top of page

Search Results

Search this site

1009 results found with an empty search

  • Hot Picks: GAWP Shares The Tracks Driving His Unlearn:Records Release

    GAWP GAWP has carved a lane of his own in house music. Known for an off-kilter approach that balances crisp sound design with underground grit, the UK producer has released on Toolroom, Dirtybird, Elrow, and This Ain’t Bristol while touring across both sides of the Atlantic. His tracks pick up regular support from some of the biggest DJs in the game, and his productions always carry that signature edge. Now he returns to Doc Brown’s Unlearn:Records with Feel Alone. Sitting between deep, tech, and progressive house, it’s a vocal-driven cut that locks you in with hypnotic textures and a restrained groove, alongside a darker, peak-time remix from label boss Doc Brown. To celebrate the release, GAWP has shared the tracks currently shaping his sound. From his own chunky productions to heavyweight weapons from ATLAC, Kyle Watson, and Matt Sassari, this playlist is loaded with the kind of club gear built for peak hours and heads-down moments alike. GAWP – This Is The Way This one’s mine, proper proud of it. I had Skrillex’s recent house bits in my head when I made it. He never seems to miss. Ended up landing on Toolroom’s sister label Strangelove which felt like the right home. ATLAC – Off The Grid Dark, rolling, hypnotic. This is what I throw on when I want to flip the room into that proper heads down zone. Always works late in the night. John Summit – Go Back (Kyle Watson Remix) Kyle Watson absolutely nails this. Gives it that chunky bounce while keeping the Summit vibe intact. It’s been living in my sets for a while now. Doc Brown – Underground Kick This one just stomps. Mechanical, driving, relentless. Proper peak time damage. Jordan Peak – Front 2 Back Classic Defected house energy. Stripped back, punchy, and one of those tracks that feels like it’s been around forever but still smashes it every time. Loco Dice, Skrillex, Fireboy DML – Heavy Heart What a collab. Wasn’t sure it would work when I first saw the lineup but it bangs. Heavy but with that emotional edge that hooks people in. Bang Tidy – Body Drippin (GAWP Remix) My take on a big track. I beefed up the bassline and gave it a bit of my own grit. It’s not available anymore as the licence ran out so if you want a copy you’ll have to come ask me. Matt Sassari, CHRSTPHR, Barbatuques – Baiana (Extended Mix) This one’s got that big vocal that just lifts a room. Every time I play it on a livestream people are asking what it is. Chris Lorenzo, Max Styler, Audio Bullys – London’s On Fire Pure chaos. The vocal hits and the place just erupts. It’s that UK energy you can’t fake. SCRIPT – WTF Does exactly what the title says. Proper left field weapon that takes people by surprise. One of those what the f*** was that moments. Feel Alone is out now on Unlearn:Records, pairing GAWP’s textured, vocal-led production with Doc Brown’s driving rework. As GAWP continues to blur the lines between deep, tech, and progressive, his focus remains the same: keeping dancefloors moving while pushing his sound forward. GAWP https://www.instagram.com/gawpmusic https://open.spotify.com/artist/7nRbEJhGU1wq3sEuQelrzb https://soundcloud.com/gawpmusic Explore more Hot Picks: Hot Picks archive · Influences · All features

