Best New Mixes from August 2020
August is usually a slower month when it comes to music. And since everything has been upside down lately, SoundCloud has been overflown with mixtapes, radio show, and slowly but surely, some new live recordings from a few parties in Europe. We covered a broad spectrum of electronic music, so it'll be easier to pick the mix that fits your current mood.
Schaaly - G::G:::G Radio #1
Berlin-based powerhouse, Giegling has started their radio show a couple of weeks ago called Radio G::G:::G. To kick off the series, they invited a friend of the crew Schaaly, one of the guys behind Giegling's artworks and photos from Giegling's tours, undoubtedly also an excellent DJ. The mix is in typical Giegling fashion, a blend of micro and deep house in its most refined form. As much as we love to listen to mix sets from the 'main artists' of the Giegling crew, It's very refreshing to hear the sets from other people from the Giegling project that are not in the spotlight but make Giegling what it is with their input.
Nathan Kofi - Isolatedmix 101 - 100% De Lichting
Do I have to make any special introduction about the De Lichting crew? I don't think so, but if you are still unfamiliar with them, it is Amsterdam-based, arguably one of the most talented artist crews on the Dutch underground music scene. De Lichting recently released their latest EP 'Drie Punt één.' In the light of the release, one of the members, Nathan Kofi, aka Nathan Surreal, made this mesmerizing ambient mix for LA-based record label A Strangely Isolated Place. The mix features all unreleased material from De Lichting members, and I can't recommend this mix more. Go De Lichting!
Upsammy - In A Wrong-Sized Shirt
Quite a pairing we have here. One of our favorite record labels from the USA, Kansas City-based c- invited Upsammy to make a mixtape for their podcast series. Named 'In A Wrong-Sized Shirt,' the mix Upsammy prepared is an eclectic home-listening. It's a laid back journey that covers everything from experimental to IDM and downtempo to breakbeat.
Forest Drive West - Bleep Mix #131
The artist that our whole editorial team can call one of the favorite ones lately is undoubtedly Forest Drive West. Being known for rhythm complexities, Forest Drive West, aka Joe Baker, brings something new with each release or a mixtape. His latest release on R&S is a stunning homage to contemporary breakbeat science, but for this occasion, we'll concentrate more on the mix FDW made for the Bleep Mix series. The mix slowly evolves from deep & dubby moods in the first half into trippy d&b-jungle mania in the second half. As per Baker, the mix contains many forthcoming and unreleased music, remixes from friends, new discoveries, and some old favorites.
Carsten Jost - Uncanny Valley Mix
If you follow our monthly 'Best Mixes' lists, then you noticed that I fancy the work of Carsten Jost, aka David Lieske. If there are any positive things in this surreal year, then it'll be music that we are getting from Dial Records and its founders, Carsten Jost and Lawrence. The former has particularly been active during this year (which celebrates 20 years of Dial Records) with making mixtapes regularly (check out this masterful mix Carsten Jost made for our platform).
I have to admit that this mix specifically might be my favorite mix I heard from David. Made exclusively for Uncanny Valley's podcast series, Carsten Jost shines in his brightest light with excellent track selection, smooth transitioning, and marvelous storytelling.
Shoal - Live at Harmony Open Air 07.11.2020
Hats off to Shoal, aka Kenny Kneefel. After several mind-bending live and DJ mixes, outstanding releases, the time has come to hear his very first live techno set (the live sets we listened to in the past were ambient ones). Recorded during his recent visit to Prague for Harmony Recordings' Harmony Open-air party, Shoal shows why he's one of the most exciting young artists emerging from Amsterdam's ever-vibrant underground scene. One hour of pure bliss; deep techno in its finest.
Robag Wruhme - EG 799
Robag and his duet with Monkey Mafia, specifically Wighnomy Brothers, greatly influenced my music taste and DJing. In the early '00s, Wighnomy Brothers released several mixtapes (I won't bother trying to write its names, but it was always some super long complicated title) where they seamlessly mixed three or more tracks at the same time. That was also around the time when Ableton became a thing, and the whole new world opened up for me. Fast forward 15+ years, there's no more Wighnomy Brothers, but Robag successfully carried the legacy of the duo with his dance floor friendly productions and very recognizable remix works. Styles evolve and taste change, but my respect for Robag stays, and I love listening to his sets that always have positive vibes and some crazy edits and remixes that only Robag has/plays.
Kia - Truancy volume 268
Melbourne-based Kia brings some beautiful atmospheric drum & bass vibes with her latest mix for the Truancy podcast series. This type of drum & bass is undoubtedly my favorite, and boy it brings some memories from the festivals from 20 years ago.
