Nüur Colombian DJ and producer Nüur has spent the last few years carving out a distinctive place within the afro and organic house scene. Formerly known as LEVEG, his productions blend hypnotic grooves, rich textures and evolving rhythms, earning support from Richie Hawtin, Nicole Moudaber and a growing list of respected selectors. Now arriving on connected with his latest single, 'Ngizwa', Nüur continues that journey. Meaning 'A call from the soul', the record explores the connection between darkness, light and movement through deep afro house rhythms, hypnotic chants and emotional energy. Ahead of the release, we asked Nüur to share ten records that continue to inspire his DJ sets and productions. Keinemusik & Sevdaliza – See You Again "This track is perfect for getting the dancefloor going and kicking off the dancers' journey." Shimza & Demayä – Sunset In Pretoria [KUNYE] "Amazing sounds that help people connect with what you want to convey throughout a fantastic set." Nüur & Ameh Fashi – I Want Fo Know [My Other Side Of The Moon] "This is a different sort of track, a mix of Caribbean and afro house. It's a great record for an afternoon on the beach, full of energy." Moojo – That's The Way Love Goes [Calamar Records] "This track has a special sequence. It's a great one to round off a set." Deco (BE) – New Day [VOD] "An excellent track to get the dancefloor going, featuring a vocal that everyone already knows." Liva K & OVEOUS – Blessings [Crosstown Rebels] "One of my favourite tracks. A powerful sound with kicks that get the party started." Fahlberg & Arodes – If Your Girl Only Knew [One Seven Music] "This track is one of my favourites at the moment. The sounds, the groove... it's a great track to get everyone in the mood and have a shot." Notre Dame – No Rules [Diynamic] "A brilliant track. I love the way it unfolds and the sounds. It's perfect for stepping things up a notch." Kimonos & Josh Gigante – Feel So Right [tszr] "This track has some brilliant piano parts, and its harmony and sequence are perfect for getting the crowd going." MoBlack, LevyM & Gruwski – Sweet Reminder [MoBlack Records] "Great track, brilliant atmosphere. A big hug to my friend Mimmo." The records featured here perfectly reflect the musical world behind 'Ngizwa'. Blending afro house, organic textures and melodic emotion, each selection showcases the sounds that continue to inspire Nüur both behind the decks and in the studio as he embarks on his latest chapter with connected. Nüur Instagram - Soundcloud - Spotify connected Instagram - Website - Soundcloud Explore more Hot Picks: Hot Picks archive · Influences · All features

Prodot Argentina’s Prodot steps into the Solid Grooves universe with ‘I Just’, his debut on Solid Grooves Raw. Hailing from Villa Carlos Paz in Córdoba, he blends house roots with minimal textures, jazz phrasing and electro edge, always keeping one eye on dancefloor function. ‘I Just’ reflects that balance. Rolling low-end pressure, skippy percussion and resonant synth work lock into a groove that feels stripped yet weighty. It is a confident introduction to the UK imprint and a clear sign that Prodot is carving space within the global underground. Buy/Stream it here: https://ffm.to/sgraw086. For this Hot Picks edition, he traces the phases of his journey. From Argentinian peers pushing the local scene forward to UK garage staples and 2000s tech house cuts, these records map the evolution of his sound. Gus Bonani - Wrong Answers Only “I want to start with Argentinian artists. Gus Bonani is amazing. I’ve played this many times and it always delivers. Funky bassline, ultra groovy and fun. It works on any dancefloor.” Light Blue File - Ein The Rein “One of my favourite producers from my country. The vocoder gives it a unique vibe. It leans into electro while keeping strong rhythmic energy.” Luciano Amaya - Fuego “A brother I met through music. His sound feels kaleidoscopic and ritualistic. Always trying to generate hypnosis through minimal grooves.” Mariche - Look At Yourself “A great friend and incredible producer. Pure groove in the bassline, lovely vocals and strong dancefloor energy. DJs around the world play his music.” Jake Childs - What Can I Do “Now into some 2000s gems. This came out on Drop Music, run by Inland Knights. Catchy groove and female vocals that ignite the dancefloor.” Lawnchair Generals - You Got To “One of the best duos of that era for me. Groovy, classy, funky, always bass driven. They play with samples and vocal chops in a creative way.” Box Clever - Questions (MJ Cole Dubb) “MJ Cole made me fall in love with UK garage. The groove is undeniable. The bassline, synth chops and that nostalgic break make it one of my all time favourites.” Eastfield Swing - Lowther Trebles “This track shifted my sound a few years ago. It pushed me towards electro while keeping house as the root. Serious trip for the dancefloor.” Christopher, Rancel - Bucle Espacial “Very special to me. The groove and pads make me feel like I’m floating. The