  • Hot Picks: Chinonegro Shares The Tracks Powering His BotaniQ Debut

    Chinonegro Chinonegro’s rise has been driven by groove, patience and instinct. Born in Chiclayo, Peru, he has steadily built global momentum through releases on Crosstown Rebels, elrow Music, Mindshake and Deeperfect, before breaking through in 2025 with ‘Funky Beat’ on 8Bit. Heavy support from Marco Carola, Mochakk, Franky Rizardo and Rossi pushed his sound into a wider view without losing its raw edge. Now he makes his debut on Dennis Cruz’s BotaniQ label with the ‘Mi Gentee’ EP. The release channels everything that defines his style. Rhythm-led pressure. Commanding vocals. Club-ready energy rooted in feeling rather than excess. It also reinforces BotaniQ’s direction as a home for artists connected by groove, atmosphere and a natural sense of flow. Buy/stream it here: ffm.to/bnq004. For this edition of Hot Picks, Chinonegro looks back at the records that shaped his journey. From early emotional moments on the beach to career-defining club weapons and personal milestones, these tracks tell the story behind the sound. Hot Natured - ‘Benediction’ “This track marked the beginning of my career as an electronic music DJ. I first heard it on the beach in my city about 13 years ago.” Depeche Mode - ‘Cover Me’ (Dixon Remix) “Many sunrises with this one. It’s one of my favourite tracks for closing a party in the morning.” Chinonegro - ‘Funky Beat’ “This track put me on the radar of the industry and many other people. It means a lot to me.” Coyu - ‘El Baile Alemán’ “An epic and timeless tech house track. Brutal tension. I could play it forever.” Butch - ‘Big Futt’ “This is how I discovered one of my favourite producers. Butch has been a reference for me since I started producing.” Matthew Dekay, Lee Burridge - ‘Lost In A Moment’ “This melody always gives me goosebumps. I play it only on very special occasions.” Reboot - ‘Ready To Flow’ “Cecille has always been my favourite label. Reboot is a huge influence and this track had to be here.” Armand Van Helden - ‘I Want Your Soul’ “My favourite classic from a true legend. You can never go wrong with this one.” Nick Curly - ‘Amnezia’ “My brother Nick is a legend and one of my favourite producers. This track is one of my favourites of his.” Chinonegro - ‘Mi Gentee’ “This is the track my fans asked for the most before it was released. It blends all my influences and means a lot to me.” Chinonegro’s ‘Mi Gentee’ EP is available now via BotaniQ. These Hot Picks capture the roots behind his sound. Emotion, memory and groove. The same elements are driving his next chapter. Chinonegro IG / SC / FB Explore more Hot Picks: Hot Picks archive · Influences · All features

  • Hot Picks: Eric Sharp Shares The Tracks Inspiring His Purpose-Driven Sound

    Eric Sharp Eric Sharp has built a reputation for intelligent house music that connects energy with emotion. The LA-based artist has taken his sound to Coachella, Lightning in a Bottle and ADE, while his releases have landed on respected labels and playlists worldwide. His latest track, Madness, created with Charity Redding and ARi, arrives on Intentional Records. More than just a club track, it is a purpose-driven record that reframes feminine power as clarity, compassion and resilience, with a remix from Nigerian-American artist Eli Fola. Pre-order/save it here: https://create.ffm.to/mdness. To mark the release, Eric Sharp shares the tracks inspiring him right now. From Lane 8’s more aggressive side to Notre Dame’s Chicago-inspired modernism, and from the euphoric sweep of ANNA’s remix of Kiasmos to the sunrise beauty of Naarly, Sinca & Mitch Oliver, his picks reflect a love of music that moves both the dancefloor and the soul. Ame & Curses - Shadow Of Love (Echonomist Remix) [Innervisions] When the original came out, I was immediately struck by the brilliant songwriting and Curses’ sublime vocal performance. Echonomist took it to a whole new level with this remix, with bold synths that get all the hands up in the air during a peak time romp. Lane 8 - The Remedy [This Never Happened] I’ve been a long-time fan of Lane 8 and his label TNH. Thrilled to hear a more aggressive record from him. Notre Dame - Nobody Told Me [Diynamic] Notre Dame has taken the melodic house/techno world completely by storm, and this is my favourite tune off his latest Diynamic EP. It works a sample like a classic Chicago/NY track, but stays fresh with modern sound design and arrangement. Christoph - Where Do We Go [Consequence Of Society] This track grabbed me from the first beat when I heard it, but I wasn’t quite sure if the crowds would come along. My uncertainty was ill-fated, as this has become one of the most versatile tunes in my crates and always goes off. Cassian, Yotto, Da Jool - Love Parade [Afterlife] I fully admit that including this track is a guilty pleasure, sorry, not sorry. Cassian and Yotto are two of my favourite producers, and hearing them team up for a new version of an iconic classic hooked me. Henri Bergmann & Cenkk - Get Together [Automatik] This one pulls at my nostalgia strings as well, referencing St Germain’s beloved Rose Rouge. Henri is one of my favourite emergent producers, and gives us plenty of melodic and harmonic goodness to sink our teeth into. Paul Harris - Words [Toolroom] This tune immediately reminded me of DJ Koze’s Pick Up in its poignant vibe. Sitting somewhere between deep house and disco, Paul did a great job of reviving Bent - Magic Love for today’s dance floors. Sian & Bobby Nourmand - The Language [Octopus] This collaboration from two really talented producers is unapologetically driving. I love a stripped-back, confident record like this that really allows its elements to shine without needing to be overstated. Kiasmos - Burst (ANNA Remix) [Erased Tapes] This track is a simply euphoric exploration of melody, harmony, and counterpoint. It’s a warm, uplifting journey from start to finish with some very satisfying tension and release. Naarly, Sinca & Mitch Oliver - Under The Moonlight [House Music With Love] Beautiful, deep, melodic, organic groover. This track oozes smoothness from every pore and is perfect for a beautiful sunrise. Eric Sharp, Charity Redding and ARi’s Madness is out tomorrow on Intentional Records, a label dedicated to craft, community and healing-minded electronic music. With a sound that balances melodic richness and emotional depth, Sharp continues to bring purpose to the dancefloor while carving his own path in the global house community. Eric Sharp https://www.instagram.com/ericsharpmusic https://open.spotify.com/artist/6BiKSiXDrf81E21MuX40hH https://soundcloud.com/ericsharp Explore more Hot Picks: Hot Picks archive · Influences · All features

