WHAT IS PSYCHEDELIC TECHNO? DJ Basilisk has been exploring this question since the mid-2000s, right around the time psytrance producers began to dabble in lower BPMs and influences from minimal techno and progressive house. The borderlands of techno and psytrance proved to be fertile ground for cross-genre experimentation, and through his work with Drumlore, and later Techgnosis Records, he contributed to the burgeoning movement's development.

Since 2020 DJ Basilisk has returned to expert mixcraft, documenting a flourishing electronic music subculture that continues to defy strict genre boundaries and easy classifications, always staying true to the original spirit of cross-pollination and connection across a vast span of musical styles and approaches.

Psychedelic Techno

SILICON OVERMIND is a series of contemporary mixes exploring the many permutations of psychedelic techno, loosely centered on the sound of Techgnosis Records. Every mix is crafted with my broad definition of "psychedelic techno" in mind, curating material from far beyond the traditional borders of the style. These mixes are generally under three hours in length.

Note: the first six in the series previously debuted as guest mixes on various channels, as noted in the description of each mix.

Silicon Overmind: Psychedelic Techno from the Borderlands

phycodelic

DJ Basilisk's SILICON OVERMIND 1 is the first in a new series of mixes exploring the many permutations of psychedelic techno and adjacent styles of underground electronic music. This epic 3-hour journey slowly rises from the dark depths to cycle through a wide variety of hypnotic and futuristic sounds, all revolving around several selections from Techgnosis Records, the label he co-founded alongside Ben Rama in 2015. Expect to hear rumbling bass, cybernetic beats, spellbinding melodies, cinematic atmospheres, and intricate rhythmic programming as the story unfolds. DJ Basilisk's signature smooth and harmonic mixing is also evident, and his skillful use of three decks allows for intriguing reconfigurations of source material. Strap yourself in and prepare for a wild ride through the misty borderlands of techno, psytrance, progressive house, and IDM!

HQ STREAM ON MIXCLOUD 🔊
https://www.mixcloud.com/Basilisk/silicon-overmind-1/

INTERVIEW (中文)
https://www.facebook.com/twtechno/posts/2312033405594664

FULL INFO/DOWNLOAD ✨
https://djbasilisk.com/mixes/silicon-overmind-1/

NOTE: this mix originally premiered as Taiwan Techno Podcast 224. Here's the interview conducted for the debut...

