Avsnitt
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Ranj Kaler is a name becoming more regular on the global scene. After losing his DJ residency at the start of the pandemic, he used the lockdown to focus on music production. Within six months, he was releasing tracks on labels like ARRVL and Four Candles’ Keep Thinking, alongside attention grabbing reworks of Sade and Kate Bush. Since then, he's released music on labels including Capital Heaven and Foxtrot Alpha.
Never one to stick to a single genre, Ranj’s productions blend house, breaks, techno, and electro, creating a distinct sound that has earned him support from a long list of DJs from John Digweed, to Hernán Cattaneo. His talent has also made him a sought-after remixer, with labels like Hooj Choons, Pangea, and Laika Sounds commissioning his work.
On this 90 minute mix Ranj delivers a smooth mix of deep breaks, house, prog and more that feels vital. Featuring productions from Framewerk, Danny Howells, Sébastien Léger and more, this is an effortless mix showcasing Kaler’s dynamic track selection. -
Electronic producer/DJ Ok Sure is a prominent name in Melbourne's music scene, renowned for her dark, moody, and melodic sound that has made her a fixture at festivals like Rainbow Serpent and Let Them Eat Cake. She’s a regular on Australian radio and hosts a show on Reform Radio in the UK, which was nominated for a Mixcloud Online Radio Award.
Her extensive discography spans nearly 15 years, featuring collaborations with artists such as Deadmau5, Sophie Lowe, Charles Oliver, and Lupa J. However, it’s her live performances that truly stand out, with DJ sets pulsing through techno, deep house, electronica, and beyond.
That genre-hopping prowess is on full display in this otherworldly two-hour mix that is perfect for early morning hours after a club session. Filled with twisted electronica, dark deep techno, and more, this adventurous ride delves into the after-hours realm with unexpected artists like Four Tet, Max Cooper, Nathan Fake, Donato Dozzy, and Luciano. -
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Katrin Souza's journey is a remarkable example of turning adversity into creativity. Despite growing up in an orphanage and lacking formal musical education, Katrin Souza overcame significant obstacles to pursue her dreams. After discovering the joys of electronic music, she dedicated her nights to studying music production while balancing a full-time job and raising two young children as a single parent. Her first demos received support from Paul Oakenfold and Roger Shah. This was an unexpected surprise for her, given that she had to fend for herself for most of her life: “I had never really received support or recognition in my life. Somehow, being an outcast felt more comforting.”
Today Souza is a recognized member of the global music community, managing a full-time music career while raising her two creative children: “My son writes music and my daughter is an artist. I am very proud of them!” Her music releases, spanning over 15 years on labels such as Monstercat Silk, Dissident, and LW Recordings, feature melodic arrangements that linger long after the song ends. Her recent production, ‘Paradise Island,’ alongside John Fisherman on the HOROSHO imprint, exemplifies this with its breezy, summery sound and optimistic overtones.
In her two-hour mix, Souza delivers an exceptional journey that highlights the joy of escaping through music. Featuring tracks from Gai Barone, DJ Koze, Guy J, Dave DK, and more, this fluid progressive mix explores a range of meditative flavors which build towards an explosive end.
@katrinsouza -
In Melbourne the names of Jacob Malmo and Tom Evans are well known as solo artists. Together, they have carved a niche for themselves as The Journey, a name synonymous with sturdy progressive. It's a sound that's been forged with their combined 20 years plus of dance music experience - and one that’s gaining traction internationally.
Alongside multiple European tours, they have graced stages at iconic festivals like Rainbow Serpent, Pitch Music & Arts, Subsonic, and Strawberry Fields. Labels from Monaberry to Stil Vor Talent to Einmusika have signed their music and they've collaborated with artists including Bebetta, Tim Engelhardt, and Florian Kruse.
Their name is an apt one too: a Journey set can take exciting turns which never feels forced. On this almost two hour set they deliver on that sentiment with an adventurous sound that is minimal in aesthetic yet maximal in impact. With tracks and remixes from Sébastien Léger, UNKLE, Tim Engelhardt, Guy Gerber and more, this one deserves your full attention.
@thejourneymusicaus -
We head to Western Europe to spotlight Rokazer, a French producer and DJ who has been quietly crafting main room dance floor music for well over half a decade. It’s synchronous how the word "rock" is embedded in his Rokazer alias: he has a knack for creating rocking propulsive progressive aimed at making people dance. And mentioning main room masters like Eric Prydz and Deadmau5 as creative inspirations make his knack for driving basslines, sparkling percussion, and immersive melodic breakdowns make even more sense.