  • Hot Picks: Danner (US) Shares The Tracks Inspiring His Tribal House Sound

    Danner (US) Danner (US) is building serious momentum. Known for his deep, groove-heavy sound and finely tuned melodic touch, the New Jersey producer has already made waves on labels like Desert Hearts, Coco, and Rawthentic. His releases have climbed the Beatport charts and earned support from Solardo, Detlef, and Sosa, marking him out as one of the US underground’s most exciting new names. His latest release, Babalica, drops via Sloth Acid and captures everything that defines his style: chunky, tribal-infused drums, warped synths, and a warm human pulse that keeps things grounded even when the pressure builds. To celebrate the release, Danner shares the tracks that are currently inspiring his sound. From Prok | Fitch’s irresistible ‘Common People’ groove to RN ISMO’s acid-tinged ‘Tripsss’, and the deeper moods of Shoke and Silvie Loto, his picks reflect an ear for both peak-time punch and after-hours subtlety. Prok | Fitch - Common People [Solid Grooves] The groove on this record is too good. I play it out all the time, and it always works. I love the simplicity and infectiousness of it. Ramin Rezaie - Tell Me [Way Out Records] The production on this record is so good. Love the synth work on this. Ramin never misses. Shoke - People Need House [NAIMA] Vibes on this one! I’m a huge fan of Shoke. Love the deeper vibes on this. Shoke always has a place in my set lists. Kidoo - Audio001 [Revival NY] Afters vibes. That lead tone is so infectious, and the groove is a killer. RN ISMO - Tripsss [ISMOS] Ish is one of my favourite producers and an all-around gent. His new one on his label ISMOS is so sick. Love the acid on this record, and the vocal is dope. It’s not out yet, but I’ve been rinsing it in my sets, and it just works. Hyde (ofc) - No Shit [Contraband] Gotta have a fellow Jersey boy in the list. Hyde’s tunes always have such fun grooves and are always so hooky. This is on his new label Contraband, and I highly recommend it. Damelo - Who’s Next [No Bad Fridays] Must be something in the water here in Jersey. Another standout from my area in the list. Damelo has been absolutely on fire lately. I’m a huge fan of his productions; his drums are always a standout to me, and the bass on this record is so good. Justin Martin - Make Me Feel (Like Dancing) [What To Do] What do you even write about Justin Martin? One of the best. James Wyler - Summer Night [Get Busy] Wyler’s style is so unique and memorable. Anytime he puts a record out, it goes into the playlist. Summer Night is such a vibe. Silvie Loto - Get Up [Cuttin’ Headz] This tune is so unique and memorable. The drums are perfect on it. Such a fan of Silvie Loto. Danner’s Babalica is out now on Sloth Acid, offering a slice of muscular, rhythm-driven house music built for the club. Balancing sharp production with timeless groove and character, Danner continues to carve his lane among the new generation of US house talent. Danner https://www.instagram.com/dannermusic https://open.spotify.com/artist/3AuIQd8biRyI5g4FiwO8AI https://soundcloud.com/dannermusic Explore more Hot Picks: Hot Picks archive · Influences · All features

  • Hot Picks: Carly Wilford Shares The Tracks Fueling Her Upcoming Love To Be Festival Set

