

Max Essa (@max-essa) has been active as a producer and DJ since the early 90s, initially releasing music on labels including Warp Records and Paper Recordings and DJing alongside the infamous D.i.Y Sound System.

His later work, for labels like Is It Balearic? Recordings, went on to be play-listed by legends such as Andrew Weatherall and David Mancuso, gaining him a devoted following and DJ bookings around the world.

Albums for the Japanese major label, Victor Entertainment ('Vacations Never Taken' 2015) and Music For Dreams ('Lanterns' 2018), plus EPs for labels including Hell Yeah! Recordings and Razor N Tape (with Eddie C), and a constant stream of remixes for labels like Compost, Ubiquity, Faze Action and Leng have shown him to be a prolific and deeply imaginative producer.

Since 2008 he has been based in Japan where he plays regularly at clubs and events around the country, from Hokkaido to Okinawa.
From 2010 - 2023 he was a resident DJ at the Lone Star parties, and later the Zim Zam Zu! events at the legendary, Bar Bonobo and for over a decade has been a resident at the ever popular, Aoyama Tunnel in Tokyo.

VHS Podcast #076 - Max Essa

Luca Roccatagliati, better known as DJ Rocca, is a genre-defying Italian DJ and producer whose music fuses jazz, funk, disco, house, and italo with an analog, hands-on approach. A classically trained flutist from Reggio Emilia, Rocca began his journey in the late ’90s as Maffia Soundsystem, building his reputation through breakbeat and drum & bass.

Over the years, Rocca has collaborated with international icons like Dimitri From Paris, Daniele Baldelli, and Howie B, and formed projects like Ajello, Crimea X, Supersonic Lovers, and Electric Tree. His rich sound has found a home on prestigious labels including Compost, !K7, Gomma, Rekids, and Futureboogie.

Known for championing analog gear, Rocca emphasizes human touch in his music-crafting soulful, danceable tracks. He also runs his own label, Danny Was A Drag King, curating eclectic electronic artists.

With performances at Fabric, Berghain, and festivals like Sonar and Glastonbury, Luca remains a revered figure in electronic music. His recent projects, like Roccapofortuna with Capofortuna, the EP Code 041 and the album CocoRocca Discoteca, show his commitment to pushing boundaries while honoring the roots of dance music.

More at https://soundcloud.com/dj-rocca

DJ Rocca - SOULMEEX DECKS 145

We're very happy to have another mix from the Italian maestro Marco Gallerani. "A regular guest spot for Marco means simply the finest Balearic choices from the boss of Hell Yeah! Recordings: no one does it better than Marco. This time round there's plenty of upfront label business just for LOOSE listeners: it's a real treat as always."

MUSIC IS THE ANSWER W/ SECRET SOUL SOCIETY + GUEST: MARCO GALLERANI - 6 JUNE 25

Visions Of Light - Sands 
D- Echo Project - Sensu 
Copenema - Um Alento (ft. The Swan And The Lake)
Modern English - Voices (Sundowners dB Remix)
Pepe Link - Belfast
Dimitri From Paris Vs. Chatobaron - Chez Madame La Baronne (Sac vide version)
Ojard - Carnaval (Al Baabi Dub Mix)
Dai Nakamura - Colourfield
KlangKollektor - Starlings
Balaphonic - Udders
Suzanne Ciani & Jonathan Fitoussi - Oceanium
Smith & Mudd - Journey Seven
Charlotte & Reinhard - Unguided Sand Meditation

Music For Dreams Radio Show - 28.6.25

Love on the Riviera Vol. 4

Not done one of these in a while, having recently stepped away from my residency in Edinburgh. Felt right to record one more before taking a breather and shifting focus.

On the hottest day of the year in the UK so far, here’s a mix of sun-drenched beauties to soundtrack it.

