D.J.S Swiss collective D.J.S have quickly established themselves as a name to watch through their blend of melodic house, afro-inspired rhythms and immersive dancefloor energy. Formed by Dymos, Jay Fase and Shizzo, the trio have already taken their ODYS concept across Europe and the Middle East while performing at Caprices Festival, Montreux Jazz Festival and Eden Ibiza. Now making their debut on Arodes' Unreleased Records with 'One of Those Nights', the trio deliver a dreamy, groove-driven record already earning support from Black Coffee, Claptone and Ilario Alicante. To celebrate the release, we asked D.J.S to share ten tracks that continue to shape their productions, DJ sets and musical philosophy. Jimi Jules x Black Coffee – Trippy Yeah "A must-have in your playlist. Beautiful production. 'Trippy Yeah' feels like a trip through a warm, hypnotic dancefloor. We picked it because it nails the balance between organic textures and hypnotic simplicity, guiding the crowd without overpowering them. In the studio, it helps us craft basslines that breathe and maintain melodic clarity. It's a reminder that music can be both soulful and urban, a signature we aim to bring to our productions." BLOND:ISH x KeeQ ft. Chloe Paige - The Cure "'The Cure' is a masterclass in knowing when to let go and when to drive the energy. We chose it for its powerful groove and its ability to trigger collective emotions on the dancefloor. In production, it inspires us to write sections that play with contrast, moving from darker atmospheres into melodic passages that linger. It also encourages us to explore more ethereal vocal textures while staying dancefloor-focused. What a track. When it's time to make the crowd go wild, this is a perfect match." Adriatique – Miracle (RÜFÜS DU SOL Remix) "'Miracle' shows how a remix can completely redefine the emotional space of a set. We chose it because it brings the crowd into a shared intimacy without ever becoming cliché. In the studio, it reminds us how important arrangement is when building emotional crescendos that still work on the dancefloor. A perfect closing track, or whenever you want to get everyone emotional. Definitely Dymos' favourite." Dymos & Shizzo – Desire (Jay Fase Remix) "'Desire' brings a punchy groove that never lets up. We picked it because it demonstrates how a simple theme can become raw energy on the dancefloor. In production, it inspires us to push basslines and percussion while keeping a clear melodic identity. It's also a lesson in building effective drops without overwhelming the listener. A true masterpiece remix from our genius Jay Fase. This kind of track perfectly represents the energy we bring on stage." Shahin Shantiaei & WINCK – Prayer "'Prayer' is a banger thanks to its intensity and density of textures. We kept it for its sense of urgency and its ability to grab a crowd that's already moving. In the studio, it pushes us to layer sounds gradually and refine transitions so every element has its own place within the mix. It's a reference for writing passages that naturally assert themselves. Let's keep it underground." Somma – Be Like You "'Be Like You' takes us into a never-ending exploration of deep landscapes. The opening guitar is an invitation to travel and experience music as an emotional journey rather than just a groove. In production, it inspires us to weave organic motifs and natural textures that encourage listeners to stay with the record. We love playing this track." D.J.S – One of Those Nights "'One of Those Nights' is our baby. It captures pure emotion, timeless energy and deep vibes. We chose it because it carries a sentimental energy that works equally well in back-to-back sets and during more attentive listening after the show. In the studio, it inspired Jay Fase to write melodies that keep a connection with the crowd while remaining subtle enough to evolve naturally. What a guitar solo on the bridge." Fred again.. & Skrillex – Baby Again.. "'Baby Again..' is a showcase of a devastating bassline and immediate dancefloor damage. We included it for its radical groove and its power to completely transform a room. From a production perspective, it reminds us how important a clean drop and punchy percussion can be when resetting the energy of a set. It's also a brilliant example of how collaboration can push sonic boundaries." Meloko, Garla & Konvex – IF U EVER "'IF U EVER' is a hypnotic exploration of textures and loops that slowly weave together. We chose it for its ability to carry the listener into an intimate, almost cinematic world. When producing our own music, it encourages us to focus on subtle details and repeating motifs that build atmosphere instead of relying on constant big moments. One of the biggest club weapons of 2025. A must-have." Jay Fase – Pamoja (Jay Fase Minor Mix) "This track fuses afro grooves with kinetic, expansive dancefloor energy, rooted yet open. It's on the list because of its human warmth and the way its tempo naturally