Let's set the scene. It's 2009, in Philly. I'm working as a bellman at a hotel and I discover a Red Bull Music Academy lecture with Questlove to attend. The lecture itself was inspiring, but when I look back, the best part about that evening was being introduced to Matthew Law. Matthew Law was really young at the time, but it was clear he was a musical prodigy with DJ skills and historical music knowledge beyond his years. I would later move to NYC, but Matthew Law would continue a long standing legacy of Philly DJ culture, with mentorships from some of my role models like Questlove, King Britt and Rich Medina. He would then take his versatile style worldwide!

When I returned to Philly, Matthew Law dropped his old alias (DJ Phsh), and like myself, just went by his real name when DJing. Matthew Law has always been eclectic, but his Friends & Fam party series was really a turning point in terms of showcasing his style of anything goes spot rocker style.

Let's take a look at this month's mix. Off the bat, you can hear Matthew Law fusing Jazz, Funk, House and Hip Hop with a modern spin. This is what I like about Matthew Law. He has the deep, DEEP record digging knowledge of any veteran ol' head DJ, but somehow keeps his selection current and up to the second, blending old and new flavors seamlessly.

You're going to really like this month's mix. If you've never been to Philly in 2021, get ready to be transported to the 215 from wherever you are listening!

Track listing:
1. Fouk - Night Shift (Original Mix) 
2. IAMNOBODI - The Hypnotic
3. TEK.LUN - Drugs!!!
4. Giovanni Damico - Tell You What I Do
5. TRACKHEADZ - I STILL LOVE H.E.R. (SWEET TEARS RE TOUCH)
6. Lone - Risttowe (Original Mix)
7. Nuff Pedals - Calling Out
8. Midas Hutch - Air Power Ft. The Kount
9. (unknown)
10. Linkwood - What's Up With The Underground? (Pt 1)
11. Daz-I-Kue - Rokstone (Soon come) ft. Colonel Red [Several Small Furry Bugz Co-Operating in the Attic Remix]
12. Matthew Law - Call Jerome
13. Steve Paradise - Zultan (Pablo Fierro Remix)
14. Sam One - Kitale (Original Mix)
15. James Blake - I Hope My Life (Applejac's Unhooked Re-Rub)
16. Frigid Armadillo - Roam in a Day
17. Waajeed - Untitled
18. Matthew Law - (NOT SO) SILENT TREATMENT
19. Thundercat - Fair Chance feat. Ty Dolla $ign & Lil B (Mo Serious Edit)
20. Reginald Omas Mamode IV - 400 Years (IG Culture Remix)
21. Jayda G - Are U Down (Remix)
22. Fred Everything - Mercyless feat. Wayne Tennant (Atjazz Vocal Mix)
23. Terenece Trent D'Arby - As Yet Untitled (King Britt 2020 Dance Mix)
24. Zoo Look - Over Me (feat. Amy Lyon) (Beat Junkie Sound Edit)
25. Les Sins - Talk About
26. Four Tet - Baby (Clean Extended)
27. HERO - Crybaby (Matthew Law Remix)
28. DJ Sega - The Diva Dance
29. Matthew Law - LALALALALAAAA
30. Matthew Law - THE LOOK OF LAW
31. Matthew Law - Minimariddim

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Ancient Puzzle Arts Podcast #11: Matthew Law's Get Down To Get Up Selection

One of the many reasons I continue to do this Ancient Puzzle Arts podcast is to develop artistic relationships with people I would like to get to know better. For this month, it's a pleasure to introduce to you Philadelphia's own Keen.

I have been familiar with Keen's work because of the excellently curated Subsurface parties in Philadelphia, which he does alongside John Raffaele. I was further impressed to see Philly talent make it onto Boiler Room in 2019. But the part that sealed the deal for me was having Max Sprauer, a regular APA contributor, recommend him and say "you got to check him out!" With all these factors, it made perfect sense to get Keen on for the podcast series.

To say Keen's mix is entirely "minimal" is not accurate. There is a minimal tech house sensibility that drives the momentum of this mix, but he definitely explores elements of deep house and electro. When you listen to this mix, be sure to listen on a system with good sub bass to notice the subtlety of frequencies he's working with, and in a traditional techno techno sense, notice how he plays with layers upon layers of blends seamlessly.

Summer has almost officially started here on the East Coast of the United States, and this is an excellent way to kick things off! Enjoy!

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Ancient Puzzle Arts Podcast #12: Keen's Good Lookin' Out Selection

I was first introduced to Marcos Cabral's music through a single track, a really excellent banger called 'Brooklyn Club Jam,' as part of his project 'Runaway' with Jacques Renault. The track continues to remain in my crates after all these years, so of course I was curious and wanted to dive deeper into Marcos Cabral's catalog. I was surprised to find a whole bunch of music I would describe as 'introverted techno.' The tracks are a more spaced out, occasionally abrasive style of dance music. Having seen him spin at the legendary Bossa Nova Civic Club, this style of techno made total sense once I finally got to experience the context his personal music is composed for. On the more mellow side, I absolutely love his track "24 Hour Flight," which further explores Marcos' wide range of production. Be sure to check out his numerous releases on the internationally acclaimed record label L.I.E.S. More recently, he has been releasing a track-a-day on Bandcamp: https://track-a-day.bandcamp.com/

For this Ancient Puzzle Arts mix, Marcos gets deep cut old school for us. This selection definitely showcases Marcos' 33 years of experience of DJing in New York City. This month's mix is a funky, unique selection of 90's NJ House style groovers mixed in with some slammin' raw techno. Marcos *knows* you're already a house head, so he's given us a selection you haven't heard before. Please enjoy this month's summer selection of jackin' jams!
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Ancient Puzzle Arts Podcast #13: Marcos Cabral's This Time Tomorrow We'll Be Friends Selection

2020 as a year was a completely wash for finding new DJ talent. If there are no live events, how is anyone going to discover new DJ talent? Fortunately, during the pandemic, Nowadays, one of my favorite venues in the world, hosted quarantine-safe DJ live streams from their venue during the height of the 2020 pandemic. As a Patreon supporter, and desperate to feel apart of a dance music community at the time, I watched pretty much all of their live streams from 2020.

