Big tunes from the big hitters…
1. Bottin – Plastic
One of my favourite producers proving, yet again, that Italians really do ‘do it better’. Check out the brilliant homemade promo video on Youtube and the album, due this Autumn.
2. In Flagranti – The Beast
This DJ/production duo is one of most prolific and well respected in the business. I could have chosen any number of tracks but settled on this recent reworking of a Mr Fingers track. Classic, deep house vibes.
3. Maricopa – Masson
Balearic synth goodness packed full of beautiful harmony and sparkling melodic motifs. Look out for the MODE remix on his forthcoming 12” featuring vocals by Nicola Kramer.
https://soundcloud.com/maricopa/masson-clip
4. D’Marc Cantu – Size and Shape
This seemingly simple arrangement of repetitive beats and melodies from analogue drum machines and synthesisers is minimal perfection.
5. Todd Terje – Delorean Dynamite
An obvious choice perhaps but this accomplished producer and master of the arpeggio consistently delivers amazingly uplifting music that is impossible not to love.
6. Jex Opolis – DZE
Described by the Toronto based producer as “jazzdance” the lead track from his latest EP borrows the mood, and the actual studio musician, from Asso’s Italo-disco classic ‘Don’t Stop’. Indeed, Steve Galante delivers an incredible solo on this catchy record.
https://jexopolis.bandcamp.com/album/gdtimin003
7. Lord of the Isles – 301C Symphony
A skilful blend of rich analogue sounds with dreamy pads and complex rhythmic sequences. The cinematic intro builds an air of uncertainty before his trademark interlinking beats and bassline transform this track into a dance floor killer.
8. Blasé – The Third Wall
Top class label, ESP Institute have brought together producers Eddie Ruscha (AKA Secret Circuit, Laughing Light of Plenty, Dadamunchamunky) and Diego Herrera (AKA Suzanne Kraft & 1/3 Pharaohs) and the result is predictably excellent. As the name Blasé suggests, their lackadaisical approach and confident panache is abundant.
9. Sorcerer – Step Pyramid
Here’s another of my favourite producers. He effortlessly blends analogue synthesisers with his customary chorus drenched guitars and spaced out dubby delays. In addition to this he displays masterful compositional technique and as his name suggests, a touch of magic.
10. Frankie Knuckles – The whistle Song
I saw Frankie Knuckles play at Bestival a few years back. Needless to say the entire set was phenomenal but ending with this track was one of the most unforgettable, amazing musical experiences I’ve ever had. RIP Frankie.
East London writer and producer Mode, has remixed ‘Inside Out’ for NY Disco legends “Odyssey” Brazilian electro/funk giants “Azymuth” and post-punk dance floor innovators “Flagranti” you can catch him playing at http://www.farmweekender.co.uk/
which takes place on 13 & 14 September at a secret location in the countryside. Tickets are still available from Ransom Note, Resident Advisor and Billetto. https://soundcloud.com/modeuk