Spanish vocals connect deeply with my roots.” Nick Holder - U It Is “My mentor played this when I was starting out around 15 years ago. Nick Holder is a true legend. Records like this remain timeless.” Prodot’s selections reflect a journey that began at 12 years old with deep house, moved through minimal, and now embraces a hybrid electro and UK-leaning edge. Argentina plays a central role in that story. The local scene continues to shape him just as much as the global underground. Electronic music is too wide to sit in one lane. For Prodot, house remains the root. Everything else branches from there. Prodot Instagram / Soundcloud / Spotify Solid Grooves Instagram / Soundcloud / Facebook Explore more Hot Picks: Hot Picks archive · Influences · All features

Emery Bex Emery Bex is moving with intent right now. Following early support across Hottrax and LTF, his return to Flâneur Music with ‘Break It Down’ lands as a clear next step. The EP leans into groove, texture and late-night functionality. Breakbeat touches, swung rhythms and vocal-led moments all sit inside a tight, club-focused framework. It feels like an artist locking into what works. To mark the release, Bex pulls together ten records that shaped his ear. From formative house cuts to deeper, hypnotic selections, this list maps out the foundations behind his sound and how it’s evolved. Alan Braxe & Fred Falke - Intro Everything started for me with this track. I didn’t know anything about house music back then, but this classic made me fall in love with it instantly. Art Of Tones - The World As I Live It Tracks like this aren’t really produced anymore. It feels like a movie soundtrack, yet it still works every time on the dance floor – one of my secret weapons for many, many years. Osunlade, Nadirah Shakoor - Pride (Johnny D Remix) Vocal Edit It’s never easy to pick just one of my favourite Johnny D tracks – but today I’m going with this one. Listening to his music always brings back the good old days. The Mountain People - Mountain008.3 As an artist from Switzerland, how could I not include one of my favourite tracks from Swiss artists? TMP was, and still is, a huge inspiration for me. La Pena - Snare Master (Snare Mix) Another weapon I regularly play in my sets. This one is all about groove – and groove only. Jamie Jones - You! Jamie’s sound has inspired me since the early days. “You!” works anytime, in any club. iO - Cabaret A masterpiece in its own right – I love hearing this on a big sound system. If it doesn’t get you dancing, get out of the club. Ekkohaus - Unsound This one is hypnotic. Once the humming starts, it’s over. Don’t believe me? Try it out. Dusty Kid, Grooviera - Here He Goes Another example of an outstanding track. Proper house music with positive vibes all around! Andre Kraml - Safari (James Holden Remix) I would love to ask James what was going through his mind when he produced this track. For me, it’s one of the most interesting pieces in electronic music to this day. I don’t think it will ever leave my hard drive. PS: Not a track for beginner DJs to mix. There’s a clear thread running through all ten: Groove first. Emotion without over-complication. Records that hold weight on a system but still leave space to breathe. You can hear that same approach across ‘Break It Down’. It’s direct when it needs to be, but never rushed. Built for DJs who understand pacing. Emery Bex Instagram - Soundcloud - Spotify FLÂNEUR Instagram - Soundcloud - Website Explore more Hot Picks: Hot Picks archive · Influences · All features

Jewel Kid Malta’s Jewel Kid has spent more than two decades carving out his place in house music, with releases on labels including Toolroom and Abode alongside his own Alleanza imprint. His latest move sees him land on Radio Slave’s Rekids with ‘Explicit Behaviour’, a three-track EP built around chunky drums, classic piano stabs, hypnotic vocal loops and stripped-back late-night pressure. Across the title track, ‘In The Dance’ and ‘The Tribute’, Jewel Kid leans into a raw, club-focused sound while keeping the groove front and centre. For his Hot Picks, he shares ten records that continue to resonate with him, moving through French house, techno, vocal house and electro-leaning club music. Thomas Bangalter – Colossus “This French House weapon from 1998 still finds its way to my sets as I think it’s one of the strongest bangers ever made. From just a couple of samples, Thomas Bangalter made a timeless masterpiece that still amazes me every time I hear it.” Filter Science – Darkness Falls (Joey Beltram Remix) “This is the first record I played in front of a crowd when I was just 14 years old. My friend was DJing at this bar/club and him knowing that I was spending 12 hours every day learning how to mix vinyl, he asked me if I wanted to play a track in public for the first time. This was the track I chose and when it dropped the crowd went nuts. The rest is history :)” DJ Rolando – Knights Of The Jaguar “Where do I start? Even listening to it now gives