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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We are delighted to welcome Adwer to our Hot Picks series. This producer doesn’t just make music; he engineers emotion through machines. As the founder of Bolygó Records and a longtime live performer with releases on Global Underground, Bonzai Progressive and Balance, Adwer brings a wide lens to electronic music. His new release is a statement of that, from the celestial roll of ‘Kraut Komet’, made famous by Dixon, to the gospel warmth of ‘Love Set Me Free’ and the genre-blurring glide of ‘Pigeonhole That’. “My forthcoming EP, “Gospelkrautfunk”, blends inspiration from a wide range of genres, so it’s probably not surprising that I am going to list records that aren’t recently released 4/4 house/techno tracks. In fact, my enthusiasm for listening to newly made music faded quite a bit since I have a hard time finding interesting music in recent times, so this collection is definitely not a ‘what’s in your box’ list but rather a list of tracks that inspired me recently.” For his Hot Picks, Adwer goes deep. Krautrock influences, hypnotic techno, ambient breaks, psychedelic soul and pure electronica all feature. There’s Floating Points at his trippiest, high-energy fusion from Santana, live Japanese synth-pop from YMO, and a heart-ripping detour through Radiohead and Stevie Wonder. You’ll hear where his head’s at and why his own productions are so full of texture, colour and soul. Floating Points - Mirror Pursuit I have to start with a song from a guy who sits on the top of modern electronica in my opinion. Whatever he does in music, really stands out. I can hear he loves kraut rock just like I do, because this track is a straight out 70s psychedelic kraut rock in a modern rendition. Wata Igarashi - Interweave Here’s another electronica maestro - I don’t really listen to techno of high BPM, but his stuff is so musical, hypnotic and smooth that I find it to be the perfect blend of what could be a prime example of ‘hypnotic techno’. Imperieux - Fena This guy is a great talent. You don’t see him playing everywhere (unfortunately) but he already nailed some of the finest labels and now he landed on Hessle audio. This track is a pleasant madness laid out on a cool soft breakbeat. Watch this guy! Radiohead - Exit music (for a film) OK let’s leave electronica behind for a few songs now, here’s a heart wrenching, vein cutting beauty. What can I say about this song besides that it was the end credits song in the Romeo & Juliet movie (Baz Luhrmann’s version 1996) - if you listen to it and connect it to how Romeo & Juliet’s story ended, it’s extremely moving. Santana - Bailia mi hermana I have recently discovered this gem on Santana’s ‘amigos’ record that inherited from a dear family member that passed away and had the most exquisite taste in music. The first few minutes are nothing out of this world, but around 4 minutes it transforms to a full time ecstatic, psychedelic jam of the finest. Perfect fusion among the musicians, disco infused synth strings, great bass groove, wild conga play, total joy! YMO - Rydeen Japanese live electronica space disco from 1980, led by the great Ryuichi Sakamoto. I was not aware of this song. The progression and the melody definitely has an asian touch, I love the drums and watched some live recordings. Every time I hear something like this, it makes me go to my instruments and start recording live and avoid editing and quantizing things on the computer, because you want to keep the live feel! Stevie Wonder - As Stevie Wonder needs no introduction but this song was nowhere near as successful as others yet it a wonderful piece of music. Great vocals, every musician is on top of their game - keys, percussion, all in perfect harmony. Man, the 70s...the pinnacle of music! Cobblestone Jazz - 23 seconds live Mathew Jonson is one of those greats in modern electronic dance music that have a distinctive sound and actually created his own fusion of jazz and minimal techno. This a great ever evolving live recording, with rhodes keys on top, a very cool bass sequence that is most likely a Roland SH-101 and some vocoder vocals smoothly blending in. I have just recently found this record and after almost 30 years, it still sounds awesome! Squarepusher - Theme from Ernest Borgnine Back in the 90s I grew up listening to music like these (too), they used to call them ‘IDM’ - as in ‘Intelligent Dance Music’. If you didn’t know it was Squarepusher, you might guess that it is an Aphex Twin track, as they were totally in the same boat. I never liked too noisy stuff, and they loved to use a lot of distortion and glitches, but the heart warming melodies made these songs unforgettable. Ashra - Deep Distance I am closing my list with an eternal beauty. Everything about kraut rock, kosmische, etheral, new era, whatever you call it is in there in its best from. Manuel Göttsching was a genius and only music nerds know about him. Not only this was way ahead of its time, released in 1977, to me it is more musical than many Tangerine Dream or Kraftwerk songs. It’s a dream to listen to and I use it very often for a nap. Adwer’s selections aren’t just tracks, they’re a map of musical obsessions. Each one reflects a different facet of his sound, whether it’s synth-heavy electronica, raw live jams or timeless songwriting. Go lose yourself in the playlist and get stuck into his latest release. There’s plenty to discover, and nothing to pigeonhole. Adwer https://www.instagram.com/adwer_music https://open.spotify.com/artist/2WfxNQEjuAKFuKuJw5CwW6 https://soundcloud.com/adwer Explore more Hot Picks: Hot Picks archive · Influences · All features

