Ecstatic Dance Sets

Something different from me - a venture into a genre of music I have always secretly loved. 

A lot of my favourite tunes of this realm are in this mix, a blend of new and old, and also featuring a few new rhymes from melbourne lyricist @joolshiphop

Liquid

Here is my downtempo journey curated for the Chill Island at Esoteric 2022, where I was given the privilege of playing a rarely seen midnight downtempo set! 

Esoteric is one of the first of the bigger festivals to have returned after the severe 2020-2021 restrictions here in Victoria, and super happy to see so many friends celebrating in the same space again - Huge thanks to all involved in bringing these events back to life, and such a pleasure for me to be invited to play a small part in the festivities.

Had a lot of fun putting this together; a mix of big, hypnotic basslines, broken beats, gorgeous guitar licks, funky flutes, familiar riffs, layered loops, cheeky hip hop samples, and of course a good representation of world music and some talented Australian artists.

Hope you enjoy <3

Desert Dwellers - Bodhi Mandala (Drumspyder Remix)
Nickodemus, Chris Annibell - Strings Theory (NYC Version)
Sampa The Great - Energey (The Oddness Rework)
Leon Haywood - I wanna do something freaky to you (Billy Caso Edit)
J.Pool - Yohana (Moontide remix)
Aluna Project, Yeahman - Baixi Baixi 
Muzi - Taku
Muzi - Everyday I Rise
Biomigrant - Halo Solar
Naddhir - Because Of The Moon 
Commoner - Lightly Seared On The Reality Grill 
Inamo - Without Wind (Noema's Drifting Away Dub)
Hrag Mikkel - Desert Heart 
PAAX (Tulum) - Wallas
G.Zamora - Ancara
Giovanny Aparicio	- Om Namo
Zuma Dionys - Maugli 
Katabtu - Afterglow 
Saturnino - Teti (Ferrari Ocean Mix)
Man in a Room ft. Cleveland P. Jones - Gumshoe
Rapossa - Taste Of Disco
Didje Doo - Unqa

Esoteric Festival 2022

One of my highlight Ecstatic Dance sets from 2022, recorded live at Kalani on Big Island Hawaii in October.

It was such an incredible experience and a privilege to have been invited to curate the music session for this beautiful community of people, and i can't wait to be back.

REC001

Kalani Ecstatic Dance - 16-10-22

Recorded live from 2.30 - 4pm on the closing day of the festival, I had such a great time delivering some delicious downtempo tunes to the dusty dancefloor, and was grateful to have the opportunity to work in collaboration with flautist Jazmoon to add an improvised melodic element to compliment this selection of music.

Please enjoy! <3

Esoteric Festival 2023 - Chill Island ft. Jazmoon Live

Feeling fulfilled and inspired after a beautiful weekend with the Wildwood community. 

This time I was offered an evening set time so I pushed the tempo into a more energizing and uplifting realm of world/dance music fusion. 

Hope you enjoy the mix!
<3 
HAFNER

1	FeLionix	- Noche Calurosa 	     
2	Luedji Luna - Banho de Folhas (Maz (BR) Remix)	     
3	Alar - Jumja 
4	Rockin Moroccin - Oud In C Minor 	     
5	ARKADYAN, Demayä, Yana Mann - Esperanza 	     
6	G.Zamora - Sin Tu Querer  	     
7	Massianello, Aaron Sevilla - Hipnotizame 	     
8	Elias Fassos, RisK (Gr) - El Mundo De Sol
9	Oxia - Slide (Antdot & Albuquerque Remix)	     
10	Rockin Moroccin - Turn Off The Light 	     
11	Planet Funk, Makebo - Chase The Sun (Makebo Remix)	     
12	Double Touch, Luka Sambe - Eleusis 	     
13	Tal Fassman - Persona 	     
14	Memo Rex - Articulate Levels of Memory 	     
15	Rockin Moroccin - Marais Memories 	     
16	Maz (BR), Antdot, Sued Nunes - Povoada (Remix)	     
17	Enzo Siffredi, BAQABO, Mariam Zawose - PAMOJA (Tayllor Remix)	     
18	Rockin Moroccin - You Got the Love 	     
19	Eelke Kleijn - De Orde Van De Nacht

Wildwood - Age Of Aquarius - April 2023

Was an incredible experience this time around playing on the energising ED Melbourne dancefloor

I traversed through a few different genres with this set; downtempo, world bass, hip hop, drum & bass, tech/afro/melodic house, all with the intention to get those juices flowing and that body moving!

