LOTR artist Alex Kassian on a warm up vibe.

LOTR X Refuge Worldwide | 30 July 2021

Start your weekend in the right gear with this here beautiful new mix from down under dancefloor queen CC:DISCO, nothing but love for music - you can hear it loud and clear. No introduction needed, she's dedicated her existence to music on many different fronts, from party promoter to label manager and radio host to now international touring DJ, her unique technique on the floor has been changing dancers' lives for a while now. Check it out 💋 Thanks @ccdisco for taking the time and letting us share this one! 💖💖💖

Sound Metaphors Mix Series 08 : CC:DISCO

Recording of Lauren Hansom's set at Dekmantel Selectors 2022

Lauren Hansom at Dekmantel Selectors 2022

London’s Customs duo are connoisseurs of finely crafted garage music, two life long devotees to the sound’s deeply swung rhythms and unifying dancefloor vibrations.

Finessing their take on all things garage (not garage) through their regular spots on Kiosk Radio and at London's Giant Steps, the guys join us with a swinging smorgasbord of 90s and early 00s records from the UK, dabbling in top notch garage and some of the sounds that anticipated broken beat and early grime productions. 

@customs_ldn

Q. What inspiration did you draw upon when combining for this mix, and what kind of setting might you imagine it being enjoyed in the most?

Guy: 

Firstly, thank you Myles so much for sharing this mix. Longtime fans of MDC! Both of us answered “driving” as the best setting, which is funny since neither of us drives. So maybe “riding” rather than driving. Lots of thoughts percolated for me on night drives to inner city Manchester a few months back. Definitely inspired by the All Bad Boy & All Good Girl archive work of Death Is Not The End, resurfacing the sound of Moss Side blues parties like Soul Control. Reading Ed Gillett’s new-ish book Party Lines also gave a push further into alternate UK dance histories, specifically Black club scenes and music that ‘swings’.

Tom: 

I’ve been bingeing on a bunch of old club recordings from the ‘speed garage’ era lately - sets from places like Club Koo and The Colosseum - and I think some of the energy from that early blend of UK and US sounds has definitely bubbled over into this mix.

Q. With the mix showcasing your shared appreciation for deep garage music and its many adjacent styles and offshoots, could you give us a brief insight into your journeys with the sound, and what years, artists or labels have you found to be responsible for the most timeless cuts in your record bags?

Guy: 

It was a nocturnal radio sound for me as a young teenager I guess, largely mysterious, coming largely from London when I was growing up in the north west. But the sampling of R&B vocals from stuff I knew made it immediately accessible. In more recent years, digging in London, I’ve tended to get most excited by either one-off/ white label riddles that are sometimes garage-not-garage, and also alias stuff from bigger name producers across bigger labels in the genre - G-Spot Records, Nice ‘N’ Ripe, Unda-Vybe etc. 

Tom:

I actually started out as a bedroom garage DJ, so it’s a bit of a full-circle moment for me. I had a mate at school who wanted to be an MC, and on Saturdays we used to hit up Music & Video Exchange to pick up whatever white labels we could find before heading back to his flat in Ladbroke Grove to practice a set that nobody would ever hear. Shout out to Nick The Greek, wherever you are! Twenty-something years later, I’m still finding exciting stuff from the same producers we loved back then - guys like Jeremy Sylvester and Mike Millrain who have these unfathomably deep back-catalogues.

Q. Are there any songs in the mix that are especially close to your hearts, and what is it about these tracks that resonate with you so much?

Guy: 

I’d call out 2. Artist Formerly Known as PP - When I’m Down, from 1998. Bit of a private press oddity from a producer who’s prolific but mysterious (the PP = ‘Persian Prince’). It’s a kind of rolling, morphing megamix type cut that samples Brandy - Best Friend but also features raw toasting style MC bits the likes of which you hear from the live party recordings in All Bad Boy & All Good Girl. The other is Colour 3 - La Femme, a beautiful, melodic white label that’s been so versatile for me since I picked it up from Crazy Beat in Upminster. Has worked a treat on sound systems like Giant Steps and after parties alike. 