Catch you on the other side x

Scott Proper : Blessings

Si Kurrage with an exclusive Campo Sancho Mix

www.openlab.fm | 106.4FM in Ibiza & Formentera
Check the full tracklist on our website: https://openlab.fm/news/ask-the-artist-sorcerer

Next up on our Ask The Artist series is Sorcerer with a selection of easy going cosmic, tropical, and dub gems perfect for daydreaming or road tripping, featuring several tunes from the new Sorcerer “Sunlight Hits” release on Dream Chimney records.c

Download our App:
IOS: bit.ly/OLappApple
Android: bit.ly/OlAppAndroid

Ask The Artist: Sorcerer

Manchester-based DJ/producer and flow-state devotee Joey T has been riding an impressive upward trajectory in recent years, securing regular spots with Luke Una’s É Soul Cultura. Sharing lineups with the likes of Maurice Fulton, Paula Tape, Sean Johnston, David Holmes, and Luke Una himself, he’s also marked a milestone with his debut at the legendary Pikes in Ibiza. This summer, Joey has been in constant motion, lighting up music-driven festivals and parties - from the much-loved É Soul Cultura all-dayer in Manchester to the tastemaker’s favourite Rotation Garden Party, We Out Here, and beyond - always bringing his boundless enthusiasm and deep dancefloor empathy to every set.

More at https://soundcloud.com/joeytmusicofficial

Joey T - SOULMEEX DECKS 163

Hello friends,

This Thursday, August 14th, I’m back at my summer residency at La Milagrosa in South Williamsburg - a tiny speakeasy with just enough space for the music to wrap around us. I’ll be joined by some of my friends behind the decks, and we’ll play from 10PM until the night decides to end.
Milagrosa is one of those rooms where you feel every record. A handful of people, close enough to exchange smiles, close enough to hear the air between the notes.

I’ve been DJ-ing for over 25 years, collecting music from all corners of the world - each track carrying its own story, its own heartbeat. On Thursdays, I get to stitch these moments together: fresh discoveries, long-lost gems, and sounds that still give me goosebumps after decades. No hype, no big expectations, just a night for those who love music, connection, and the beauty of getting lost in a groove.

And here’s a little taste - I recorded my Sunday set at @Brooklynpopup at @Brooklynmuseum. Think of it as a warm-up for what’s coming this Thursday. 

PS: Friday I am back for early 2-hr set at Public Records Upstairs. 8-10PM. DM for the guest list (it’s limited)

Saturday at Soho House New York 10PM-2AM. DM for the guest list.

Sunday I will do my 6.5-hr Sunday service at @brooklyn.pop.up @brooklynmuseum 11AM-5:30PM 

Straight after this marathon I am heading for my debut 2-hr vinyl set at   @thehoneycomb_bk in #parkslope

Love, Rustam

Steps Ahead

Tracklist
Jean Schwartz - Maison Rouge Prologue
Giuliano Sorgini - Telecinesi (drums)
Piero Umiliani - Cantata Per Maryam
Dan Kirsten - Space Rhythm 4 (Edit)
Tullio De Piscopo - Medium Rock
Frank McDonald - Power Surge
Stephen Gray - Bulldozer
Inner Ear - Dunklefunk (Edit)
Jack DeJohnette - Epilog
Michal Urbaniak - Atma Tomorrow 
Klaus Weiss Rhythm & Sounds - Kind of Bossa
Piero Umiliani - Dinamica in Beat
William S. Fischer - Eguntto Batez
Sabu Martinez - The Polyvox Jam (Drum Edit)
The Bjarne Rostvold-Perry Knudsen Percussion Ensemble - Magonde
Sopwith Camel - Brief Synthoponia (Edit)
Joel Vandroogenbroeck - Rocks
Michel Magne - Prophets
David Axelrod - Ken Russell
Joel Vandroogenbroeck - Oil Tankers
The B.B. Jackson Band - Theme IV "A Detective" 
Gabriel Yared - Vocal In Love

Drumlines - Dynamic Rhythms & Sounds

Don't know about anyone else but I'm getting more disillusioned with SoundCloud with every change they make. The new algorithm and its 'recommendations' ignore mixes and any tracks over 10 mins, they've removed the New & Hot charts and replaced them with irrelevant crap like "Events near you", and this new UI has me searching for a way to revert it. 

Banner: Roy Ayers mural in Brockley, SE London by Richard Wilson: www.richardwilsonartwork.com

Drumlines - Dynamic Rhythms & Sounds

Mark Wayward

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