    Carly Wilford Carly Wilford is relishing in the moment. From her weekly 4:4 show on Tomorrowland One World Radio, the platform’s first-ever house music show, to stand-out releases on Toolroom, Armada and Nervous, she has cemented herself as one of the UK’s most exciting names in house music. Her sets are a high-energy blend of classic cuts, underground heat and modern weapons, with support from legends like Green Velvet, Chris Lake, DJ Paulette and Vintage Culture. With Love To Be Festival landing in Harrogate this weekend, where she joins Armand Van Helden, The Shapeshifters, Ultra Naté and more for an 11-hour celebration of house, Carly takes us through the tracks that have shaped her sound. From Julie McKnight’s timeless Home to Joe Smooth’s eternal Promised Land, these are the records that fuel her dancefloors and still give her goosebumps every time she drops them. Julie McKnight - Home (Knee Deep Club Mix) This tune was released during such a golden era in electronic music, so many of the tracks that came out of Defected at the time made me fall in love with house music. Julie McKnight’s vocals are iconic, and this tune really is the essence and soul of what classic house music is all about. DJ Falcon & Thomas Bangalter - Together Is there a bigger House music classic than this? Two legendary producers and a tune that transcends time. Remember hearing this drop at Sankeys in Manchester and going on the hunt to buy it on vinyl immediately after. Moments like that still play out in my mind - when a DJ drops the perfect tune at the perfect time, instantly unites the dance floor, and it is then etched in your memory forever. Intro - Alan Braxe & Fred Falke This tune has been sampled quite a lot over the last few years, and it reminded me of the original, so I dug it back out and have been playing it again recently. I even started my set with it at Glastonbury a while back, as it’s a brilliant tune to reset a stage and draw in a crowd. Doc Daneeka - Walk On In The way this tune builds is absolutely ridiculous; it’s over 7 minutes of house music gold, and if the crowd knows, they know. It doesn’t fully drop until nearly 5 minutes in, where it makes your knees go weak when the bass line finally comes back in. Such an elite House tune. Kings of Tomorrow - Fall for You (Hot Since 82 Remix) The original of this tune is epic, but when this remix dropped, it gave it a whole new life. Have always had so much love and respect for Sandy Rivera as a producer, and the same with Hot Since 82. If you look at my Spotify, this tune is at the top of my most played. John Cutler, E-Man - It’s Yours The drum roll at the beginning of this tune gives you instant goosebumps because you know what’s coming. Then the keys come in, and by the time E-Man’s vocal drops, you’re melted. If you really listen to what he’s saying, there’s so much you can take away from this tune. “The light is knowledge… do you want it, and if you had it, would you flaunt it? It’s yours” Hysteric Ego - Want Love Andrea Olivia started a set he played at Ants at Ushuaïa with an edit of this a few seasons ago, and it reminded me what a weapon of a tune it was. Could listen to the melody on repeat, and it shows the power of a solid house instrumental. Mark Knight - Yebisah This is the ultimate House classic. Over the last few years, extended edits of dance tunes have got shorter, and this track takes you on a full 8-minute journey from start to finish. Have so much love and respect for Mark Knight, and this track proves just why he’s one of the best in the business. Marco Lys - The Story Continues This tune isn’t that old, but it is still a House classic. Whether you’re playing a dark club set or peak time at a festival, this always kicks off. Marco Lys is one of the most talented music producers out there, and this track shows why he is the producer’s producer. Joe Smooth - Promised Land There have been so many artists remixing and reworking this track recently, but nothing touches the original. It still gives me goosebumps to play, and its message is ever more relevant now than it was when it was released. An amazing tune to finish a set with. Catch Carly Wilford bringing the energy to Love To Be Festival this Saturday at The Stray in Harrogate. Grab your tickets via: https://www.skiddle.com/festivals/love-to-be-festival. Love to be... Festival Harrogate 2025 Lineup With a summer packed full of global shows and heavy playlist support, Carly continues to bridge the gap between the underground and the main stage while staying true to her house roots. Carly Wilford https://www.instagram.com/carlywilford https://open.spotify.com/artist/0kDLD7hkKb5cLyEMMi8iFN https://soundcloud.com/carlywilford Love to be... https://www.lovetobeevents.co.uk https://www.instagram.com/lovetobeevents https://www.tiktok.com/@lovetobeevents https://www.facebook.com/lovetobeevents Explore more Hot Picks: Hot Picks archive · Influences · All features

