Guy Mantzur Guy Mantzur has built a career on emotion and precision. Blending house, progressive, and techno with a melodic, storytelling touch, the Tel Aviv-based artist is known for taking listeners on deeply personal journeys through sound. As co-owner and A&R of Munich’s Plattenbank Records, his releases on Bedrock and Moments have shaped modern melodic music, while his collaborations continue to push boundaries. His latest release on Sasha’s Last Night On Earth, Neon Bible, sees him join forces with Chicola for a spellbinding trio of cuts, from the hypnotic original and celestial Galactica to a stripped-back Ambient Mix that lays bare their melodic mastery. To celebrate, Guy shares the tracks that continue to inspire him. From the meditative grooves of Elias Dore’s ‘Critical Step’ to the timeless emotion of Chicola’s ‘Childhood’ and the cinematic beauty of Nils Frahm’s ‘Says’, each selection captures the depth and spirituality at the core of his sound. uy Mantzur & Kamilo Sanclemente - The Future Is In The Past The drive of the groove combined with the melodies and build-up makes this a track I can play whenever I want to shift to the main peak of the set. Guy J - World Apart A magical track from Guy J that takes the crowd on a journey to wonderland and back. Elias Dore - Critical Step (Sahar Z Remix) The groove here always wins, giving a spiritual, meditative dance energy. It works across different vibes — day, night, and festivals. Hernan Cattaneo - Tranquilo (Franco Giannoni Remix) A driving track from start to end. The build-up and break spread so much love into the room. Will DeKeizer - Emerald A techno groove with 2000s progressive melodies and vibes. I’ve had some of my best moments with this one — it always takes the roof off. Guy Mantzur & Khen - Where Is Home There are tracks that always stay with you. I love playing this and watching how the words “Where is home” take on a new meaning every single time for me and the crowd. Chicola - Childhood An all-time classic and one of the most emotional tracks ever written. Guy Mantzur & Sahar Z - Our Foggy Trips A perfect closing track. Always gives that feeling of hugging someone. Âme - Rej There’s something special about this one that always sets the mood. The tight grooves and endless melody never get old. Nils Frahm - Says A true masterpiece — a perfect example of how synths can be used. It’s so beautiful. Neon Bible by Guy Mantzur and Chicola is out on Last Night On Earth, a release that showcases the duo’s signature blend of drive, emotion, and atmosphere. With each production, Guy reaffirms his role as a true craftsman of modern electronic storytelling, uniting melody, rhythm, and emotion into timeless journeys for the dancefloor and beyond. Guy Mantzur https://www.instagram.com/guymantzur https://open.spotify.com/artist/2DUa456repGwOOrcDKzcRP https://soundcloud.com/guy-mantzur Explore more Hot Picks: Hot Picks archive · Influences · All features

Teddy Douglas Few names carry the weight of Teddy Douglas in house music. As a founding member of the legendary Basement Boys and one of the true pioneers of soulful, vocal-led house, his influence stretches from the golden era of US house right through to today’s global scene. With his unmistakable blend of funk, soul and gospel energy, he has helped shape the sound of artists like Ultra Naté, Crystal Waters and Jasper Street Company, while his own productions continue to inspire generations of DJs and producers. His latest project, ‘Don’t Turn Your Back On Me’ featuring Pauline Taylor, gets a new remix package on Nervous Records. Featuring reworks from Tedd Patterson, Shaka and Danny Krivit, the release bridges eras, uniting classic house foundations with fresh perspectives for today’s floors. To celebrate, Teddy shares the tracks that are lighting up his sets and playlists right now. From Ten City’s timeless soul to Karizma’s driving grooves and Ron Trent’s stunning remix of ‘Dreams a Dream’, this selection captures everything that defines his sound: uplifting, heartfelt and made for the dancefloor. Teddy Douglas feat. Pauline Taylor - Don’t Turn Your Back On Me (Teddy Douglas Remix) Had to go back and touch up this classic! Ten City - Man Like Me It’s 2025 and Ten City is back! Geoffrey C & DJ Spen - Beats Like This This is the perfect track to bring everyone to the floor. Karizma - Spirit Future classic. Always gets the floor going! Teddy Douglas feat. Fast Eddie - House Music The next single from the LP — floor filler! DJ Ceez, Niki Gee - Queen (DJ Ceez Afro Sheezy Insty) Hot, hot, hot record. The instrumental is the move! Stacy Kidd, Tiffany Jenkins - Let It Blow (Afro Jazz Remix) Hot to death! This track is truly beautiful. Soul II Soul - Dreams