However, one particular set caught my attention. It was from a DJ I had never heard of until this point named Honey Bun. She did a really excellent 3 hour set on the Nowadays system (for those who know, it's kind-of-a-big-deal.) This was one of the highlights of 2020 for me...discovering the world of Honey Bun.

Honey Bun is part of the new generation of NYC club DJs. She has her own show on The Lot Radio. She plays across numerous known venues, cross genres and communities. However, the best part to me is her ability to continue the legacy of what I could call "NYC centric deep music."

When you listen to her APA mix, take note that she really covers the board in terms of all things "deep" in a one hour mix. House, jazz, hip hop, and especially a running motif of modern RnB.

Please enjoy the new generation of "NYC Deep" with this month's APA mix by Honey Bun!

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Ancient Puzzle Arts Podcast #14: Honey Bun's Deep Space Selection

I knew it was only a matter of time before Shantih would make an appearance on the Ancient Puzzle Arts podcast series. Shantih is one of my core influences in the Philadelphia incarnation of the Ancient Puzzle Arts project. We became club friends around 2017, but by 2019 we had become close friends. We have very similar taste in music, art, film, books, and politics. He is an excellent sounding board for what can strengthen the APA experience. We were finally able to collaborate live together in February 2020, when we played together at Silk City in Philadelphia, PA. That night particularly inspired me to keep Shantih's influence in the party series.

To get a feel for Shantih's overarching artistic style, be sure to explore his Phreak Power project ( http://www.phreakpower.com/ ). Stylistically, Shantih fuses modern day politics and sociopolitical themes with psychedelic inspired music and art. The result is a refreshing take on the present day, and part of me feels his style is a window of what it's like to be a member of dance music community in Philadelphia today. Be sure to also explore his reviews, as Shantih is also a great writer...a craft he is developing even more this year.

Shantih provides us with a very ambitious 3 hour mix. The mix to me has 3 components: jazz influenced bass and hip hop, modern day Italo inspired by the sounds of Dave P's Making Time and Zillas on Acid, and an overall psychedelic sheen that glues it together.

Buckle up....you're in for a be a phreaky ride

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Ancient Puzzle Arts Podcast #16: Shantih's Psychedelic Phreak Show Selection

I first met Eleou when I was burning the midnight oil editing videos at a New York City music production school in the West Village. She came in with some footage to edit for a documentary of her previous stints as a DJ under a different alias. The school was a hot bed for meeting interesting people, so I took some time to check out her music.

We went to a few events together over the next couple years, and she even makes a cameo in my music video for Tarot ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrevYQ-qNcI ). Since then, she has traveled the world, living in Athens Greece, New York City, and Berlin. Her zest for adventure and experience traveling the world comes through in her international DJing style, combining heady, atmospheric cuts with body moving low end.

Her Ancient Puzzle Arts mix is an incredible introduction to her unique international style. The mix is a concise hour of atmospheric, synthetic and rhythmically captivating beats. Perfect for an East Coast winter evening before going out to the club. Enjoy!

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Ancient Puzzle Arts Podcast #18: Eleou's Plumeria Mix

I first met Jac somewhere between 2017-2019, at a pre-game at fellow APA contributor Shantih's apartment, before we were off to a party. Immediately I got a great, warm impression and vibe from her. She mentioned her work with WKDU, so after a night of partying, I checked out her music the next day.

I was pleasantly surprised to hear someone else who loves the continuum of old school to modern deep house. You can tell from her mixing style it comes from a history of being on the dance floor and letting loose. Her DJing home is Philadelphia's own WKDU, Drexel's radio station, where she hosted an incredible weekly radio show....during the pandemic no less!

Her APA mix is a great reflection of her knowledge of deep house. It's a selection of modern cuts with old school feel. And in the deep house tradition, she included a few tracks with progressive political messages.

Please enjoy Jac's funky and body moving mix!

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Ancient Puzzle Arts Podcast #19: Jac's Back In Business Selection

When I think of Philadelphia dance music history, one of the first people that come to mind is DJ Sega. When I moved back to Philly, I was able to attend the first Mad Decent Block party ever, when it was an actual block party. I remember the audience going completely wild when DJ Sega came on, and whatever Club version of Caspa's "Marimite" he was playing at the time blew my head off.

DJ Sega is our first Club music DJ to contribute to the Ancient Puzzle Arts mix series. For those unfamiliar, Club is a genre of music known for its minimal drums, rhythmic bounce, and very creative sample manipulation. Club has diverged and re-emerged constantly over the years, but DJ Sega has kept a very classic Club style to his mixing style and production. I think he does a great job continuing what's great about the genre: straight to the point party music, music with bounce and soul, and even a playful sense of humor, whether you recognize the sample he's manipulating or not.

If you've never heard Club before, you're in for a treat. DJ Sega's Ancient Puzzle Arts mix is a crash course into the vibe!
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Ancient Puzzle Arts Podcast #20: DJ Sega

Living in Philadelphia, pre-pandemic in the 2010s, was an excellent occasion to inevitably meet Elvin T. We both traveled in the same music circles and came to similar conclusions of who and what we invested our emotional energy into regarding the scene at the time. It was a real treat seeing Elvin T spin at the legendary Soul Pickle parties, alongside fellow curator AJ Bell, a top of Warm Daddies on Sundays. Elvin T has played alongside a host of very iconic Detroit, Chicago and International acts with the Soul Pickle parties, including Rick Wade, Rick Wilhite, Whodat, Vince Lemiuex, Eddie C.

These days, you can catch Elvin T at the helm of the ship, curating his frequent party series void in Philadelphia. In a city lacking late late night options, void is the go-to choice for international eclectic club music with raw energy and a vibe and crowd to match.

