Enjoy the Messy Mixes of 2024, once again telling stories through sound and music. This is an onging mixtape project - from music lovers for music lovers, curated by @burnout-sumner along with friends and admired artists. ♥

Meant as an alternative to the fast-paced, algorithm-driven age of playlists this is an in-depth journey into hand-picked music and sound-driven storytelling. ♫

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2024 Messy Mixes

Crank up those amplifiers, folks … we’re time-travelling back to a specific period in time 20 years ago! This latest Messy Mix is a throwback to that sweet spot in modern pop history before that weird thing called “independent rock” conquered the mainstream and basically made everything “indie” in some form. It was a time when a new and exciting generation of guitar-driven bands reclaimed rock and roll and blasted it into the world with confidence and that decent level of youthful arrogance you need in that musical territory. 

This mix is my personal tribute to those sweaty nights out in sticky alternative clubs when you bands were performing while the DJ played classics and hottest underground stuff for all the cool kids in town. It was bands like The Rakes and Bloc Party who introduced me to a new musical world and of course there’s early stuff by these bands in this set which contains tracks that were released between 2002 and 2004. Next to early tunes by well-known acts like Franz Ferdinand, Gossip and Maximo Park there are also lesser known bands like The Departure, The Others, The Long Blondes or The Von Bondies (of course, they all had to have a “the”) in there. 

These 82 minutes might be slightly nostalgic but they are also still full of energy and fire and I gotta say - after a few years it's really nice and joyful to revisit my own youth and this sort of sound. You are all happily invited to start a revival right now. See you in the mosh pit, friends!

Messy Mix 13 | Garage Rock Underground Party, Ca. 2004

The voice is a beautiful instrument, isn’t it? Maybe the most essential one of all. At least for me. And I’m happy that the first Messy Mix of 2024 celebrates exactly that - the human voice. And I’m happy to have befriended Leipzig-based audiovisual artist @ponypracht on board for this edition. Not only does she have a beautiful voice by herself but she also knows how du modulate it in a fascinating way. Well, you might have spotted her on my track “39/93” which I released last summer. Here’s the artist telling us about the approach of her selection:

“For the Messy Mix I went in search of songs in which the voice is used in an interesting way. Voices that are not solely used to convey a text in the most beautiful and intriguing manner, but also voices that are detached from the strictness of poetry and employed for instrumental purposes.

To me, the voice is the most beautiful instrument of all. Whether sung, spoken, whispered, or screamed, emitting and receiving sounds is inherent to most people, much like breathing in and out. It's evident that we can then connect with the voice in such a profound way. The voice as an instrument.

I named the playlist after the first song by the duo Decisive Pink: "Voice Message." Enjoy this little messy sound journey. You'll hear greats like Björk and Matthew Herbert, but perhaps you'll also discover new, inspiring gems.”

Right next to some great artists you’ll also find the music (and voice) of Pony Pracht in this mix as well. So make sure to check out her EP “Lomb” which came out last year right after this great musical journey.

Messy Mix 12 | Voice Message (by Pony Pracht)

Oh sweet, sweet technical evolution. A bliss yet also a burden, isn’t it? And it’s affecting us all in our daily life with music being no exception at all. Audiovisual artist JJ Weihl knows a thing or two about that. Her work - whether it is in the fabulous indie band Fenster or under her solo moniker DISCOVERY ZONE is often addressing the relationship with technology. So, it’s no surprise that her Messy Mix was also inspired by her own musical and creative process in relation to how she use and interacts with different types of technology. 

Or in her own words:

“I wanted to put together a collection of songs and sounds addressing the presence of 
technology in our daily lives and especially in regards to the way it shapes our experience of making and consuming music.  It has become so ubiquitous that it's almost invisible. 

Some of the songs on the mix are about technology thematically.  I chose a variety of material highlighting the use of different types of technology - from some of the earliest computer music compositions to some of the latest uses of AI in songwriting techniques.

