Van Dray Selections 2015

Andre Sobota is a grande forca in the world of modern dance music. Effortlessly transcending genres while impossibly retaining the respect of DJs and fans alike, the Brazilian from the cosmopolitan city of Sao Paolo has become an iconic figure in both underground and mainstream dance arenas through an unrivalled dedication and passion to his craft, delivered now to Proton through his "Signal".

An accomplished musician in a variety of forms, Sobota's success has its roots in a mastery of electronic music in all its guises, executed with rare skill, verve and technique. This, combined with the melting pot of multicultural influences inherent in his home city, has enabled Sobota to "connect distant areas of music in a distinctive way" to secure the respect of his peers and the continued admiration of a faithful following that has extended far beyond his South American heritage to the four corners of the world.

Fast approaching 250 production credits, the Andre Sobota resume reads like a list of the finest wines extending from a 2008 vintage on Spectrum Recordings, through exquisite performances on such impressive labels as microCastle, Anjunadeep and Toolroom. Such a blue chip list extends further with the best-selling remix of Coldplay and Rihanna's "Princess of China" which elevated Sobota further still to the highest echelons of modern producer.

A regular on BBC Radio, "Aura" was featured on Matt Zo's Radio 1 "Essential Mix", while the forthcoming "Astral Lady" on Anjunadeep recently received support from Simon Patterson on the "BBC Radio 1's Residency".

Proton Music has also become a welcome stopover on the course of Andre Sobota's musical voyage. The "Outside" EP hit New Year's Eve parties at the start of 2010, going on to receive stellar remixes from the likes of Kassey Voorn and Ryan Davis while "One Day Out" and "Unreal" shone in luminescent beauty later that year. 2014 marked a return with a glorious remix of Tvardovsky's "Hope" and it is with real pleasure that Proton Music welcomes back Andre Sobota with "Signal", his first original new music for the label in four years.

Full of trademark galloping rhythms, the melodic poise with which "Signal" quickly hits its stride is a joy to behold. Emotionally charged, Sobota's dance floor energy is a fundamental component that drives emotive melodies in effortless fashion to create an intelligent work of captivating beauty.

A welcome return to Proton Music, Andre Sobota is about to "Signal" his intent with the creation of yet another masterpiece.

Design by Ben Mautner
Text by James Warren

Buy on Beatport

André Sobota - Signal

Out 24th November '14 on Stripped Digital. Also including a dub version of the remix.

Amber Long, Robert Mason, Decker - Apologies (Cid Inc Remix)

Canadian and French duo 'Van Did & Arno Gonzalez' deliver a fine EP of underground goodness, while adding layers of melodies to brighten the overall appeal on the mighty Sudbeat who have been wow-ing clubland with an array of quality that shows no sign of let up.

Starting with the title track 'Vias', from the off, its intensity dictates that this serious slab of goodness is going to be doing the damage. Big dominating bass sounds lead the proceedings, while subtle dreamy edged pads, with nice crystalliser effects add a trippier vibe to this solid wondrous soundscape.

'Van Did' goes solo next with 'Relatii'. This romantic warm fantasy of sound meanders from daydreaming glistening moments to another with ease, like breath of fresh air for the dance floor.

And to round things off, the duo return with 'Kasepian'. A Berlin edged sounding gem, with its brooding bassline meeting whimsical sounds cascading into each other in an intoxicating marriage.

SB060 | Van Did & Arno Gonzalez 'Vias' (Original Mix)

Buy Me!

Phraktal - System Error [Silinder Remix] OUT NOW

With 2014 winding to a close Cid Inc's Replug Records returns for one final and rather large release.

The Finnish imprints 32nd offering features the label debut of Derek Howell who has enjoyed some excellent moments in 2014. In March the electronic music veteran returned to John Digweed's Bedrock Records with a contribution to the labels 'Underground Sound of Miami Series' and more recently a new version of Derek's classic record 'Happy To Be Sad' was selected by Hernan Cattaneo for the Beatport #1 Balance 26 compilation. Derek's debut single for Replug Records is entitled 'Red Dwarf' and it comes with a remix from Cid Inc.

Derek Howell productions carry many distinguishable traits; his mysterious way of created unique, complex and emotionally stimulating melodies is one that really hits home.
'Red Dwarf' may be one of the US producers most poignant creations to date. As the track gets underway waves of rolling bass and liquid-like electronics generate sizable momentum. With the groove growing It's slow burning build and buoyant melodies become increasingly captivating. Joyous chord changes and a teased sax hook then lead the track into the main break. Here a warm underbelly begins to swell with intensity, eventually revealing the full complement of sweeping sax riffs all over a bed of fluid harmonies. This emotionally gripping motif takes the composition into timeless territory and the end result is one of Derek's most sought after productions all year.