◢ Taiwan Techno Podcast 224 ◣
◢ Guest: Basilisk ◣
◢ DJ Q&A ◣
■ 是什麼啟發你成為 DJ？
□ 我一直對電音很有熱情，成為 DJ 就是與人們分享熱情最棒的方式。身為 DJ，我們的工作是找歌排歌，替別人省去麻煩。我們可以盡情的在音樂世界中漫遊探索，尋找珍寶，帶給大眾。
■ 請介紹對你的音樂風格影響最大的人事物。
□ 我的音樂根源是上世紀 90 年代的 Psytrance 場景，因此我最早的影響來自 Koxbox、The Infinity Project、 Astral Projection 與 Man With No Name。至於 Techno 與 House，我最早是在 2000 年代晚期在多倫多受 Noah Pred 的影響，不久後還去底特律的 Movement Electronic Music Festival 朝聖。
直到近年，我在台北的 Korner 接觸各式各樣前衛的地下音樂，這些音樂讓我眼界大開。以上影響共同塑造了我的個人風格，讓我有能力結合多元類型，在舞池中召喚創新迷幻的體驗。
■ 請簡單介紹你為 Taiwan Techno Podcast 製作的混音。
□ 這是個混合多種 Techno 類型的史詩旅程，但主要焦點是來自廠牌「Techgnosis Records」的 Psychedelic Techno，我在 2015 年與 Ben Rama 共同創立了這個廠牌。Psychedelic Techno 是 Psychedelic Trance 與 Techno 的混合體，黑暗而充滿未來感，聲響新潮且為舞池而生。在台灣放這個類型的 DJ 並不多，所以我覺得能與這裡的愛樂同好們分享它會很有趣，但當然也想藉此找到原本就知道這個類型的同好。
■ 你的 DJ 名「Basilisk」指的是一種有毒的奇幻生物，請問為何會用這個字呢？
□ 與 Basilisk 相關的傳說很多，但最經典的說法是把牠描述成巨大的蜥蜴，擁有能將人類石化的魔咒凝視。選這個字當 DJ 名說來有點諷刺，因為身為 DJ 我們的目標剛好相反，是要讓舞客在舞池中狂舞。所以我並非想讓舞客變成石頭，而是用音樂讓舞客感覺被”Stoned”。
■ 你住在台灣多久了？為何會想待在台灣？
□ 從 2013 年起我就經常造訪台灣，但直到近年才決定待下來。這裡的日常生活真的很方便，擁有世界級的捷運，人民友善好客。我生性好奇，對台灣的歷史、文化與地理有無止盡的求知慾，這裡也總讓我感到興味盎然。台灣的地下電音場景充滿潛力，我希望未來能在這裡多貢獻一份心力。
■ 你有很多關於台灣廢墟的攝影作品，它們不但特別也很有名。為何你會想專注在這個主題上？
□ 除了遺跡與廢墟的視覺美學外，廢棄場所能向我們透露社會經濟的貧富發展軌跡，這讓我很著迷。我有一個這方面的計畫，是著眼在台灣的老戲院。每個戲院都附著了它周邊社群的故事，有些故事精彩無比。舉例來說，台東縣有許多戲院出現在橫貫公路建設期間，由政府的建設計畫帶來許多老兵之後。當這些建設計畫大功告成，居民離開，這些戲院就被棄置了。我經營了主題部落格「Spectral Codex」，與大家分享這些點滴。
■ 對你來說音樂是什麼？
□ 音樂有重塑意識的力量，它能將你傳送到世界的各個角落。我把自己視為領航員，在聲音的海洋上繪製出航行圖，帶領舞客進入前往遙遠異國的奇幻之旅

Style: psychedelic techno, acid techno, progressive techno, minimal psytrance, progressive house, midtempo breaks, IDM, ambient. A few of the artists featured here: Akkord, Forest Drive West, Orphx, Rrose, Triangle Eyes, Delta Funktionen, Sam Waller, Spektre, The Delta, Scalameriya, VSK, Boris Brejcha, Ken Zo, Aleckat, Electrypnose, Cybered, Excizen, Peter Groskreutz, Luis M, Maceo Plex, Petar Dundov, Dubfire, Guy J, Moscoman, Butch, JASSS, and many more.

FULL INFO/DOWNLOAD ✨

Silicon Overmind 1 [Psychedelic Techno / Minimal Psytrance / Progressive House / IDM]

DJ Basilisk ranges widely on SILICON OVERMIND 2, the second edition of a mix series exploring the many permutations of psychedelic techno and beyond. Embark upon a grand tour of many different moods and styles, from midtempo breaks and dub techno to minimal and progressive psytrance. This study in contrasts showcases Basilisk's smooth and harmonic mixing style as well as several tracks from Techgnosis Records, the psychedelic techno label he co-founded alongside Ben Rama in 2015. Ultimately the aim is to induce a hypnotic and, at times, euphoric effect, always with an ear for the transformative power of sound!

Style: psychedelic techno, techno, dub techno, progressive psytrance, minimal psytrance, midtempo breaks, IDM, etc. 29 tracks in 100 minutes ranging from 110 to 132 BPM!

Note: this mix was originally posted as Electric Soul Radio 14.