me goosebumps. I remember the very first time hearing this track around the year 2000. Me and my friends were in awe and till this day I still can’t figure out how DJ Rolando made this, especially during that time.” Dr. Kucho – Forbidden Planet “This track takes me back to my first production days. Dr.Kucho’s tracks were the benchmark for me. The complexity in all of his productions is just monumental. One masterpiece after the other. He was also the first professional artist that wrote back a huge email explaining what I’m doing right and wrong in my tracks. Beyond grateful.” Bel Amour – Bel Amour “This track came out around the time I started DJing in 2001. It was my gateway to house music and how music could elevate your feelings. Something I had never experienced before.” Junior Jack – Thrill Me “I remember a time where we used to buy vinyls from magazines, without even listening to them; a small book that was called “Hard to find records”. This track was one of the tracks I bought blindly. When it arrived home and I laid that needle on the record, it was like I struck gold.” Robbie Rivera – Sex “Going by the name of it “Sex” was the track that made me feel how music could actually bring out sexuality in people. I remember the first time hearing this track and seeing everyone letting lose and the club being filled with endorphins.” Le Knight Club – Nymphae Song “This was around the time when I really started falling in love with French house. Crydamour was the home of most of this genre. A feel-good sound that takes me back to the summer of early 2000’s.” CZR featuring DELANO – I Want You “I think this was the first full vocal track that I fell in love with. Probably also the first Subliminal track which moved me into becoming a die hard Subliminal Records fan.” Benny Benassi – Satisfaction “I remember buying a track that I liked and on the other side of the vinyl there was a test-press of a track called “The Bizz”. The moment me and my brother played this at home, we couldn’t believe what was coming out of the speakers. Such a powerful compressed sound that we never heard like it before. This track sent shockwaves that disrupted the house scene into becoming more electro sounding, and I’d like to believe that I was amongst the first to hear it :)” Jewel Kid’s selections move across several strands of club music, but all share the same emphasis on impact, groove and identity. From French house and classic vocal records to tougher techno and electro-leaning moments, the playlist sits naturally alongside the raw, late-night energy running through ‘Explicit Behaviour’. Jewel Kid Instagram - Soundcloud - Facebook - Beatport Rekids Instagram - Soundcloud - Beatport Explore more Hot Picks: Hot Picks archive · Influences · All features

WVLK WVLK is carving out his own space within melodic Drum & Bass, combining rolling rhythms and detailed sound design with the kind of songwriting that puts emotion firmly at the centre. His latest single ‘Do You Hear Me’, landing on Vibe Chemistry’s Make Your Era, pushes that approach further. Sweeping melodic arrangements, liquid Drum & Bass foundations and a striking female vocal unfold across a track built to work as effectively through headphones as it does on a festival system. That balance between emotion and electronic production runs throughout WVLK’s Hot Picks. From his own ‘Oxygen’ to melodic Drum & Bass, electronic pop and more introspective productions, he shares five records that reflect the musical ideas currently inspiring his work. WVLK – Oxygen [Black Hole Recordings] “Oxygen is a really personal record for me because it represents a side of my sound I've been trying to develop for a long time. I wanted to write something that felt emotional without losing its energy, where the melody carried just as much weight as the drop. Releasing it through Black Hole Recordings was a huge milestone and gave me the confidence to keep trusting my instincts rather than chasing trends. Even now, I still enjoy listening back to it because it reminds me of where I was creatively at that moment. Every track teaches you something, and Oxygen taught me that the songs people connect with the most are usually the ones where you're the most honest.” Arcando – Wide Awake (feat. Sam Harper) [Monstercat] “Wide Awake was one of those tracks that grabbed me on the first listen. I'm a sucker for melodic drum & bass, and this one just gets the balance right. Sam Harper's vocal feels really genuine, and the production never tries to overshadow it; it builds naturally and lets the emotion do the work. That's something I really appreciate as a producer. You don't always need the biggest or most complicated drop to make an impact. Sometimes it's the feeling a track leaves you with that matters most. I've gone back to this record so many times because it reminds me that great dance music can hit just as hard emotionally as it does on a sound system.” NOTD & Corbyn Besson – Panic [Universal Music] “Panic is one of those