For his APA mix, Elvin T has contributed a live mix opening the night from one of his void sets. Here you can listen to his dynamic range... it starts off cerebral and ambient, then further evolves into jazzy, crunchy deep house, then into obscure disco, all with vinyl warmth and rotary mixer crispness. Yes, Elvin T is a veteran of combining DIY aesthetics with masterful refinement, all the while utilizing a selection that can keep the attention of the most deep digging record collector.

Please enjoy his Fall contribution to the APA mix series!

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Ancient Puzzle Arts Podcast #24: Elvin T, Live at void, 5/28/2022

When I first met Aypvpi back in 2019, he was a memorable person as soon as I met him. First impression, he dresses very loudly. Second impression, he's a great dancer. As you can imagine, this is the type of energy that helps any party atmosphere. He was a mutual friend of APA regular Val, so it was easy to connect right away. This was back when we were doing APA parties at Silk City pre pandemic. Once the pandemic hit, we lost touch for a bit.

We eventually reconnected on social media, and I noticed he had been almost non stop playing after parties and unique warehouse setting gigs around Philly. He certainly had been practicing, but I still hadn't seen him spin live yet. I felt his vibe was just right for APA, so I booked him to play our January 2023 APA party.

Well, he blew the roof off with a very bangin', jackin' tech house set. And of course, he was dressed to impress. After I heard that, I of course had to ask him to do a podcast for our APA series.

This month, Ayopvpi delivers a fun-side-of tech house mix for your listening pleasure. I envision the setting for this mix is a tropical beach location while the sun is setting from evening into night. Even if you're not by a beach when listening to this mix, I'm certain you'll catch a groove or two with the funky bounce of this set. Enjoy!
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Ancient Puzzle Arts Podcast #27: AYOPVPI's Easy Breezy Selection

My first introduction to Eden Alison was meeting her at Sonic Garden, which is a periodic outdoor party series curated by Ancient Puzzle Arts member Dan Edwards. Our encounter was brief, as we were both immersing ourselves in the atmosphere, but we later connected online and have ever since bounded over a healthy dose of dance music nerdom, especially Kraftwerk.

I met Alison during the tail end of the height of the 2020 pandemic, so we were deprived of being on the same dancefloor for literally two years. It's been great to see Alison reemerge and get back into the spirit of playing out regularly in Philadelphia. Alison is diligent about keeping the rotation of her sets fresh, and is constantly updating her music library. 

When I was listening to her contributed Ancient Puzzle Arts mix, I imagined a gold cruise ship riding the coast of Italy and everyone on board was wearing spandex. This month's mix is high energy, up beat, uplifting, cheeky and swimming with Diva vocals. Expect to get a serious cardio workout from this mix. Did I mention it's all vinyl? Enjoy!
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Ancient Puzzle Arts Podcast #28: Eden Alison's TSOV237 Pastel Identity Box

Peter is a perfect example of why I love continuing to curate APA. Back when we started doing events again, "post-pandemic" at The 700, Peter was one of our first new regulars. Our mutual friend introduced me to him when he arrived at our first party back at The 700, and right away I got a positive vibe from him. Since then, he has been a regular contributor to the APA atmosphere (you can see him in various APA film photos on our website), and you can certainly see him having a great time on the dance floor not only at APA, but throughout the city on any given dance music night.

The more I continue to do APA, the more this party and mix series is about these types of connections. In the divided, digitally dissociative, and chaotic world we live in, it's extremely cathartic to meet new people from all walks of life and dance with them under one groove.

Peter E was recently included among the hallowed ranks of WKDU's 2022 Electronic Music Marathon and was the featured DJ for February's installment of House Poet at The Divine Lorraine Hotel. He describes himself as a "rhythm provider who strives to create an upward-facing, boundless spiral of 'impeccable energy,' wherein everyone may shed the sufferings of the world and express themselves freely through dance."

For this month, Peter E has contributed a jackin' all-vinyl mix that's perfect for bringing us into the Summer. You'll need a bucket hat for this one. Please enjoy!

TRACKLIST

1) "Funky One (Duijn & Douglas Funky Bunch Remix)" - Rick Wade 
2) "Body Move" - Lady Blacktronika 
3) "Scissor Juice" - Youandewan
4) "The Ghetto (Pooley's Paradisiaque Mix)" - Bob Sinclair
5) "My Way" - Fast Eddie
6) "Stoplayin (Doc Link Remix)" - Musiq
7) "Music All Night (Deep In Milano Mix)" - Don Carlos & S-Tone Inc. 
8) "Botânico" - Jex Opolis
9) "Feeling Good (The Baltimore Dub)" - James Howard
10) "Move Ya Feet (Hard Dub)" - Paul Jacobs
11) "It's Time To Party" - Jolynn Murray
12) "I Believe In Miracles (Rhythm Classic Mix)" - The Pasadenas
13) "Are You Ready To Play The Game? (Morel's Club Mix)" - Morel Inc.
14) "Wilmington Arms (Celebrate Life)" - LA Housin' Authority
15) "Joystick (Vocal)" - Dazz Band
16) "Alabama Blues (Todd Edwards Vocal Mix)" - St Germain
17) "When Doves Cry" - Bob Belden
18) "Get It Started (Club Mix)" - Prince Of House
19) "Bounce" - Gypsymen
20) "Carnival Jazz" - Stax
21) "Raw Cuts # 3" - Motor City Drum Ensemble
22) "Heads (Cosmic Boogie Edit)" - Talking Heads
23) "Crescendolls" - Daft Punk


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Ancient Puzzle Arts Podcast #29: Peter E's All-Vinyl Chasing a Feeling Selection

Just in time for Fall, we have a special mix for the month of November from one of the most dedicated members of Ancient Puzzle Arts, Strglcty. I first met Strglcty back in 2009 in Philly. At the time, we were both into the UK bass music movement, which was particularly creative before it got EDM commercialized. We traveled in similar social circles, and it was an exciting time going to warehouses hearing very gritty, fast, dark and futuristic sounds. 