  • Hot Picks: Tjade Fires Up the Floor with Hard House, Acid and Emotion

    Tjade’s back behind the decks, and this time, it’s personal. The Amsterdam-based DJ and Agrio Tracks boss is fresh off the release of ‘Luv U / Hipon Shaker’, his first drop on his own label and a no-holds-barred dose of high-energy emotion. Packed with zippy acid, razor-sharp breaks and full-body bass, it’s the kind of music made for shared moments and sweaty hugs at sunrise. In this Hot Picks, he digs into the sounds that inspire him, and it’s a thrilling ride. You’ll find late 90s Hard House burners like Kumara’s ‘Move Over’, deep rollers from mates like Sam Alfred and Anish Kumar, plus Dutch underground cuts bridging the gap between garage, house and trance. These are the tracks he’s rinsing in clubs right now. Raw, ravey, and emotional, with just enough funk to keep things bouncing. Kumara - Move Over My secret weapon of late. Heard Kyle Starkey play it first, and it sounds like something that could’ve been made in the recent Hard House revival, but is actually 25 years old. Guess we went full circle in about two decades! Zini & Kantini - Kick Ass! Perfect match-up with Kumara’s Move Over, old school Hard House that never fails to set the dance floor ablaze. 22 Interns - Second Phase Two talented Dutchies who are part of the new wave of incredible modern Hard House producers. This track is the perfect glue between genres; I play it out whenever I want to go from Hard House to UKG or the other way around. Paradigm X - You Got Me Another Dutchie on a roll! The track is both funky and powerful and is multifunctional in sets; it works like a kickstart at the beginning of a set or as an emotional wake-up call somewhere towards the end. Remmert - I Want Your Luv Unbelievably funky bassline that always gets the hips shaking. Can’t stop playing it in every set! Miguel de Bois - Is Everything Cool? The Mexican label boss of Return to Forever has been on a roll over the past couple of years. Absolutely love the male/female call-and-response vocal sample in this one. Royal Otis - Foam (Sam Alfred Remix) My Aussie friend Sam Alfred might be most known for his uptempo funky house tunes, but this beauty of a deep house roller found its way back into my rotation when the sun returned to Europe this spring. Never fails to give me arms full of goosebumps and might even bring out a tear when played at the right moment (sunset). Paul Reyner - Feel Me (Don’t Stop) Legend of the scene Paul Rayner still brings the heat after 30 years of releasing amazing house, garage and techno. Gorgeous vocal sample accompanied by lush pads and deep and powerful bass lines. Usually, tracks leave my sets after a couple of months, but this one has been around since its re-release in 2024. Tjade - Luv U My newest release and my first one on my own label Agrio Tracks. Loved making this one and love to play it in dark clubs even more. The low end hits the subwoofers quite hard while the sharp acid leads scream through the air. It’s even better when my girlfriend is there with me; it’s her favourite vocal sample (obviously). Anish Kumar - Steamroller My favourite closing track of the last months. First heard this when my other Aussie friend Bella Claxton showed it to me on my tour there. Have been hooked on it ever since, and it’s just the perfect energetic happy ending to uptempo closing sets. Tjade’s selections don’t just show what he plays they show what he feels. It’s a full-circle moment as he steps onto his own label with music that balances power and vulnerability. From vintage bangers to future anthems, this list maps out a sound that’s rooted in connection. Stream the playlist, spin ‘Luv U / Hipon Shaker’, and if you catch Tjade live don’t stop dancing. Tjade Instagram - Soundcloud - Spotify Agrio Tracks Instagram - Soundcloud - Website Explore more Hot Picks: Hot Picks archive · Influences · All features

  • Hot Picks: Rigby on the Run Blends Garage, Breaks and Raw Emotion

    This edition of Hot Picks features Rigby on the Run, a faceless force emerging from the Vienna-based Studio Bahöo crew. With no name or backstory attached, the music speaks loudest. Rigby’s debut EP’ Rug Rally’ is a love letter to the UK underground, breaks, garage, jungle, dub and early rave influences all stitched together with proper depth. It’s part two of Studio Bahöo’s seven-part vinyl series, and it hits the sweet spot between nostalgia and now. Tracks like ‘Shakul’, ‘Blossom Archives’ and ‘River Lea’ are heavy on low-end, rich in detail and full of soul. This is music that feels lived-in, made for dimly lit rooms and 3am connections. And the picks? As deep as the music. Rigby pulls from the full spectrum: Ivy Lab’s emotional touch, Tour Maubourg’s warm house, Conducta’s slick garage, dub weight from Mala, Fernanda Porto’s golden era DnB and beyond. It’s not about hype; it’s about feeling. Tour Maubourg – Ode to Love Classic Tour Maubourg, just re-discovered that one and absolutely love the warm and calming vibe to it. 1tbsp · MC Pânico – Isso Cannot not dance to this one, love those weird bouncing vocals. Is so. Wretla – tH136reCT_qaDj Imagine Tom VR and Binary Digit had a child – probably something as stunning as this one would come out. Genius. Ivy Lab – Precious Head full, heart soft. Such a clean yet vibrating interlude. Conducta – Handle With Care Proper garage, reminds me of sooo many good musical memories combined. Headache – Business Opportunities “The Head Hurts but the Heart Knows the Truth” is the perfect title for that absolutely wonderful album. This tune especially hits hard – pure poetry with fantastic instrumentals. Fernanda Porto – Sambassim (DJ Patife Remix) Pure summer vibes. Old-school drum and bass the way it used to be—simple and real. Total nostalgia but still hits fresh. Mala · Spen G – Anti War Dub Such a raw, dub‑rooted anthem! The bass is that old, proper, thick dub sound—zero nonsense. Jesse Bru – Autumn Rain Warm and dusty, with that feeling that the track’s about to fully open up, let you all the way in—but it doesn’t. It holds back, stays a little closed off and that’s what makes it special. Ivy Lab - Innocence It’s all about those lush pads and synths—they carry the whole track, yet the crisp vocals cut right through and give it the perfect contrast. Such a vibe. There’s nothing forced about Rigby’s selections; they just feel right. Music that moves, heals and reminds you of something you can’t quite name, just like their own productions. Get into the playlist, grab the record, and keep an ear on Studio Bahöo; they’re quietly doing something special. Rigby on the Run https://www.instagram.com/rigbyontherun https://open.spotify.com/artist/0V5ey6hrKrO3oYb7JCcM86 https://soundcloud.com/rigbyontherun Explore more Hot Picks: Hot Picks archive · Influences · All features