songs that feels effortless every time I come back to it. I've always liked music that sits somewhere between emotional and uplifting, and this track does that really well. Corbyn Besson's vocals feel honest, and NOTD keep the production clean without taking away from the emotion. There isn't anything overcomplicated about it, but every element feels like it's exactly where it should be. I think that's what makes it so replayable. As someone who spends a lot of time making melodic electronic music, I really appreciate records that don't try to do too much. They just focus on creating a feeling, and Panic is a great example of how powerful that can be.” Oskar Med K – I Think I'm Addicted “I Think I'm Addicted is one of those tracks that caught me completely off guard. It has this really clean, emotional sound that feels effortless from start to finish. The melodies are memorable without being overcomplicated, and the vocals give the whole track a genuine, almost vulnerable feeling. I always appreciate music that doesn't try to be the loudest thing in the room but still leaves a lasting impression. That's something I think about a lot in my own productions as well—creating moments that people connect with rather than just chasing impact. This is the kind of record I can throw on during a late-night drive or while working in the studio, and it never gets old. Every listen reminds me that sometimes the simplest ideas end up being the most powerful.” Said The Sky, ILLENIUM & Chelsea Cutler – Walk Me Home “I've always been drawn to music that doesn't rush to make its point, and Signs (Revision) is a perfect example. It builds its emotion so naturally that you almost don't notice how invested you've become until the track opens up. Two Lanes have a way of making electronic music feel incredibly human, and NOHR's vocal adds another layer of honesty to it. Nothing feels overproduced or forced—every sound has a purpose. I come back to this track whenever I want to reset or find inspiration because it reminds me that sometimes the smallest details have the biggest impact. As a producer, that's something I try to carry into my own music: letting the emotion lead and trusting that simplicity can be just as powerful as complexity.” Across WVLK’s selections, the common thread is clear. Melody and emotion come first, while production exists to strengthen the feeling rather than compete with it. It’s an approach that feeds directly into ‘Do You Hear Me’, where liquid Drum & Bass energy, cinematic scale and songwriting combine as WVLK continues to establish his identity within the wider bass music landscape. WVLK Instagram - Spotify - SoundCloud Make Your Era Beatport - Instagram - TikTok Explore more Hot Picks: Hot Picks archive · Influences · All features

Gil Bokobza Gil Bokobza has built his sound around the meeting point between afro house, traditional African influences and the kind of groove that keeps the dancefloor moving. From his early Drum Machine parties to releases on labels including MoBlack, Aluku and Madorasindahouse, his productions have developed around rhythm, emotion and a strong sense of musical connection. His latest release ‘Umlilo’ sees him join forces with New York duo DJ Tomer & Ricardo and vocalist Nomvula SA on connected. Driven by rolling percussion, rising pads and Nomvula’s soulful vocal performance, the collaboration channels the emotive side of afro house while maintaining a constant forward momentum. “It’s always exciting to collaborate with other artists, especially with my good friends Tomer & Ricardo. We’re constantly sharing ideas and bouncing different concepts off each other until something new starts to take shape. It’s always a great feeling when all those ideas come together and turn into a track. I also always enjoy working with Nomvula. She brings so much emotion and soul to her vocals, and her voice adds a really special energy to the records we create together.” For his Hot Picks, Gil shares ten records that have stayed with him, from longstanding favourites and Ibiza memories to journey led afro house and timeless vocal classics. Shimza, AR:CO & Kasango – Fire Fire [Helix Records] “It’s always fun to hear and sing it. Makes you feel good.” Solomun – Kackvogel [Watergate Records] “Has been with me for years. The video is just as good as the track.” Tyla – Water (Vanco Edit) “Excellent remix, light and energetic.” Aaron Sevilla – Cenizas [Afrodise] “I saw them perform it live at a party in Ibiza and it was great. Full of energy.” Black Coffee – Muyè (Black Coffee And Nduduzo Makhathini Journey Mix) [Keinemusik] “A remix that simply takes you on a journey from the moment it starts to the second it ends.” Mayonie, Soulroots & Nana Atta – One Day (Manoo Remix) “One of my favourite producers. He likes to take the listener on an adventure, starting very simply and adding more and more sounds every time, and everything sits together in crazy harmony.” Pablo Fierro – Djambo “Another song that has been with me for