The lone interpretation of 'Red Dwarf' is provided by Replug label boss Cid Inc. Swedish producer Henri Hurtig aka Cid Inc. has had the best year of his electronic music career. A July appearance on Anjunadeep was flanked with the Herman Cattaneo directed Sudbeats Volume 2 and Balance 026 compilations. The recent announcement of Cid Inc's debut single for Guy J's Lost & Found Records already has electronic music fans looking forward to 2015 and he has closed 2014 off an a high note with a deadly interpretation of Derek Howell's 'Red Dwarf'. Cid Inc. has been shattering the progressive and techno genre barriers for the better part of the last decade and it's certainly prevalent here once again. Derek's smooth, melodious grooves have been transformed into an electrically charged bundle of crunchy rhythms. A foundation of billowing bass swells along with a collage of electronics drives the track into the main break. As the nearly two minute interlude begins to take shape there is a real aura of something special happening. The gyrating synths and ever expanding tonal themes are met with a dramatic build which results in an electrifying conclusion that's sure to light up your dance floor. A standout interpretation from Cid Inc. which rounds out another excellent release on Replug Records in fine style.

Presstext: Mitch Alexander

Derek Howell - Red Dwarf (Cid Inc Remix) [Replug]

With a trailblazing career spanning decades, Quivver has carved out a presence that’s unmistakably his own. Last year’s Balance Series compilation (alongside Dave Seaman) showcased an artist that is only getting more refined and compelling with each passing release.

Quivver will perfom at Balance Croatia this coming August. 

@quivver_john_graham

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Balance Croatia 2025
Thu 7th Aug - Mon 11th Aug 2025
The Garden Resort, Tisno

Head to www.balancecroatia.com for more info.

IG: www.instagram.com/balancecroatia

Balance Croatia 017: Quivver

BALANCE CROATIA

By the early 2000s, when much of the electronic world was chasing trance highs and vocal hooks, Moshic Shlomi—known mononymously as Moshic—was charting a darker path. His take on progressive house was not just brooding; it was cinematic, steeped in tension, mood, and layered melancholy.

Releasing early work as Argonout, Moshic made his mark with tracks on Cyber Records and appearances on compilations from Global Underground to In Search of Sunrise, showcasing a sound both atmospheric and emotionally rich. Now leading his own label, Contrast, he continues to explore the space between light and shadow, with recent productions finding a home on imprints like Bedrock and Bonzai Progressive.

His Balance Selections mix delivers on the promise of the label’s name: a carefully curated journey of contrasts that never loses its introspective core. Featuring tracks from N-TCHBL, Stereo Underground, and Moshic himself, the mix isn’t afraid to drift into the melancholic edges of progressive house.

@Moshic

Balance Selections 325: Moshic

TRACKLIST & INTERVIEW

ALMA is the alias of María Pedraza, a DJ and producer from Rosario, Argentina, known for her emotive, tech-leaning approach to progressive music. Rooted in versatility, her productions and DJ sets blend textured rhythms with immersive emotional layers. Recent releases on Shine Music and Droid9 South America showcase her dub-inflected sound that hints at an unique creative voice.

On this Balance Selections mix, ALMA makes true on that promise with a heads-down, smoked-out session that is cerebral and tough in equal measure. Featuring tracks from Hermanez, Christian Smith, Montw, and more, it’s a set built for dark rooms and late-night introspection.

@ALMA-SOUNDS

Balance Selections 328: ALMA

Fresh off his 'Turquesa' EP via Last Night On Earth, the ever-innovative Henry Saiz makes his way onto our Main Mix, treating us to an excerpt from the 8th edition of his Mirage event series at AMK Club in Buenos Aires. Rife with progressive's finest picks and exclusive edits of his own, it's a slick and soaring journey that truly makes us wish we could have been there. Enjoy!

Read more: https://whenwedip.com/2025/06/when-we-dip-178-henry-saiz/

Follow: @henry-saiz

Connect: When We Dip on Spotify - open.spotify.com/user/whenwedip

www.whenwedip.com
YT: youtube.com/user/whenwedip
FB: facebook.com/wwdofficial
IG: instagram.com/whenwedip/
TW: twitter.com/WhenWeDip

Henry Saiz - When We Dip 178 (Live @ Mirage - AMK Club, Buenos Aires)

By the mid-’90s, while peak-time anthems dominated global dancefloors, Melbourne started developing its own dialect—a darker, more hypnotic sound rooted in restraint. At its core was a small community of DJs and producers, united by a shared refusal to chase trends.  The sound they conjured was haunting: progressive but with a sparse architecture which created ample space for atmosphere. Indeed, a Zero Tolerance track spilled across the dancefloor with the tension of a coming storm. Uncompromising, yet cerebral.

To supplement our deep dive with Gab Oliver (see link above for full feature), the label head compiled an exclusive mix filled with fresh label cuts released on the label since its 2021 relaunch. 

No nostalgia, just fresh pressure.

BALANCE EXTRA: Zero Tolerance mixed by Gab Oliver

Since the pandemic, Glasgow has been carving out a fresh identity in the progressive scene through Skyline — a monthly rooftop gathering that’s become a ritual for fans of deep, melodic sound. Helmed by Graham Chalmers aka Twilo, the party pairs high-calibre lineups with five-star comfort, earning rare goodwill from artists and punters alike.