  • Hot Picks: DJ Tomer & Ricardo Share Afro House Essentials with Deep Soul and Dancefloor Power

    L-R: Ricardo & DJ Tomer Few acts in Afro house have been as consistent as DJ Tomer and Ricardo. Since linking up in 2019, the NYC-based duo has released over 50 tracks, garnered more than 6.5 million streams, and gained support from notable artists like Black Coffee. Their 2023 debut album ‘Echos’ proved they are more than just club singles; they bring depth and story too. This month, they return to Connected with ‘Nhliziyo Yami’ alongside South African vocalist and producer Shoba. The title means ‘my heart’ in Zulu, and you can feel it. The track blends rich chords, warm vocals and a spiritual energy made for dancefloors and headphones alike. For this Hot Picks feature, DJ Tomer and Ricardo share the tracks they keep coming back to, featuring dusty rhythms, signature voodoo vibes, emotional keys, and music that reminds them why they do what they do. Jimi Jules & Black Coffee - Trippy Yeah This tune is our favorite at the moment and super dance floor vibes. Dr. Feel & DJ Tomer & Ricardo - VooDoo Tribe Dance floor powerhouse and our signature VooDoo Tribe elements. Angelos & Demayä - La Fleur On our set at all times. What a tune! Spenser M x Mr. Kenou - Maasai Drums Old school chords that make the dance floor move!! Re.You - Compromiso Sexy and powerful at the same time! Andhim - Donner All-time favourite! Demayä - You Are Bassline is just a flow and makes you want to dance Upercent - Tirant Lo Blanc Super vibe and works at all times! DJ Tomer & Ricardo, Jordan Arts - All We Need This track means a lot to us and our growth in music production. Thakzin & Divine Keys - Stick Around Makes us feel we are back to the old days with a new touch. From the bold percussion of ‘Maasai Drums’ to the deep groove of ‘Trippy Yeah’ and the emotional weight behind their own ‘All We Need’, DJ Tomer and Ricardo’s selections reflect the soul of Afro house. There is meaning behind every choice. These are not just tracks for the sake of energy; they connect, they move, they carry memories. With ‘Nhliziyo Yami’ dropping July 25 on Connected and more to come from their evolving catalogue, now is the time to lock into their sound. DJ Tomer & Ricardo Instagram (DJ Tomer) Instagram (Ricardo) Spotify (DJ Tomer) Spotify (Ricardo) Soundcloud Explore more Hot Picks: Hot Picks archive · Influences · All features

