Recorded live at Above Below 2024, Chiltern Hills, UK.

Earlier this summer I had the pleasure of finally visiting Above Below, a magically warm and inspiring festival tucked intimately within the Chilterns which I had heard so much about over years. What I discovered there was a community that immediately felt like home, a weekend full of moments both immaculately deep & breathlessly exuberant, and a true sense of independence and discovery in the spirit of the festival.

Playing in the UK will always be a special honor for me, and I wanted to capture my appreciation for such a pivotal scene while pushing myself in ways that are distinctly my own. This set helped me find more than a few footholds in my own practice and I’m so happy to share the recording, one from a lineup full of friends & inspirations. Hope you enjoy it!

@arn_j
@abovebelowfestival

Artwork by Malte Schumann.

Sure Thing Mix 131: Aaron J

Born and raised in Atessa, a small town in the province of Chieti, located in the Abruzzo region of Italy.


Mirko Antico has truly carved a distinctive path in the world of techno. His story starts in the small town of Atessa in the Abruzzo region, a place not typically associated with the global techno scene, but one that clearly left its mark on his early years. His deep connection to the dark, minimalistic sounds is evident in the music he produces and plays as a DJ.

The pivotal moment in Mirko's career came when he attended Minus Contakt in Rome, an event organized by his idol Richie Hawtin. The experience sparked his journey into DJing and eventually into music production. This event became the catalyst for his creative growth, igniting a passion that would push him to constantly evolve his sound.

His productions, marked by a sharp, minimalistic edge, have been played by some of the biggest names in the industry. The list of DJs and producers who have supported his tracks is impressive, ranging from techno le to rising stars in the scene like Fabio Florido and Milos Vujovic. This widespread recognition is a testament to the quality and impact of his work.

What sets Mirko apart is his ongoing dedication to refining his sound. Whether he's in the studio or playing to a crowd, he’s constantly experimenting and evolving, ensuring that his music remains fresh and relevant in a scene that thrives on innovation. It’s this commitment to growth and his passion for the darker, more minimalistic elements of techno that continue to drive his success.
Mirko Antico is an accomplished Italian techno producer, and a DJ with a special taste for the dark and minimalistic.

Fast forward some years and he attends that one event that marked the genesis of his inspiration. Minus Contakt, held in Rome and organised by his idol Richie Hawtin is the set point in Mirko’s calendar that got him DJing and then soon after into production as well…