salute drops first single of the year ‘system’

salute has shared their first single of the year, ‘system,’ featuring Empress Of, out now via Ninja Tune.

Radio 1 DJ Clara Amfo premiered the track yesterday (February 14) as her Hottest Record.

Speaking to Amfo, the artist revealed, “This is one of my favourite tracks that I’ve made in the last couple of years and I’m so happy that it's coming out now.”

‘System’ pays homage to UK club culture, with the distinct playful feel salute has become known for, developed from his experience of club culture and music after moving to the UK from Austria. It's the first taste of a forthcoming bigger project.

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Also taking inspiration from old French records, the artist shared that ‘system' “best describes where my head is at in terms of the sound I’m trying to get across.”

Featuring celebratory lyrics, co-written and vocalised by LA’s Empress Of, the track has a nostalgic feel, layering subtle vocals over a fast, infectious dance beat.

The DJ and producer delved into the track's collaborative nature, revealing that Karma Kid, Andy Smith and Baz Kayen brought the song to fruition, tying the “ingredients” of ‘system’ together “beautifully.”

“I'm so in love with my pal Empress Of's vocals on this tune, I've wanted to work with her for a number of years now and I'm so pleased we could make this work,” salute revealed.

Speaking with Clara Amfo, salute hinted there is more to come from the two collaborators, “We went in the studio together in LA and wrote a couple of tunes, actually and she absolutely killed both of them”

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The Austrian-born, Manchester-based artist shared the release on Instagram yesterday, already receiving praise in the comments from the likes of previous collaborator Sammy Virji as well as DJ Seinfield, Disclosure and Luke Fono.

The track follows the acclaimed 2023 EP, ‘Shield,’ which debuted a standout track titled ‘Peach’ in collaboration with beloved garage DJ, Sammy Virji. Mixmag featured the EP as one of May's best albums of the year in 2023.

Currently in Colombia performing, salute will be in Brussels, February 23, for the first leg of their world tour which takes the artist to Manchester, Paris, Tokyo, and Barcelona among many others.

Stream the track below.

Belle Richardson is Mixmag's Digital Intern, follow her on Twitter