BLAYNEE London-based newcomer BLAYNEE has just landed with a heavyweight debut. Out now on the newly launched Heart React Records, his track ‘SHE DON’T KNOW’ is a brooding, rhythm-heavy club cut built around deep grooves, steamy synths and a stunning vocal from Liverpool neo-soul artist Lydia Reece. It hits hard both emotionally and physically. Break-led drums drive the momentum, while a stripped-back bassline keeps things locked in. The vocal floats across the mix with power and control, capturing that feeling of being lost in the moment on a night out. Written and produced solo in his bedroom, the track reflects years of DJing and refining his sound across scenes in both London and the North West. To celebrate the release, BLAYNEE shares some of the tracks currently inspiring him. From genre-pushing legends like Goldie and Trent Reznor to modern innovators like Koreless and KAYTRANADA, these are the sounds shaping his sets, his production style and his next moves. Koreless - Seven [Young] Kicking things off with a track I'm guaranteed to slip into my next set. I stumbled upon Koreless after taking a look at the credits of FKA Twigs’ ‘EUSEXUA’; insane electronic production on her LP and on ‘Seven’. Goldie feat. CASISDEAD - Still The Same [London Records] I’m a huge fan of CASISDEAD’s long-awaited debut LP, ‘Famous Last Words’. I was keen to jump straight onto one of his first releases since that project, and it’s an absolute earworm with a flawless beat from Goldie. Paranoid London - Paris Dub 1 [Paranoid London Records] You can always rely on Paranoid London for some heavy-hitting, no-nonsense, dirty, repetitive HEAT! Björk, Simian Mobile Disco - Innocence (Simian Mobile Disco Remix) [One Little Independent Records] I’m becoming slightly obsessed with Björk remixes at the moment… Every year, I make a point of diving into a new artist that intrigues me, and Björk’s definitely taken the top spot. This beefed-up rework of ‘Innocence’ from Simian Mobile Disco is bonkers. Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross - Intriguing Possibilities [Null] “Sorry, my Prada’s at the cleaners! Along with my hoodie and my ‘fuck you’ flip-flops, you pretentious douchebag!” Rihanna, KAYTRANADA - Kiss It Better (KAYTRANADA Edition) [Roc Nation Records] Finally went to a KAYTRANADA concert back in April after years of waiting and two cancelled gigs due to the COVID pandemic. Near the end of a flawless set, he started unloading gems from his early-ish years, here’s one. Stunt Doubles - Chalo Chalo [Method 808] A new collaborative project from Anish Kumar and California duo, Baalti; an effortless infusion of Bollywood Disco and Leftfield House. Shanti Celeste - Softie [Peach Discs] Big fan of Shanti Celeste’s work as a DJ/Producer. Really nice surprise to hear some mellow, vocal-led beats on ‘Romance’ as well as her usual bubbly House records. Death Grips - I’ve Seen Footage [Epic Records] Play loud. Kwengface, Joy Orbison, Overmono - Freedom 2 [Kwengface LTD] So I’ve had this on repeat for about two years now; I don’t know if that’s healthy, but it’s not stopping anytime soon. BLAYNEE moves with intent. His debut blends emotion, atmosphere and rhythm with absolute clarity, and this playlist gives a proper glimpse into the sound world he’s building. ‘SHE DON’T KNOW’ is only the start. Stream the single now and keep an eye on what’s coming next. BLAYNEE https://www.instagram.com/blayn3333 https://open.spotify.com/artist/14JEyb3DzUjQYqAKSrV6fk https://soundcloud.com/blayn3333 Explore more Hot Picks: Hot Picks archive · Influences · All features

Scott Forshaw Scott Forshaw is having a moment. Fresh off the release of his new single ‘Intoxicated’ with Hollaphonic on Perfect Havoc, the British-born, Dubai-based DJ is riding high with a packed summer of gigs and big-time support from the likes of Martin Garrix and Don Diablo. Buy/stream ‘Intoxicated’ here: https://perfecthavoc.lnk.to/intoxicated. Known for crafting club-focused house music with heavyweight rhythm and crossover appeal, Forshaw’s been a staple of Dubai’s nightlife for years. He holds residencies at Surf Club and Zero Gravity, has a growing catalogue on labels like Armada and Toolroom, and now hosts Virgin Radio’s dance show in the UAE. His current viral mashups and summer bookings, including Untold Festival, point to an artist moving with intent. For this edition of Hot Picks, he opens up his current USB to share ten tracks that are currently setting the tone in his sets. From sweaty tech house edits to sun-soaked euphoric moments, this list blends club utility with a bit of emotion. Hollaphonic & Scott Forshaw – Intoxicated Had to kick it off with my latest one. Buzzing with the response it’s been getting and support from djs such as garrix and Don Diablo. proper raw club energy. One of those tracks that just works in my sets. SIDEPIECE & Bobby Shmurda – Cash Out This goes off. SIDEPIECE flipped Bobby’s vocals into a full-on tech house weapon. It’s cheeky, loud, and the kind of thing that