- 2025-07-30
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MUSIC
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Cheat Codes Releases New Album “Future Renaissance”
Los Angeles-based DJ trio Cheat Codes, consisting of Kevin Ford, Trevor Dahl and Matthew Russell, released their fifth studio album “Future Renaissance” on July 25, 2025.
The album is their first record in two years since the 2023 album “One Night in Nashville”. It also celebrates their 10th anniversary.
The album comprises 15 tracks, including a cover of Ben E. King's “Stand By Me”, featuring collaborations with CeeLo Green, Izzy Bizu, Kenny G, Train, salem ilese, Enisa, Frawley, Linney, Öwnboss, LP, Jasmine Thompso, M-22, Oak, and Julia Church.
True to its name, “Future Renaissance” is a bold statement of reinvention, collaboration, and artistic growth.
On the the album, the trio returns to their dance-pop roots while evolving their sound with thoughtful songwriting and inventive production.
Cheat Codes said of the album, “This is our 10 year anniversary and kind of going back to that original sound. It kind of just felt natural to have a rebirth of the sound. We're always into experimentation, especially with the music, but we're really into the live instrumentation. Just wanna keep pushing the boundaries as far as different sounds and combining different genres that you wouldn't expect. I think that's what makes us unique and what makes us like try to stand out from every other DJ is we don't want to be kept in a box, trying to build these certain worlds that people can escape into and people can try to find themselves in and I think that with the Future Renaissance. We're trying to do that.”- They continued, “Whenever we do a collaboration with somebody. It usually just comes down to like, what's best for the song. With this one, we got a lot of cool people working on the album with us. We got Kenny G and Izzy Bizu. I think that every song kind of tells a different story has a different vibe. Hopefully they just can connect with, you know one song or all of them, or whatever it is in different ways, and guys just enjoy it.”
They added, “We've been working on it for a while just the idea of Future Renaissance wanted to make something that lasts that's like different. We're super grateful for all the fans and thankful for all the fans that we are in this position to be able to continue to make these kind of albums or do these kind of projects. So, honestly, it's like a big blessing.” -
Cheat Codes explained some tracks for the album.
“More Than Anybody” featuring Izzy Bizu & Kenny G
Izzy Bizu: “When I think about it. When we were writing the chorus. It was like, in my head when we were jamming, it was like a gospel vibe. And then they brought all this, like all these new cool sounds. And then they also brought Kenny G on it as well, which is super cool.”
Kenny G: “These young guys that are doing their thing, you know, maybe their mom likes my music or something. That's probably how they came to even know about my music thought, Hey, it's be good to put a sax here, and then they think of me. And I'm like, I'm happy to come in. You can be part of any kind of genre, if you just know how to adapt.”
“Bloom” with Train
Cheat Codes: “Working with Pat and Train was a full circle moment for us - we've been fans of the band ever since we could remember and their music represents a soundtrack that's already a part of our lives. Getting to meet Pat and work together reminded us why we do this. 'Bloom' is our summer anthem and daily reminder to surround yourself with people you love who you know will always have your back.”
Pat Monahan: “I'm a big fan of Cheat Codes. I love their songs, energy and the whole vibe they put out to the world. When I heard 'Bloom' I thought, 'This song is huge! They definitely do not need me.' I was so excited that they disagreed and wanted me on the track. This is an incredible song and I am so proud to be on it with these guys. Can't wait for you all to hear it.”
“TYSM” featuring salem ilese
salem ilese: “TYSM” is about finding the silver lining of a painful breakup. It's never easy when someone you love treats you badly, but it does make it slightly easier to start getting over them. When someone gives you a reason to leave them, it might also be a reason to thank them. Though the song is actually about heartbreak, Cheat Codes' uplifting production makes it feel more empowering than sad. I hope TYSM gives a bit of hope to those who feel like their heart will never heal.”
“Carnival” with Öwnboss
“We've been fans of Öwnboss for a while-his sound has this infectious groove that works so well on the dancefloor. When the opportunity came up to collaborate, it felt like the perfect way to blend our styles and create something that embodies the energy of 'Carnival'. The holiday of Carnival ended up falling right around the release date so we took that as a sign it was time to drop this gem of a record. We've had this in our sets for over 2 years now!”
“Human” featuring LP
LP : “When Cheat Codes sent me the track, it already had this incredible energy-I just wanted to match that and bring something personal to it. It was all about capturing a feeling and letting it flow! I'm honored to be a part of it. Thank you Cheat Codes for featuring me on this new beautiful song! It was amazing to sing it tonight at your show at Avant Gardner.”
“Modern Tragedy” featuring Julia Church
Cheat Codes: “In a world where tragedy seems to be the only constant, we took that pain and transformed it into something greater. Working with Julia, we didn't just make a track - we created a story that speaks to the struggle and finds beauty in the darkest moments. It's a reminder that even in the chaos, there's a harmony waiting to be found.”
Julia Church: “'Modern Tragedy' is about navigating the trials and tribulations of modern dating. Feeling as though you're stuck in a perpetual merry-go-round of excitement and let-downs. I wrote this after being ghosted by someone I really liked. Sometimes all you can do is laugh (and write a song about it).” - source : Apple Music
