Dream Pop Synth Meets M83: Beats in London Reimagines ‘Midnight City’
How London Producer Andres Mesa Reworks an M83 Classic Into an Atmospheric Dream Pop Synth Single
Few synth-pop anthems loom as large as M83‘s 2011 landmark Midnight City. Yet Beats in London, the project of London producer and Dolby Atmos engineer Andres Mesa, takes it on anyway. The result reworks the anthem into an atmospheric dream pop synth reverie, trading stadium euphoria for intimate, late-night haze.
You can listen to our full playlist which contains the artist’s music, and know more about the artist’s work by scrolling down the page.
A Dream Pop Synth Reimagining of an M83 Classic
Reinterpreting a song this iconic is a high-wire act, and Andres Mesa knows it. Rather than chase a faithful copy, he treats Midnight City as a mood to be re-lit. His February 2024 version strips the track back to its emotional core. Then it rebuilds that core in widescreen: hazy, spacious, and unmistakably his own.
Mesa is no newcomer. He is a London producer and Dolby Atmos engineer, and his résumé includes studio work alongside names such as David Gilmour and Annie Lennox. That mixing-desk precision shows. As a result, the arrangement fuses the soft-focus wash of Dream Pop with the sharp pulse of Synth Pop. The production stays clean and roomy, so every synthetic layer claims its own place in the mix.
Where Haze Meets Pulse
The melodic hooks arrive through synth lines that feel bright yet edged with melancholy. Meanwhile, atmospheric textures drift across the mix like reverb-soaked light. It is a delicate balance. Lean too far into ambiance, and a track loses its energy. Chase the hook too hard, and it sacrifices depth. This rendition holds the centre instead, building an evocative electronic-pop soundscape that rewards repeat listening. Listeners who favour the hazier end of the spectrum, where the reverb-drenched keys of Beach House live, will feel right at home.
That signature feel is deliberate. “Midnight City has consistently resonated with listeners since its release, beautifully showcasing our signature blend of Dream Pop, Electronic, and Synth Pop,” says Andres Mesa of Beats in London. “It remains a testament to the evocative electronic-pop sound we have cultivated.”
Finding a Home on Modern Playlists
So who is this version for? If your playlists lean on the synth-driven sweep of M83 or the hazy intimacy of Beach House, Midnight City will feel like a familiar friend. Above all, it is music for listeners who prize a strong sense of place and mood. It works as a background score, yet it also rewards focused, active listening. In an era fixated on the brand new, this reimagining makes a quiet case. A song with a distinct identity never really expires; instead, it waits to be rediscovered by new ears.
IndieMusic.News’ Curator Team:
What strikes us most about Midnight City is its versatility. It carries the rhythmic drive for a late-night drive through city lights. Yet it also holds a contemplative quality, suited to focused, solitary listening. It is rare for one track to occupy both spaces so well, which is why it stays in our rotation.
Stream Midnight City and Follow Beats in London
Midnight City is out now. Stream it on Spotify and Apple Music, or dig into more of the project on SoundCloud.
You can also keep up with Beats in London on Instagram and TikTok. For the full picture, explore the rest of Andres Mesa’s catalogue on his official website.