Where do we draw the line? How does it affect our perception of what we're listening to? What does the past show us about the present and future?

I hope that the mix serves as a conversation starter about the implications of technology in music and in our daily lives.” 

As a longtime fan of JJ’s work I’m extremely thrilled and honoured to have her on board for this tremendous musical journey that’s called "Technology Mythology", named after a song by Gary Blanchard which is also on this mix. Plug in and enjoy the ride with me!

Messy Mix 14 | Technology Mythology (by Discovery Zone)

Jump into the digital Delorean, kids - we’re time travelling right back to the high times of 80s synthpop. Although arriving in the sweet setting of the summer, I actually produced this mix back in personal lockdown when I caught Covid during Christmas. I found myself digging through my personal archive of 80s pop tunes while also scouting the internet for new ones. There’s something extremely fascinating about that era and this sweet spot between synthesized pop and club sounds and this is my tribute to the music of that time.

These were also the early days of remix culture and most of it was focussing on the creation of Extended Mixes that were used to literally extend the fun on the 12-inch-singles of these tunes. Lots of loops, tight basslines and MPC craziness were part of this and you can literally here the fun everybody had while playing around with this new technology in the studio. Shep Pettibone was a pioneer here so you’ll catch him a few times during this mix along with tracks by some of my all-time heroes like New Order, Pet Shop Boys, Depeche Mode, Madonna, A-ha, Bee Gees and Prefab Sprout. But next to some well-known hits there’s also room for a few hidden treasures from artists like The Blow Monkeys, Public Image Ltd., Nicole McCloud as well as Chinese performer Danny Chan. 

So, it’s a little fun and uplifting edition of the good ol’ Messy Mix. Ever wanted to know what a disco night out in 1988 would have sounded like? Well, these two hours will hopefully give you a full-blown experience of exactly that. Enjoy the ride to the pop pleasuredome.

Messy Mix 16 | Extended 80s Experience (12'' Party Mix)

Danish producer @kasperbjorke is what I would consider a true good guy on multiple levels. Not only is he one of the finest DJs around, he’s also dropping great and surprising releases on a regular basis for almost two decades now, he’s also a vocal artist when it comes to political topics. Especially environmental topics and the health of our dear planet is as equally close to Kasper’s heart as it is to mine. I consider him a brother in spirit when it comes to these things… well, and our mutual love for Balearic beats. So, obviously… I’m thrilled that he participated in my little mixtape project. His “Messy Mix” was inspired by (and compiled during) a recent train ride between Berlin and Copenhagen since Mr. Bjørke’s avoids flying as often as he can. The result is a soothing and wonderful listening experience. 

Here’s how he describes his approach:

“I always feel at my best when I am accompanied by music, in almost anything that I do. I lean on music to contemplate, to work and to dream, when cooking or cleaning, playing with my children - or when traveling, gazing through the window of a train moving through the constant changing landscapes. Mixtapes can come in handy in many occasions and have been a thing I have practiced since my teenage years. I got in the mood for making this particular mixtape during a train journey going back home from Berlin to Copenhagen, after a weekend with two club gigs. 

Going home after gigs often makes me listen to quite soothing tracks that can act as a comforting mental pillow, after days of being around new people, loud music and a disrupted sleeping pattern. There are some beats in there too to bring the journey forward too and the mix include tracks are some of my favorites, some are new and some that have stayed with me over the years… I have also added one track from my latest album Puzzles, which came out a few weeks ago. I suggest you put on this mixtape when you are going on your next journey. May it be inwards or somewhere physically.”

Apart from that, I think it also works great as a relaxing mix to welcome the spring season so you don’t necessarily need to be on a train to enjoy this sweet selection. And once you’re finished with it, make sure to check out Kasper Bjørke’s brilliant new album “Puzzles” which is out now via hfn music.