HQ STREAM ON MIXCLOUD 🔊
https://www.mixcloud.com/Basilisk/silicon-overmind-2/

INTERVIEW
https://www.electricsoul.com/magazine/intertwining-styles-dj-basilisk-of-taiwan

FULL INFO/DOWNLOAD ✨
https://djbasilisk.com/mixes/silicon-overmind-2/

Artists: Hiro Kone, Nicola Cruz, Benji Vaughan, Stefan Gubatz, Orphx, Simian Mobile Disco, Audion, Quantaloop, Luis M, Trilingo, Redshift, Kliment, Rødhåd, Extrawelt, Cybered, Robert Elster, Solid Snake, Mr. Ho, Pariah, Roza Terenzi, Earth Trax, Synkro, and more.

Labels: Techgnosis Records, Zenon Records, Klasse Wrecks, Cocoon Recordings, Horns and Hoofs Entertainment, Phantasy Sound, Twisted Records, Shall Not Fade, Dystopian, etc.

Silicon Overmind 2 [Psychedelic Techno / Minimal Psytrance / Techno / Dub Techno / Breaks]

DJ Basilisk quickens the pace on SILICON OVERMIND 3, the third in a series of mixes dedicated pushing the boundaries of psychedelic techno ever outward. Blasting through 25 tracks in just under 80 minutes, this hyper-kinetic journey through sound features selections from across a vast spectrum of underground sources, all smoothly layered and blended with an ear for harmonics and interlocking transitions. Expect to hear punishing industrial breakbeats, warbling acid lines, punchy mechanical beats, hypnotic atmospheres, and memorable melodies as the mood progresses from gritty minimalism to misty-eyed morning trance and beyond.

Conceived, arranged, mixed, and mastered by DJ Basilisk in Vancouver, Canada, November 2022. A one hour cut previously premiered as _The Psytech Observer 001_, part of a new show by Anyer Quantum (@anyer_quantum) on DHRK Radio (@dark-sonik).

HQ STREAM ON MIXCLOUD 🔊
https://www.mixcloud.com/Basilisk/silicon-overmind-3/

FULL INFO/DOWNLOAD ✨
https://djbasilisk.com/mixes/silicon-overmind-3/

PART 2 BY ANYER QUANTUM 🗿
https://soundcloud.com/anyer_quantum/the-psytech-observer-001-baptism-in-the-void-mixed-by-anyer-quantum

TRACK LIST
Plaster - Unicore (Parts 1-2) [Kvitnu] (2015)
Maenad Veyl - Like a Locust [VEYL] (2019)
Eric Copeland - 321 Contact (Lokier Remix) [DFA] (2019)
Tristan Arp - Coil [Human Pitch] (2019)
Styx - Hin-C [Shipwrec] (2016)
Electric Rescue - Opened Hands [Bedrock Digital] (2012)
Rrose - Waterfall (Birth) [Eaux] (2013)
Extrawelt - Silly Idol [Cocoon Recordings] (2017)
Lampé - In The Woods [Digital Diamonds] (2018)
Boris Brejcha & Victor Ruiz & Alex Stein - SAW [Boris Brejcha] (2015)
Oliver Koletzki - Iyéwaye (Hatzler Remix) [Stil vor Talent] (2015)
Oryza - Vertigo (Sonic Jay Remix) [Techgnosis Records] (2022)
First Orgasm - Fireal [24h Records] (2016)
Born Sleepy - One Time [TIP Records] (2014)
Strontium Dogs - Strontium Spacecar [Iboga Records] (2018)
Adam Pits - Solar Wave [Haŵs] (2021)
Hammer & James Shinra - Navigator [Permanent Vacation] (2020)
Octo Octa - River [Fabric] (2020)
Nathan Micay - Moon Scepter Elimination [LuckyMe] (2019)
Sansibar - P-64 Surround [Altered States Tapes] (2018)
Christopher Ledger - Omni DX [Dial] (2020)
Synkro & Michael Red - Smoke Mountain (Eli Muro Remix) [low indigo] (2017)
Steve Rutter - Decliner Box [FireScope] (2017)
Central Industrial - Implant [Auxiliary] (2013)
Plaster - The Climbers [Kvitnu] (2018)