When I moved to NYC and Strglcty moved to Pittsburgh, we remained social media friends but fell out of touch. Fast forward to 2019, we’re both back in Philly and of course reconnected in the club. Strglcty is a very enthusiast, high energy person, so he immediately wanted to get back onto the Philly scene. I introduced him to some of my favorite people, and he was extremely supportive by helping run the door at our APA shows at Silk City before the pandemic shut us down. 

During the pandemic, Strglcty upgraded his DJing skills and transferred his joyous dancer energy into his sets. When we were back in action at the 700, he once again helped run the door. Eventually, he was ready to hit the decks at APA finally and opened up the night in 2022 along with DJ Love, me, and DJ Dre.
 
Since then, he has been building up his record collection significantly, and has been performing at Kwan's party "Higher," which he spins at alongside Manny Roach at the International Bar in Philly. He did a fantastic job on the decks back in October 2023 at the 700.

This mix is an excellent way to hear Strglcty’s wide genre range, amazing ear for rhythmically interesting cuts, and joyous enthusiasm. Now that winter is approaching, get ready for a hot mix!

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Ancient Puzzle Arts Podcast #31: Strglcty's Pleased to Meet You Selection

Molly in Berlin is Emma Nova Young, a Midwestern Independent Music Award-nominated multi-genre producer, DJ, and sound engineer now based in Philadelphia. Since 2005, Emma has been DJing, hosting radio shows, and releasing experimental hip-hop and bass music under the names HipGnosis and cnstru, as well as producing, mixing, and mastering for independent artists and record labels around the world. After taking a life-renewing hiatus since 2017, she’s back with an exciting new project, Molly In Berlin. Fueled by an intense love of the early hardcore and rave music she grew up with and connecting that to the DIY scenes of today, Molly In Berlin weaves a psychedelic sonic tapestry into mixes and productions, hard to box into any one genre or style, but united by a love of rhythm and motion and energy.

When you're throwing a periodic dance party, you take note of who ends up being regulars and people dedicated to dancing. My favorite people are the "first in, last out" people. People who come in the very beginning and stay until the bitter end. Molly in Berlin is that exact type of great person. When I first met her, she came early to support adri_an opening up Ancient Puzzle Arts at the 700. If you've ever been to the 700, there are comfortable couches there, so in between sets I would have extended, thought provoking conversations with Molly in Berlin in between all the dancing. Her enthusiasm and intellect are very captivating, so I definitely wanted to get Molly in Berlin on the podcast series.

Molly in Berlin is a regular member in the Philly dance music community. I originally met her at Void, and quickly began seeing her all throughout the city. She is very supportive of other people's creativity, and of course has her own creative expression to share.

This month's mix is a unique blend of classic deep house influences with synthetic, ethereal and trippy layering frequencies. Classic house pads, chords and vocals weave in and out of robotic synths, creating a bold, sonic journey that is distinctly her own.

Please enjoy this month's mix from Molly in Berlin. I hope you enjoy the mix from the beginning until the end!

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Ancient Puzzle Arts Podcast #32: Molly In Berlin presents Nessie's Natural Selections

One thing that keeps me doing APA podcasts month after month is expanding my in person talented DJ and producer contacts. This past summer, a good friend of mine into similar and eclectic DJ culture, Rob, who lives in Pittsburgh, told me to meet his friend TJ who just moved to Philly from Pittsburgh. Having gone to college in Pittsburgh and lived in Philly most of my life, I especially welcome any type of turnpike, across the State connection like this.

After exchanging information, TJ Groover met me at the infamous going away roof top party for Val this past summer (we later learned Val leaves the USA for good like James Murphy "retires" from music haha). TJ seemed really cool upon first impression, and I tried my best to introduce him to some key night life people who were at the party to the best my abilities.

On his own, TJ Groover immediately immersed himself into Philly nightlife, especially in the rich House scene of past and present. He has regularly attended the Shakedown parties, and TJ also came out and supported our last APA party in October 2023. After checking out his awesome music production style and DJ sets online, I had to get him on the podcast series and introduce the APA community to his skills.

This month's mix is a rhythmically impressive, deep, jazzy and modern take on House and Deep House. TJ Groover also adds a hip hop element to his mixing style, with choice hip hop and R&B vocals and samples throughout the mix that gives him a special Pittsburgh to Philly flair.

Please enjoy TJ's electric mix for the month of January, and be sure
to see him hit the decks at an upcoming APA party in 2024!

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Ancient Puzzle Arts Podcast #33: TJ Groover's Global Grooves and Gems Selections

From the Internet, to in person, back to the Internet! That's the story of this month's guest...Baltimore via Philly's Scott Kelly, aka DJ Kel. I was first introduced to Scott when he became a recent online supporter of the APA podcast series. He liked and shared some mixes and content, and it looked like we had some cool, funky mutual friends, so I took note this is a good person to meet at some point.

Fast forward to this past summer in 2023, Scott drove up from Baltimore to attend APA regular Dan Edwards' annual summer party, Sonic Garden at Glendinning Rock Garden. It took me a minute to put a face and person to the recent APA supporter, but fortunately Scott introduced himself at Sonic Garden and we got to chatting. Though he lives in Baltimore now, I did not realize his long standing connection with Philly DJ culture, specifically doing a long time radio show series on WKDU. I'm a huge fan of WKDU, so it was cool to meet another member of the WKDU family. I'm also a big fan of Baltimore, and it was great to hear he is immersed in the thriving Baltimore DJ culture as well.

For this month's mix, Scott delivers a polished and concise tribute to West Coast DJ culture. If you want to do a deep dive into this educational history lesson, be sure to take a look at the track list he provided. This historical tribute to the West Coast is a progressive, eclectic and trippy journey of all things House, Techno and assorted from the other side of Route 66. Expect modulation, long blends, peaks and valleys.

