, listen to ‘Closer’ below. 

Revisit Bou’s contribution to DJ Mag’s Selections series here.