www.smkmachine.com

Smoke Machine Podcast 144 Rosa

The first Patterns of Perception mix of 2023 comes from a luminous presence and dear friend of our collective - label head, mix series curator, promoter and esteemed selector Aaron J (@arn_j).

Over the years, a combination of passion, openness and tireless energy has seen Aaron become a trusted voice for experimental, boundary-pushing electronic music across both the US and the wider scene. 

Founded over eight years ago, Aaron’s much-loved platform @sure_thing is the embodiment of his forward-thinking curation and clarity of vision. Now based in Brooklyn, Sure Thing started as a series of parties in San Francisco before growing outward, later blossoming into a renowned mix series and record label. 

As a DJ, Aaron’s level of empathy and attention-to-detail are unmistakeable, allowing him to deeply connect with the dance floor no matter the context - layering, building and driving emotions ever onwards.

Aaron J's Patterns of Perception 106 is both radiant and personal - an idyllic snapshot of the perfect dance floor, glowing with wide-eyed energy. Pensive darkness simmers into hedonistic psychedelia. Intensity turns reflective. Endless rhythms vibrate and flare into nurturing light. 

Links:
@arn_j
https://www.instagram.com/arn_j/
@sure_thing
https://surethingrec.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/surethingevents

Patterns of Perception 106 - Aaron J

@nelly_dj

original painting by santomo.artist
www.instagram.com/santomo.artist/

OUTREBLEU 011 ᚒ Nelly

Berlin’s Refracted has been a name dear to us for some time, having contributed a remix to our inaugural label release nearly six years ago. The Paral·lel co-curator and resident has cultivated a devoted following over the years for his uncompromising vision developed through a remarkable catalog of releases for label such as Silent Season, Bitta, Sublunar and his own Mind Express. For our series Refracted contributes a mix true to his signature style, crystalline and patiently layered with unwavering intent, drawing across decades and genres to invite us into a divine state of mind. Thanks Alex!

@refracted-music

Artwork by Mei Oele - Boser Tritt.

Sure Thing Mix 140: Refracted

Contributing our latest episode is London’s ANNX, a regular figure within the city’s cutting-edge undercurrent whose many contributions include co-curation of the Whomp, Perspectives, and once-shrouded Magick events, and a residency at the beloved Above Below festival. Anna’s tireless dedication to the scene goes hand-in-hand with her unmistakable talent behind the decks, as evidenced by an impressive repertoire of mixes and set recordings, and which I was fortunate enough to witness first-hand last summer in the Chilterns. Here Anna demonstrates her well-honed craft over the course of two meticulously plotted hours, diving seamlessly into manifold forms of deep, heavy psychedelia before emerging in a wave of euphoric bliss. Thanks Anna!

@annx-anna-whomp

Artwork by Angelina Nikolayeva.

Sure Thing Mix 141: ANNX

Basel’s Timnah joins our series with a long-anticipated recording from last year’s inaugural pe:rsona, an intimate gathering from the minds at Positive Education. Over the years Timnah has established a reputation for expansive and visionary selections without equal, lending her voice to the beloved Amentia and A Walking Contradiction collectives and leading audiences into captivating unknowns worldwide. Recorded live in the French countryside at the peak of summer, Timnah’s set smolders with delicate tension, lacing outward like tendrils upon shattering glass. An intense, inward-folding moment graciously shared. Thanks Timnah!

@timnah-sommerfeldt

Artwork by Mei Oele - Boser Tritt.

Sure Thing Mix 142: Timnah

Today, we’re thrilled to welcome Mohemann to the series - a gifted artist and curator who has been a vital force in nurturing Beijing’s underground electronic music scene for over a decade.

Last year, we had the pleasure of witnessing Mohemann deliver a stunning techno set at Astral Industries' 10th anniversary celebration in Osaka. Now, he steps away from the dance floor to guide us on a beautiful, introspective journey - an immersive, horizontal trip through sound.
~~
https://soundcloud.com/mohemann
https://www.instagram.com/dj_mohemann/
https://soundcloud.com/tunnel-eerawai
https://www.instagram.com/tunnel_cn/

Artwork by Clayton Ciolac
https://claytonciolac.com/
https://www.instagram.com/cccccclaytonciolac/

The Observatory - Mohemann

There’s something profoundly healing in the music of French duo Javier Salazar, whose output embodies the true medicinal power of sound. 

This mix takes our mind’s eye into the sunshine - grass between our toes, spliff in hand - as we get intimate with the scoops, wrapped in a warm, enveloping blanket of sound.

We hope this beautiful contribution brings you an hour of peace, just as it has for us many times over the past month. Thanks, Leo & Simon <3
~~
https://soundcloud.com/javrsalazar
https://soundcloud.com/klapenunsen
https://www.klapenunsen.com/
https://klapenunsen.bandcamp.com/
https://www.instagram.com/javrsalazar/
https://www.instagram.com/klapenunsen/

Artwork by Clayton Ciolac
https://claytonciolac.com/
https://www.instagram.com/cccccclaytonciolac/

The Observatory - Javier Salazar

The full 3,5 hour Colorfloor set by @oooccaaa at Ratherlost Easter 2025 in Lofi, Amsterdam. A spinge-tingling closing ceremony fuelled by psychedelic propulsions.

Occa at Ratherlost Easter 2025

Vodka (Evâa Pearl Jungle)

Buy on bandcamp

Matt Waro & Xero - Vodka (Evâa Pearl Jungle)

Is a Greek word, which means to call upon one’s self or to summon personal strength