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Hypnotic Tango

An archive of my DJ mixes & set recordings.

Mixes & Set Recordings

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Interview:  http://truantsblog.com/2021/truancy-volume-275-aaron-j/ ‎

Access the download and tracklist on our Patreon: patreon.com/truants

Aaron J Soundcloud: @arn_j
Sure Thing Soundcloud: @sure_thing

http://truantsblog.com

Aaron J

Truancy Volume 275: Aaron J

Aaron J ( @arn_j ) is a Boston based DJ and label head, running the @sure_thing imprint. The talented DJ has become known through Sure Thing's exciting bill of events, mixes & releases, with an unwaveringly genuine commitment to music and the bright community that surrounds it in the US and abroad. 

As a DJ, Aaron has become known for his taste for deep & dark, yet somehow always whimsical and warm music, having pulled together beautiful musical narratives for a range of notable mix series - this mix is no exception. I'm so happy to have him as part of the series - and can't wait to meet someday in the (hopefully) not too distant future on a dance floor :-)

You can check out Sure Thing here -- https://surethingrec.bandcamp.com

Thanks again Aaron! 

Downloads enabled

Animix Forty Six: Aaron J

The guest of today’s mix is an American DJ and a founder of Sure Thing, Aaron J. 
Sure Thing is Aaron's project that you might know for multiple great podcasts. It is also an established label with four releases. As he revealed to us, the next album (MIST005) on the imprint will be from Polygonia (including Forest Drive West remix) in the spring. Besides that, Sure Thing is a platfrom for organising parties across the US. At this moment, Aaron is moving to the NYC. We wish him all the best for his new start! 

@arn_j
@sure_thing

Harmony Rec. podcast | Aaron J

Here we are with a recording from the first (but certainly not last) time Kiernan Laveaux graced the decks at Nowadays back in September of 2021. In it you’ll find so much of what we’ve come to love about the T4T LUV NRG affiliate: swarming percussion, freaky and frenetic psychedelia, otherworldly groove, a captivating sense of narrative, and so much more. 

This mix is a two and a half hour segment from her closing set, after DJ Voices and Azu Tiwaline earlier in the night. Packed to the brim with moments of tension and release, it makes for one truly wild and mesmerizing ride. The home listener is likely to find it just as enchanting as the dancers did. 

Big thanks to our staff and all those in attendance on this night <3

Nowadays Live and Direct 014 - Kiernan Laveaux

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

Aaron J B2B Oberman at Draaimolen Festival 2024

Recorded live at Paral·lel Festival 2024, Saturday 530-830PM, Port del Comte, Spain.

Thank you to the Paral·lel team for the trust, to everyone whose music I was able to share, to all of you for being there and for listening.

@parallelfestival

Aaron J at Paral·lel Festival 2024

For this episode we welcome the extraordinary talents of Aaron J, Brooklyn's Sure Thing record label and podcast founder, known for hosting an immense list of explorative modern techno artists from around the globe. Altering our consciousness for the first time in 2023 with a particularly awe inspiring set at Sustain-Release, Aaron's deeply considered and intricate approach is something of sheer beauty, and coupled with masterful technical ability, his inspiring DJ sets allow for fully immersive dancefloor experiences. 

Here Aaron explores the softer edges of his expansive sound palette, meditative soundscapes and tranquil IDM converging in total harmony for what he describes as a 'recalibration of the senses'. 

@arn_j
@sure_thing

Q. What sounds or feelings did you draw upon when gathering inspiration for this mix, and what listening environments could you imagine it being best enjoyed in?

A. Of all the mixes I’ve put together over the years, this one definitely feels the most vulnerable. The months I spent thinking about and working on this mix accompanied an intensely busy time in my life, and the process helped me stay in touch with the simple joy of listening as a way of stepping back and letting things go. There is a direct connection here between the music within and the emotions that live inside me. At the same time, I’ve tried my best to mix this as transparently as possible, so that the act of DJing takes a back seat and allows the music to take center stage.

The inspiration behind the tracks I chose and the story of the mix is one of finding balance, so I hope listening to it feels like a casting off of the present day and a recalibration of the senses. I’d love for people to listen to the mix in a setting where they feel most protected from the changes and stressors of the outside world, whether that be sitting outside in nature or laying on a couch surrounded by the comforts of home.

Q. Are there any songs in the mix that you were especially excited to share, and what is it about these tracks that resonate with you so much?