Check out ecstaticdancemelb for their weekly Friday and monthly Sunday events!

Big Love
Mike

Ecstatic Dance Melbourne - March 2023

This was THE single most powerful ecstatic dance sets I have ever experienced, as either a music facilitator or as a dancer.

All because I arrived in Hawaii while the deadliest wildfires seen on US soil in over a century raged across the island of Maui, destroying the old capital city of Lahaina, leaving in its wake immense loss, pain, grief, anger, and sadness across the community.

I was extremely apprehensive about proceeding with this EDance as scheduled, because I felt ashamed that my role was non-essential in a time of crisis, and that there were more important things that could be prioritised. However the organisers and other dancers from the community reaffirmed with me in the lead up that this Dance was important, even amidst a crisis like this. 

They advised that even though many dancers in the community may need to attend to other priorities, those that were drawn to the sacred space would be there, as it has been cultivated as a space where the community can gather to process trauma, to express their grief, and to support each other.

We decided to proceed with the dance, and give the powerful intention of Strength & Resilience, to honour these attributes within the survivors and the community. 

All throughout the dance, there was a heavy grief in the air, a communal sense of loss and sadness that I saw expressed in waves of different human emotions. I witnessed a wide spectrum of responses - singing, crying, yelling, hugging, and more, amidst a sea of beautiful humans coming together in this space, dancing to music, just like we have done for thousands of years.  

When the dance was over, amidst the sea of sadness and grief, there was a notable feeling of relief, as the time and space given to express themselves through movement had been cathartic, and it was an honour to hear words of gratitude and love reflected back to me for facilitating this extremely raw, and powerful container. The power of this dance is a testament to the strength of the Maui dance community that I feel lucky to have witnessed.

I am extremely grateful to the Hulahula Kai community for having me there for the dance, especially during this difficult time, and I honour those that passed, and the strength and resilience of the survivors of this tragedy. 

With love and respect,
HAFNER

Ecstatic Dance @ Hulahula Kai, Maui 13-8-23

I hope you enjoy the live recording of this special ecstatic dance set, played at Kalanimua, the heart of the ecstatic dance movement born on Big Island back in the early 2000s.

One of the themes of this mix was to bring forth the transformative power of the water element, weaving lyrics, soundscapes and an invocation of 'agua de estralis' beautifully sung by local musician Gabby Holt throughout the journey.

Alongside this theme i chose to play some renditions of Vivaldis four seasons throughout the mix (reimagined by Max Richter)- 'Spring' to open up the floor with excitement and wonder, 'Winter' in the middle to challenge the dancers and transition to a more moody vibe, and 'Autumn' at the end to finish with a sense of beauty and gratitude.

The Kalani dancefloor is one of my favourites in the world. 
It is such an electric and incredible container for movement and connection, held by a beautiful and diverse range of dedicated local dancers, and throughout this set I felt the vibrancy of each and every individual on the dancefloor, which made for an ecstatic experience of my own behind the decks. 

Please enjoy and share the love <3
HAFNER

REC002

Ecstatic Dance @ Kalani, Big Island Hawai'i 20-08-23

Welcoming in the first sunrise of 2024 in Mitta Mitta with the beautiful River Dreamers community.