It’s no surprise Skyline felt like the perfect fit as a brand partner for Balance Croatia. With the countdown underway to our sold-out debut, the timing was right to shine a light on the man behind the movement — and invite him to showcase his musical chops alongside longtime partner-in-sound and fellow Skyline resident, Andy Newland.

What they delivered is a four-hour excursion packed with progressive heat and nostalgic undertones. Featuring tracks from Nicolas Rada, Ezequiel Arias, Gai Barone and more, it’s a delicious taste of what’s to come this August.

@skyline_glasgow

Balance Selections 330: Andy Newland b2b Twilo

Balance Selections 330: Andy Newland b2b Twilo (Skyline)

Tara Brooks seamlessly bounces between electro, house, acid, and trippy techno that's always coated in a progressive glaze. From LA’s underground to Coachella, Burning Man, and Berlin’s iconic clubs, her energetic sound has made her a sought-after global booking.

Tara Brooks will perform at Balance Croatia 2025.

@tarabrooksmusic
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BALANCE CROATIA SOLD OUT!
Limited daily tickets remain.

Balance Croatia 2025
Thu 7th Aug - Mon 11th Aug 2025
The Garden Resort, Tisno

Head to www.balancecroatia.com for more info.

IG: www.instagram.com/balancecroatia

Balance Croatia 028: Tara Brooks

Melbourne’s DJ Be Kind to Other People has built a reputation through kaleidoscopic sets that are joy-positive. Equally at home alongside Australian crossover acts like Sneaky Sound System and Flight Facilities or deep in the sweat-soaked confines of the city's infamous Revolver Upstairs club, he thrives on a versatility which bridges scenes without ever compromising his identity.

His unique journey has already taken him to Burning Man (USA) and Devconnect (Turkey), with his next international appearance set for our inaugural Balance Croatia. Beyond the booth, he hosts Coburg Up Late, a talk show filmed in his garage featuring global and local dance music names.

On this Balance Selections mix, DJ Be Kind to Other People lets his personality shine across two hours of lush house and progressive. Featuring tracks from Gai Barone, Monkey Safari, Hannes Bieger, and more, it’s a vibrant journey into the mind of a truly idiosyncratic selector.

@djbekindtootherpeople

Balance Selections 331: DJ Be Kind To Other People

Death on the Balcony weave a richly textured narrative through sound, fusing disco shimmer and deep house warmth into something unmistakably their own. With over a decade-long journey that spans labels like Balance, All Day I Dream, and Sudbeat, their output is both prolific and purposeful.

Death on the Balcony will perform at Balance Croatia 2025.

@deathonthebalcony

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BALANCE CROATIA FESTIVAL LAUNCH PARTY
Barbarellas Discotheque, Pirovac, Croatia
feat. Deep Dish & Khen

Thursday August 7th 2025
(Friday August 8th morning finish)
12:00am - 5:00am

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BALANCE CROATIA SOLD OUT!
Limited daily tickets remain.

Balance Croatia 2025
Thu 7th Aug - Mon 11th Aug 2025
The Garden Resort, Tisno

Head to www.balancecroatia.com for more info.

IG: www.instagram.com/balancecroatia

Balance Croatia 035: Death on the Balcony

All Aboard the Ravey Train Mix

Silinder, from Dublin in the Rep. of Ireland has been producing electronic music for over 24 years now. 

'deep, dark & hypnotic with a melodic theme'

That's how Gavin describes his productions. Growing up on his parents & older brother's vast taste in music ranging from 70's Irish Folk & Disco to 80's Italo & Synth Pop. Gavin has ended up with a vast array of musical influences which are ever present in his productions to this day.

With releases on highly respected labels from around the world including Sudbeat, Proton Music, Jackpot Records & Disco Gecko Recordings to name a few and gaining massive support over the years from some of the biggest & most in demand dj's from around the world (Sasha, Hernan Cattaneo, Charlie May, Toby Marks (Banco De Gaia), John Digweed, Anthony Pappa, Fulvio Perniola (Fathers of Sound), Rusty A Egan (Visage),Nick Muir (Bedrock),Petar Dundov, Solomun, Nicole Moudaber, Armin Van Buuren, Barry Jamieson, James Zabiela, Tom Robinson (BBC), Tiesto & Henry Saiz), Silinder has become a highly regarded name in the electronic music scene.

'I never have a set agenda when working on music, although my music may have a dark undercurrent, I always try get a good uplifting groove going.'

Being a husband & father to three kids, Gavin finds his time in the studio a therapeutic session.

'It's my little getaway, a time for me to release all the mixed emotions of my everyday life into my music'

It's obvious to see & hear that Silinder is enjoying his time in the studio and with his productions 
going from strength to strength, we are seriously looking forward to hearing what 2025 has in store...

Phraktal - System Error [Silinder Remix] OUT NOW

Silinder

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