The Art of the Mix by Akeem
Being Jamaican there have always been two constants in my life, food and music. There was always a reason to party in my family, be it birthdays, baby announcements, or just a nice summer day. The grill would be out, family is over, drinks are flowing, and people were grooving. Couple that with the 90's in New York City, you'll start to see where my music interests stem from. I've always loved to dance, maybe its the Jamaican in me, but any music that gets me moving is a win in my book. At work you'll always find me, face buried in my computer, head bobbing to someone's mix. I always preferred the producers that took time to create a mix that look past constant heavy drops, and instead left the crowd with a desire to get down like no one was watching.
A mix can transport you to a past festival day. A mix can make you get work done faster. A mix can completely change your mood.
OR
A mix can just make you fucking dance.
Here is what I have been playing lately.
The Magician - Magic Tape #50
The Magician has been my latest Number 1. His monthly Magic Tape mixes are always infused with amazing 90s samples/reworks and his creativity is unparalleled. Grooving and serious vibing will occur while magic taping, be warned. Driving, at the gym, in my room, grocery shopping, Magic Tapes are my go to. You can call it my current life soundtrack. If it's your first time, go Magic Tape #50. You'll thank me later.
Oliver Helden - Heldeep #54
Oliver Heldens is a close second for me. Deep house has always taken me where I needed to be. Like I said I love to dance, and all deep house tracks take me to that place. The raw sound of the bass coupled with that jazz/funk rhythm brings me from 0-YASSSSSSSSSSSS real quick. Heldens embodies this sound better than anyone I've listened to lately.Whether through his weekly Heldeep Radio mix or live, you'll find me or the entire crowd going in. It's always a journey with him but one that won't leave you standing still. Heldeep #54 is the recent choice here. Give it a try.
AC Slater - Exclusive Mix
AC Slater I only recently started checking out, thanks to a friend. I have no idea how to classify this guy, but hes different. His facebook says night bass/bass heavy house, and to be honest I think that might be the best way to describe it. Listening to him makes me think of after hours at some undisclosed warehouse in Brooklyn, a few deep, and everyone is VIBING. He definitely deserves at least a listen, you'll see what I mean. Check out his Exclusive Mix for Insomniac, you won't be disappointed.
I'll be heading to Electric Forest next week! Stay tuned for an update and Happy Festival Season!
- AKEEM
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