Tracklist:
1	Paolo Mojo - Fox Hunt 
2	Maz (BR), Antdot, Riascode feat. Dawn Patrol & Barbatuques - Baião Destemperado 
3	Pablo Fierro - AMOROS
4	Andhim - Patty Sue (Super Flu Suncreams Remix)
5	Riva Starr, Dennis Cruz	- A Jem Be 
6	Gabsy, Moojo	- Vamonos 
7	Sllash & Doppe - Bamboleo
8	Yothu Yindi - Treaty (Filthy Lucre Remix)
9	ARKADYAN, Demayä feat. Yana Mann - Esperanza (Jean Claude Ades Remix)
10	Swedish House Mafia/The Weeknd/Moojo - Moth To A Flame (Moojo Remix)
11	Adriatique & WhoMadeWho - Miracle (RÜFÜS DU SOL Remix )
12	The Temper Trap - Sweet Disposition (Camille Luciani Remix)
13	Nick Warren - Devil's Elbow (Max Cooper Remix)
14	&ME, Rampa, Adam Port, Keinemusik - MuyÃ
15	Moby - Porcelain (Lucas Zárate Edit)
17	Zeca Veloso - Todo Homem (Antdot & Maz (BR) Remix)
18	Cubicolor - Magnum
19	The Beatles - Here Comes The Sun

River Dreamers NYD Sunrise 2024

Some worldly afternoon grooves recorded live from the Moby Dick stage at Esoteric 2023.

Terra Spiritus is a collaboration between multi-instrumentalist Christian Dimarco and DJ HAFNER. Coming together to create a beautiful blend of live music and electronica

Terra Spiritus (HAFNER & Christian DiMarco) Hybrid Live set @ Esoteric Moby Dick Stage 2023

This is probably the most fun ecstatic dance set I have played in Melbourne to date! 

This set includes 20 minutes of warm up music before the invocation and dancing - and traverses through a wide range of genres; downtempo, classical, global bass, trap, glitch hop, drum & bass, world, afro/latin/organic house, arabesque, breaks & techno. 

I even teased in a 90s throwback i never thought i would play on the EDance-floor, ended up playing the whole song and it was one of the most memorable moments of the night.

If you you are keen for a journey, strap in and enjoy :)

Ecstatic Dance MELBOURNE - 9.2.24

What gets played on the chill stage at night? 

Playing at 9pm can be tricky as its the time of day where most people are up and ready to go - energy is higher and chilling is at a daily low - So with this in mind I decided to showcase a different style; still keeping to the interesting worldly rhythms and instrumentation, but with full on bass in your face.

This was heaps of fun to play! If you dig it please let me know and I might do some more of this style :)

Big Love
HAFNER

ESOTERIC 2024 - Chill Island

This set was an absolute delight to perform, the second edition of seven, focusing on the Sacral Chakra & the water element - intending to evoke sensuality, creativity, sexuality, self-expression, bliss and flow. 

This is a super special journey that begins and ends with a beautiful poem centered around the journey of a raindrop from the skies to the ocean, created by the equally beautiful Emina Ashman. 

Was a privilege to work with the team at Centre Of You in Prahran, my first time at the venue and it felt like an embrace from an old friend.

Please enjoy and feel free to share this with anyone who may enjoy this musical and poetic creative expression.

<3 
HAFNER

Ecstatic Dance: Sacral Chakra Activation @ Energy in Motion

Set recorded live at Wildwood's Alice in Wonderland themed party

Live @ Alice In Wildwood 11/06/17

Sometimes it is important to take a step back, and breathe.

Breathe (Ambient)

This year at Burning Man I was given the opportunity to play on the Black Light Lounge - the Trifucta camp's art car - on the day before the man was set to burn. 

This was such a highlight for me, as we cruised around the playa on a mutant party vehicle, drinking with friends old and new, and setting a vibe for the beginning of the weekend. I felt so much love and was in constant awe of the surroundings, this amazing experience is going to stay with me forever.

The recording is a 2 hour excerpt of the almost 4-hour set i played as we cruised around. It starts below 110bpm with hypnotic worldly grooves, moving through some percussive tribal sounds then into some deep ethno house with tunes from artists such as Bedouin, Zakir, Zone+ & Usif, and Hraach.

Please enjoy
Much love, Mike x

Live @ Black Light Lounge Burning Man 2017

It is not every day we consider our roots,
When most are too busy, disguised in their suits,
Human history is hazy, our past almost concealed, 
But music is insight, to feel what is real.

Music is visceral, it's in our veins, 
Our hearts pump rythmic blood to our brains.
The mind, seemingly lost; stuck in a trance,
Our body sways in an undulating dance.