a Dream (Ron Trent Remix) Awesome remix of a classic tune! Teddy Douglas, Ultra Naté - Searching (For Your Love) Rocks every time. Teddy Douglas feat. BDI Thug & “B Mo” Moultrie - Star In The Ghetto Big tune off my latest album “I’m Here”. Teddy Douglas’s ‘Don’t Turn Your Back On Me’ featuring Pauline Taylor remixes dropped via Nervous Records on vinyl September 26 and digitally October 17. With his productions still leading the charge three decades on, Teddy remains one of house music’s true architects, keeping the spirit of soulful, feel-good dance music alive and stronger than ever. Teddy Douglas https://www.instagram.com/djteddydouglas https://open.spotify.com/artist/35UGEVPSCcrS0sdLjALMBj https://soundcloud.com/teddy-douglas-official Explore more Hot Picks: Hot Picks archive · Influences · All features

Nuno Dos Santos Nuno Dos Santos and the Dutch club circuit have grown together over decades. From formative residencies at Club 11 and Trouw through to his current home at Nar in Utrecht, his sound has always been shaped by the rooms he plays and the communities that fill them. That relationship continues with his ‘Forever’ EP on Haven Trax, a four-track release that reconnects classic house spirit with modern club weight. The EP reflects an instinctive process. Energetic, emotional, and direct, it mirrors Nuno's approach to DJing, allowing groove and feeling to guide decisions rather than rigid structure. Those same instincts run through this Hot Picks selection. Each track carries a sense of momentum and purpose, whether built for peak-time release, slow-burn hypnosis, or late-night introspection. Together, they offer a clear snapshot of the music currently feeding Nuno’s connection to the floor, rooted in house history while always pushing forward. ZZ Banks – Comet (Boy Berger Hype Mix) “Such an insane and jacking groove. Very bold. I’ve played it loads already, and I love those wolf howls.” Instinct – Atmosphere “Forward driving and hypnotising. Burnski really nailed the deeper moments here with some great noisy sound design.” Constant Sound – Untitled “My kind of sexy groove with lush pads. This one feels like it could go on forever.” Delano Smith – Sensuality “Timeless house. So delicate, and everything just clicks together perfectly.” Gal Tsadok Hai – Coing [SoHaSo] “A fun breakbeat tool that really helps open things up.” Diskop – Bonkers “A big trippy house roller that keeps the energy flowing.” Ricardo Villalobos – Easy Lee (Random Factor Remix) “It’s hard to remix a classic like this, but Carl Finlow absolutely nailed it.” DJ Qu – Do This Here “Dark and trippy. I love how DJ Qu always uses these crazy vocal samples. It really sucks you in.” Mory Kanté – Mogo Djolo (Dub) “A crazy acid groover that just keeps building and building.” Barker – Look How Hard I Tried (Christopher Ledger Remix) “I’ve closed a couple of my sets with this. Such a beautiful track with a killer bassline.” This Hot Picks selection captures Nuno Dos Santos in his natural habitat. Confident, groove-led and deeply connected to the dancefloor, the tracks reflect years of trust built between the DJ and the crowd. There is an evident respect for house music’s roots, paired with a willingness to explore texture, tension, and space when the moment calls for it. With ‘Forever’ out now on Haven Trax, this playlist reads like an extension of that release. Music designed to move people, unfold patiently, and leave a lasting impression long after the lights come up. Nuno Dos Santos https://www.instagram.com/nunodostres https://open.spotify.com/artist/6pbyRsrSdph5CB46Z4cTZw https://soundcloud.com/nunodossantos Haven Trax https://www.instagram.com/haven.trax Explore more Hot Picks: Hot Picks archive · Influences · All features

Drivetrain Drivetrain, also known as Derrick Thompson, has been a cornerstone of Detroit’s underground for over three decades. As the head of Soiree Records International, his sound has always fused raw Motor City soul with forward-thinking house and techno. From his early ’90s productions to his latest releases, he continues to shape the scene with deep, timeless grooves built for the floor and beyond. His latest EP, Codewise, arrives digitally and on vinyl via Soiree Records International, showcasing another collection of high-class, emotive cuts rooted in Detroit’s legacy but designed for modern dancefloors. To mark the release, Drivetrain shares the tracks currently shaping his sets and mindset. From Blaze’s timeless deep house anthem How Deep Is Your Love to Gilles Bock’s fierce Driving Force and his own relentless Destination, these picks represent the essence of his sound — soulful, powerful and unmistakably Detroit. Tat2 - Leave Me [LDN Trax] One of many prizes