DUTCH electronic music pioneer Don Diablo has collaborated with an array of stars such as Dua Lipa, Justin Bieber, Ed Sheeran, Mark Ronson, Rihanna, Madonna and Miley Cyrus.
And after pioneering a future house sound, Don Diablo – real name Don Pepijn Schipper – has launched alter ego, CONTROL ALT DΞLΞTΞ as part of a new Drum & Bass side project.
Don Diablo has collaborated with Rihanna, Madonna and Miley Cyrus.[/caption]
The debut track Maniac re-imagines Michael Sembello’s classic tune of the same name from the 80s.
Don said: “With my new alias CONTROL ALT DΞLΞTΞ I am exploring a more bass music-focused side of myself as a producer. I have been in the studio non-stop these last few years, and this creative switch-up has given me so many new insights and ideas.
“I have been making bass music most of my life, but at the start of 2025, the timing feels perfect to launch this new project.”
Michael Sembello – Maniac
He continues: “Maniac, by Michael Sembello, has always been one of my favourite songs growing up as a kid. It’s one of those timeless 80s tracks that’s just pure adrenaline and emotion. It’s cinematic, intense, and unapologetically bold.”
Don, real name Don Pepijn Schipper, is embarking on a new Drum & Bass project[/caption]
We caught up with Don to find out more and we asked him to talk us through ten of his favourite Drum & Bass tracks to mark the release of Maniac and his CONTROL ALT DΞLΞTΞ project.
Have a listen below and read what he had to say on each track:
Don Diablo presents CONTROL ALT DΞLΞTΞ – Maniac:
The driving rhythm and iconic synth lines feel like they were destined to be re-imagined in a Drum & Bass tune, where high-energy beats meet raw nostalgia.
The perfect canvas to merge the past with the future.
Dutch electronic music pioneer is something of a chameleon of house[/caption]
Chase & Status – End Credits ft. Plan B:
I was completely blown away when I heard this track for the first time. Plan B’s hauntingly soulful vocals deliver introspective lyrics that resonate deeply, while Chase & Status’ production amplifies the intensity.
The track’s ability to evoke both melancholy and adrenaline makes it a timeless anthem that leaves a lasting impression.
Die & Interface ft. William Cartwright – Bright Lights (Netsky Remix):
This remix of Bright Lights by Die & Interface is a great example of uplifting emotional drum and bass at its finest.
Boris, aka Netsky, enhances this already amazing record with his signature melodic touch, pairing Cartwright’s soulful vocals with lush piano chords and epic synths.
I played this one out a lot in my sets, and it still gives me goosebumps every time I hear it.
His new track Maniac merges high-energy beats with raw nostalgia.[/caption]
Roni Size, Reprazent – Brown Paper Bag:
A groundbreaking track that revolutionised Drum & Bass by blending live instrumentation with intricate production. I remember seeing the music video on TV as a kid and it immediately made a deep impact on me.
The track’s timeless groove and innovative fusion of electronic and organic sounds make it an enduring classic that continues to influence artists across generations.
Camo & Krooked ft. Mira Lu Kovacs – No Way Out:
This is simply a stunning piece of artistry that blends emotive songwriting with cutting-edge Drum & Bass production.
Mira Lu Kovacs’ hauntingly beautiful vocals bring a deep, melancholic layer to the track, perfectly complementing Camo & Krooked’s atmospheric soundscapes and crisp, rolling rhythms.
M-Beat & General Levy – Incredible:
A legendary jungle anthem. General Levy’s iconic, rapid-fire vocal delivery and unforgettable “Booyaka” hook took me by surprise so much it became my main goal to release a track together with him – in which I happily succeeded a few years later.
After pioneering a future house sound, Don Diablo is now Control Alt Delete[/caption]
Noisia – Shellshock feat. Foreign Beggars:
My friends from the North of the Netherlands are simply masters at their craft. One of my favourite Noisia classics is Shellshock. An absolute powerhouse of a track, showcasing their mastery of intricate sound design and relentless energy.
When I heard it first it gave me an overwhelming sense of intensity that hit me like a sonic explosion, a testament to Noisia’s ability to redefine the boundaries of heavy electronic music at the time.
One of the very first D&B records I ever heard when I was 18 years old. Function is a quintessential drum and bass track that epitomises the dark, futuristic vibe of the tech-step era.
The track’s minimalist yet masterful production set a benchmark for the genre, showcasing Ed Rush and Optical’s ability to craft timeless, cutting-edge music that still resonates with fans today.
Adele – Hometown Glory (High Contrast Remix):
You can’t have a D&B top 10 without a High Contrast track in there. I made so many memories to this record. This remix is simply a timeless classic that is still one of the best records to close off any festival with.
Don Diablo & Example – Hooligans (Spor Remix):
Hooligans with Example was the track that sort of put me on the map in the UK many years ago. When the track took off, we got some crazy remixes made by artists like Noisia and Doorly, who both killed it.
But this Spor remix really blew my socks off when I first heard it and now, almost sixteen years later, it still sounds as fresh as ever.