Tom:

The penultimate track, Drivers Anthem, is a special one for me. Super deep and melodic production, but with that trademark UK bump on the bottom end.

MDC.299 Customs

Recording of Stella Zekri's set at Dekmantel Selectors 2024.

Dekmantel Selectors 2024

Stella Zekri at Dekmantel Selectors 2024

The Phonica series drifts Amsterdam way for the next addition in its series with not one but two of the cities most prominent artists. Kamma & Masalo supply separately in their sets nothing but magical moments so when you have the chance to see them play together it is that times two and some. Never knowing what the direction and vibe their set will go - having roots in eclectic and disco vibes as well clubbier house, techno and acid sounds (a vibe they cement firmly at their Brighter Days party in Amsterdam) - they have firmly placed themselves on top shelf list of some of Europes finest selectors.  Appearing regularly at festivals like Dekmantel and Japan's Rainbow Disco Club to name a few, the duo have played some of the best clubs around the world. For Phonica 131 Kamma and Masalo have the dancefloor in mind with a mix focused on their beginnings in the underground club scene of their upbringing. We had a quick chat with them about the mix and what they have coming up!

Phonica Mix Series 131: Kamma & Masalo

Telephones is celebrated for his eclectic DJ sets that span Balearic beats, proto-house, cosmic techno and more. With over 20 years behind the decks, his unique style combines unexpected twists and cosmic explorations. Known for his quality-focused approach and sparse yet sought-after releases, Telephones delivers sets that blend genres seamlessly, offering a captivating journey through sound at Wonderfruit.

Telephones – Solar Village – Wonderfruit 2024

Been stuck in my head for weeks. Finally made it real — hope it hits for you the way it hits for me. Let me know what you think. A tribal-tech fusion that hits both body and soul. This mashup blends the hypnotic, percussive drive of Franc Fall’s La Luz with the atmospheric chants and Afro-house rhythm of Maz’s Amana. It’s deep, groovy, and relentless  perfect for underground sets, afters, or sunset sessions. A smooth collision of two worlds, built for movement and mood.

Amana x La luz Omar Samir Edit {Free Download]

Pacharaco

Cooking With Palms Trax // NTS 01

Simon TK takes the Wax’o Paradiso show solo and pines for Edd Fisher in song. Lockdown edition: live from home.

Two hours of sweet soul music when the world needs it most.

Dedicated to DJ Jerry <3

Tracklist:
Sun - Time Is Passing
Franco Micalizzi - Jessica’s Theme
Cassandra - If You’re Not Back In Love By Monday
Fernandos Ginga - It Doesn’t Matter
Peter Hunningale - Rocking You Eternally
J. Caesar - G-Force (Mali-I Vocal Version)
Peter Spence - Don’t Leave Me Lonely
N.M Band - She Wants
Dee Sharp - Rising To The Top
F.J. - Fool’s Love
The System - Find It In Your Eyes
Mary J. Blige - Message In Your Music
Bob Baldwyn - Summer Madness
Kenny Thomas - Outstanding
Spanner Banner - Missing Persons Bureau
Eramus Hall - Just Me And You
Tommy McGee - Now That I Have You
Leroy Hudson - Lucky Fellow
Steve Parks - Movin’ In The Right Direction
Willie ‘Beaver’ Hale - Groove On
Carl Anderson - Buttercup
Breakwater - Say You Love Me Girl
Jeanette Lady Day - Come Let Me Love You
Philip Bailey - I Am Gold
Eros - Go For It
Golden Harvest - I Need Your Love
Photo: Montana Bourke: Freo De Janeiro 2019

Cafe Del Murray E5 Skylab Radio

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dominic@thepool-london.com

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Sound Metaphors Mix Series 08 : CC:DISCO

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