His discography boasts hard-hitting releases on labels like Mango Alley, Colorize, and Freerange, along with a 10-track full-length album on Golden Wings Music. Though his production output remains steady, Rokazer has taken a step back from live performances since becoming a father. He notes, "People often ask where they can see me in concert. I’d love to perform live in 2025, so if any promoters are listening, I'll be more available then!"
As his bio suggests, Rokazer delivers the "nectar of the French progressive house sound to ears worldwide," and if this mix is any indication, that nectar is addictively sweet. Featuring tracks and remixes from a stellar lineup of progressive house artists including Meeting Molly, Subandrio, GMJ & Matter, and Mike Rish, this is an energetic mix designed to elevate any mood.
@rokazer -
In 2011, Lithuanian producers Donatello, Arnas D and Kastis Torrau entered a competition to remix Sasha’s “Cut Me Down.” Their entry won and was released on Last Night On Earth. Currently, a YouTube upload of their wistful remix has amassed 17 million plays and 3,991 comments singing its praise. That’s impressive numbers for any dance music genre.
Since then, with a string of releases on notable labels like Get Physical and Renaissance, Donatello has become one of his country’s most prolific producers. After an enforced break from the industry due to the pandemic, he’s finally back focussing on music: “I hope to return to the studio this winter after a long break and create the works that have been in my head since the start of the pandemic.”
And it’s not a moment too soon. In an hour filled with depth and dynamics, the Lithuanian producer straddles an adventurous line between deep progressive and bouncey deep house. With tracks from Enamour, M.O.S., Dhany G, and Donatello himself, this mix is a timely reminder of what we’ve been missing during that enforced absence.
@djdonatello -
Recently, we released a highly accomplished 4-track EP featuring Kamilo Sanclemente in collaboration with fellow Colombian producers. One of these collaborators is producer/DJ Juan Pablo Torrez, a well-known name in his native Colombia.
He is a radio host, producer, and label owner (Clubsonica, which was named "Best Record Label" in 2023 at the Colombian Dance Awards), and with over a decade’s worth of production experience, his hard work is starting to pay off globally. In 2021, his track ‘Leda’ was selected by Nick Warren as his favorite track of that year. And with major support from progressive DJs and beyond, it’s clear that Torrez is a name to invest in.
On this stunning 80 mix the Colombian producer showcase an intricate progressive house mix that sparkles with an emotive energy and main room appeal.
Featuring a special intro exclusively produced for this mix, Torrez pays homage to his Medellin community with a tracklist featuring Kamilo Sanclemente, Sebastian Valencia, Gux Jimenez and more. -
Anyone with a passing interest in early and mid-2000s progressive breaks will know the name Fretwell. The Sheffield producer's lush take on the sound was signed to renowned labels including Global Underground, Bedrock, and Electrofly, the breaks offshoot of Baroque Records. Most notably, he contributed the exquisite "Faceless" to Anthony Pappa’s Balance 006.
Nowadays, he occasionally returns to production, with recent works including remixes for Pole Folder’s Reworck imprint and Aussie label Zero Tolerance Recordings (his take on the classic Digby & Oliver track "Human"). It’s clear the veteran still possesses the magic that made him such a reliable production force.
In his first DJ mix in over a decade, he delivers a fluid 80-minute set in which his progressive breaks credentials are well and truly on display. Featuring tracks from James Harcourt, Luke Chable & Steve May, Forty Cats and Framewerk, this one demands repeated listens.
@timfretwell -
Sistersweet is a DJ/producer from Moscow, Russia, and a resident of the local Digital Emotions crew. She is an active member of her community, spreading the progressive sound through her LUCHiSVETA radio show on www.megapolisnight.ru and support slots for DJs such as Kasper Koman and DJ Ruby. Production-wise, she is slowly building a portfolio with releases on labels like Balkan Connection, SkyTop, and AH-Digital, and upcoming signings for The Soundgarden and Higher States.
A Sistersweet mix skillfully blends progressive with the more organic strain of house, a fusion which is finding favor globally. That sound is on full display in this special conceptual mix, all with the intention of evoking ‘pleasant nostalgic emotions.’