A. There is a track in the mix by Autumn of Communion called “Goodbye PK” dedicated to the late Peter Kuhlmann, who many of your listeners will know as the legendary Pete Namlook of FAX +49-69/450464. It’s an immensely moving track that manages to convey both the tragedy of his loss and the depth of the beauty he left with the world, and I feel we’re so fortunate to have music and influences like this in our recent history. I included it early to set the tone of the rest of the mix, which is quite different than any I’ve done before, and to pay my respects to those who’ve inspired our scene from the very beginning.

Q. I was lucky enough to witness your set at Sustain-Release in 2023 and was in awe of your ability to practice restraint while steadily building up tension and energy in the set with such clinical and seamless execution. Is this part of the DJ craft something you spend a lot of time planning and refining?

A. That was such a life-changing moment for me, so I’m really glad you were there! You really nailed what I hoped to accomplish with that set, and I definitely spend a lot of time thinking about where my sets will begin, where I would like them to end up, and what sort of path I might take to get there. Understanding the minutiae of how a transition will affect someone’s state of mind and how to propel someone forward without jarring them back to reality is something I’m always working to improve on. That said, the upward trajectory is not always the most interesting one, and there are so many other ways of charting a course through a set that I hope to be able to explore. For the mix I’ve made for you, it’s not so much a set that builds energy as it is one that expands and contracts, hopefully in a gentle and purposeful way.

MDC.311 Aaron J

London & Liverpool duo Dual Monitor join our series with a stunning showcase of their hypnotic and heavyweight sound, a recipe they’ve all but perfected through releases on SPE:C, Hardline, Rinse and so many more to come. A full-spectrum mixture of their wide ranging influences builds to eye-watering effect, a parallax vision of dynamic rhythms and deepest hues, comprising work from so many label favorites and a hefty dose of unreleased material from the duo. Thanks Fliss & Zebb!

@dualmonitor

Artwork by Angelina Nikolayeva.

Sure Thing Mix 143: Dual Monitor

Recorded live at Ratherlost Easter 2025, Lofi Amsterdam, 6-9PM.

Thank you to the @ratherlost team for the trust, to the producers within for their incredible music, to all who shared that moment which will surely endure in my mind.

Artwork by Dypere (dypere.cc).

Aaron J at Ratherlost Easter 2025

A veritable staple of the Japanese scene and founder of the Protection label, Haruka joins our series with two hours of delightful, liquiform groove recorded live from Kyoto. Expansive yet dialed in with tireless precision, Haruka’s set transitions between eyes-down introspection and buoyant, infectious energy with ease. To witness this level of craft enveloped by such a warm and vibrant aura is an absolute pleasure, and it’s easy to imagine oneself suspended weightless in Haruka’s element. Thank you Haruka!

@haruka_ptc

Artwork by Camille Ferdinandus.

Sure Thing Mix 144: Haruka

Madrid's F-on is a much beloved figure within the Spanish scene, known for his elegant all-vinyl sets and curation behind the brilliant Alpenglühen label among so much more. We stayed in touch after his particularly beautiful set at 2017’s Paral·lel Festival, and I've been looking forward to one day sharing this episode of the series since. Alfonso’s mix is uncanny in its precision and demonstrates a prowess behind the decks that few can match, a soft palette built through veteran and timeless selection. Two hours in and out of focus like rippling dust through which the flow of time slows, a stasis in the stream. Thanks Alfonso!

@f-ondj

Artwork by Camille Ferdinandus.

Sure Thing Mix 145: F-on

Cio D’Or hardly requires an introduction, having long stood as both a pillar of our scene and a source of inspiration for so many. Over the course of her singular and decades-spanning career, the Cologne-based artist has cultivated a universe of sound entirely her own, immediately recognizable yet endlessly evolving much like the work of her contemporaries and collaborators Mike Parker and Donato Dozzy. To experience Cio’s music is to follow a throughline that traces the complex history of contemporary techno in a single gesture, compelled by the vast unknown and the primordial familiar in equal measure. Recalling the blurred realism of Richter’s photo-paintings or the timeless intricacy of Bach’s fugues, Cio’s self-contained sonic world delicately reframes our own precious lifecycle, a reflection revealed through its elegant and subtractive minimalism.

In collaboration with our friends at Mostra, I’m honored to share a selection from Cio D’Or’s set performed at this year’s edition of the Barcelona-based festival, a sublime triumph from a scholar of sound.

@cio-d-or
@mostrabcn

Artwork by Camille Ferdinandus.