gets people moving instantly. Calvin Harris – Blessings (Max Styler Remix) Max Styler did bits on this remix. Really nice blend of emotion and groove. big builds, warm synths, proper feel-good energy. Chris Lake – Savana Stripped back and dark but still has that signature Chris Lake bounce. It’s got a tribal feel and just builds this constant tension. Been loving this one The Chainsmokers – White Wine & Adderall Didn’t expect to like this as much as I do. The vocal’s super nostalgic and the production is clean — has that summer vibe written all over it. Delerium – Silence (John Summit Remix) John Summit taking on a trance classic and somehow nailed it. It’s big, emotional, and just hits different when it drops. Shakedown – At Night (Anyma x Layton Giordani Remix) This one’s so moody. Anyma and Layton brought a proper cinematic techno vibe to the OG. Massive track for the darker moments in a set. RÜFÜS DU SOL – In the Moment (Adriatique Remix) Deep and spacey. Adriatique turned it into a full-on journey subtle, melodic, and really easy to get lost in. Like Mike – Cola Definitely not the usual Cola version — this one’s deeper and a bit more progressive. Been creeping into a few late-night sets lately. Adem Bogoceli – Yimanya Big afro feel on this one. Used to love the original trance version back in the day. Super uplifting, loads of emotion nice way to close out a set Scott’s playlist mirrors his own evolution as an artist. It’s diverse without losing focus, functional but full of personality. Whether it’s his new collab with Hollaphonic or the tracks that stay in rotation night after night, he’s clearly locked in. With Perfect Havoc backing, big radio and club support, and a global crowd tuning in, Forshaw’s trajectory is only moving one way. Scott Forshaw https://www.instagram.com/scottforshawofficial https://open.spotify.com/artist/2B3lljR6lMaymKtckOsdoy https://soundcloud.com/scottforshawofficial Perfect Havoc https://www.facebook.com/perfecthavocmusic https://www.twitter.com/perfecthavoc https://www.instagram.com/perfecthavoc https://open.spotify.com/user/perfecthavoc Explore more Hot Picks: Hot Picks archive · Influences · All features

For this Hot Picks feature, we’re joined by German producer, DJ and MYR label boss Goeran Meyer, an artist with a real feel for emotional weight and dancefloor function. His latest release, ‘Restless World’, marks the 36th on his ever-consistent imprint, and it feels especially resonant right now. Built around supple, organic house grooves and layered with swirling textures and emotive strings, the track walks that line between movement and introspection. Goeran says the tune is about the unease so many of us feel today but also about music’s ability to ground us and connect us. You’ll feel that across the original and in the vocal edits, too, with label regular Mario Navajo adding a touch of moody melancholy and D LEE flipping things into a deeper, more conversational space. We asked Goeran to share a selection of tracks that capture what he’s feeling and playing right now. Remcord - I Know (Habitat) Perfectly balanced and irresistibly groovy — Remcord’s ‘I Know’ blends crisp production with haunting vocals, delivering a deep, hypnotic ride. Easily the best promo I’ve received this year. K.eem - In Love (Yamil Remix) (Marginalia) Yamil’s remix of ‘In Love’ brings a deep, hypnotic the vocals are fantastic, perfectly blending in to create a tension that builds throughout the track. Sandhaus & Misha - Gorgeous (Rockin Morrocin Remix) (Madorasindahouse) A flawless remix — deep, flowing, and endlessly replayable. Big props for the promo, this one’s been on repeat since first play. Tim Engelhardt, Solique – My Joy (Habitat) A sun-soaked groove that rides smooth and steady — ‘My Joy’ is pure energy for workouts and summer drives. Amine K x WAHM - Sundance(IZIL REcordings) ‘Sundance’ radiates warmth, rhythm, and that perfect summer energy for open-air sets. David Mackay - Lighthouse (Madorasindahouse) This track brings a perfect blend of uplifting energy and reflective moments. Mont Rouge, Ketschua, Dee Mad - Belsunce (Ultra Records) Love the breakdown and catchy groove of ‘Mont Rouge’ — it’s perfect for open-air parties, bringing that irresistible vibe. Chewna - Move As One (Marked Music) The percussion and atmosphere create the perfect vibe for warm-up and after-hour sets, setting the mood just right. WhoMadeWho - You Belong To No-One (Tripolism Remix) - (The Moment) Really enjoying the soundscape on Tripolism’s remix of ‘You Belong To No-One’ — the deep, hypnotic groove creates an immersive vibe that’s perfect for late-night sets. Dennis Louvra, Giattino, MinimalObi - NRD (UNreleased Records) This track is on fire — the buildup after the break is absolutely killer. I really love this one; it fits perfectly into any set and brings incredible energy every time. Whether you’re in search of stillness or just need something solid to move to, Goeran’s picks offer both. They’re thoughtful and groovy and speak volumes without saying much, just like his own productions. Go dig into ‘Restless World’ now and keep an ear on MYR. There’s depth in every detail. Goeran Meyer https://www.instagram.com/goeran.meyer https://open.spotify.com/artist/3pBmqE4shsafFcfIMiwyuA https://soundcloud.com/goeranmeyer Explore more Hot Picks: Hot Picks archive · Influences · All features