Silicon Overmind 3 [Psychedelic Techno / Minimal Psytrance / Progressive Trance / Electro]

DJ Basilisk returns to his signature psychedelic techno mix series with SILICON OVERMIND 4, further expanding his broad definition of the style with selections from across a vast spectrum of sound. Minimal and dub techno accrete around a solid core of dark and progressive psytrance, with occasional references to tech house and classic trance. Combining these disparate elements into a cohesive whole, Basilisk harnesses the understated power of smooth harmonic mixing to build tension, charting a spiral motion through different moods to ensure this becomes a true journey into sound.

Conceived, arranged, mixed, and mastered by DJ Basilisk in Taipei, Taiwan, January 2023. 

Note: this mix originally premiered on @SUBTRAIL as Trail Cast 57.

ORIGINAL SOUNDCLOUD PREMIERE 🐣
https://soundcloud.com/subtrail/trail-cast-57-basilisk

HQ STREAM ON MIXCLOUD 🔊
https://www.mixcloud.com/Basilisk/silicon-overmind-4/

FULL INFO/DOWNLOAD ✨
https://djbasilisk.com/mixes/silicon-overmind-4

TRACK LIST
Birds Ov Paradise - Anton [Hypnus Records] (2022)
Tomas Rubeck - FM2 [Animal Farm] (2014)
9beats - Phreatic Eruption [Annulled Music] (2019)
Nick Robson - Diving Bell [Lucidflow Records] (2012)
K.U.R.O. & Takagi - Xooim [Boshke Beats Records] (2020)
Mehia - Witjastiefe (Trilingo Remix) [Techgnosis Records] (2018)
Khainz - Tilted Towers [Yoshitoshi Recordings] (2019)
EEEMUS - Didge (MYDÄ Remix) [Techgnosis Records] (2019)
Lampé - From The Ocean [Digital Diamonds] (2018)
First Orgasm - Insula [24h Records] (2019)
Rrose - Omertà (Version) [Eaux] (2016)
Motionen - Dialogue [Ascetic Limited] (2017)
Deepnotic - Different Language [Zenon Records] (2018)
Luis M - Bush Owl (Trilingo Remix) [IbogaTech] (2021)
Aleckat - Rockos Basilisk [Techgnosis Records] (2021)
Noaria - Solstice [Harthouse] (2018)
Dax J - New Beginnings [Affin LTD] (2013)
Hynamo - Artemis [Techgnosis Records] (2023)
OOOD - Bioluminescence [Iboga Records] (2021)
Boris Brejcha - Heaven Trip [Ultra Music] (2020)
Sonic Jay - The Other Realm [Techgnosis Records] (2020)
Miles From Mars - Civilizations [Digital Structures] (2020)
Chris Llopis - Thyme [Cyclic Records] (2015)
John Tejada - Paroxetine Dreams [Touched Music] (2020)
Birds Ov Paradise - Ale [Hypnus Records] (2022)

Silicon Overmind 4 [Psychedelic Techno / Minimal Psytrance / Progressive House / Dub Techno]

DJ Basilisk channels subliminal signals from the electronic noosphere on SILICON OVERMIND 5, the latest edition of his signature psychedelic techno mix series. On this outing we are treated to an expert blend of deep, dubby, and psychedelic techno bleeding into minimal and progressive psytrance, with five selections apiece from both Digital Diamonds and Techgnosis Records. This mix is an experiment in running the tape backwards, moving from light into darkness and back again, carrying the listener through inner worlds of thought and sensation. Subtle transitions and attention to harmonic theory create an illusion of seemingly endless evolution, as one track vanishes into the next in a dreamy, formless haze, while slow and deliberate tension-building invariably leads to cathartic release.

Conceived, arranged, mixed, and mastered by DJ Basilisk in Taipei, Taiwan, January 2023. Commissioned by Digital Diamonds (@digital-diamonds-netlabel) for their show on @Radiozora.

