In no particular order……
1. Phaeleh – Mix for The Big Up Magazine
Here’s Phaeleh’s mix for The Big Up Magazine (click). All original material of his, just a great, well-rounded mix. It’s funny (and sad) how the common conception of dubstep has become the loud, repetitive, abrasive noise that has brought the genre to the mainstream in recent years. Phaeleh’s sound breaks that mold in a fantastic way, that I would best describe as atmospheric, downtempo, chilled-out dubstep. Basically none of what you’ve come to expect from the genre, and he’s definitely one of my favorite producers going right now. Really beautiful stuff….
2. Machinedrum – FACT Mix 248 (For FACTMag)
This is a beastly mix from Machinedrum (click). The whole juke/footwork genre took a lil while to grow on me, but this was the mix that really made it “click” for me. Machinedrum has a massive catalog of tunes, so much original production work it’s amazing. His music stretches across genres to basically all styles of EDM, but this one sticks pretty close to juke throughout. We’ve had the pleasure of working with him multiple times down here in FL, and he’s an absolutely stand-up gent, on top of being a maniacal producer. This one is an ass-shaker from beginning to end.
3. Sully – Mix for XLR8R.com
There are some serious tunes in this one (click). As with many albums/mixes/podcasts, this took a few listens through to really sink in. I think I need to “warm-up” a bit to fresh sounds, like breaking in a new pair of shoes. But this bad boy has been on the heavy-rinse cycle since it dropped a couple months back….
“UK producer Sully (a.k.a. Jack Stevens) is a bit of a mysterious figure. When his tracks first began surfacing three or four years ago, Sully was praised for his infusion of melancholy 2-step-garage sensibilities into thicker, bass-heavy rhythms. While this now seems commonplace in today’s post-everything UK bass spectrum, Sully was undeniably ahead of his time, yet was never properly celebrated for his boundary-pushing ways. Perhaps that’s about to change, as just yesterday he released Carrier, his impressive debut full-length, via Blackdown‘s Keysound Recordings imprint. The LP finds Sully expanding his sound even further, dipping his toes into juke and footwork, a trend that’s also evident on this exclusive mix for the XLR8R podcast series. Beginning in moody garage and house territory, he skillfully moves weaves in heavier bass sounds before jumping headlong into footwork and even some drum & bass before it’s all finished. It’s a highly enjoyable ride, partially thanks to his purposefully choppy (and remarkably effective) mixing style, which gives some of the transitions an almost hip-hop feel. It seems that Sully is once again doing things his own way, and that’s when he’s at his best.”
And while we’re at it, I’ll go ahead and nominate this as one of my favorite tracks of the year…..
4. Chrissy Murderbot – Mix for XLR8R.com
From the opening track, this one is such a beast (click). Contrary to what I said above about having to warm-up to things in the beginning, that definitely doesn’t apply here. Straight heater from beginning to end. I had to stop listening to this one (finally) last month, simply due to the amount of play it got initially. Ooooofff! Mark this “must have”…..
“Whatever you think of Chrissy Murderbot, there’s no denying one simple fact—the man has a lot of energy. How else can one explain the fact that the Chicago-based DJ and producer spent most of 2009-2010 dropping a mixtape a week for an entire year? These days, he’s (slightly) slowed down the output of material, but he still maintains a clear affinity for high-octane sounds, whether it’s raved-up bass music, hyperactive grime, or the breakneck juke and footwork of his hometown. On this exclusive mix for the XLR8R podcast series, Murderbot covers all that ground and more, including plenty of unreleased tunes and some offerings from his own Loose Squares imprint. (Side note: He also runs the Sleazetone label.) Make no mistake, the mix represents hard for juke and footwork, but Murderbot explores a lot more musical territory here. We’re looking forward to similar sonic diversity when his debut album, Women’s Studies, is released in May via Planet Mu. If you haven’t done so already, peep the album’s first video, then grab an energy drink and dig into this podcast.”
5. Jacques Greene – Mix for URB Presents
Few, if any, producers have had as big a year as Canadian up n comer, Jacques Greene. The only other name that comes to mind is ATL’s Distal, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves here. Greene’s tunes have been used in so many mixes and sets this last year it’s almost comical. His fresh, soulful approach to garage & house music is such a pleasure on the ears. He’s put out a lot of material in 2011, but nothing could compare to this release in my opinion (click). The tracklist reads like the who’s-who in current electronic music (well, for those with above average taste!), with his originals throughout being some of my favorites in the pack. Do not sleep on this any longer, if you’ve been slumbering thus far….
“Canada has been giving us way too much good stuff lately; with tunes from Egyptrixx and Lunice heard all over the word it seems like the sounds coming out the country that tops the United States are finally making an impact. Of course, it will never end if a guy like Jacques Greene comes along and wows all of us. The 21-year old Montreal-based producer has found a niche in the worlds of house and techno with a sound that is soulful and satisfying, absolutely welcoming any who listens with eloquent vibes. Naturally, with swag like that the cool kids are going to tell you what’s up; that’s why he’s got a tune out on Night Slugs All-Stars Compilation (out now on CD) as well as the fantastic LuckyMe label putting out his first release entitled, The Look. Just in time for the holiday rush, Jacques enlightens us with a mix that’s all vibes and swag. Take a look in the mirror after your turkey (or tofurkey) dinner and dance off that weight with this mix. “
6. Distal – Mix for URB
Atlanta’s Distal has had a beast of a year. He just played his first shows over in the UK last week, after having a massive year here in the States. His production traverses the bass music umbrella in a masterful way. He’s received an incredible amount of acclaim lately, and for good reason, he’s dropped a plethora of heavy tunes in the last couple years that have been putting the hutin’ on dancefloors everywhere. Having worked with him a couple times here in Jacksonville, I can’t say enough good things about this guy, both on and off the “field”. I really love every sound he makes, but felt this mix was perfectly representative (click) of what I’ve come to enjoy most from this eclectic Boss Of The South.
“Atlanta’s Distal has a lot to be happy about in 2011. Three releases already out this year, with a bunch more coming up on some big labels in the bass world, from big tunehouses like Grizzly, Well Rounded, Tectonic to fast and frenetic from the house of GhettoPhiles. Along with his unique penchant for picking amazing future-anthems, dude is on a roll like no other. When Distal drops by your town, drop everything and see him. He’s a revelation to anyone on the dancefloor. In the midst of releasing and making the cacaphony of tunes he’s putting out this year, he’s been nice enough to give URB an exclusive mix to lose our minds. Ain’t he sweet.”
Here’s a few more that got some seriously heavy play this year, just not gonna go as in depth here due to time constraints, and a current burning of the eyes from staring at this blasted screen. Nonetheless, all come very highly recommended….
Karizma – Mix for FACT *Soulful, sexy house. Great from the first track to the last. Dancing shoes required.
SBTRKT – Essential Mix *SBTRKT is making some fantastic stuff these days, and this long ass Essential Mix showcases sounds from across the board. So damn good.
Jamie xx – Mix for FACT *So many young producers making big things happen this year, and Jamie xx is no exception.
George Fitzgerald – Mix for Resident Advisor *If you dig THIS, then definitely proceed to download.
Sorted – Atmospheric Sessions Vol.5 *Beautiful, jazzy, atmospheric drum n bass, from ATL’s own Sorted. I love this whole mix series, and you will, as well.
Little People – Sweetness & Decency Mix *Very fun, light-hearted mix that I wouldn’t even know how to categorize. Stream the first 5 minutes and you’ll be hooked til the end.
HAPPY LISTENING!!!
