Welcome back to Selections, a series of exclusive artist-curated Spotify playlists from those in the know.

Amsterdam selector Mairo Nawaz has been making waves through his sets at De School, and shows on Red Light Radio and NTS. Coming from a background immersed in hip-hop, his sets have gradually expanded over time to encompass more music that falls under a more traditional ‘dance’ umbrella. This may be down to the continued influence of older heads like Vic Crezée and Carista, the former in particular having become a mentor through their shared nights at De School. That said, his style remains resolutely his own through his unplanned and varied sets.

For his Selections though he steps away from the club, focusing instead on the restorative sounds that help him recharge. “This playlist contains songs that come from sharing music with friends,” he tells us over email. “It’s a combination of songs I listen to when I wake up in the morning, read a book, cook food or when I’m on the move. These tunes help me to calm my mind, recharge and find some rest after a weekend of playing in the clubs.”

Moving from languid piano tracks and soothing guitar tunes by Khurangbin, there’s some classic R&B by Bill Withers, James Brown and Amy Winehouse. You can hear a gradual introduction to some disco and funk too – everything you need to find that holistic balance after a big weekend.

Mairo Nawaz plays at Lente Kabinet Festival, Amsterdam, on 26 May