DJ Sneak – Synesthesia EP

DJ Sneak – Synesthesia EP // Heist – HEIST 088

DJ Sneak Returns to his Roots on the Synesthesia EP on Heist Recordings

Last year, when DJ Sneak visited our studio during ADE, we had a long conversation about his renewed passion for house music, producing in the current landscape, and letting go of everything that had made him uneasy with the scene for so long. At one point, he grabbed a bunch of his hard drives, fired up our Dave Smith & Pioneer Toraiz sampler—the one we used for our live shows and the workstation he swears by for producing and arranging all his music—and showed us what must be one of the most impressive collections of demos we’ve ever seen.

He talked us through his ideas for a new record on Heist with the enthusiasm of a producer who had just bought his first MPC60 back in the ‘80s. His Back to Love EP was still awaiting release, and we already knew the follow-up would be equally amazing.

Fast forward about a year—after receiving incredible feedback on his Heist debut from platforms like XLR8R, DJ Mag, and Faith Fanzine, alongside plenty of radio coverage and DJ support from the likes of Joy Anonymous, Louie Vega, Jamie Jones, Honey Dijon, TSHA, DJ Seinfeld, Jennifer Cardini, and Carista—he’s back with a new record. The Synesthesia EP is yet another showcase of DJ Sneak’s raw talent, skillfully working his gear and churning out massive tracks filled with classic Chicago house references, ‘90s euphoria, and chunky synths.

The EP kicks off with I Can Tell What You Want, a deep and bubbly groover where DJ Sneak chops up some naughty R’n’B vocals and adds a pinch of the ghetto house sound that shaped his formative years in Chicago. While the track is deeply rooted in that influence, Sneak manages to craft something entirely contemporary—checking all the right boxes with catchy vocals, moody chords, a nasty bassline, and clever sampling.

If the first track embodies his Chicago spirit, then A Taste of the ‘90s channels DJ Sneak’s New York side. Funky guitar and key licks, loopy horns, shuffling percussion, and plenty of dynamic changeovers in the arrangement showcase his mastery of classic house music. With each new element introduced or stripped away to build anticipation and release energy, the track’s chunky low end makes it a true party starter—reminiscent of a young DJ Sneak spinning his first records back in the day.

On the flip side, we’ve got Dirty Jazz, a delicious deep house cut built around off-kilter drums, a syncopated bassline, and quirky sample chops. It’s got enough weight to keep the energy going, paired with just the right amount of weirdness to grab your attention every time it’s played.

Closing out the EP is You Know What I Mean, a track layered with warped vocals that will stick with you long after the song is over. This track—and the whole EP, for that matter—oozes the playful energy of a producer who is completely at ease with his musicality. It’s fun, engaging, and executed with the class that only an underground hero like Sneak can bring.

On Synesthesia, DJ Sneak takes you deep into his musical roots, keeping you on the edge of your seat with four tracks bursting with personality.

Grab this record while you can and share the love.

Heist Recordings

Tracklist