found while crate digging. I love the energy on this track. The keyboard stabs seamlessly fuse with the vocal samples. Blaze - How Deep Is Your Love (Danny Krivit Re-Edit) [Slip ‘n’ Slide] This one goes into the “Classics” bucket. True deepness and an absolute floor filler. Drivetrain - Destination [Soiree Records International] A go-to track that always gets that desired response. The intensity of the hi-hats and the syncopated voice effects keep this one moving relentlessly. Gilles Bock - Driving Force [Tronic] Driving is an understatement. The groove is fierce and undeniable, blending minimal bass with clean, straightforward percussion. Jani Ho - Track 8 (DJ AGITATED edit) [Dolly] The dominating bass line hooks me in from the start. But the captivating, intricate details are what’s fascinating about this track. A Guy Called Gerald - Humanity (feat. Louise Rhodes) [!K7] Music by a true master of the art. This track can be heard in my car, house or in the club. This track hits all the elements I need for proper D&B. DJ Cent - Send Me [Soiree Records International] Known for delivering legendary DJ sets, Cent’s production is no disappointment. The tenacious sub frequencies are sure to compel body movement. Matt Sugar R - Bounce & Swing (Deep Mix) [Sugar Tape Recordings] A genuine embodiment of house. A simple piano groove morphing into a short-n-sassy solo with legit spoken word on top... You can’t go wrong. REOSC - New Beginnings [Solar Bliss Records] A flavour that takes me back to the golden age of techno, while staying modern with a seismic kick drum wrapped in violent cymbals. Gaston Lopez - Real Dancer [GNTLMN] Just the right mix of deep dark house with techno overtones. The intermittent voices set off a moody atmosphere made for late night. Drivetrain’s Codewise EP drops on 29th September via Soiree Records International, carrying the label’s tradition of quality, depth and authenticity. Still deeply connected to the city that raised him, Derrick Thompson continues to push Detroit’s underground forward, blending classic inspiration with new energy. Drivetrain https://open.spotify.com/artist/1MOFFyftvfRGdXcqeJ3V9H https://soundcloud.com/drivetrain Explore more Hot Picks: Hot Picks archive · Influences · All features

EdiP EdiP is part of the new wave reshaping Europe’s underground. Born in Bucharest and now ranked among Beatport’s Top 10 Minimal Artists of 2024, his sound blends tight percussion with hypnotic grooves and evolving melodic touches. With releases on Deeperfect, Moan, and Take Notes, and support from heavyweights like Marco Carola, Jamie Jones, and Joseph Capriati, he’s fast becoming a name to watch. His latest release, Lock Y Phone, marks his debut on Ilario Alicante’s Sound D’Elite imprint. The EP moves between the tense, rolling energy of the title track and the late-night bounce of I Know U, capturing both the punch and finesse of his current direction. To celebrate, EdiP shares the tracks that inspire his style, from Mau P’s electro-fused Tesla and Ilario Alicante’s sun-drenched Vacaciones en Chile to classic vocal house like The Cure & The Cause and the soulful mastery of B.B. King. Ilario Alicante - Vacaciones en Chile The guitar blended with minimal beats makes this a timeless classic. Mau P - Tesla This one’s pretty fresh, and the melody hooks me right away. The mix of electro with tech house is just perfect for my taste. Fish Go Deep feat Tracey K - The Cure & The Cause Another classic that really hits. The vocals, groove, and melody all come together perfectly. Michael Jackson - Smooth Criminal From the cinematic video to the bassline and vocals, it was way ahead of its time. B.B. King - The Thrill Is Gone I can’t make a selection without including B.B. King. There’s not much to say — the way he plays guitar is truly unique. Happy Clappers - I Believe Going back to house with a classic piano-driven song. Everything But The Girl - Missing (Todd Terry Club Mix) A true classic — dreamy vocals that instantly transport you to another world. Prospa - Don’t Stop Back to today, this one’s a perfect example that simplicity works best. The sample flip, combined with a slick chord progression, makes it a total banger. Max Styler, Deomid - Every Night Another modern banger, solid bassline and chords that bring back old trance vibes. Blending genres always creates something unique. Hector Couto - El House Simple, tight groove with a classic vocal. Just perfect — always works in my sets. EdiP’s Lock Y Phone EP is out now on Sound D’Elite, marking a decisive step forward that showcases his sound expanding from stripped-down minimalism to sharper, more festival-ready territory. Balancing influences from classic house, funk, and blues to modern electronic heavy-hitters, EdiP’s selections reveal the depth behind his evolving sound. EdiP Instagram / Soundcloud / Spotify Sound D’Elite Instagram / Soundcloud Explore more Hot Picks: Hot Picks archive · Influences · All features