Messy Mix 15 | Berlin - Copenhagen Train Journey (by Kasper Bjørke)

While I consider myself to be a quite okay music curator, I bow down before a man like @propjoemusicforears because this guy remains a true expert when it comes to selecting proper tunes, surprising the audience and creating very cohesive vibes with his DJ sets. After being recently invited to be part of his legendary “Music For Ears” series (https://soundcloud.com/propjoemusicforears/music-for-ears-32-burnout-sumner-the-messy-mix) I’m now more than happy to return the favour by having the man from Sydney over for his very own edition of my “Messy Mix” series.

His one-hour set is less about big musical storytelling but more about creating a very specific vibe which he fittingly labelled “Irrational International”. This set is also a little different than Prop Joe’s usual style, being more European, Arabic & Caribbean. Usually he’s always up for strolling down the hip hop, street soul / reggae path but avoided that inherent temptation in favour of something more surprising. However, the mix keeps that vibrant smooth 80s/90s retro character which I come to love about his sets and the whole “Music For Ears” series. It’s a celebration of music, especially the one that’s harder to find. And I think that’s what the job of a good curator/ DJ should be - finding those treasures, putting them in a great setting and giving the audience a good time. And let me tell you - this set is definitely giving me a good time.

It’s the perfect soundtrack for hot summer days, pool parties and other social hangouts with your loved ones these days. Please give it a spin. The Messy Mix series is now taking a well deserved break before it’ll return in the fall. Until then, please enjoy the existing sets so far.

Messy Mix 17 | Irrational International (by Prop Joe)

I’m thrilled to have one of my favourite new artists from the past years on board for this new Messy Mix. Emily Underhill aka https://soundcloud.com/tusks has been releasing wonderful albums full of sinister, sensual and soulful songs throughout the past seven years. Her most recent album “Gold” from earlier this year is a wonderful meditative experience and Tusks is also dropping a few alternative versions of songs from it in the form of the “Gold For Synths And Strings” EP on November 1st via @onelittleindierecords.

Emily’s music is quite emotional, so it makes sense that her Messy Mix is dedicated to these emotions and feelings as she also explains to me: “This is my feels mix - it includes tracks that deeply move, inspire and relax me on a day to day basis and make life just feel that extra bit more beautiful and intense. I always find myself gravitating towards really emotive music with a lot of texture and a certain feeling of darkness; which I think all these tracks have in common.” 

It’s a perfect soundtrack as the days are getting shorter, delivering 50 meditative minutes that not only include songs by Tusks but also ones from Sassy_009, Chanel Beads and Shida Shahabi whose album “Living Circle” Tusks is completely obsessed at the moment. That’s a fitting closing track of this sweet set and you should not miss the journey towards it. Tusks is also on tour soon and that’s an experience I can strongly recommend as well.

Messy Mix 18 | The Feels Mix (by Tusks)

As some of you might have guessed by now I’m a dedicated fan of all things that you could label as “Balearic house”. There’s just something about those delicate tropical grooves that really resonates with me. That plays a huge part of my Burnout Sumner DJ alias and as a fan of that sub-genre I got in touch with a few fellow lovers of that paradisiac sound. Attila and Szilard from Budapest are such brothers in spirit and as @pleasurevoyage they’ve been delivering wonderful sets, remixes and own productions throughout the past years. You’ll have probably spotted tunes by them in some of my sets. Now, it’s time to shed an even brighter light on them.

Usually, Pleasure Voyage's feel-good music draws inspiration from their seaside journeys, but for Messy Mix, the guys decided to take a different route. Here’s how their “Mystical Forest Mix” came to be: 

“Szilard was gazing out of his window at the misty autumn forest and felt inspired by the scene. He suggested to Attila to use this as the theme for the mix. Attila, who’s also a talented photographer, then dove into his archives to find some fitting photos that support the vibe. The mix is an ethereal, floating journey that captures the mood of the changing seasons.”