nudges the crowd forward. The production focuses on marrying organic percussion with precise pocketed grooves to create something that hits hard without ever feeling crowded. Supported by Keinemusik, Bedouin and BLOND, it highlights how cross-genre collaboration can push our sonic boundaries." The records selected by D.J.S reveal the foundations behind 'One of Those Nights'. From hypnotic afro house and melodic club cuts to timeless dancefloor records built around groove and emotion, each selection reflects the collective's approach to creating music that connects people while maintaining depth, atmosphere and movement. D.J.S https://open.spotify.com/artist/3tbuFxkU3aZ2pH8n6Z5M6o Explore more Hot Picks: Hot Picks archive · Influences · All features

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

Amp//Xist Amp//Xist might be a new name, but its arrival was less a carefully planned beginning than something its creator eventually had to follow. Behind the project sits a musician whose relationship with dance music stretches back to the 1980s. Years spent drumming through clubs and festival circuits, predominantly alongside dance and bass music projects with some jazz thrown into the equation, placed him inside other people’s musical worlds. Production had quietly existed alongside that work since he began experimenting with Ableton in 2012, moving between early 4/4 ideas and deeper nu-jazz territory, but it took an enforced interruption for those experiments to become something more concrete. “Covid happened and things stopped, and after Covid I wanted a rest from drumming gigs,” he explains. A soundproofed garden studio followed, initially intended simply as somewhere to play at home. Instead, it unlocked something. “No sooner was it built I sensed a strong urge to actively make and finish some 4/4 tracks, probably something i'd wanted to do for a while.” That became Amp//Xist. After years primarily operating as “a part player in someone else's project”, sitting alone with a DAW provided an unfamiliar degree of autonomy. “Having only my own voice involved, that was and is freedom.” The first result is Shadow Jerk (Ya Body), a two-track introduction that moves between the immersive warmth of ‘Resodrum’ and the brittle, unsettled electronics of ‘Diffusion Network’. Despite the history behind it, Amp//Xist has deliberately arrived without a lengthy résumé attached. “A blank palette with no baggage or expectation felt correct,” he says. “The music i'm making with this must be the point of interaction to the wider world, before any brand or identity.” It makes ‘Resodrum’ an appropriate introduction. Hand-played drums are recorded and processed until their acoustic beginnings become difficult to place, leaving traces of human movement inside something considerably stranger. For Amp//Xist, that ambiguity feels increasingly valuable. “It feels like mystery and intrigue is being stripped from the human experience today, what better way to counter that as a programmer and drummer than to distort the obvious.” There is a wider philosophy behind it too. “For me 4/4 music was and is and should be an anti-ordinary experience.” That does not mean obscuring sounds simply for novelty. If a track needs drums that sound unmistakably like drums, he is happy to leave them that way. The objective is to introduce enough unfamiliarity to provoke what he describes as “some unconscious curiosity in the listener” without sacrificing the record itself. His relationship with rhythm has always existed on both sides of the acoustic-electronic divide. Hearing techno and acid during the 1980s, particularly the unmistakable impact of Roland machines, was formative. “Stomping kicks and blasting hats, that utterly thrilled me and hooked me in into the music.” Yet physically playing drums offers something a machine cannot reproduce exactly. Timing and dynamics become specific to the performance, while the physical act of moving air through a microphone adds another dimension to the recording. He remembers live percussionists being commonplace alongside DJs in clubs during the ’90s, singling out Natural Life’s Shovell as an “omnipresent” example of how much that could elevate a room. That human looseness runs through ‘Resodrum’, while ‘Diffusion Network’ seems to occupy its opposite pole: sharper, more skeletal and increasingly uneasy. Interestingly, the contrast was accidental. “I never (yet) write tracks that have a connection or anti connection to a track i've previously written,” he says. Instead, he describes creating “in the now”, allowing each idea to exist independently until it reveals where it belongs. Only when asked which two of three completed tracks should form the debut EP did the relationship become obvious. The restraint within ‘Diffusion Network’ also reflects a lesson learned much earlier. Amp//Xist admits his “overactive brain wants all sorts of madness going on”, something exposed particularly clearly during a remix