Etty Lau Farrell Teams With Drum And Bass Pioneer DJ Rap For "Butterfly"
by That Eric Alper
Etty Lau Farrell - Butterfly (coverart)
Transformation has become the throughline of Etty Lau Farrell’s recent work, and on her new single “Butterfly,” that idea finally takes flight. Produced by drum and bass pioneer DJ Rap, the track pairs Farrell’s ethereal vocals with iconic house-inspired production, landing as a euphoric dance-pop anthem rooted in timeless vocal house. Listen here.
The song moves with soaring melodies and hypnotic rhythms, and it carries a genuine sense of release from start to finish. It’s a track about embracing change, finding freedom, and stepping into a new version of yourself, and it delivers that feeling without ever losing its dancefloor pulse.
“Butterfly” follows Farrell’s recent collaboration with electronic artist VNSSA on “Step Into My Light,” continuing her ongoing celebration of the women shaping dance music today. This latest release with DJ Rap marks another chapter in a musical story rooted in connection, creativity, and fearless self expression.
“I am really happy to have the opportunity to lend my vocals to the song ‘Butterfly.’ DJ Rap has written a beautiful song. This song is very apropos not only to my personal journey, but also to women around the world,” says Etty Lau Farrell. “We are often confined in our cocoons, but there comes a day when we break out of our chrysalis. The world will see us with our beautiful wings, and we will fly freely.”
DJ Rap, born Charissa Saverio, has spent more than three decades pushing boundaries as a producer, DJ, and vocalist, helping shape the global drum and bass movement while paving the way for women in the genre. Her signature production style brings a dynamic edge to “Butterfly,” fusing two distinct artistic voices into one cohesive record.
“This song has always been about emotion and connection, so hearing Etty Lau Farrell bring her own voice and interpretation to it gave it a completely new dimension and new life,” says DJ Rap.
Beyond the single, Farrell is expanding her creative footprint with the launch of Lolla Girl, an activation and merch line arriving at Lollapalooza Chicago next weekend. The interactive experience lands in Vibe Village, inspired by the creativity and connection that have defined the Lollapalooza spirit for decades, complete with games, a photo booth, and giveaways for festival pass upgrades and limited-edition merchandise, all courtesy of Farrell’s self-appointed role as the Festival Fairy Godmother.
Farrell’s own musical career took off in the mid-2000s with Satellite Party’s album ‘Ultra Payloaded’ on Columbia Records, a standout vocal turn on the Twilight movie soundtrack, and Kind Heaven Orchestra’s 2019 debut record on BMG Records. Her vocals have appeared alongside Peter Hook, Flea, John Frusciante, Jack Irons, Fergie, Thievery Corporation, and Taylor Hawkins, and she’s performed live with Foo Fighters, Hollywood Vampires, members of The Doors, Cyndi Lauper, Billy Corgan, Tom Morello, Bob Weir, Wayne Coyne, Brian Wilson, Jane’s Addiction, and Porno for Pyros.
DJ Rap’s catalogue runs just as deep. Having sold over 3 million records, she’s built a career well beyond the dancefloor as a classically trained pianist and composer, releasing music through Sony Music and Ministry of Sound while scoring work for projects tied to Mission: Impossible, Run Lola Run, and PlayStation and Nintendo Wii titles. She founded two independent labels, Propa Talent in 1993 and Improper Talent, and has partnered with brands including Calvin Klein, Armani, and Caterpillar.