Consisting of unofficial remixes of stone-cold classics, she runs through contemporary takes from producers like Emi Galvan and Eichenbaum of well-known artists including Tycho, Moby, and Everything but The Girl. Watch out for the excellent Mike Griego remix of the Evolution classic ‘Walking in Fire’ and Sistersweet’s own special take on Satoshi Tomiie’s ‘Love in Traffic’.
@sistersweet -
Noel Sanger is a Florida native with a career spanning nearly three decades in progressive house and trance. Starting on classic imprints like Limbo and Release Recordings, he went on to work with artists like Erasure, Nadia Ali, John Taylor of Duran Duran, and Markus Schulz. Today, he runs Dissident Records, a label boasting tracks from artists like Kamilo Sanclemente, Jamie Stevens, Gai Barone, and more.
On this Balance Selections mix, the veteran shows his pedigree with a tight mix of contemporary prog. Featuring tracks and remixes from Lemon8, Michael & Levan, Stiven Rivic, Ruben Karapetyan, and more, this is 90 minutes of class. -
🚨 To commemorate 20 years of Balance 006, Anthony Pappa compiled a special 2 hour mix, a 2024 rendition if you like of his revered Balance entry: one hour of lush prog breaks and one hour of hypnotic 4/4. 🚨
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Few DJs capture the imagination of prog punters like Australia’s Anthony Pappa. Known for his technical proficiency and ability to mix tracks with surgical precision, he is a generational talent who rightfully became a pivotal scene figure.
With a sound rooted in darker, rebellious tones, he fully embodied the underground at a time when the term still held weight.
Achieving what Pappa did requires a life filled with experiences. Given the way social media, marketing, and promotion have transformed the scene, his story is unlikely to be replicated.
A pivotal part of our story, we dived deep with Anthony Pappa to discuss his career and his peerless Balance 006.
Check Balance website for full article and tracklist. -
Hailing from a lineage of creatives, Rocío Portillo is part of a new generation of South American producers making serious waves. Staunchly Argentinean, the influence of Hernan Cattaneo were always going to loom large on her musical development. And so it happened that she attended one of his Moonpark events which would seal her fate: "It was then that I fell deeply in love with electronic music." That love has led to total immersion.
Today, she is one of the country's rising talents, with releases on Mango Alley, Clubsonica, and Univack. In early 2021, she expanded her creative endeavors by forming a band with fellow Mendoza talents, Karim Sar Sar on saxophone and Valley (AR) on keyboard, guitar, and arrangements. This collaboration birthed a unique hybrid format, blending live performance with studio composition, where her distinct vocals play a central role.
Make no mistake: Portillo dabbles in a dark, driving progressive sound best described as underground. It’s designed for smoke-filled clubs where people dance, head down, blissfully unaware of their phones. Alongside unreleased Rocío Portillo productions, you’ll find a selection of underground talent like Juan Buitrago, Agustin Lupidi, and Claudio Cornejo. This is a stomping progressive mix that doubles as a showcase for the strength of the Argentine dance scene.
@rocioportillo -
It’s not surprising to hear Richie Blacker share his appreciation for fellow Irishmen and old-school revivalists Bicep. Just as they draw from scene originators like Orbital, Richie imbues his productions with the spirit of mid-90s open-field raves and Ibiza-flavored piano house.
This sound resonates with notable DJs like Sasha and Skream, who have both signed him to their labels, Last Night On Earth and Of Unsound Mind. With his Mess Express label and regular radio plays on Radio 1 and other stations across Europe, he shows no signs of slowing down.
Featuring tracks from Sasha, Tinlicker, Gui Boratto, and Johannes Brecht, this is an enthralling two hour ride through Balearica, Afro house, and contemporary prog - currated by one of Ireland's best.
@richie-blacker-fuel -
It’s been four years since Sweden’s EMPHI announced himself with a release on Yotto’s Odd One Out imprint. Since then, he has filled his portfolio with a list of releases that read like a who’s who of progressive labels and artists.
What makes it even more impressive is that he hails from a city where that sound is borderline non-existent: “You often don't get booked for progressive sound here as the genre has no real scene in Stockholm.”
But fortunately, the global community listened and embraced him. His collaboration with Amháin, the Hallen EP, is a distillation of what makes EMPHI such an exciting prospect: deep, enchanting grooves and melodic flourishes that are borderline soothing.
Featuring tracks from Alex O’Rion, Tonaco, Andrés Moris, and EMPHI himself, this highly entrancing Balance Selections mix ebbs and flows with the confidence of a veteran selector.