Get into the groove and dive into Scott Kelly's mix for February!

Track List:
Velocette - Microcosmik [reflective]
Spacetime Continuum - Movement #2 [astralwerks]
Professor Smith - Remember 48024 [eye q]
E.B.E. - Perplexion [solid trax]
Tom Chasteen - Steam Dream [exist dance]
E.T.I. & Graeme - Blue Dreamers [oboro]
Eden Transmission - Transmission Maya [exist dance]
Young American Primitive - These Waves [zoëmagik]
Martin Bond - Liquid Echoes (Seofon Remix) [visible]
Metro L.A. - Stone Skippin’ [bassex]
Tasti Box - San Francisco [zoëmagik]
Digital Domain - Digital Domain (Twitch Remix) [twitch]
Anoesis - Silver Mirrors (Bassbin Twins Version) [d*fusion]
Velocette - Memories For The Future [parallel]
Hawke - 3 Nudes In A Purple Garden [hardkiss]
Deluxe - Futura (Young American Primitive Remix) [ultra violet]
Cave Dwellers - Primitive Dub Adventure [trip ‘n spin]
Daisy Glow - Sunday In The Park (Single Cell Orchestra Remix) [zoëmagik]
Tri Spiritual Experience - Atmospheric Illusions [üzziel]
Solar Communications - Vast Horizons [visible]
Ambient Temple Of Imagination - Glossolalia [visible]
Ben Neill - Somnabula (Mutant Mix) [astralwerks]
Grain - Son Of Birth. Son [domestic]
T Tauri - Joy To The World [hardkiss]
Heavenly Music Corporation - Buddhafields [silent]
Single Cell Orchestra - Flight 2127 [asphodel]
Tom Chasteen - Gypsy Cab Memory [exist dance]
Spacetime Continuum - Fluresence [reflective]

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Ancient Puzzle Arts Podcast #34: Scott Kelly's (DJ Kel / WKDU) West Coast Frognostication Selection

I can't remember the exact first time I met Squidbrain--it was pre pandemic 2010s in Philly so I was wilin'--but I do distinctly remember a great time hanging out at a pier party rave on Columbus Blvd in Philadelphia and loved his vibe. We stayed in touch over the years. I particularly loved his knack for digging for quality but obscure music and quirky sense of humor.

It took until 2023 when I visited him in Berlin, Germany, his residence for a while now, did we really get to kick it for a while. Wearing a bucket hat at a bougy Berlin bistro, it was great to see he still kept the Philly funk in Berlin. We caught up on old times...I learned some unique things about being a Berlin resident and that he's still staying creative with music. It's always refreshing to hang out with a long time club friend in the daytime.

To my surprise, he had been keeping up with the Ancient Puzzle Arts podcast abroad and wanted to contribute a mix. Of course I agreed, not knowing what to expect. In typical form, Squidbrain provided a very unique selection of global underground dance music where the entire mix is comprised of people he personally knows. The mix is quite eclectic but somehow sounds cohesive and very modern. It's cool to hear Squidbrain is staying connected and supportive of his talented friends and able to bring a global perspective to the mix series.

Please enjoy Squidbrain's all homies mix! Dig into the track listing because these are some very rare finds.

Track list:
1. Old Boy - Par Excellence
2. Kudeki - Spiral
3. Ariana Grande - Solo En Ti (Ultraviolet Edit)
4. City Fitness - Life Bright
5. Ryan clover - Disrespectful
6. Zdon - Grape Leaf
7. Leviathant - Option Anxiety
8. Squidbrain - Levo
9. Low Jitter - Bern 1
10. Kieran Loftus - Iced Coffee Shawdy
11. Roman85 - Smalltalk
12. Impurity - Matsutake
13. Rascho 030 - DR3I 6IX
14. DJ Es - Raid (Club Mix)
15. Aircraft - Невесомость (Nevesomost)
16. Big Hat - Bioconcrete
17. Zebra - 1 O Click
18. Pilea - Protest
19. Yōsuke DJA - Listening To Grasshoppers
20. O/Y - Oslo
21. Danny Tabla - Punch Through
22. Idiot Mambo - Purgatory Thoughts
23. The Producer's Workshop Ensemble - Got 2 Live
24. Dirty Yellow - Trumpets In The Street 

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Ancient Puzzle Arts Podcast #37: Squidbrain's Hello On the Street Selection

It had been a long time since I had been to a proper bass music party in Philly. But when I saw Anna Morgan was playing Broad Hall, curated by Solar Sounds (Riva and Bianca have previously played Ancient Puzzle Arts at the 700), I knew this was going to be an awesome party. I was mostly in the main room and was impressed by local DJ Phreakwency, who I had not seen. While dancing, APA regular Braks says to me "you should check out my friend Shai FM, he's dope." I check out suggestions of people I know have good taste in music and go out a lot, so I saved the name and looked him up after the party. Not only was he from Philly, and an absolutely incredible producer, he had played the Anna Morgan party and I missed him.

Since then, we became Internet buddies and eventually chatted it up on the dancefloor when Shai FM came to the last Ancient Puzzle Arts party at the 700. We joked around, exchanged ideas and I offered to have him get on the mix series. And I am so glad he agreed to do it.

This mix is especially special to me, mostly because I had just come back from Detroit Movement festival, where I experienced some top tier bass rave music (specifically Martyn and dBridge). Shai FM's mix this month is a post festival inspirational bass music rave mix inspiring you to stay creative, adventurous and futuristic. Keep it wu wei, family. Please enjoy Shai FM's mix for the month of June.

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Ancient Puzzle Arts Podcast #38: Shai FM's Pocari Sweat Selection

Over the last couple of years, Dan Edwards has been an integral part of developing the APA party live event series. Similar to APA is Dan Edwards' periodic outdoor party series, Sonic Garden. At one particular Sonic Garden, I was introduced to legendary Philly disc jockey DJ Freedom. His expertise in all things House was immediately infectious. I asked Dan Edwards how he heard about him, and Dan mentioned DJ Freedom influenced him! He used to goto his parties back in the day when Dan was in his 20's.

