Here's the story behind this mix. So my friends and I started an event/party in October 2021 called ISOULATION, which started at the patio at a nightclub. Our intention with this party was to create a safe space for DJs to play what they like, to create a safe space for people to come out to listen to good music curated by said DJs.

Our first few events in the patio went amazing, and we eventually worked our way to playing the indoor main stage of this nightclub. We were then recently booked to takeover the entire nightclub; my friends and I DJing on the mainstage and us curating the DJs in the patio. We all poured so much energy and thought into this night - we had planned and prepared for every little detail.

Unfortunately, our plans on the main stage were derailed. My friend was kicked off during his set. My other friend took over and was told by management to play "ratchet hip-hop." I had the closing set that night, and I was torn. Do I play the set I prepared? Or do I compromise and appease management? I took the latter route. I played that set on the fly (interestingly enough,  my friends said I did really well, killed the set), but my heart wasn't into it. 

The event was over, we cleaned up, hung out at the parking lot, and vocalized to one another how we felt. We caravanned to a homie's house to kick back, then went to another friend's house. I saw the sunrise with a friend, and I got home around 7:30 AM. I had so much pent up feelings and needed emotional release, so I recorded this mix nearly crying and without any sleep. What you're hearing now is the set I originally planned to play on the main stage the night prior. 

In taking a step back to reflect, not everything turned out terrible. What we had planned for the nightclub patio was executed to perfection. We had colored lights and a photo booth. Although we took some Ls that night, the patio DJs had amazing sets. I believe the spirit of ISOULATION was alive and well in the patio, and for that, I'm truly grateful. 

Here's what I learned: naivety and expectation often lead to disappointment, but there is good in each and every situation.

Thank you for taking the time to listen to this mix and for taking the time to read all this. Enjoy! 

- FREAKO

tracklist: https://bit.ly/3AQyImW
photo: twitter @archillect
Isoulation IG - @isoulation.co

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FREAKO