I can confirm that there is a sweet late summer mood that runs throughout this one hour of blissful sounds. But the mix also feels like a distant memory to the warm season now that we’re approaching cold winter days. There’s some wonderful musical selections in there.  The opening track comes from Körút, a Hungarian project Pleasure Voyage recently co-produced. Its dreamy lyrics capture the bittersweet feeling of summer slipping away. So, what are you waiting for - join me and two gentlemen for this lovely fantasy trip.

Messy Mix 19 | The Mystical Forest Mix (by Pleasure Voyage)

It’s (almost) the end of the year and uff… what a wild one it has been. I mean it still is and you never really know what horrifying news is already waiting around the corner, right? Needless, to say - modern life can be quite exhausting and it surely has been for me personally throughout these past months. How do you keep your head up during these times? How do you remain hopeful? For me the sun plays a crucial part here. Because no matter how hard things are I know for sure that it will rise again the next day. And that also gives us the chance for a new beginning. And that’s the purest, simplest form of optimism one can have.

And since this is the 20th edition of my Messy Mix series I thought I’ve come up with a special set for this little milestone instead of another end-of-the-year-party-nux. This anniversary arrives in the form of a two-parted mixtape… One hour dedicated to the sunset, one hour to the sunrise. You can also enjoy them both together as one directly leads into the other, bound together by a shared soothing, calming and hopeful character.

There are plenty of personal favourites in both mixes, songs that really mean a lot to me. As we travel from the setting sun into the night we’re accompanied by The Antlers, DJ Koze, Metronomy, Jóhann Jóhannsson, Devendra Banhart, Der Assistent, Will Samson, Odd Beholder and a few more.

Find the sunrise part right here: https://soundcloud.com/messymix/the-sun-is-rising

And in the end… it will be alright. I still like to believe that and I hope these two hours of sweet music will comfort you in troubled times. Thank you for not just enjoying these two new mixes but also for following my little Messy Mix project throughout the years. It’s such a wonderful little thing and I’m happy about all the artists that are part of it. I’ll surely continue this adventure in 2025 and I hope you’ll join me on this ride as well.

Messy Mix 20 (A) | The Sun Is Setting (... And It'll Be Okay)

It’s (almost) the end of the year and uff… what a wild one it has been. I mean it still is and you never really know what horrifying news is already waiting around the corner, right? Needless, to say - modern life can be quite exhausting and it surely has been for me personally throughout these past months. How do you keep your head up during these times? How do you remain hopeful? For me the sun plays a crucial part here. Because no matter how hard things are I know for sure that it will rise again the next day. And that also gives us the chance for a new beginning. And that’s the purest, simplest form of optimism one can have.

And since this is the 20th edition of my Messy Mix series I thought I’ve come up with a special set for this little milestone instead of another end-of-the-year-party-nux. This anniversary arrives in the form of a two-parted mixtape… One hour dedicated to the sunset, one hour to the sunrise. You can also enjoy them both together as one directly leads into the other, bound together by a shared soothing, calming and hopeful character.

The dawn breaks gently in the second part which features music from Jon Hopkins, Kelly Lee Owens, Let’s Eat Grandma, Southern Shores, The Avalanche and Doves.

Find the sunset part right here: https://soundcloud.com/messymix/the-sun-is-setting

And in the end… it will be alright. I still like to believe that and I hope these two hours of sweet music will comfort you in troubled times. Thank you for not just enjoying these two new mixes but also for following my little Messy Mix project throughout the years. It’s such a wonderful little thing and I’m happy about all the artists that are part of it. I’ll surely continue this adventure in 2025 and I hope you’ll join me on this ride as well.

Messy Mix 20 (B) | The Sun Is Rising (... And It'll Be Okay)

Telling stories through sound and music. This is an onging mixtape project - from music lovers for music lovers, curated by https://soundcloud.com/burnout-sumner along with friends and admired artists. ♥

Meant as an alternative to the fast-paced, algorithm-driven age of playlists this is an in-depth journey into hand-picked music and sound-driven storytelling. ♫