Since then, DJ Freedom has been a regular VIP at APA parties. He has played twice at the 700 with us, including an epic closing set back in April 2024. DJ Freedom, in addition to being a master on the decks, runs his own mix series / radio show called Real House, which premieres on a regular basis on WKDU. Recently I was able to contribute a mix to his series and DJ Freedom did a really fantastic voice over review of my music career on the mix.

It was only a matter of time before we locked him in for the mix series. For the month of July, DJ Freedom delivers a bangin' summer House mix for the dance music extended family. It's groovy, progressive, melodic and layered with evocative vocals from House past and present. Feel the rhythm and enjoy this mix on a rooftop in Philly grilling like a boss.
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Ancient Puzzle Arts Podcast #39: DJ Freedom's Raw & Uncut Selection

Ancient Puzzle Arts for the longest time has been an exclusively New York and Philadelphia DJ series. I mostly feature local artists from both cities (mostly because there are a myriad of local, underrated DJs and producers that deserve more shine.) However, it's really cool when APA expands internationally, organically.

Back in 2023, at one of our APA parties at the 700, I noticed a new person who attended the party. He was one of those "first in, last out" people, so I made an effort to introduce myself. His name was Nicolas and he found out about our event through Resident Advisor. We became internet friends and soon enough I discovered he not only lives in Philly these days but DJs as Pivert.

Nicolas is originally from Belgium but has been living in Philly for a couple years. I find the way he blends Philadelphia and Belgium culture quite fascinating. He's a pleasure to be around and intuitively understands the importance of community.

In April 2024, he opened up our APA party at the 700 with a fantastic deep house mix. It was an excellent opening journey on a beautiful Spring day. For the month of August, Pivert delivers us a studio mix that captures the feeling of his APA at the 700 opening set. Listen on a run, by the poolside, or gardening. It's definitely a quality summer mix to soak up some sun with. Please enjoy!

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Ancient Puzzle Arts Podcast #40: Pivert's Party Starting Vitamin D Selection

Here at Ancient Puzzle Arts, we have a lot of love for Detroit, specifically Detroit Movement Festival. After seeing Audion in 2009 at a Masonic Temple in Detroit, my DNA was forever rearranged to seek underground House and Techno parties and start buying records. I had been exposed to dance nights before, but a well curated rave, Detroit style, forever got imprinted in my brain.

Fast forward to 2024, I finally returned to the Detroit Movement festival 15 years later. A lot has changed....the lineups had more EDM and psytrance than I expected at the main festival, but the underground still remains intact and vibrant in the ever developing Motor City. During my time at Movement festival, I linked up with members of the RVDIOACTIVE crew that were working and attending the festival. We all met up at the beginning of the festival to support Mona Black, a mutual friend who was opening up the festival at the Detroit Stage at the official Detroit Movement festival.

Mona Black delivered a funky, groovin' and uplifting set to warm up the festival. Afterward I got to spend much of the rest of the weekend with Mona, along with the RVDIOACTIVE crew, and it's an honor to now have such a quality friend that calls Motor City home.

For the month of February, Mona Black delivers her unique blend of eclectic, all-things body moving funk. Her use of melody and seamless vocal blending showcases her Detroit refined DJ skills, which continues to educate the world in how do spin with soul!

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Ancient Puzzle Arts Podcast #41: Mona Black's Winter Realness Selection

I don't go out nearly as much as I used to in the 2010s, but somehow every time I go out these days...and usually to one of the more obscure, unique, quality parties...I seem to always bump into Full Moon Fool. I initially met him on a lazy afternoon at Foto Club pre pandemic, catching up with the Universal Cave guys. I would later see him at events of all genres, and whenever I would meet someone new, Full Moon Fool already knew them. It's also really exciting when someone you meet who is that ubiquitous on the scene is a high quality, talented, brilliant and prolific person.

If you listen to any of Full Moon Fool's sets, especially his periodic radio show on Great Circles "Inspiration Station," you can hear a very unique, open minded life experience expressed. Most DJs like to flaunt their limited idea of eclecticism ("I play House AND Techno!"), but Full Moon Fool goes full throttle with his wide variety taste. It's also not a Now That's What I Call Music compilation either...Full Moon Fool gives you the benefit of the doubt that you're as obsessed with music as he is, and is going to give you a buffet of music you haven't heard.

For this month of March, Full Moon Fool delivers roughly 90 minutes of moody, obscure punk, 80's rock, post punk, new wave, lo-fi disco and assorted for your "let's get this winter over with already!" pleasure.

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Ancient Puzzle Arts Podcast #42: Full Moon Fool's Ancient Punk Arts Selection

Here at Ancient Puzzle Arts, we never want to miss an opportunity to expand our music history knowledge. And when I finally discovered Lola Kinks through Great Circles Radio, I knew right away she would be a great contribution to our party series.

You can hear from Lola Kinks' taste in vinyl selection that she grew up in a very musical household. Though my Dad introduced me to Kraftwerk at an early age, otherwise music at my house was the same Bob Dylan and Beatles records on a loop. I think when you're immersed with a rich history of very diverse music taste spanning decades at a young age like Lola Kinks, your selection as a DJ matures greatly, and you have an ear for what is a certified classic, or, what can blend into classics. This is Lola Kinks' DJ style. She keeps the momentous energy throughout her DJ sets by connecting lyrics, melodies and grooves in a way that appeals to nerdy eclectics like me, while broadly appealing to any newcomer wanting a fast paced music education.