  • Hot Picks: Sanchez (UK) Shares The Tracks Powering His Peak-Time Grooves

    Sanchez (UK) Sanchez (UK) has been helping shape the sound of modern house for years. With residencies in Ibiza and Dubai, tours across the US and Australia, and support from Jamie Jones, Roger Sanchez, and The Martinez Brothers, his reach is global. Still, his sound stays rooted in the underground. Across his eight Beatport number ones and growing Time Bandits imprint, Sanchez has mastered the art of crafting grooves that are equally suited for both peak-time floors and intimate warm-up sets. His latest track, Sito, a collaboration with Malóne, is a hypnotic, percussion-driven cut that captures the energy of summer. Now, fresh off that release, Sanchez shares the tracks shaping his sets right now — from his own stripped-back rollers to deep, groove-led favourites that lock in early and keep the momentum high. Press play and step inside the sound of Sanchez (UK). Sanchez, Malone – Sito My latest one. Chunky percussion and a rolling bassline. Malone and I wanted something simple that locks in early and stays there. Works during peak time or on a warm-up. Cyava – Flow Smooth, steady groove with a tight low end. Great for keeping momentum without pushing too hard. Tomi & Kesh, Jay De Lys – The Funk Solid house groove with a bit of swing. The bass has weight, and the drums keep it moving. Sanchez (UK) – Tiki Tiki Loose percussion and a playful vocal chop. I kept it stripped, so it works in a lot of different sets. JB Martinez, Pancho Milad – Pooja Deep, rolling rhythm with a warm feel. Easy to slot into a long blend. Sanchez (UK) – Lugar Feliz (Jay De Lys Remix) Jay’s taken my track and made it sharper for the club. Still has the same feel but with more punch in the drums. Hutu – Papi Tjampanjo Uplifting, percussive house with a fun energy. Good for opening up a room. Baligion – Pasalo Steady, low-slung house groove. Minimal changes, perfect for keeping the floor steady. Sanchez (UK) – Lady Luck Warm chords and a rolling bass. One of mine for the earlier side of the night. Sanchez (UK) – No More Simple groove with a vocal hook. Works well as a set closer or a bridge between heavier tracks. With Sito adding another heavyweight moment to the Time Bandits catalogue, Sanchez (UK) shows no signs of slowing down. Whether it’s driving a terrace at sunset or keeping a dark room locked in until sunrise, his focus on clean, rolling percussion and bass-driven energy keeps his sets sharp and versatile. Sanchez (UK) https://www.instagram.com/sanchezuk https://open.spotify.com/artist/7xQXOESDtR8OJurb4AsnHs Explore more Hot Picks: Hot Picks archive · Influences · All features

  • Hot Picks: Treasure Island Slows It Down to Lift You Higher

    This edition of our Hot Picks series lands with Treasure Island, the Italian artist dialling deep into the kaleidoscopic edges of modern trance. His new EP 'Visione', just out on the Brussels-via-London label Manual Smiles, blends slow, Balearic-style rhythms with acid-flecked euphoria and loose-limbed club energy. Buy/stream: https://fanlink.tv/MANUAL009. The EP plays with tempo and tone. One moment, you're floating through a haze of slow-motion drums; the next, you're caught in a rush of ecstatic synths. There’s even a remix from Bliss Inc., who flips 'Paradise Sami' into a deep, bass-heavy voyage with a sharp sci-fi edge. 'Visione' feels loose, free, and full of colour – the kind of record that stretches time and space on a dancefloor. Sordid Sound System - RF Conga [Invisible, Inc.] A stoned-rock-dubby track from one of my favourite artists, perfect to start this list and push some psychedelic sounds in your brain. Rockers Hi-Fi - Stoned (Manali Cream Mix) [Seven Hills Records] Discovered during a dinner with friends, listening to some dj mix on Soundcloud. Djrum - Three Foxes Chasing Each Other [Houndstooth] From the new Djrum LP, a very nice trip between grooves and atmospheres. DJ Normal 4 - Gaia An Entity [Oracool] Every time I listen to this track, an incredible desire to go raving intensifies. Oltrefuturo - Kontakte [Multi Culti] Take a seat, a deep breath and start tripping with this psychedelic gem. Your inner self needs it. Bullant - German People [PHC Films] Consistently with the title, this track reminds me of my Frankfurt trip. Remotif - A Haptic Sunset [Warning] My favourite track of the last Warious compilation. AJO - Medium Coeli [Atol Diskz] Another track from a Compilation by Atol Diskz. Hiroshi Yoshimura - Four Post Cards [Crescent] A pure medicine for the soul and mind. More Eaze - chords, room, solo [Mondoj] This track allows you to access hidden emotional parts of yourself. Treasure Island is part of a growing crew reshaping trance through slower tempos and hypnotic moods – a sound some are calling Trance-A-Lento. His background as a DJ shines through, with every track built to shift a room. Whether you're into ambient, acid, or big emotional synths, 'Visione' is worth your time. You can stream it now on Beatport, with a wider release dropping in mid-June. Plug in. Slow down. Drift off. Treasure Island Instagram - Soundcloud - Website - Spotify Manual Smiles Instagram - Soundcloud - Beatport - Bandcamp Explore more Hot Picks: Hot Picks archive · Influences · All features

