Essential Mixes
Pete Tong and his infamous program on BBC Radio 1 has completely taken the EDM world by storm and any artist would consider it a high honor to be asked to leave their two-hour mark on the history of the show. Many major artists today got their start years ago by releasing a mix through the show (think Kaskade, Rusko, and MSTRKRFT) and now the entire EDM world stays captivated to hear what artist Mr. Tong deems talented enough to take over a chunk of programming (even though it is in the wee hours of the morning) on the legendary BBC every week. Even though we haven’t listened to every one, here’s a list of some of the standout Essential Mixes from this year that you’re sure to enjoy.
1. Rustie – Perhaps the most compelling case for best Essential Mix of the year goes to this young gun out of Glasgow, UK. Using the opportunity that Mr. Tong offered him to put himself on the world stage, Rustie does not dissapoint with a set so diverse and complex, yet perfectly blended. You may be hearing rock, Southern rap, electro, and god-know-what else all at the same time and not even be aware. The set is a departure from anything you’ve ever heard before yet maintains a listenable quality that is unexpected and welcome.
[Tracklist and Download]
2. Eats Everything – One of the hardest working DJ’s in the game today, Eats Everything has been a constant on the underground circuit in England for years. His musical tastes will never make him huge here stateside, but I don’t think he really much cares about that. Just finishing a tour with Tong himself, I was pleasantly surprised with the energy and track selection he provided that evening. The song selection for this mix is made up almost entirely of his personal edits and remixes, just proving how much effort and love he has for the music.
[Track and Download]
3. Feed Me – Still in my eyes Feed Me is one of the most underrated DJ’s on the mainstage these days. Jonathon Gooch started his prolific career under the stage name Spor, I highly acclaimed D’n’B artist in UK. When the dubstep bubble hit a few years back, Jon started a “side” project under the moniker Feed Me. This project has grown into his full time gig, now traveling the world with a full stage production titled Teeth. He designed the entire set, just like he designs his album art and personal logo. This set exemplifies his creativity as he plays almost exclusively original work.
[Tracklist and Download]
4. Moguai – For a DJ the hardest thing in today’s market is to stay relevant. There are so many new names popping up every year, it is hard to stay in the lime light. Moguai has effortlessly done that, as he has grown up from the German club scene to now still releasing records on labels like Mau5trap. This Essential Mix defines the term German Electro that many believe only Boys Noize creates. Have a listen and you’ll hear why we chose this for the number four spot on our list.
[Tracklist and Download]
5. Flux Pavilion – Well this is definitely a case of last, but not least. Exploding onto the BBC Radio 1 decks with Jahova, Flux gives us the hardest hitting Essential Mix to date. Playing everything from classics to unreleased material , he walks us through it all with humor and laughter. Bringing a tracklist of over forty songs, this mix can be enjoyed by all because of the perfect mixing and production that went into it. He is by far one of my favorite performers, with this mix being a staple in my car since it first was release.
[Tracklist and Download]
Podcasts & Radio Shows
If you’re a true music junkie like us, you constantly need new music to fill your ears whether it be at work, on the commute, working out, or for the evening activities. We have found that searching for new music can sometimes be tiresome and that it is much easier to listen to someone that has already done it. Most big name acts have started releasing weekly mixes in the form of Podcasts or radio shows like those on Sirius XM and other channels. These mixes become part of our daily lives as they are directly downloaded to our phones and computers giving us all of the music we could possibly ever want. At the very least we hope that this helps you fill those silent hours when you think there is nothing else to listen too. (In no specific order)
1.Fool’s Gold Radio – A-Trak [Soundcloud]
2. Trashed – Tommy Trash [iTunes]
3. Epic Radio – Eric Prydz [iTunes]
4. Dark Light Sessions – Fedde Le Grand [Soundcloud]
5. Mainstage – W&W [iTunes]
6. Magic Tape – The Magician [Soundcloud]
7. Diplo and Friends – Assorted [BBC Radio 1]
8. Weekend Workout – Felix Cartal [iTunes]
9. Group Therapy – Above and Beyond [iTunes]
10. Behind the Iron Curtain – Umek [iTunes]