In early 2025, we finally had Lola Kinks hit the decks at Ancient Puzzle Arts' third place home away from home, Upstairs at the 700. She closed the night out with an absolutely funky as hell set. Fortunately we recorded the set, and for the month of June we are serving you a taste of what it's like to experience Lola Kinks, live in her element, with a recording from that fine night Saturday January 11th. Expect catchy hooks, melodies, and fast cuts that keep the energy fierce yet playful. Enjoy!
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Ancient Puzzle Arts Podcast #43: Lola Kinks Live at Upstairs at the 700, Saturday January 11th 2025

One of the best, most underground DIY parties I've ever been to was at the now defunct Dust Bunny space. You can't make this up...it was in an abandoned bank, and you had to crawl--Being John Malkovich style--to get into the main room. One of the main contributors to the space was wIRL, who through a labor of love kept the space running for quite a long time. During the pandemic the collective running the space had a very engaging Patreon account where I consumed a lot of exclusive content. This is how I got to know wIRL's point of views, through interviews, about his sociopolitical perspective in addition to his talented DJ skills. 

After the pandemic, we were able to bump into each other in similar circles. I've always loved his honest, "just do it" DIY approach, as well as very expansive knowledge of underground techno. Finally, we coordinated together and now he is able to contribute a mix!



For the month of June, wIRL brings you a very unique techno mix. You can really hear the Machines at work in this journey, especially with his added hardware and live FX over a two turntable set. Enjoy the fruits of summer, techno Philly DIY punk style!

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Ancient Puzzle Arts Podcast #44: wiRL's Bus Beat Selection

I probably say this every other month, but I don't go out as much as I used to. This is why I rely on Strglcty, an Ancient Puzzle Arts resident / regular / VIP, to tell me what's the latest to check out in the city. I usually trust his taste as he knows how to find the right vibe. He told me to check out DJ Dommis. I've seen his name on flyers at the Trestle Inn, so immediately I knew he had a deep knowledge of vinyl. I checked out his soundcloud and kept him in mind for future parties. Then, in January of 2025, he showed up to support Lola Kinks at Upstairs at the 700. The combination of talent and supporting the local scene made me want to prioritize booking him sooner rather than later.

We finally booked him for our past May 2025 Ancient Puzzle Arts at Upstairs at the 700, and wow did he deliver. I can tell DJ Dommis used this opportunity to explore his deep record collection and eclecticism. Please enjoy this month's Ancient Puzzle Arts podcast, which features a live recording of DJ Dommis rocking the decks at Upstairs at the 700. Expect deep grooves, unique rhythms, and unexpected surprise bangers. Let's keep this summer hot!

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Ancient Puzzle Arts Podcast #45: DJ Dommis, Live at Upstairs at the 700, Saturday May 3rd 2025

It's exciting to finally have Max G contribute to the Ancient Puzzle Arts mix series. I have known Max since high school and we have kept up with each other off and on ever since. You could make the argument that Ancient Puzzle Arts would not exist without Max G, because he was the first person to introduce me to the deeper side of dance music, specifically introducing me to DJ Harvey, Theo Parrish and Audion. I got hooked on exchanging CDs with Max early on, but it wasn't until I went to Detroit Movement Festival in 2009 with him that I became as thoroughly committed to dance music as I am today. There were a lot of partying highlights between Max G and me over the years, but one particular night seeing Robag Wruhme in Detroit certainly influenced both of our music production styles to this day.

Max G is a long time veteran of dance music, both record collecting and attending various events around the East Coast, but it was only recently did he finally unload his impressive collection of music production and video installation art to the public. Max G, in addition to being a prolific and excellent music producer, is also an incredible visual artist. You can see his synesthetic blend of audio and visuals over on his website ( https://www.maxgroff.com/ ).

For this month's mix, Max G contributed an entire mix of all original productions. Expect deep grooves, dirty bass kicks, anxiety, euphoria, and an overall hypnotic trip via synthesis. 

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Ancient Puzzle Arts Podcast #46: Max G's All Tracked Produced by Max G Selection

When going out to nightlife events, the ratio to people you meet who actually check out your music / art is very small compared to people who don't. Pre pandemic, I went to see Ciel and Russell Butler DJ at the legendary Sanctuary City party hosted by Elvin T in Philadelphia. I met Gvantsky on the dancefloor, chatted briefly and gave her my DJ card. To my surprise, she actually checked out my music and party series the next day, which was really appreciated after such a memorable night out.

Years later, Gvantsky has accelerated her DJ career. She brings her curiosity and world travels to the dancefloor, having spun at such places as Subsurface, Warehouse on Watts, Vinyl, The Barbary, Say No More, and Dolphin Tavern in Philadelphia, and Holo, Mansions, TBA Brooklyn, and Zion333 in NYC. What I admire a lot about Gvantsky's DJ style and selection is her dedication to subtly: each blend has a hypnotic, precise, deliberate decision to take you on a journey into the unknown. With a DJ market saturated with "if you're not red lining, you're not headlining," Gvantsky's progressive and minimalistic sound is especially refreshing to your ears.

Please enjoy this month's Ancient Puzzle Arts mix brought to you by Gvantsky. Expect soothing ambient, sensual down tempo, bassy minimal and overall attention to detail.
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Ancient Puzzle Arts Podcast #47: Gvantsky's Colors Are Changing Selection

Getting to know Clastic is one of the many reasons I continue to produce Ancient Puzzle Arts events year after year. Thanks to an invitation by Val, an APA regular, Clastic started attending Ancient Puzzle Arts parties at the 700 in 2022. Being tall, a great dancer and having a groovy fashion sense, they were very memorable. As I'm somewhat shy, it took two attendances from Clastic for me to finally introduce myself.

It wasn't until Dan Edwards, co-producer of Ancient Puzzle Arts events, attended The Great Beyond where I learned Clastic DJed. Dan said he bumped into them at the festival and they discussed DJing. Since Clastic attended such a quality festival and was a regular at Ancient Puzzle Arts events, I wanted to prioritize booking  them for the next party.