This is my tribute to our tribal ancestors,
To our incredible, enduring forefathers and mothers,
Men and women of the Earth,
Who respected GAIA and all her worth.

Of the Earth

I feel so grateful to have been given the opportunity to play one of my favourite music styles at the Pelican Villa renegade stage at Rainbow Serpent 2018 to kick off what would be an intense, yet incredible weekend.

About 45 minutes into the set, lightning struck the hill behind the southern campsite causing a bushfire. We were told to evacuate to the stage, instantly changing the vibe to a mix of confusion and fear whilst we ran outside the stage to see what was going on. 

Soon after I stopped the music to evacuate it started to rain, only after looking at the sky I knew we would be OK, so I quickly jumped back on stage and played the only song i felt was appropriate....Thanks Toto!!

This definitely changed the direction i intended for the set, but it made for one hell of a memorable moment. 

Thanks to the fast acting emergency response team and the ensuing heavy rainfall, the fire didn't reach the tents and noone was hurt. 

Thank you Rainbow Serpent, Pelican Villa, and all those who came to witness this! 

<3 Mike

Live @ Pelican Villa - Rainbow Serpent Festival 2018

Another amazing long weekend down in the Wildwoods! 

This Wildwest winter edition was absolutely next level, Thank you to the tireless WW crew who set the foundation for everyone to come down and play a part in creating another genuine and love filled weekend.

So grateful for another opportunity to play some of my favourite winter warming tunes for Sunday's sunset <3 

Much love
Mike <3

Live from Wildwood - HAFNER @ Wildwood West 10/6/18

This mix is a blend of my favourite downtempo tunes collected over the past year. I find so much beauty in this style, right at the intersection between electronica and instrumental. 

Music can be entertaining, but it can also be a powerful tool - guiding, inspiring, and flow inducing - a way to bypass the overactive mind and quickly gain access to the self, and to the place where your intuition and instincts await.

It is time to slow town and tune in,
Surrendering thoughts, listen to your intuition.
Trust your instincts, they make you Human.

Ludovico Einaudi - Yerevan
Elfenberg - Bazaar [Metanoia]
Bedouin	- Mogram [Kindisch]
Bahramji and Swann - Maharajeh (The Bassment Remix)	
Marco Tegui - Sinergia [Lump]
HRRSN - Prevail (Rey & Kjavik Remix) [Click]
Sahalé - Jelassi
Ananda Giri - Oneness Mantra (The Bassment Remix)	
Anoushka Shankar - Remain The Sea (Estray Deep Root Edit)[Lump]
Unders - Syria (Satori Remix) [Sol Selectas]
Oberst & Buchner - Amabeha [Underyourskin]
Rodrigo Gallardo - Minero (Xique-Xique Remix) [Underyourskin]
Rapossa	- Oriental Tales [Pipe & Pochet]
Zakir - Vestido De Lunares [Sol Selectas]
SAAND - Triste [Tierra Sounds]
Elfenberg - Lotus [Metanoia]
Tugce Kurtis - Sevdan Olmasa (Rodrigo Gallardo Remix) [Souq]
The Spy From Cairo - Sirens of the Nile [Wonderwheel]
Mert Eser, Cuneyt Cilingiroglu - Takwa (Original Mix) [Sol Selectas]
Moontide - Yidaki (KMLN Remix) [Beat & Path]
Sahalé - Magharibi (Satori Remix) [DGTL]
Kermesse - Camomille [LNDKHN]
Nu - Drug [trueColors]
Ludovico Einaudi - Yerevan II

Thank you to all the musicians and producers who created these sounds for us.

Thank you to Tjilpi (Bob) Randall for your teachings (heard in the beginning of the set). To learn more about the Aboriginal Kanyini principles, please visit Kanyini.org

Human Instincts

Feeling so grateful for an amazing year of growth, love, and music, and to wrap it all up spending the week with some incredibly creative friends down in the bush was just perfect.

This is the set i played after Tuli & the Space Jam finished their amazing LIVE market session, warming up the barn with some deep worldly beats before the legendary Kasey Taylor and Thank you City came in and got the place heaving!

