June 2019 Playlist
Welcome to the June 2019 playlist, where you’ll be taken on a rollercoaster ride in varying pace and rhythm, mainly due to the inconsistency of the weather - wet and cold one minute, sunny and blue skies then next.
It was a wet start to the month, so I’ve slowed the pace right down with Parisian producers, Plaaj. The chilled hip-hop vibes of Muara Jambi takes me away to a warmer and more relaxed state-of-mind, with the underlying signature hip-hop beat, delicate soft sounds of strings and distant synths fill the space. The reverb soaked samples of an abstract voice create a cave for the other sounds to lay their fragile lines down. The bass has a softness and roundness that doesn’t overwhelm the track - it helps support and thicken it up nicely.
Immediately, we pick up the pace to go deep and moody with Dutch based DJ, producer and record collector, HATT.D, with 0615 In The Morning. The first thought that comes to mind when describing this track is rhythmic deep house journey. Starting off with some spacey, open soft synths, we are met with the chirping of summer birds. Progressing gradually, sharp tambourines, punchy bass, rim shots and claps are choreographed to rhythmic precision. Then we welcome the tightly wound, gritty and wet synth sequence that lays the foundation for the track. The deep, soothing male voice perfectly describes the atmosphere this track exudes.
Slowing down slightly, we have a beautifully juxtaposing track by French producer and DJ, Grant, with Rising Final. Starting with some open and round synths, mixed with abstract watery fractures, we are introduced to a very delicate, chime-esque sequence of sounds. Then drops (what is for me) the biggest and most pleasantly surprising part of this track - the deep bass line. The contrast of fragility and strength in this track is what keeps this on repeat. The bass help bulk up the tracks presence, without crying out for attention and assists in supporting the high end bliss.
Cody Currie, a UK based DJ and producer, livens up the place next with the groove of his tune, Make Love. This sample stacked track is arranged for your toe tapping pleasure. Synths, intricate drum samples, vocal snippets, piano, guitar, orchestral ensembles - there are flourishes of so many different styles of music in this track to make it its own. If the crowd is lacking energy, spin this track and I’m sure it’ll get people moving.
I’m finishing up this month’s playlist with a true dance floor winner by the boy from Ballarat, Australia, Mood J, with Can’t Give You Up. Punchy drums and a funky as hell bass guitar take an early hold of this track before they are overthrown by the deep bass line and a jazzy rhythm guitar. Saucey sax and sample vocals add a distinct funk and jazz flavour. This track has to be in my top 10 finds of the year so far. The arrangement makes me want to groove all night and into the early hours.
Until next month, don’t watch the Bob Lazar doco on Nextflix. It’s Garbage. I mean, Bob Lazar’s story may not be, but there are better avenues to find out his story, like Joe Rogan’s conversation with him (podcast #1315).