@emphimusic -
Burning Man, Lightning in a Bottle, Rainbow Serpent, Berlin’s Sisyphos, and LA’s Pattern Bar—these global festivals and clubs have all hosted Amháin in their DJ booths at some stage. And for good reason: the high-flying Irishman delivers a sound that’s sleek and classy without ever being too esoteric.
Check out his recent Balance Music release, the Hallen EP. A collaboration with EMPHI, it’s a double dose of progressive gold that’s elegant and engaging - all adjectives you can ascribe to this Balance selection too. Featuring tracks from Balance alumni including GMJ, Matter, and Zankee Gulati, this is the work of an artist in complete control of their craft.
@amhain_dj -
The name Steven Weston is gaining more prominence, which is well overdue given his impressive career in music. His CV includes an engineering background working with artists ranging from drum and bass act Rudimental to reggae artist Chronixx, while he’s toured the world playing keyboards for the likes of Ladyhawke, Charli XCX, and Mikky Ekko. Weston also counts James Lavelle as a fan, having regularly collaborated with the veteran for 10 years now. But his passion lies in deep, progressive music, and since entering the arena he's signed to labels such as Anjunadeep, Bedrock, and Last Night On Earth.
With tracks from GMJ, Durante, UNKLE, and Duo State, this Balance Selections mix highlights a music purveyor who lives and breathes the intricacies of the sound he has dedicated himself to.
@stevenweston -
Nowadays, finding a good full-length album is challenging, which is a real shame. For decades, the LP was a beacon of artistic intention, but streaming platforms like Spotify have reshaped the way music listeners engage with music. To hold attention, it needs to stand out. It needs dynamics. Thankfully, 'Nostalgia,' the new Alex O'Rion full-length, does just that. We had an illuminating conversation with the producer about what makes this album such an essential listen.
To celebrate the release, the high-flying Dutchman provided us with an exclusive mix stamped with his usual seal of quality.
Full tracklisting and interview: https://bit.ly/4br0zeZ
@alexorion -
Pockets of electronic music characterized by deep, blissful breakbeats, are once again permeating the scene. Dabbling in this new wave is British DJ and producer Braxton. After joining Anjunadeep in 2019, he quickly gained recognition for a sound that blends blissful atmospheres with warm house and fractured beats. Check his latest Bedrock release alongside Steve Weston: 'Lanes' features bold drums, soaring melodies, and an epic scale that evoke the glory days of prog breaks. Here, Braxton continues his fine from with a soothing blend of progressive textures featuring tracks from Monkey Safari, Nox Vahn, Trilucid, and unreleased tracks from Braxton himself.
@braxtonofficial -
UK-based artist and DJ Four Candles, whose real name is Kris Brown, is recognized for his innovative approach to dance music that avoids fleeting trends. After working with industry legend Nick Muir, his artistic break came on Bedrock Records. Follow up productions found their way onto some of the most respected imprints, from Selador to Afterglow and Tenampa.
His recent Balance release, ‘On the Fence' (featured below in Q+A), is one of the standout moments on the recent Balance presents Dave Seaman and Quivver compilation. It’s a unique production rooted in the prog of yesteryear but with a contemporary twist: it’s a sound borne from staying artistically true to oneself.
On this excellent mix, Four Candles builds the energy with artisanal ease. Alongside tracks from Donato Dozzy, Spence Brown and Kamilo Sanclemente, you’ll also find exceptional takes by Four Candles on tracks from Leftfield and Sasha.
@fourcandlesmusic -
Considering his more than 30 years of experience in electronic music, it’s safe to say that Pablo De Mattei AKA PAUL (AR), knows a thing or two about dance music. It's evident in his bookings: From Lollapalooza to Creamfields to Moonpark, there aren’t many Argentinean music festivals that haven’t featured Paul (AR) on their stages. He defines his style as a mixture of Progressive and Tech House, a style that has taken him across the globe from Spain to Peru. Labels from Sudbeat to Perfecto has featured his work, and he was most recently seen on Balance Music through his contribution to the 'Balance presents Dave Seaman and Quivver' compilation.
Featuring a host of unofficial Paul (AR) remixes of acts like James Zabiela and Way Out West, alongside original tracks from Nicolas Rada, Dmitry Molosh, and more, the Argentinean delivers a delightful 90 minutes of progressive music suitable for any occasion.
@pablo-de-mattei - Visa fler