years. Pablo always knows how to bring the right energies and good vibes.” Homeboyz feat. Kyaku Kyadaff – Nkolwa “One of my favourites. Always enjoy hearing this.” Crystal Waters – Gypsy Woman (She’s Homeless) “One of the best catchy songs. Everyone always sings and enjoys the vibe.” Kato Change feat. Winyo – Abiro (Da Capo’s Touch) “I don’t think words are needed. Just listen.” Across Gil Bokobza’s selections, the common thread is music that creates an immediate feeling, whether through a vocal everyone knows, a groove that brings energy to the room or a production that gradually takes the listener somewhere deeper. That same focus runs through ‘Umlilo’, where Gil, DJ Tomer & Ricardo and Nomvula SA bring rhythm, soul and atmosphere together for their latest outing on connected. Gil Bokobza Instagram - Soundcloud - Spotify connected Instagram - Soundcloud - Website Explore more Hot Picks: Hot Picks archive · Influences · All features

The Indiigo Child San Francisco based producer Daniel Knott, aka The Indiigo Child, has built his sound around the meeting point between emotion and the dancefloor. Since launching the project in 2018, his music has moved through house, melodic techno, acid, Latin influenced rhythms and cinematic electronics, with releases spanning Save My World, Alpha Good Girl, Techno Dream and Throttle Therapy. That journey continues with ‘Memories’, a new EP shaped by his experiences living in the Bay Area over the past two years. Inspired in particular by the creative community surrounding Lake Merritt in Oakland, the project explores how memories can shape who we become without pulling us away from the present. Across ‘Memories’ and ‘East Bay’, soulful samples, melancholic chords and stripped back house grooves bring that idea onto the dancefloor. For his Hot Picks, The Indiigo Child selects ten records that reflect the breadth of his own musical world, moving from timeless house and patient deep grooves to darker techno, bass driven club music and emotionally charged electronics. Goldy – No More [Goldy] “I really like the contrast between the intimate vocal and the stripped-back production on this one. It feels emotional without losing the rhythm, which is something I’m always drawn to in music.” Room 5 feat. Oliver Cheatham – Make Luv [PIAS Recordings] “One of those records that still feels timeless. The groove is simple, warm, and impossible not to move to, and it reminds me that a great house record doesn’t need to overcomplicate anything.” Dusky – Skin Deep [17 Steps] “I love tracks that feel emotional and physical at the same time, and this does that really well. The progression keeps unfolding while the groove stays grounded underneath it.” Channel Tres – Medicine [Alta Music Group] “Channel Tres has a way of making club music feel cool and effortless. The low end, vocal delivery, and space in the production make this feel minimal while still having a huge amount of personality.” Tommy Four Seven – OX1 (Oscar Mulero Remix) [CLR] “This represents the darker side of what I listen to. It’s hypnotic, mechanical, and relentless, but still controlled, exactly the kind of techno that pulls you deeper instead of just hitting you with volume.” Sebastian Ingrosso – Flood [SUPERHUMAN MUSIC] “This record feels huge without becoming overly busy. I love the tension and release throughout it and the way the production stays clean even when the energy really opens up.” Chris Lorenzo & Amyl and The Sniffers – U Should Not Be Doing That [Late Checkout] “I love the collision of punk attitude and club production here. It’s raw, strange, and fun, and it’s a great reminder that dance music can pull inspiration from anywhere when the idea is strong.” Gorgon City – 5AM At Bagleys [REALM Records] “This has exactly the kind of late-night energy the title suggests. The bassline and garage influence feel gritty and modern, and it sounds like a record made for that point in the night when the whole room is fully locked in.” Kahwe – Sit Back [Anjunadeep] “Warm chords, a patient groove and a really timeless deep-house feel. It’s one of those tracks that can sit in the background or completely take over a room depending on where you hear it.” Chace – Us [Selected.] “There’s a lot of space in this record, and I love the way it builds atmosphere without forcing the energy. It has that late-night driving quality where the groove just carries you.” Across these ten selections, The Indiigo Child’s interest in contrast comes into focus. Intimate vocals sit alongside club focused grooves, deep house meets darker techno, and stripped back productions can carry as much weight as records built for bigger moments. It’s an approach reflected throughout ‘Memories’, as he continues to explore how feeling, atmosphere and physical dancefloor energy can coexist within the same musical space. The Indiigo Child Instagram - SoundCloud - Spotify Explore more Hot Picks: Hot Picks archive · Influences · All features

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