Sure Thing Mix 146: Cio D'Or

Madrid's Jan Swam joins our series with a potent delivery of centrifugal, sub-heavy psychedelia. At the helm of the Organic Signs label and its annual Refractor Festival, Jan Swam is a guiding force in the realm of modern sonic exploration, in constant pursuit of new avenues for mental metamorphosis through his boundary-pushing platforms and his own exquisite productions.  We finally connected at last year's Positive Education festival, bonding over our appreciation for expansive dance floor experiences and a shared love of certain records nearly lost to time. It's a pleasure to share this mix in which every turn is carefully considered, where rhythms contort beneath the surface and the mind’s textures become obscured within smoke. Thanks Alejandro!

@janswam

Artwork by Camille Ferdinandus.

Sure Thing Mix 147: Jan Swam

Reka is a big supporter of FLEISCH and so for XII she curated a setlist specifically for us. Big thanks to her, she did an amazing job and hope you enjoy the next 2 hours.

Soundcloud: www.soundcloud.com/rebeca
Website: www.reka.xyz/

FLEISCH XII // REKA 2HR SET

The Brvtalist is proud to present a new mix by REKA. The Berlin-based artist has been one of our favorite DJ's for the past several years and as usual she delivers a hypnotic offering that takes us across the electronic spectrum. We also host an interview with REKA plus stunning photos by Sven Marquardt. For more visit: www.thebrvtalist.com/newbrvtalism129/

@rebeca

*photo by Sven Marquardt. bodysuit by Obscur

New Brvtalism No. 129 - REKA

Domenico Crisci at Unpolished 2018

Artaphine Series 010 | AnD [Inner Surface Music | Electric Deluxe | UK]

For the tenth podcast of our series we invite the no-nonsense duo AnD. Known for their fast-paced DJ and live sets, production-wise they don’t shy away from experimenting. This resulted in two experimental albums on Electric Deluxe and different projects like Shadows and their current live band collaboration with Dasha Rush. For now: turn up the volume, go hard or go home.

@andmusik
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnDmusik1/
Instagram: @andro808 + @and_techno

AnD | Artaphine Series 010

Prior to our Acid Night on the 25th of January, Alien Rain (@do-not-resist-the-beat) provides us with an acid warm-up.

A few years ago mysterious Alien Rain records came up from nowhere. A series of killer releases which easily made it into every DJ's bag, who is into acid. Floor a-bombs that leave behind nothing but a 303 wasteland. Later it became clear, that Milton Bradley stood behind this project. Idealism is the driving force behind all of Milton Bradley’s thoughts and moves – a fact especially prevalent in his musical output. With years of experience in Berlin’s electronic music scene, Bradley has built up a reputation as a decisive and forward-thinking artist with a versatile yet thriving sound.

Event Intercell - Acid Night: https://www.facebook.com/events/329805534235474/

Artwork by Ilse Kind

Intercell.010 - Alien Rain

We are thrilled to present to you the recording of Aaron J’s set on the second night of Izvir ~ Formaviva 2019 . Enjoy.

Read more: https://mnmt.no/blog/2019/09/23/mnmt-recordings-aaron-j-izvir-formaviva-2019/

@arn_j

MNMT Recordings: Aaron J – Izvir ~ Formaviva 2019

Founder of Sure Thing, a label, event, and mix series dedicated to developing the audience for experimental and boundary-pushing electronic music throughout the US. As a performer, Aaron is inspired by the complex conversations that occur between music and emotion on the dance floor, and the way we experience these interactions together. Reflecting upon memories of these conversations, each set leaps between delicately layered moments that are at times expansile, blissful, and propulsive toward an energetic infinity.

https://soundcloud.com/arn_j
facebook.com/aaronjsayshi
residentadvisor.net/dj/aaronj

SCOPÁVIK 128 | Aaron J

@arn_j

I feel far away from everything and everybody, ever
so far away, and I feel as if all the adventures which
succeed one another incessantly were unfolding
themselves like a play in a theatre⁠—and I, miles and
miles away, watching. For a long time tonight I have
stood absolutely still, lost in an odd introspection,
watching with an inward eye the progress of these
years in our life.
Anaïs Nin

Cover design by Rutger Paulusse.

Aaron J _ TSS podcast 002

Mattikk is a Planet Delsin resident and curator of the new Delsin offshoot label Mantis. The Dutch local always crafts the most interesting sets... always somehow finding the perfect balance between trippy deep broken beats, yet still beautiful, clubby and driving. Glad to share his music on this side of the world.

