In 2015 emphasis was placed on the selector

We admired renowned crate diggers and hailed new discoveries for their obscure selections and ability to shed new light on the past. This list, comprised of the mixes we kept coming back to this year, reflects that. Whether it’s a killer artefact of an emerging scene, or someone looking back in order to step forward, the artists in this list have the sought after ability to string music together in a way that alters our perspective on it.

Here’s to the selectors.

03

Lena Willikens - Sentimental Flashback 25

It was tricky picking one stand-out from the Lena Willikens mixes that surfaced this year. From her FOMO-enhancing Nachtiville recording to the various wigged out selections of her Sentimental Flashback residency, you could rely on Lena to present a handful of your new favourite records with each turn.

Yet, this one stuck with us. The introspective collection was as enlightening as the title suggests, with softly strung out komische textures and stirring ambient pieces stretching out her uniquely distinct and daring style, one that occupies its own space in the spectrum.

02

Discodromo - Crack Mix 99

When we met Giacomo Garavelloni and Giovanni Turco early 2015, in the adult playground that is Berlin’s Griesmühle club complex, they were frank about how their passion for uniting the city’s gay parties with their refined musical vision began their journey as Discodromo. Five years on and their Cocktail D’Amore events, which they run with Berghain resident Boris, have incurred wild success by fusing the house, disco and Italo leanings of their soundtrack with a true sense of freedom.

As well as DJing and throwing parties internationally, the duo recently celebrated five years of events with their Nothing Matters When We’re Dancing compilation – the title a nod to the escapism that can be a salve in times of economic, political and social struggle. Their mix for us channeled a similar escapism to the one that has accelerated the influence of their parties. Yet here, the feeling is approached sideways, with a dreamy concoction of woozy, slow-tempo bliss that hangs softly suspended – leaving you lost in reverie. A 2015 favourite, and one we’ll be finding solace in for years to come.

01

Ben UFO live in Osaka

Ben UFO showing yet again why he’s one of the best to currently do it. His first soundcloud upload, this Osaka-recorded set traversed decades and genres for over three hours. You don’t need us to tell you why this is great, anyone who’s seen Ben DJ knows how mind-alteringly good it can be when he finds his groove.

Check out this accompanying Facebook post for more context, then get stuck in to this effortless selection: “this was such a fun night, and despite there being no crowd mic i think you can hear that in the selection – i end up at 140bpm and there are loads of old favourites in there, but there’s also a looseness and an energy that i find difficult to capture when i know i’m being recorded… i hope you enjoy it!”

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