Nickon Faith Nickon Faith operates in the spaces between genres. The British Persian producer has quietly carved out a world that pulls from acid, techno, trance, and psychedelia, shaped by sound design as much as feeling. As head of Resonance Spectrum Records, he has championed music that leans into texture, atmosphere, and emotional weight, while his releases on Manual Smiles have shown a growing confidence in pushing those ideas further. His new EP ‘Synthesis’ lands on Manual Smiles as a continuation of the path set by ‘Digital Moss’. The record draws from alternative rock, video game soundtracks, and cosmic electronics, moving through tense arpeggios, biting acid lines, and bass-heavy darkness. Tracks like ‘Astral Dayz’ and ‘Dancing With Avatars’ feel expansive and otherworldly, already earning support from selectors like Aletha on Rinse FM. For this edition of Hot Picks, Nickon Faith shares the music feeding that mindset. These are records rooted in hypnotism, psychedelia, and deep listening. Tracks that bend time, stretch space, and reward patience on the dancefloor. Dorisburg - ‘Gloson’ [Hivern Discs] “I was mind-blown the first time I heard this. It feels like a kaleidoscopic soundscape that guides you into a shamanic, hypnotic state. A real curveball in a set.” I Cube - ‘Tunnelvision’ [Versatile Records] “I first heard this as the closing track in Berlin. Very soft, euphoric, and beautiful. I keep coming back to it.” Loxxe - ‘See You Next Year’ [Resonance Spectrum Records] “One from my label. Mystical and video game-inspired with lovely percussion that transports you somewhere whimsical.” JakoJako - ‘Amygdala’ [Bigamo Musik] “A beautiful ambient electronica composition. Very emotive and hypnotic. Blew my mind on first listen.” Sam Goku - ‘Flieger 2010’ [Atomnation] “Eastern instrumentation over an understated but driving rhythm. Sam Goku balances two worlds perfectly.” Nickon Faith - ‘Inner Thoughts’ (Lisene Remix) [Resonance Spectrum Records] “A cinematic reimagining of my own track. Tense, trippy, and full of ear candy. John Digweed played it too.” Ozric Tentacles - ‘Space For The Earth’ (Charlie Roscoe Remix) [Divine Sound Recordings] “Deep psychedelic soundscape over a steady groove. One I can listen to and drift off.” Phillax - ‘Dark Prism’ [Labareda Records] “Intelligent, techy psytrance that really hits on the floor. The musical detail keeps you guessing.” Sebastian Mullaert - ‘Embrace Space’ [Kontra Musik] “Dubby, hypnotic soft techno. You can tell this music comes from a deep place.” Adam Pits - ‘Taurus’ [Murmurs] “Very soundscapey and psychedelic. I have followed Adam Pits for a while, and his music is always transfixing.” Nickon Faith’s ‘Synthesis’ EP is out now via Manual Smiles. These Hot Picks sit at the core of that release: music built on immersion, patience, and altered states. The kind of records that stay with you long after the lights come back on. Nickon Faith Instagram - Soundcloud - Facebook Manual Smiles Instagram - Soundcloud - Beatport - Bandcamp Explore more Hot Picks: Hot Picks archive · Influences · All features

Val Fleury Val Fleury’s sound starts at home and travels far. Born in Liberia and raised on rhythm, her music carries West African roots into modern club culture with confidence and clarity. Her sets stretch from Coachella to Berlin, Miami to New York, all built on groove, emotion and soul. She calls it Afrowarehouse. Once you hear it, you understand why. Her debut EP ‘Light’ lands on Mind Of A Genius as a personal milestone. Two tracks. Two statements. ‘Light’ with Luna Maye leans into tenderness, warmth and healing. ‘Body Move’ with Kayla Star switches the energy with acid heat, Afro swing and fearless attitude. Together, they show the full range of Val’s world. Intimate but powerful. Club-ready but spiritual. Buy/Stream it here: https://symphony.to/val-fleury/light-ep. For this edition of Hot Picks, Val opens up about the music that raised her and still moves her now. From Michael Jackson and Celia Cruz to Green Velvet, Inner City and Robyn, her picks tell a story of culture, identity and freedom. These are not just records she plays. They are memories. They are lessons. They are the feeling behind the sound. Michael Jackson - Liberian Girl (David May & B. Howard Remix) There’s not a day in Liberia where “Liberian Girl” doesn’t play many times on the radio. It could likely be our national anthem at this point, haha. I love the MJ original and have several remixes that I always play