  • Hot Picks: BRN Shares the Tracks Shaping His Sound and Sets

    BRN BRN knows his way around a groove. From tearing up South American dancefloors to dropping heavy tech house on labels like Solid Grooves and Catch & Release, he’s quickly built a reputation as one of the scene’s most exciting names. With support from heavyweights like Jamie Jones, PAWSA, and Joseph Capriati, his productions deliver the kind of low-end punch and hypnotic energy that make clubs lose their minds. Fresh off the release of Machines on Groove Motive, we asked BRN to share the tracks that are inspiring his current sound. His list is a mix of timeless classics, forward-thinking grooves, and references that shape his creative process - from the iconic ‘Enjoy The Silence’ by Depeche Mode to Boris Brejcha’s ‘Gravity’ and PAWSA’s undeniable ‘Too Cool To Be Careless’. Hit play and dive into the sounds that are powering BRN’s journey. Depeche Mode - Enjoy The Silence Timeless anthem, I really like this one. I usually consume a lot of music in this style. Adam Ten - Spring Girl Great grooves, and without a doubt a reference. I really like female vocals in this style for my productions. Bocat (Michael Bibi Remix) Solid track, also a great reference for me, works at any time. Viot - Confession Viot is one of my fav producers, I’ve been listening to this track a lot lately. Nicola Gavino - Givin’ My Love Great production, I like Tech House Rolling in this style. PAWSA - Too Cool To Be Careless PAWSA is king; I have a lot of references in his project. Debuting on his label, Solid Grooves, was legendary for me. Lee Foss, Ralf - Cadillac Strong track, Lee Foss is also a great reference, I really like tech house in this style. Return To Oz (ARTBAT Remix) One of my favourite tracks, I really like introspective songs with striking grooves like this one. Boris Brejcha - Gravity Boris Brejcha is a great (if not the greatest) musical inspiration for me; his style is unique, and I look for that a lot in my projects. Besides, this track is timeless. Around (Solomun Remix) And to finish, a classic from King Solomun, this track never gets old. BRN’s Machines is out now via Groove Motive - a full-throttle tech house cut with thick low-end, sharp drums, and twisted synths designed for the floor. Stay locked for more from this rising producer. With sets spanning South America and beyond, and releases on some of the biggest labels in the game, BRN is only getting started. BRN https://www.instagram.com/livebrn https://open.spotify.com/artist/3yujwOo5L5DZDOcGj8K9fj https://soundcloud.com/musicbrn Explore more Hot Picks: Hot Picks archive · Influences · All features

  • Hot Picks: Urmet K Shares The Tracks Defining His Melodic And Afro House Sound

    Urmet K Urmet K has been shaping the underground music scene for over 15 years. Based in London but with Estonian roots, his sound blends the emotional pull of melodic house with the organic textures of Afro house. It’s a style that has seen him release on top imprints, remix some of the genre’s biggest names, and rack up millions of streams - most notably with his remix of Kaldera & Lazarusman’s Oceans of My Mind. Supported by Black Coffee, Themba, Pablo Fierro, and &ME, Urmet’s music strikes a balance between raw groove and hypnotic detail. His latest EP, Summer Solstice, out now on Stereo MCs’ connected label, is another showcase of his ability to build rich, atmospheric journeys made for late nights and sunrise sessions. Pre-order/save it here: https://lnk.to/SummerSolstice. To mark the release, Urmet shares the tracks that inspire his sets - a mix of timeless melodic cuts, deep floor weapons, and tracks with emotional weight that linger long after the lights come up. Homework- Ask Yourself (Audiojack’s Chemical Rewind) [Exploited] Nice classic groove for peak Kölsch- All That Matters [Kompakt] Great opening track Röyksopp - What Else Is There? (ft. Fever Ray) [True Electric] (andhim Remix) Lovely classic with a modern twist Asaf Samuel, Darco (IL) - Start The Party [Maccabi House] Great weapon, love the breakdown with confusion about police coming and the party is over :) SARAGA- Thinking About You [Stardust Records] Beautiful track to play at the end of your sets. Sean Doron & Yamagucci- Spinning Around Great floor filler with nice cheeky sample Omri Smadar & Jenia Tarsol - Lose Your Soul (feat. Nona Choir) [Ganuz] Emotional track with indie vocals Fabo feat Lostcause - Where I Stand (Karmon Remix) [STRANJJUR] You can leave the vocal loop for ages… I love the drop; it’s truly a nostalgic classic for me that works every time. Zoo Brazil-Cherry [DFTD] Groovy bomb with hypnotic synth line. M-High - Soulseeker [BERG AUDIO] That bassline always gives me goosebumps when I play. Urmet K’s Summer Solstice EP is available now on Connected, delivering two cuts that blend vibrant grooves with an emotive, driving energy. With consistent support from the scene’s leading names and a sound that continues to evolve, Urmet is carving out a lasting presence in the melodic and Afro house worlds. Urmet K https://www.instagram.com/urmetk https://open.spotify.com/artist/46YPQGXkvn7QooB0XJvkdb https://soundcloud.com/ukatwork Explore more Hot Picks: Hot Picks archive · Influences · All features

bottom of page