I hope you enjoy this set just as much as i did playing it!
Much love
<3 Mike

HAFNER @ Wildwood - Guardians of the Galaxy (30/12/18)

What a weekend that was! So grateful to have been given the opportunity to play my favourite style of music at my favourite Australian festival.  

Thank you to everyone who continues to support me on my musical journey, and i hope you enjoy this live recording of my set 
<3 Mike

HAFNER @ Rainbow Serpent Festival 2019

This Easter i had the pleasure to prepare a more upbeat musical journey for my Wildwood tribe, playing in the barn on Friday night to an amazingly receptive bunch of legends!

For this set i wanted to deliver a more fun and vibrant mix of tunes, so expect a lot of layered percussive groove, blissful melodies, tribal beats, and even a few spicy guitar riffs. 

Happy listening!
Mike

HAFNER @ Wildwood - Wild People (19/04/19)

A blend of soulful downtempo music from all corners of the earth with the intent to tell a story...one with a curious and soulful beginning, an adventurous journey through the middle, and a contemplative ending.

Thank you to all the musicians and producers who created these incredible songs for us to enjoy.

Soulful Stories

What a pleasure it was to open the forest stage on NYE for this Wildwood. After such a turbulent preceding 48 hours, It was an enormous relief that we were able to return to site after we had been evacuated due to extreme fire danger in the area.

This set is full of downtempo multicultural groove, a splash of jazz, a few tracks made with my handpan, and an emotive ending to cap off what has been a year of building and growth for me musically as well as personally.

Thank you to all who listen and support my music, 
Much love
HAFNER

HAFNER @ Wildwood - NYE 19/20

My recording for the Ecstatic Dance Festival 2020 - scheduled for March 27-29th but due to the Global pandemic decided instead to run the festival content online! Huge kudos to the Ecstatic Dance Festival team to pull this together and allowing us to dance together whilst being physically apart #Stayathome

This set is intended to provide some fun, uplifting grooves to help you wake up in the morning, and put a spring into your step!

Much Love
HAFNER

Ecstatic Festival - March 2020

This mix has been curated with the intention to operate as a Transformational Tool to the Yes Queen community.  

The intention of 'Transformation Tools' is to offer options for self-care rituals that promote grounding, self-care and introspection, to take advantage of this space we have been given to collectively move forward and Transform into the best version of ourselves.

The journey begins with some inspirational words designed to encourage a shift in perspective, before moving into some primal, uplifting downtempo house - bringing up a playful space to get the body moving. The middle section brings you into a warm, contemplative and meditative place, and the ending is designed to inspire and uplift; to help maintain the strength to navigate through these uncertain times.

The song selections throughout the mix have been inspired by many cultures, and sourced from all over the world. I love that music has no borders, and now at a time where global restrictions are high, from the safety of my house it is my pleasure to share this blend of fun, uplifting and inspiring creative expressions with you. 
 
A new world is coming, and today we acknowledge the new space that is being generated around us, allowing time for regeneration and growth. Music and dance is both a physical and spiritually nourishing experience, releasing endorphins that improve your mood, and bringing love and awareness to your body through movement.

We hope you enjoy the mix
With love & gratitude,
YQ & HAFNER

The Space Between

A mix of beautiful ambient and classical compositions from musicians like Jon Hopkins, Ludovico Einaudi, Max Richter, Nils Frahm, Christian Dimarco, Olafur Arnalds, A Cerulean State and Andrew Bayer.

Natural soundscapes of the forest, ocean, storms and creeks all provided by mother earth, recorded mostly in Gippsland Victoria.

Close your eyes, and enjoy

<3

Blossom (Ambient)

I love to play emotive, energizing electronic dance music, often drawn towards deep, downtempo electronica influenced from instrumental and organic soundscapes from the many cultures of this world. 

My intent is to create meaningful musical journeys suited to anything from a meditative state of reflection, hypnotic movements, and all the way through to ecstatic dance. 

Creating, or shifting the vibe of a space with intention and style is the core element of my sets, using an ebb and flow of musical moods to mold that of the listener, and to move the heart, the body and the soul.

HAFNER

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