DEARDAN, a Dutch composer and sonic architect, has never been one to follow the safe or predictable beat of club music. He doesn't think of sound as a solid thing; instead, he shapes experiences that fill the blurry space between a fever dream and a crowded dance floor. His most recent work, ‘Monstro High’, is proof of this unique vision. It is a cinematic tech house journey that feels as much like a psychological deep-dive as it does a rhythmic workout, adding sound and motion to the haunting idea that "Monsters don't sleep under your bed." They sleep in your mind.
DEARDAN sets up a strong tension right from the start. He mixes fragile, sad piano melodies with a strong, tribal-influenced tech house beat to make a space where thinking and moving can happen at the same time. It is a striking contrast between tenderness and intensity that rewards listeners who want more than just a drop. The production is perfectly layered, with futuristic textures and a sleek, visionary style, but it still has a raw, human heart that keeps it real.
The song's spiritual side is based on deep philosophical ideas, especially Carl Jung's idea of the shadow self. It works on the idea that “What we refuse to see within ourselves quietly shapes our fears; what we dare to face allows us to grow.” This isn't just for show; the music itself feels like it changes you, going from sad moments of reflection to a feeling of freedom and power. “Monstro High is about learning to see yourself honestly, accepting what you find, and rising above what once held you back,” says DEARDAN. “It’s an invitation to face your inner monster and discover the strength that lies within.”
The accompanying visualiser for ‘Monstro High’ adds a further eye-catching element, reinforcing the song's depth-psychology themes. It's not easy to make a song that works just as well for listening to alone at night as it does in a high-energy set, but with his new single, DEARDAN has achieved just that.
With the release of ‘Monstro High’, DEARDAN continues to establish himself as a pioneer of experiential sound, proving that when we face our internal shadows, we might just find the best rhythm to dance to. You can stream the single above alongside the video, and for more, join DEARDAN on Instagram.