ORIGINAL SOUNDCLOUD PREMIERE 🐣
https://soundcloud.com/radiozora/basilisk-digital-diamonds-series-ep-29-02052023

HQ STREAM ON MIXCLOUD 🔊
https://www.mixcloud.com/Basilisk/silicon-overmind-5/

FULL INFO/DOWNLOAD ✨
https://djbasilisk.com/mixes/silicon-overmind-5

TRACK LIST
The Future Sound of London - Mind Function Wave [FSOLdigital] (2021)
Jonquera - Bénédictin [Bamboo Shows] (2020)
aspect. - Hk. (Dub) [Archives] (2015)
Spintribe - Phantoms [Digital Diamonds] (2019)
Anii - Working The Root [Kompakt] (2018)
Delta Funktionen - Hurt Me [Radio Matrix] (2015)
Zeta Reticula - Maqaram [1605 Music Therapy] (2015)
Skydel - Puzzle [Digital Diamonds] (2022)
Antix - Desert Point [Iboga Records] (2015)
Tripswitch - Big Time Line [Iboga Records] (2016)
dreamAwaken & Solid Snake - Juno [Sprout] (2019)
Ben Rama - Xander [Techgnosis Records] (2017)
Unknown Concept - Oblivion [Digital Diamonds] (2019)
Trilingo - Luzoba (Flembaz Remix) [Techgnosis Records] (2015)
Hynamo - Challenger [Techgnosis Records] (2023)
Allan Pillai & Delix - Get Off My Lawn (Oryza Remix) [Techgnosis Records] (2022)
Peter Groskreutz - Vanish [Alula Tunes] (2019)
Luis M - Anomalie [IbogaTech] (2019)
Quantaloop - Expanding Elephants [Zenon Records] (2018)
Flembaz - Dogs & Hoofs (Anyer Quantum Remix) [Flow Records] (2022)
Code Therapy - Scape From Reality (L-Xir Remix) [Digital Diamonds] (2019)
Sonic Jay & Dee - Grid [Digital Diamonds] (2022)
Union Jack & Terra Ferma - Medusa [Platipus Music] (2019)
Electrypose - Untying Knots [Digital Structures] (2021)
Ken Zo - Kesem [Techgnosis Records] (2018)
Alexi Delano - Close To Three [All Day I Dream] (2015)
Rhauder - Focus Jam [Polymorph] (2012)
Helly Larson - Homebase [MANDMS Music] (2015)
Shaun Reeves - Lucy Sky Diamond [Visionquest] (2021)
Pitch Black - Circuit Bent [Dubmission Records] (2016)

Silicon Overmind 5 [Psychedelic Techno / Minimal Psytrance / Progressive House / Dub Techno]

Nozem - Untold Stories F min 130

Singularity

ALUNA - Whisper of the Water

Basilisk is a veteran multi-genre DJ, co-founder of the psychedelic techno label @Techgnosis-Records alongside @benramamusic, founder of the iconic @Ektoplazm free music portal and label group (including Ektoplazm, Drumlore, and Omnitropic), lossless audio enthusiast, and dedicated archivist and electronic music curator. Originally hailing from Toronto, Canada, he is now based in Taipei, Taiwan.

Psytrance, techno, electro, house, trance, acid, breaks, bass, IDM, ambient—you name it, I probably spin it. My mixes fluidly combine different genres into harmonic journeys that defy convention. I encourage you to browse around and get lost in some of the many sonic microcosms I have meticulously curated over the years. Nearly all mixes posted here are available for download on my homepage.

I am open to invitations to provide guest mixes in a variety of styles as long as the details are interesting. Drop me a line if you have more reach than I do, just be sure to articulate your concept!

Properly mastered promos are welcome. Also accepting professional demos for my work with Ektoplazm and Techgnosis.

For bookings, demos, and other inquiries, email me at: basilisk(at)ektoplazm.com