in my sets. When I found this David May & B. Howard version, I had to add it to my roster. It’s been a fan favourite. Celia Cruz - Herencia Africana (DJ Jose Marquez “Salsafrican” Mix) I grew up on Celia Cruz — her voice, her joy, her pride in her Afro-Latino heritage always moved me. This Salsafrican mix by Jose Marquez feels like a celebration of global Black roots. I try to find a place for Celia gems in my sets! al Fleury & Jon Alpine - Believe (Juliet Mendoza Remix) Dropping this gem during my Coachella set was an ah-ha moment for me. It solidified that I need to pursue my music career full time. Working with Jon Alpine felt like magic, and when I reached out to Juliet Mendoza she immediately said yes and delivered this remix banger. She’s always been so supportive and a real one! Skales - Shake Body A true West African anthem. This track plays at every West African party, every celebration. The kind of song that lights up a room and lifts your spirits. I love that it also calls out gratitude for your blessings. It’s confident, full of gratitude, and built to make people shake their bodies. I’m working on a remix of this favourite—hold tight! Green Velvet - Percolator (Bontan Remix) Chicago is one of the electronic-music capitals, and Green Velvet —aka Cajmere—is part of its legacy. “Percolator” is cross-cultural, cross-generational, and this Bontan remix gives it an Afro pulse that makes my thighs burn even more when I dance. Santigold - Big Mouth Philly queen Santigold is one of the first Black female artists I saw who just made music unapologetically her way. From collabs with Amadou & Mariam to Diplo to Karen O and beyond. “Big Mouth” mixes African-influenced rhythms with electronic bravado. Her message about ignoring noise and staying true to yourself is something I carry with me always. Salif Keita - Madan (Exotic Disco Mix) You can’t play this track and not see people dancing with wide smiles on their faces every time! Thirty years later, this tune is still infectious. The power of African music to bring people together. This track feels like home, celebration, legacy. Inner City - Big Fun Detroit is also a sacred city for electronic music, and has brought us many legends like Kevin Saunderson —who teamed up with vocal powerhouse Paris Grey to form Inner City. This techno classic makes me move every time, and reminds me that joy doesn’t always need a crowd. Sometimes, you just need the beat and the feeling. Robyn - Dancing On My Own Robyn has always walked her own path, bridging pop and electronic in the most emotional way. Her discography is insane, and she’s had collabs with so many other artists I love from Röyksopp to Channel Tres. This song taught me to dance like no one’s watching, and to feel deeply even when I’m alone. Val Fleury’s ‘Light’ EP is available now on Mind Of A Genius. This release is a statement of purpose as much as it is music. It connects heritage with future-forward sound. It celebrates rhythm as healing. It honours dance as community. These Hot Picks show exactly where that energy comes from. Val Fluery http://instagram.com/iamvalfleury https://open.spotify.com/artist/2Ql2PvnHtaP4FL8nI13mSv https://soundcloud.com/iamvalfleury Explore more Hot Picks: Hot Picks archive · Influences · All features

Kaufmann Kaufmann’s Hot Picks selection traces a clear line back to her roots in Germany’s rave culture. Raised on long nights in clubs, warehouses, and improvised spaces beneath motorway bridges, her musical language was formed early through repetition, intensity, and shared energy rather than genre boundaries. That openness still defines her sound today, moving freely between techno, trance, and psychedelic influences while staying firmly dancefloor-focused. Now over a decade into her creative journey, and releasing her own material since 2020, Kaufmann has developed a signature that has earned releases on Drumcode, Stil Vor Talent, Iboga, Truesoul, and more. Her contribution to Drumcode’s A Sides Vol.14, ‘People Are Strange’, captures that evolution, blending dramatic atmosphere with forward momentum and emotional tension. Buy/Stream via your preferred platform here: https://drumcode.ffm.to/dc340. The tracks collected here offer insight into the references behind that record. From formative rave memories to songs that directly influenced its textures and mood, this playlist reflects a producer shaped by feeling first, and a deep respect for the culture that raised her. Adana Twins – Strange “I remember how hard this hit me when I heard Solomun play it. It shaped me from the very beginning and will always be part of my journey.” 