In a world where adversity and diversity constantly threaten to tear us apart, dance music culture has always provided a safe haven of unity. Felix Cartal emulates this feeling in his new release “Hold Tight,” the B-side track to his recent infectious version of the 1998 New Radicals hit “Get What You Give.” Billboard declares “‘Hold Tight’ is a sweeping dance-pop ode to staying the course. It’s funky and uplifting, easy listening for those moment when you need a little something extra to make it through.”
Though the track only possesses one lyrical sampling-its namesake “Hold Tight”-it conveys an emotionally powerful message through its euphoric and yet wistful melodies. It’s a song for the tough times, when everyone needs to know there’s a light at the end of the tunnel; it’s a song for the good times, too, when it seems as though life couldn’t possibly be better. “I liked the ‘Hold Tight’ phrase, which I sampled from ‘Get What You Give,’ as a theme,” says Felix, “I think embraces are very powerful, and the mood of the song has this sort of unresolved feeling – like we are all searching for a moment of togetherness.” This one could be a tear-jerker or a complete bliss-out experience at a live show. In either case, Cartal proves that sometimes, all you need is a hug. “Hold Tight” is released in collaboration between Polydor Records, Capitol Records, and Physical Presents.
With his dreamy, melodic and yet dance-floor friendly sound, Felix Cartal has established himself as a force to be reckoned with in modern dance music. His Spotify channel has garnered over 45 million streams, and his track “Killing Time” with R3hab reached over 4 million streams just a few weeks after its release. Felix’s appeal lies in his ability to convey complex emotions through his music, like the hopeful angst of his recent release “Get What You Give,”leaving listeners with a positive emotional catharsis. To this effect, “Get What You Give” has soared to the #1 spot on Sirius XM Chill and the Hype Machine and is quickly climbing the Canadian Top 40 radio chart. With such immense recent successes, we can’t wait to see what’s next for Felix Cartal. Catch him on one of his North American tour dates this fall to experience the magic for yourself.
Hailed as a “feel-good” hit by Dancing Astronaut, YOUREDM and Billboard “Get What You Give” premiered on Anna Lunoe’s Beats 1 show. Early supporters on the DJ front include Tiesto, Martin Garrix, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Sam Feldt, Don Diablo and NERVO. “Get What You Give” Remixes (Capitol Records), which includes remixes by DLMT & Vanrip, Bobby Love,Ship Wrek & Part Native and Billon, is available for download and streaming HERE.
Cartal’s upcoming tour dates include a September 29 show at Sidebar in Dallas, Texas and Exchange LA in Los Angeles, CA on October 21. See below for itinerary. The Vancouver, BC native has gone from playing bass in high school punk rock bands to being nominated for a JUNO and performing at some of the world’s biggest music festivals. Never content to repeat himself, Cartal’s artistic evolution has resulted in a unique take on indie dance music, defined by beautiful vocals and driving bass.
Felix Cartal – North American Tour Dates
9/29 – Dallas, TX @ Sidebar
10/6 – San Francisco, CA @ Audio
10/7 – Vancouver, BC @ Pacific Coliseum
10/13 – Edmonton, AB @ Envy Nightclub
10/14 – Calgary, AB @ Marquee Beer Market and Stage
10/19 – Victoria, BC @ Upstairs Cabaret
10/21 – Los Angeles, CA @ Exchange LA
Photo Credit: JOHNNYJOVER