commission around 2013. After five or six attempts, each version came back from the label with essentially the same response: “WOOAAHHH thats too much!” Eventually, stripping things away produced the version that worked. “That was a strong lesson which is with me and my Amp//Xist productions.” His method today can be remarkably physical. Arrangements are played repeatedly while he stands up with the computer screen switched off, waiting for the sections that drag to reveal themselves. Rather than constantly introducing dramatic changes, he has learned to trust smaller interventions. “Tracks don't need much drastic stuff to keep us engaged, and with a carefully placed push forward, as you say, well, less is more isn't it.” Despite decades of references sitting behind the project, nostalgia holds little appeal. When Amp//Xist first encountered dance music, it sounded futuristic, as though arriving “from outer space or another dimension”. He still wants electronic music to carry that possibility rather than becoming an exercise in recreating previous eras. “I am the least nostalgic person you will meet. I'm definitely not in the ‘it was better in the old days’ camp.” History still leaves an imprint, though. House, techno, dub and decades of club culture inevitably form part of his musical vocabulary, and he believes there is an underlying quality dance music cannot afford to lose. “Dance music should be shamanic, it has an essence that has to be integral and eternal, and you can only stray so far before that can start to be diluted.” That creates an interesting tension at the centre of Amp//Xist. He wants to distort familiar sounds, blur boundaries and allow strangeness into the music, but never at the expense of its fundamental purpose. “One must always serve the music, the dancefloor, the listener, the vibe and the essence, and without a groove the feet don't move.” The experimental side instead emerges through play. Plugins are added and removed, processing chains rebuilt, sounds resampled and arrangements manipulated until something clicks. Accidents are welcomed. In fact, while answering these questions, another one happened. Working simultaneously on a new track through headphones, Amp//Xist pasted several bars of a duplicated lead into the wrong order and immediately realised the mistake sounded better than what he had intended. “It's quite thrilling when it happens.” For a project founded on creative autonomy, perhaps that willingness to relinquish control is fitting. Two tracks are far too little material to determine exactly where Amp//Xist will ultimately land, and that seems to be precisely the point. What Shadow Jerk (Ya Body) does establish is an unwillingness to chase an obvious genre or contemporary trend. “I don't wish to confuse people, but i'd want to blur the boundaries further I suspect.” The sounds may change. The balance between warmth, abrasion, acoustic performance and electronic manipulation may shift with them. What matters is retaining the thing underneath. “As long as the essence remains, that which takes people to a higher place and moves people, whilst keeping the body moving, then that's the right direction, regardless of what sound i'm creating.” For Amp//Xist, starting again does not mean forgetting everything that came before. It means having enough freedom to stop worrying about where any of it is supposed to lead. Amp//Xist https://www.instagram.com/amp.xist https://open.spotify.com/artist/1VqdCm8lxxQFhdIyPSxJaw https://soundcloud.com/jamie-morrison-777926753

Dam Swindle Dam Swindle have shared ‘I Want You’ featuring Allysha Joy, the first taste of the Amsterdam duo’s forthcoming contribution to !K7’s long-running ‘DJ-Kicks’ series. Released today, 7th October, ‘I Want You’ is more than an introductory single. It is one of five new Dam Swindle productions created specifically around the flow of their 74-minute mix, which lands in full on 20th November. The collaboration with Allysha Joy places the Australian vocalist, songwriter and 30/70 member inside Dam Swindle’s soul-rooted approach to house music. It also provides an early indication of how Lars Dales and Maarten Smeets have approached their ‘DJ-Kicks’, treating the project as an opportunity to make new music rather than simply sequence existing records. The pair worked from around 30 demos before narrowing the material down to five exclusives. “It was close to writing a whole album,” Smeets says of the process, with each production conceived to occupy a particular point within the finished mix. ‘I Want You’ therefore arrives as one piece of a considerably wider statement. Recorded in Dam Swindle’s studio beneath Amsterdam’s Volkshotel, their ‘DJ-Kicks’ brings together original material with records from Osunlade, Eli Escobar, musclecars, Harvey Sutherland, S.A.M. and others, alongside local artists including Makèz, D Stone and Nachtbraker. Rather than filling the tracklist with obvious selections, Dales and Smeets