311 – Amber “The guitars inspired the synth for ‘People Are Strange’. It has this summertime sadness vibe that I really love.” Zen Mechanics – Artificial Sunset “I wanted to make a track like this, but couldn’t get it right, so I added a synth and vocals. Zen Mechanics, please release this.” Kit Sebastian – People Are Strange “If you ever get tired of my version of ‘People Are Strange’, please check this one out.” Patti Smith – Gloria “I often link The Doors and Patti Smith. She described Jim Morrison as both self-conscious and supremely confident, and I really like that contrast.” Ace Ventura – Presence (Interactive Noise Remix) “I played this in my first Fusion set. It shows how epic soundscapes and full-on dancefloor energy can work together.” The Doors – Soul Kitchen “Jim Morrison’s lyrics always remind me of a night out. And Ray Manzarek’s organ line is just perfect.” Harvey McKay – Lost “This was part of my first rave steps. Releasing on the same label more than ten years later feels really special.” Taito – Lobotomy (San Nicolas Remix) “This is underground, how I like it. Deep, trippy, and hard to find. It’s in nearly every set I play right now.” Andfølk – Rollin’ “I played this in my Boom set this year. It feels timeless and somehow reminds me of the seventies.” Kaufmann’s Hot Picks reads as both a personal archive and a creative map. Each selection reflects the emotional pull, intensity, and psychedelic curiosity that continue to shape her sound, rather than a rigid allegiance to genre. As ‘People Are Strange’ lands on Drumcode and places her firmly within its A-Sides lineage, this playlist offers context to the instincts behind it. Rooted in rave culture, driven by feeling and always aimed at the dancefloor, it captures an artist still deeply connected to where it all began. Kaufmann Instagram - Spotify - Soundcloud Drumcode Instagram - Soundcloud - Beatport Explore more Hot Picks: Hot Picks archive · Influences · All features

Kevin Knapp Kevin Knapp has always moved with intent. From Oakland roots to global dancefloors, his sound balances raw club pressure with a deep emotional pull. Drawing from hip hop, house, and groove-led culture, he has built a body of work that feels physical without losing soul. Releases on DIRTYBIRD, Repopulate Mars, Cuttin Headz and Factory 93 have cemented his reputation, while Plump Records remains a space where his instincts run free. His new single ‘Voice Notes’ continues that thread. Tight drums drive the momentum, spoken fragments flicker through the mix, and moments of calm give way to late-night heat. It is a record that trusts feel over flash, made for rooms where connection matters. For this edition of Hot Picks, Kevin shares the records that shape his sets and mindset. These are tracks built on groove, attitude and trust between the DJ and dancefloor. “I chose the following tracks to share, in part, to amplify the fact that I feel that they need to be heard. Additionally, I’ve finally accepted that my personal taste for music, my perspective, is just an insatiability for whatever is dope that is on the horizon. What’s the next sick cut I can get my hands on? These are all fixtures in my proverbial record bag at the moment. I hope you enjoy!” Karizma - ‘Summer (Eh Yo)’ “Stripped back and ancestral feeling. When that clap lands, the swag goes through the roof.” Anti Up - ‘I Cannot’ “Thunder with just the right amount of punk edge. They never miss for me.” Silvertone (US), Apollo (GR) - ‘Disco Stick & Apollo’ “I love the brevity of the lyric. Dance music does not always need to be so serious.” AMPRS&ND - ‘Sorry’ “I have played this every set for six months. Laid back but heavy. It builds trust with the room.” Noizu - ‘Snapped Up’ “High energy without overdoing it. Perfect after a steady run of bass.” Soji (US) - ‘Murda’ “Punchy perfection. If you are not moving to this, I am questioning things.” Nathan Barato - ‘House Is Burning’ “My wife sent me this. The Talking Heads flip caught me off guard. Those vocal cuts are genius.” Jho Roscioli - ‘Truth Or Dare’ “Sexy, saucy, and confident. That 80s palette done right.” Ciclo - ‘Bass Dealer’ “Stripped back with attitude. No filler. Just vibe.” Olive F - ‘Knuckle Sandwich’ “Old school house energy. A reminder of why we are all here.” Kevin Knapp’s ‘Voice Notes’ lands on Plump Records as another chapter in a career built on groove, honesty and connection. These Hot Picks reflect the same mindset. Music that earns trust, holds tension, and moves people without forcing the moment. Kevin Knapp Instagram / Soundcloud / Facebook Plump Records Instagram / Soundcloud / Facebook Explore more Hot Picks: Hot Picks archive · Influences · All features