Love this one a lot. So glad you could  put this one together for us Thijs ! :')@mattikk

Downloads enabled

Animix Eight: Mattikk

Campfire Stories 98 (Consequence) by Aaron J (@arn_j)

~ About The Story ~

Whatever plows our dreams is ours to give:
The threshold rises and changes.
I give, I perceive;
Here are the gifts of day risen at last;
Blood of desire, the rising of belief
Beyond our fury and our silences.
- Muriel Rukeyser

~ Chapters ~

Roy Mattson - Dilating Moon - Self-Released, 2015
Sync24 - Walk on Spheres - Ultimae, 2007
Arc of Doves - Word of Mouth - Quietus, 2009
Celia Green - In The Extreme - em:t, 1995
Andrew Lahiff - Absence from the Conscious World - Relaxed Machinery, 2014
Tomaga - Memory of In Vivo Exposure Pt. 2 - Hands in the Dark, 2017
Kevin Keller - Anicca - Hypnos, 1999
Frank Bretschneider - Night Broadcast - 12k, 2004
Kajsa Lindgren - Melodies - Warm Winters Ltd., 2019
Aythar - Universe Pt. 2 - ...txt, 2016
Voice of Eye - Drifting - Cyclotron Industries, 1994
Evan Caminiti - Revealer (Reduction) - Make Noise, 2019
Mnemonic45 - Amara (for Tihomir) - Post Global, 2014
Cymphonic - Panorama - Databloem, 2013
Koyil - Pier.salut - c minus, 2019
Wil Bolton - Falling Away - Hibernate, 2010
Maju - Point - Extreme, 2008
Strië - 87 Billion Suns - Serein, 2016
Aseptic Stir - Next Sharp Breath - Klammklang Tapes, 2019
Relmic Statute - A Test for Tapes & Memories - Hibernate, 2010
O Yuki Conjugate - Black Magic Box - Auf Abwegen, 2019
Temps Perdu? - Spiral - Amplexus, 2000
Grit - Drifting From The Bay - Meanwhile, 2017
Lucette Bourdin & Phillip Wilkerson - Miles to Go - Earth Mantra, 2011
Aires - Your Breathing As ASMR - Eastern Nurseries, 2020
Amir Baghiri - Galileo's Dream - Arya, 1998
Steve Roach - The Ritual Continues - Fortuna, 1992
Jeff Greinke - Falling Away - Silent, 1992
Rapoon - Shakkirah - Soleilmoon, 1996
Spielerei - Exit - Databloem, 2005
Deutsch Nepal - The Fire Within My Cold Heart - Cold Meat Industry, 1993
X.Y.R. - Aguirre Song - 12th Isle, 2018
Tuu - Stone to Sand - Fathom, 1997
Celer - Australis & A Buoyant Object, That Rests and Moves in Such a Way - Slow Flow Rec, 2009
Barefoot - Collapse - Groundwork, 2020
Murkok - Down the Rabbit Hole - Self Released, 2016
Stephan Mathieu & Ekkehard Ehlers - Blue Baby 2 - Staalplaat, 2003
Landing - Blue - Music Fellowship, 1999

~ Notes ~

Campfire Stories is a mix series by friends of Silent Season. The focus of the series is on storytelling through deeper electronic music. Artists weave together narratives using the emotional characteristics of ambient and techno music.

Thanks to all the artists and labels whose sounds help tell the story.

Thank you for listening.

- - -

Photo: Sergey Norkov

- - -

www.silentseason.com
info@silentseason.com

Campfire Stories 98 (Consequence) by Aaron J

Read our interview with Patrick here: https://www.patternsofperception.com/post/a-chat-with-patrick-russell

With a style forged in the ’90s Midwest rave scene, Patrick Russell(@ptrckrssll)'s Detroit-bred origins are still very much on show today. Now based in New York, he has found a harmony between retaining his acid-driven musical influences and broadening his palette towards the deeper and more psychedelic. A @thebunkerny resident and Labyrinth (@mindgameslaby) Festival regular, and still a key figure of Detroit’s famed No Way Back parties, Patrick has gained what borders on legendary status within the international electronic music community through a combination of integrity, hard work and uncompromising ability to weave storytelling into his work as both DJ and producer. 

Like many artists, his recent selections have ventured away from the dance floor – with the COVID era offering a freedom of exploration that’s on full show in his Patterns of Perception 76. Of the mix, Patrick says: “For some time now, I’ve been sitting on a number of tracks around the 75/150 BPM axis that I’ve been dying to play, and wanted to do so without venturing into full-on techno or electro. This seemed like the right opportunity to present them, and also throw in a few curve balls while I was at it. Challenge accepted.”

Links:
https://soundcloud.com/ptrckrssll
https://www.facebook.com/mentalux
https://twitter.com/ptrckrssll