September 2019 Playlist

I’m back! Apologies for missing last month’s playlist – I know you all sorely missed the regular monthly injection of electronic music but I have been busy exploring the world, namely Ireland, Iceland and London. I’ve started this month’s playlist off with two tracks that reflect my profound time spent in Iceland – peaceful, open, diverse and dramatic.

We start off with local Icelandic DJ and producer Áskell, with Space Is The Place. This open, euphoric and sensitive track is the soundscape to my experience of Iceland. Elegant bubbly sounds bounce around in the cavernous space; a slightly gritty, washed-out lo-fi synth builds in the background as a very paired-back beat enters the mix. The beat gives the track a restrained energy but allows the other sounds take the lead. A perfect track for an overseas roadtrip.

Another track encapsulating my time in Iceland is by French duo Modern House Quintet, with Turquoise. The vast dramatic synth washes at the beginning of the track really set the tone of wonder and mysticism for me. The bass and arpeggiation gives an otherworldly flavour and pulse to the composition that I felt so strongly in Iceland. It is a land of extremes and is deeply volatile which the backend of this track provides a foundation for.

A bit of a change of pace with next track. A sublime house track by Denmark DJ and producer Slim Hustla, with Phone Buzz. This arrangement has such a beautiful contrast in elements – from the fragile and soft piano, to a lively bassline, and all the way back around to soothing vocal stabs. A very dynamic stage is set for this banger.

Next up is a heavy rhythmic groove number by a Swede DJ and producer that goes by the name of Ari Bald, with Hot 2 Cold. My foot began to tap along as soon as this track came on, followed by my hips and shoulders as the melodic groove progressed. Subtle bongos sit in the background to provide rhythm at the start, with slick guitar samples and a thick bassline to support the rhythm in a more overt expression. Piano and vocal stabs add a welcome stunning groove, while masterful peaks and lulls provided perfect pacing to this track.

Hit the lights and drop the disco ball for this fresh and energetic journey by German duo COEO, with Japanese Woman. I have zero clue what the lyrics in this track translate to, but I’d like to believe they are about a man captivated by a Japanese woman’s superior skills on roller skates. Some serious funk and disco vibes are infused into this bright and summery piece.

Until next month, have a read up on Samuel L. Jackson’s insane and successful career.