David Mayer David Mayer has spent years building bridges between emotion and rhythm. The Berlin-based producer and SONARA co-founder blends deep grooves with global influences, a sound shaped by his multicultural background and refined through releases on labels like Objektivity, Connected Frontline, and Keinemusik. His music radiates warmth, colour, and soul while never losing its focus on the dancefloor. Following his collaboration with Nico Stojan and vocalist Nes Mburu on ‘Luhya’, Mayer continues to elevate SONARA’s vision of music that moves both body and spirit. The track’s rolling bassline, organic percussion, and spiritual energy mark another high point for the label’s growing catalogue of emotive, melodic house. For this edition of Hot Picks, David shares the records inspiring his sets and studio work right now. From the hypnotic beauty of Tooker’s ‘Coda’ and Bun Xapa’s irresistible bootleg of ‘Million Dollar Baby’ to Culoe De Song’s powerful ‘Guardian Tongue’, every track reflects the soulful depth and craftsmanship that define his sound. Tooker - Coda ft. Winyo [SONARA Records] I witnessed firsthand how this tune began as an instrumental and evolved after Winyo brought his extraordinary vocals to it. Sometimes, just when you think something is done, something new happens that makes it whole. Sitting next to Tooker as he made his final touches created a special bond I share with this tune. It was released recently as our SONARA debut, along with mine and Nico Stojan’s “Nano,” marking the beginning of a new chapter. Tommy Richman - Million Dollar Baby (Big Bad Bunny Bootleg) [Bun Xapa] When I heard Hyenah play this live recently, I immediately identified it as an irresistible highlight. I couldn’t help but ask for the ID. It’s a beautifully crafted edit by Bun Xapa — a couple of months old but still fresh in my crate. Casa Mata - Calypso [Madorasindahouse] This tune is an example of excellent craftsmanship. It animates the crowd noticeably and checks all the boxes of a contemporary record. Madorasindahouse has been an amazing partner on my journey and is behind many of my favourite releases. Nico Stojan & David Mayer - Luhya feat. Nes Mburu [SONARA Records] For this list, I couldn’t possibly leave this one out. The process has been a passionate journey from start to finish. We began with a cowbell loop and heavy bass drop, then reached out to Nes Mburu — who loved it. When we heard the vocals, the whole team was ecstatic. We’re thrilled to see it coming out in October 2025. KEENE - Villa Lucre Jazz Club [Cacao Records] Musically, this takes me back to when my passion for intricate house music began. KEENE keeps pushing boundaries like this, and I love it. Lopezhouse, Lannakise - Scorpio Rising (Jonathan Kaspar Remix) [Kompakt] Jonathan Kaspar is one of my absolute favourite producers, and this remix shows exactly why. Sascha Funke - MZ (Pional Remix) [Turbo Recordings] The original is an impressive piece of art, unmatched in its sound. When this remix came along, it hit me hard — a deep, gritty, and driving update that’s pure Pional brilliance. Manybeat - The Gypsy Woman [Tortuga] This one’s been resonating with me for a while. I love breaking up my sets with grooves like this — it honours the original while taking it somewhere completely new. Merzzy, Re.You, Diana Ela - Zou Zou [Vinyl On Demand] Checks all the boxes for a modern record that fits perfectly into my sound. Culoe De Song - Guardian Tongue [Madorasindahouse] My friend Harrys from Madorasindahouse shared Culoe De Song’s album “The Konspiracy Theory” with me early, and I was blown away by its raw energy. When he asked me to remix a track, I chose the outro “Guardian Tongue.” It felt adventurous, and my remix is set for release on November 7th. David Mayer, Nico Stojan, and Nes Mburu’s ‘Luhya’ lands October 20 on SONARA Records, continuing the label’s journey into melodic, organic, and emotionally driven house music. Mayer’s selections highlight a producer deeply rooted in feeling, connection, and authenticity. Whether through the warmth of Afro-inspired grooves or the finesse of European deep house, his focus remains on music that unites people on the floor. David Mayer https://www.instagram.com/david_mayer https://open.spotify.com/artist/7Mf7RKErlQ5maEdHTXNexf https://soundcloud.com/david-michael-mayer Explore more Hot Picks: Hot Picks archive · Influences · All features