deliberately dug into overlooked corners of their collections, looking for records capable of connecting immediately on a dancefloor while remaining unfamiliar to many listeners. “We wanted tracks that were special to us, but which nobody knew,” Smeets explains. “Those $5 bargains in the bin at your local record store.” The resulting mix also makes Dam Swindle the first Dutch artists to contribute to ‘DJ-Kicks’, arriving during a significant period for the duo following the 100th release on their Heist Recordings imprint and their continued involvement in Amsterdam club culture through RadioRadio. A second original, ‘Keep On’, follows on 28th October before the complete compilation arrives the following month. For now, ‘I Want You’ opens the door, placing Dam Swindle’s own production alongside Allysha Joy’s distinctive vocal presence as the first new music from a project designed to connect where the duo came from with where they are heading next. ‘I Want You’ featuring Allysha Joy is out now, with Dam Swindle’s ‘DJ-Kicks’ following via !K7 on 20th November. Dam Swindle Instagram - Soundcloud - Facebook - Spotify !K7 Instagram - Soundcloud - Facebook - Bandcamp - Website

Artlab Buenos Aires cultural centre and club Artlab is continuing its 10th anniversary celebrations with the second instalment of its commemorative vinyl series, bringing together new material from Voigtmann, Mateo Dufour, Franco Cinelli and Revivis. The four-track VA follows the first anniversary volume from May, which featured Barem, Solimano, Janeret & Miroloja and Random Factor. Together, the releases reflect the multidisciplinary venue’s approach to electronic music while connecting Argentina’s scene with artists from further afield. The A-side opens with Toi.Toi.Musik co-founder and Subsequent label boss Voigtmann. His contribution, ‘Casual’, heads into hypnotic territory, combining a persistent groove with electro-leaning details and a sense of forward motion designed for the dancefloor. Argentinian producer Mateo Dufour follows with ‘Space Child’. A member of the Key Producciones crew and a regular presence around No Art, Dufour opts for a deeper house framework, balancing atmospheric elements against tightly controlled rhythms. The record’s second half brings the focus firmly back to Argentina. Franco Cinelli contributes ‘Ecos Perdidos’, exploring dub-influenced textures and resonant spaces through a hypnotic club framework. With Cinelli established as one of the country’s longstanding electronic exports, his inclusion gives the anniversary project an additional connection to Argentina’s wider dance music history. Revivis closes the collection with ‘L.T.F.U’. The Santo Tomas label boss shifts towards a more immediate and energetic groove, rounding out a record that moves through electro, house, dub and minimal-leaning club music without forcing its contributors into a single stylistic lane. That breadth feels appropriate for an anniversary series documenting Artlab’s first decade. Rather than simply looking backwards, its second volume places established Argentinian figures alongside international and emerging voices, using the club’s history as a foundation for what comes next. Artlab Instagram / SoundCloud / Website

SIKOTI Glasgow producer SIKOTI has returned to A State Of Trance with ‘Fall Back Into You’, a new single that brings the emotional side of his sound firmly into focus. Released on 2nd October, the track finds SIKOTI balancing two elements that have become increasingly important to his productions: the physical intensity of contemporary trance and rave, and a more melodic approach built around atmosphere and feeling. ‘Fall Back Into You’ pushes forward with forceful rhythms and a pronounced sense of momentum, but its heavier framework leaves space for emotive melodies and expansive textures. Rather than treating those elements as a breakdown from the track’s club energy, SIKOTI weaves them throughout the production, creating a constant pull between intensity and reflection. The release marks another appearance on A State Of Trance for the Scottish artist. His relationship with the label has developed during a particularly productive period, while ‘Fall Back Into You’ was also included on Armin van Buuren’s ‘A State of Trance 2026’ compilation earlier this year. Since emerging in 2021, SIKOTI has accumulated more than 12 million streams and over 132,000 monthly listeners, while releases across HEKATE, Taapion, Masked Rules, KTK Records and Teletech have allowed him to move between different corners of contemporary trance, techno and rave music. That crossover remains central to ‘Fall Back Into You’. Rather than abandoning the harder club language around which SIKOTI has built his name, the track expands it, using melody and atmosphere to bring a more introspective dimension to its 150 BPM drive. SIKOTI https://www.instagram.com/sikoti.dj https://open.spotify.com/artist/7qWvKoQVe3UdZhG9clKb1y https://soundcloud.com/sikotii