Estrato Aurora & Medi - Into The Abyss #006
It's no secret that our new 'usual suspect' here at Delayed is Estrato Aurora, aka Jaime Romero. The Valencian stole our hearts with his intelligent and exciting approach to electronica and techno. While we mostly have had a chance to listen to his live sets in the past, a recently posted DJ mix by Jaime and his partner in crime, Medi, with whom he runs Discos Pandemicos imprint, is a real bliss. It's a magnificent blend of electronica from the early '00s (the genre that cemented specific taste of electronic music for many of us), fresh deep techno, IDM and electro. I've listened to this mix several times already, and it'll happen again, I know it.
Manamana - at Another Love Story
Manamana is back in action! This time it's in a slightly different fashion and more on a laid-back side of the music universe. The recording from Another Love Story party brings us a 'warm-up' version of Manamana sets, and it's the magnificent eclectic tale. Highly recommended.
XDB - Green Mixx
In the light of his recently announced upcoming album, Kosta Athanassiadis, aka XDB delivers some deep house delight with his latest 'Green Mixx.' Warm and lovely vibes throughout the mix!
Otik - LT Podcast 139
The latest installment of Lobster Theremin's podcast series comes from super talented Otik. A few words about the mix by Otik: This mix is a journey, but ultimately pretty high-energy with lots of twists and turns. I wanted to record something that reflected the kind of set I'd be playing out in a post-COVID world. It's also full of tunes from friends, myself and musicians I'm currently inspired by
Lux - Warning #31
Berlin via Leipzig Lux made this mix for the Bewegungsfreiheit project. The project whose goal is to generate important financial resources in support of refugees in Berlin. Since the project usually collects funds at their events at ://about blank and Watergate, they're forced to do it as an online campaign during the closures of clubs. Mixes like this help bring more awareness to the cause. And speaking of this mix, it's Lux in her best. From atmospheric techno to deep house and breakbeat, Lux takes us for quite a ride.
Fred P - Chubby! Podcast 085
During his 20 years long career, our local hero, currently residing in Berlin, Fred P has become the epitome for quality deep and soulful house. His latest mix for Australian Chubby! music platform highlights that Fred still has many aces up his sleeve.
Kaap & Queniv - Future Intel 08.14.20
More of De Lichting? Um, yes, please. This is the b2b set by Kaap & Queniv from Future Intel live stream that happened a few weeks ago. A slowly evolving journey from lush ambient to downtempo and minimal techno. Exceptionally well-executed set.
Citizen Maze - Animix Ten
What a beautiful mix this is. Melbourne's own, Adam McCoy, is better known as Citizen Maze, always hits the right tone with his ideal home-listening mixes. Animalia's podcast series features the newest gem. This mix will be on repeat for days to come.
Birds Ov Paradise - Manjumasi Podcast 014
It's not so often that we have the opportunity to listen to DJ mix from incredibly talented Birds Ov Paradise aka David Sabel. His infections and unique live sets are available more often. Still, for this occasion, David steps behind the decks, and delivers a mix of deep, trippy rhythms featuring the tracks by Forest Drive West, Arkajo, Wa Wu We, Primal Code, and BOP himself. The mix is exclusive for our friends at SF/NYC-based imprint Manjumasi that further nourishes a relationship with Swedish artist, after his "Köpp" EP released in March and the recent remix of Vincent Casanova which saw the light of day in June.
Jossy Mitsu - Dekmantel Podcast 293
London-based Jossy Mitsu brings the fire with her latest podcast for Dekmantel. Rinse FM resident, and Astral Black affiliate delivers dance floor demolishing material in the shape of UK Bass, Jungle and Techno.
Nathan Fake - Crack Mix 372
For the majority of electronic music fans, Nathan Fake needs no special introduction. After cementing his name in electronic music 'hall of fame' with releases on Border Community, Nathan had several more releases on Ninja Tune, and most recently 'Blizzards' LP on Cambria Instruments. The mix Nathan made for Crack magazine is an homage to twisted electronica and IDM, something Nathan is infamous for.
Craig Richards b2b Nicholas Lutz - RA Live 2019
It's an ultimate listen-bait (is that even an expression?) when the mix starts with the track that sampled Prodigy's 'Out of Space' in a very cool fashion. This recording from Craig Richards and Nicolas Lutz b2b action at Love International Festival 2019 is an ultimate groove machine. A bit shorter than 3.5hr, the duo delivers a powerful blend of low slung techno, house, electro, and beyond.