GruuvElement’s GruuvElement’s builds music for bodies first. Born in Romania and now established across Europe’s club circuit, he has earned his name on labels like Solid Grooves, elrow Music, Moan and Mindshake through a sound that always puts rhythm at the centre. His productions lean into tribal percussion, warm bass pressure, and vocals that feel close enough to touch. His new EP on Massi Rocket’s Motel Calypso Records pushes that identity further. ‘Thriller’ opens with off-grid drums and a pulsing low end wrapped in silky male vocals, while ‘Perfect’ turns up the energy with rolling pads, chopped flows and playful trumpet hooks. These are the records shaping his sets and studio mindset right now... Sergio Parrado - ‘Don’t Stop’ [8bit Records] “A very nice techno track that reminds me of the Dancetrippin TV days when they filmed at Space Ibiza. I love it.” Julian Collazos, Vanjee - ‘Rumba’ [Moon Harbour] “A groovy Latin track with Spanish vocals that I love.” Sivz - ‘Mad Man Thing’ [Mood Child] “Very groovy bass. Makes you move straight away.” Albert Marzinotto, Davie - ‘Jammin’ To The Beat’ [Till AM] “Something classic in the groove. I love the bassline, the vocal, everything. It’s pure energy.” Spektrum - ‘Kinda New’ (Funkerman Remix) [Altra Moda Music] “Fresh, funky house that always lifts the room.” Marian - ‘Take-O’ [Organic Pieces] “One of my favourite producers. I love the basslines, the percussion, everything.” GruuvElement’s - ‘Euphoric’ [Mindshake Records] “One of my favourite tracks that I’ve made. Groovy and made for the people.” Chicca Leaf - ‘Stick N Hop’ [Paul’s Boutique] “Great rhythm and the vocal is on another level.” DJ Snake & J Balvin - ‘Noventa’ (Tony Romera Extended Remix) “No words for what Tony did here. One of my favourites from him.” Lucho M - ‘Nowey’ [Mood Child] “Big groove. The bassline and elements make it stand out.” GruuvElement’s ‘Thriller’ EP lands on Motel Calypso Records on 28 November 2025. This release continues a run built on rhythm, instinct and physical connection rather than trends. His Hot Picks show where that energy comes from. GruuvElement’s https://www.instagram.com/gruuvelements https://open.spotify.com/artist/3hqAkng6qZQZCkLkAFZSdf https://soundcloud.com/gruuvelements Explore more Hot Picks: Hot Picks archive · Influences · All features

BLND BLND, aka Callum and Thomas, have built their name by channelling the spirit of 2010s deep house and reshaping it for now. Influenced by the swing and looseness of Jamie Jones, Lee Foss and Hot Since 82, the pair have landed on Manchester imprint Libero and picked up support from Marco Carola along the way. Their sound is groove first. Stripped back but full of intent. Now they link with Sirolf for a four-track EP that balances shadowy tech house pressure with flashes of UKG bounce and emotionally charged vocals. ‘Style Is Rude feat. Sirolf’ opens with sparse drums, organ flickers and smoky spoken word hooks. ‘FourFive’ digs into sleeker territory. ‘UR LUV’ leans into US garage energy. ‘ALL U’ closes with chunky drums and molten synth work that keeps things locked tight. For this Hot Picks selection, BLND spotlight the records that feed their sets and studio sessions right now. DJ Split - Tape Zone (XOXO Mix) The ultimate party starter, with its groovy bassline and classic percs, this one always gets the crowd moving. Paul Johnson - The Groove A great feel-good roller, we first heard this one in Ibiza, and it really is a perfect track shift the momentum of the crowd. Sambo - Sweet Dreams Another feel-good roller, the bassline, the synths and the vocal almost make you feel like you’re floating. This is one of our favourites this year! Hector Couto, Alejandro Paz - El House A recent find for us, we heard Franky Rizardo spinning this one and fell in love with it straight away. A great example of keeping it simple but keeping it interesting throughout. BLND - All U Something about this one for us really clicked in the studio, so I had to pick it. We feel like it’s one of them tracks where everything complements each other. It’s rare you find a session in the studio like we did with this one! Matthew Styles - Hot! A track with serious attitude, the bass gets the crowd every time. Not much to add to this apart from it's cool as! Josh Butler - No Joke Josh Butler is one of our favourite producers of all time; he’s been making bangers for as long as we can remember. However, the work he did with the drums on the drop is nothing short of genius! Rooleh - Past Cognitions We met Rooleh in Manchester randomly one night; he makes his records sound timeless every time. To be honest, we could’ve picked any of them! Sweely- Security (Get The Fuck Out) We have always been big into old-school West Coast rap; this track captures everything we love about it with the Moog synths and vocal chops. It really is the perfect blend of two genres! ‘Style Is Rude feat. Sirolf’ marks another confident step for BLND. Their Hot Picks reflect everything that makes them so enjoyable to listen to: deep grooves. Sharp drums. Emotion where it counts. BLND Instagram - Soundcloud - Beatport Explore more Hot Picks: Hot Picks archive · Influences · All features