We are more than happy to welcome Nick Stropko (@nickstropko) for our new series of hallooo Mixtapes featuring some spicy chord progressions paired with sticky melodies. Enjoy his contribution suitably named The Spicy Sticky Mix. Q&A here below:

hallooo: Thanks for your contribution to our mix series, how did you prepare for this mix, and how would you describe the eventual result?

Nick: Thanks for having me! The mix started from a record bag I packed for one of my favorite local parties, Air A Danser. I tried to then grab some other favorites from the past six months or so. On the whole, I think the mix encapsulates some of my favorite qualities in dance music — spicy chord progressions paired with sticky melodies.

hallooo: Is there a record in the mix that you associate with a special story?

Nick: One song in the mix came to me from some of my coworkers. I work in a restaurant where the rest of the front of house staff is from Montenegro. While we’re closing up, they usually play terrible Balkan pop songs, but one night, a tune came on for about 15 seconds before they skipped it. I immediately knew that it was right in my lane, and after insisting they replay it, I took a photo and bought a copy the next day.

hallooo: Walking into a record shop can be quite a intimidate experience. Do you have a digging process and/or what kind of things do you look for in a record when you’re out digging?

Nick: The process varies from store to store — what do they specialize in? What am I looking for? But generally it’s a matter of looking for labels I don’t recognize, releases that look distinctive or like they would’ve been overlooked in their day. That, and spending quality time in the listening booth. Ultimately, you have to trust your ears. 

hallooo: Is there a record, that has continued to be in your wantlist over the years?

Nick: While there are loads of records I’m always on the hunt for, ultimately, I find the chase of finding new stuff more engaging. The pleasure of dropping the needle on something that immediately grabs and stays with you is a bit more fun than finally tracking down (or, more likely, paying boatloads of money on Discogs for) an old favorite. That being said, if anyone wants to send me a copy of “Need More Time” by Nick Allen, I wouldn’t be opposed. My bootleg is terrible.

hallooo: Is it possible for you to sum up what the collection means to you in a more general sense?

Nick: It’s just an overview of the records I’ve been listening to recently — some favorite finds, some tips from friends (or coworkers) mixed together in my bedroom.

hallooo: Music bonds people together. Any local heroes/parties you would like to shout out?

Nick: Outside of the aforementioned Air A Danser and a little shameless self promotion of my Japanese mix series/party Nippon Leagues (with my mentor and perpetual inspiration Alex Tebbs Mitchell) I’d be remiss if I didn’t shout out my dear friends at Universal Cave, Extra Water, and Earth Beat.

Hallooo Mix Series No. 3 - Nick Stropko

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