Midweek Mixes (07/09/22)
A run-down of some of the mixes and radio shows that have been soundtracking my existence – from the box-fresh to the tried-and-tested – all guaranteed to brighten up your week.
A quick one this week but it’s a case of the shorter the better! These mixes all feature friends doing the absolute best, most inspiring stuff and that makes me very happy.
Sofie K - Live @ Corsica Studios (19/08/22)
Sofie’s caption reads “lots of North African/Arabian bits as per, slow and steamy dark-room bangers, hi-NRG and more” and that pretty much sums it up. Queer dance music that is informed by history and place but also plays with convention. And Auto Bahn’s ‘Do You Like This Beat?’ never fails. Oh how I wish I’d been in Corsica Studios rather than where I actually was this night: lying in my tent at Waking Life trying to sleep while Levon Vincent played po-faced fodder on the main stage next door.
An interview with Stella Zekri structured around ten records that define her as an artist. Stella speaks engagingly about her path in music and what brought her to both DJing and singing on her recent debut Stella EP. I love hearing DJs talk about their internal states when they’re playing so it’s great to hear Stella’s take on anxiety, flow and connection in this interview. When she describes playing Manu Dibango at Cocktail D’Amore, again, take me there!
Nick Kagame - Hessle Guest Mix (06/09/2022)
Hot off the press, Nick Kagame’s guest mix for Hessle Audio’s RinseFM show is everything you want from Nick and more. It’s a thrill hearing someone you know find a creative groove and really go there with it, and that’s what I hear every time I listen to Nick play. He thinks deeply about the craft of DJing while also recognising the simple pleasure of fit tunes. It’s a winning combination. I broke out smiling spontaneously several times in Schiphol airport on Monday night listening to this live. Thanks for the constant inspiration Nick!