Desert Hearts founders Mikey Lion and Marbs have joined forces with SHADED for their latest single, ‘Time To Roll,’ out now via Desert Hearts Records. The track taps into the collective’s late-night dancefloor identity for a groove-heavy track.
‘Time To Roll’ immediately establishes a nocturnal warehouse atmosphere, driven by a tight kick and syncopated bassline. Its vocals function almost as another percussion layer with the cadence of the hook becoming an integral part of the track’s rhythmic pocket. Delivered through a pitched-down vocal treatment, this hook gives ‘Time To Roll’ a gritty presence that reinforces its late-night character.
Extended percussive moments give DJs room to mix in and out while transitions between sections use accelerating vocal chops and risers to create effective anticipation. Shuffling hi-hats and claps help add movement and balance the weight of the kick and bass.
Desert Hearts launched their debut California EP back in April, featuring ‘California’ and ‘Dancing Feet’ in collaboration with Lee Reynolds. A string of other 2026 singles have marked a significant chapter in Mikey and Marbs’ journey as they continue establishing their unified project.
Desert Hearts Heads to Microfest
The release of ‘Time To Roll’ perfectly anticipates Microfest, Desert Hearts’ intimate festival happening from October 1st through 5th. The event will be taking place at a 132-acre Deloro Valley retreat in Northern California and features a strong lineup of house and techno artists, including DJ Minx, Stacey Pullen and Danny Daze playing alongside Mikey and Marbs themselves.
Tickets to Microfest are extremely limited and available for purchase here.