Please enjoy this month's mix by Clastic. It's a live recording from their late afternoon performance at Upstairs at the 700, October 11th 2025. Expect progressive acid house influences, melodic moments, and an overall joyous journey into sunset.
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Ancient Puzzle Arts Podcast #48: Clastic, Live at Upstairs at the 700, October 11th 2025

When I was first introduced to Amir Alexander, I had heard his track "Gutter Flex" being played by Policy--fellow Argot Records labelmate--in 2013, at a 100% Silk showcase at Glasslands in Brooklyn, NY, put on by the Discovery Recordings gentlemen. It was a legendary, monumental night, but that particular track stood out to me throughout the whole evening...its melody, rhythms and vocals stuck with me long after the night was over. I had to hunt down the track from Policy, and it has yet to leave my crate since that party. I had revived the track in 2019 at Ancient Puzzle Arts in Philadelphia at Silk City, and one of the APA regulars, Stefan, urged me to book Amir Alexander ASAP

Fast forward to 2020. It was time to bring Amir Alexander to his Ancient Puzzle Arts and Philly debut in April, via Sweden. I was digging through his entire discography and finding a lot of jams to incorporate into future sets. Then, right when we're about to spin together, COVID-19 hits the world, and the rest is history.

It was only a matter of time to reinterpret Amir Alexander's presence back into the APA family. And what better way to kick off the Ancient Puzzle Arts mix series than to have an incredible contribution of a mix from Amir Alexander himself!

This mix is an hour long experience of classic Booty House jams. Booty House is an essential part of the Chicago House story...you can tell a Booty House track by its gritty production, its fast, Jackin' tempo, and typically sexually explicit lyrics. Needless to say, when the party is jumpin', and a DJ knows how to drop Booty House properly, you can take any party to the next level.

Please enjoy this excellent education on the history of Booty House from Amir Alexander! It's an honor to have Amir on the virtual decks deliver such a fun, dress-to-sweat mix as the first guest in the Ancient Puzzle Arts Podcast Mix series!

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Ancient Puzzle Arts Podcast #02: Amir Alexander's Booty House Summer Selection Mix

When I first met Max in person, it was at a Peruvian restaurant in Upper Darby at an after hours rave on Saint Patrick's Day. Say that 3 times fast. The sheer eccentricity of the evening was very APA. Max greeted me by saying he was familiar with my work, specifically Tarot, and of course that boosted my Ego; we ended up getting along soon after. Even though Max is younger than me, it became clear very quickly Max was already a veteran. We nerded out about Boys Noize and DJ Qu, and I was excited to hear his set based off of my brief first interaction and his diverse taste in dance music.

When he played, I was really impressed with how confident he was in playing a wide range of tracks I never heard of, and how deliberate he was in pushing unconventional blends in a very polished way. I knew this dude was going places, so we kept in touch.

Fast forward two years, and I was able to have him at our APA monthly residency at Silk City in Philly before COVID-19 struck. It was an intimate evening, and Max closed the night out to a group of hungry underground heads into obscure, nasty cuts. At this point, Max is definitely part of the APA family, so it was essential to have him contribute a mix to our podcast series early on.

Max Sprauer delivers this month a unique, progressive, 2 hour journey into the Abyss. Branching out from his harder hitting acid house stylings, this minimal mix will hypnotize you. 

Just coming back from a live stream with Anthony Parasole and Lauren Flax, not even a pandemic can hold Max Sprauer back. Enjoy this exclusive APA mix, and see why I am so excited about one of New York's most rising stars

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Ancient Puzzle Arts Podcast #04: Max Sprauer's Altered States Selection Mix

When I first met BiLla, I was at the legendary DIY venue 52 hz in West Philadelphia. I got to the party early, and was really engaged with BiLla's opening set for the evening. It was a tasteful blend of classic House and Techno I had no frame of reference for. His selection was completely un-ShaZamable, which made it ever the more novel.

About a year later, I was record shopping at Brewerytown Beats and recognized him. I decided to finally introduce myself. The conversation was uplifting, considering I had no idea how vast his musical knowledge and experience extended, and we both lived in close proximity! I had then kept BiLla on my radar as someone with great taste and good vibes.

Before COVID hit, BiLla was a mainstay and a great source for anyone who wanted to experience a musical journey with his residency at the Trestle Inn. If you've ever been to the Trestle Inn, it's a tucked away, time warp of a venue off the beaten path between Northern Liberties and Chinatown. It's a worthwhile destination spot, and the times I have seen BiLla spin, it's clear this was his domain of expertise, and he knew how to tell a story all night long, entirely on vinyl!

Please enjoy this month's Ancient Puzzle Arts mix BiLla contributed. It's a very tension-and-release blend of breaks, IDM, Detroit techno and electro, all on vinyl, in an impressive 2 hour mix!

Track Listing:

Logic - Celebrate Life (Acapella)
SinOesin - Angels of Altitude PT. 1
Language - 1990
Human Mesh Dance - Sunflower
Gilbert - Birds of Paradise
Influx - Untitled 
Junq - Lila Dreams
7th Plain - Seeing Sense
Paul W. Teebrooke -Thing 1
Lifeforce EP - 20/20 After Hours Mix
The Waterboatmen - The Pond Skater
The Higher Intelligence Agency - Thirteen
Unknown White Label
Sandoz - Human Spirit
The Black Dog - Ambience with Teeth
Nev - Ilone Vune Cortex Nex
Isomise - The Intersection
7th Plain - Time Melts
Plaid - Android
DMX Crew - Synth Sound 1
Unknown White Label 
The Black Dog - Virtual
Aphex Twin - AFX 2
Third Electric - Urstoff
Cold Warrior 
T.T.B 001 - Pik-D
Dance 2 Trance - We came in peace 
Global Communication - 9 25
Aphex Twin - Analogue Bubblebath 
SinOesin - Angels of Altitude PT. 2
Syne Language
Nev - Simulated Wood
David Morley - Stardancer
SinOesin - S.E.I

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