A recording of my first twitch stream post-Defected Croatia 2022 (third stream overall!). The inspiration for this 2.5hr mix is the festival itself, specifically the Sondela boat party and their Beach Stage takeover the following day. Both events were highlights of the fest for me and are forever etched in the memory banks. If you ever find yourself at a future Defected festival, please do yourself a favour and take in any Sondela offerings on offer. Can't say enough good things about the music and the people involved. This is also my first attempt at mixing afro house, house and disco back & forth in a set and, while nowhere near perfect, I'm happy with this mashup of genres as a musical direction and am already learning/hearing how to improve things going forward. Definitely a sound I'll be exploring further in future streams/mixes.

Tracklist:
01) KVRVBO (Feat. Billowjazz) - Billow Made Me Do It (VIP)
02) Themba & FNX OMAR (Feat. Syon) - Fragile (Extended Mix)
03) The Verve - Bitter Sweet Symphony (Amonita & Makebo Remix)
04) Moish & Vasilis (Feat. Idd Aziz) - Mama Jomu
05) Black Coffee (Feat. Msaki) - Wish You Were Here (Guy Mantzur Remix)
06) Kinsuby - Slow Down and Trust The Process (Opolopo Remix)
07) Mighty Mouse - The Spirit (Yuksek Extended Remix)
08) Osunlade - Black Woman Cry
09) Awen & Caiiro - Your Voice (Original Mix)
10) Re.you & Paul Brenning - Reasons
11) Jackie Queens - Higher (Benny T Mix)
12) Mey Scott (Feat. Aphendulwa) - Naphakade (Doug Gomez Remix)
13) Nelo HD - Rhythm 101
14) Klement Bonelli (Feat. Idd Aziz) - Scilla & Cariddi (Extended Mix)
15) Guy Laliberté & Soul Of Zoo (Feat. Anane) - Beyond Love  Louie Vega Remix (Two Soul Fusion Mix)
16) Danny Tenaglia - The Brooklyn Gypsy
17) Mike Dunn - If I Can't Get Down (Luke Solomon's Extended Clubland Remix)
18) Jess Bays - Love We Had (Extended Mix)
19) David Penn (Feat. Leon Stanford) - Push The Feeling (Extended Mix)
20) Franco Cinelli - XXX
21) Dave + Sam - Sauce (Manoo Buzzin Extended Vocal)
22) Eltonnick (Feat. NaakMusiQ) - Move
23) COEO - Bliss
24) Perel - Internal Monologue
25) O. De Lanzac - Ring of Fire
26) Moon Rocket & TSOS (Feat. Toni Economides) - Hammondish
27) LP Giobbi - Take My Hand
28) Culoe De Song - Y.O.U.D.
29) Joe Smooth - Promised Land (Kiko Franco Extended Remix)
30) KingSfiso (Feat. Mbuso Khoza) - Khala Zome (Lemon & Herb Remix)
31) Kenton Slash Demon - Harpe

The Darsh Sessions #01: Post-Croatia Blues Under A Sondela Sun

The Darsh Sessions continue sessioning right along with this month's installment: Dinner With The Darsh. DWTD is the recording of a mini pop-up twitch stream that occurred during the mid-September dinner hour in this Eastern Daylight Time corner of the world. Originally intended as a groovy little collection of tunes to prepare/eat dinner to, the set morphed into a bit of a banger I have to admit, like an after-dinner coffee for the ears! Definitely some dodgy mixes here and there but overall it was quite a fun time behind the decks. Thinking of turning this into a regular-type stream going forward: tune into The Darsh, have a little nosh, a little vino, raise some glasses, smash some plates... you get the idea, LOL!

Big love, everyone. See you in the next sesh.

Tracklist:
01) Mike Steva (Feat. Stevo Atambire) - Destiny Song (Pa'ala)
02) Frigid Armadillo & Mpho.wav - Mountain Daze
03) Purple Disco Machine & Sophie And The Giants - In The Dark (Club Dub Mix)
04) Dave Lee & Destiny II - Play 2 Win (Dave Lee Destination Boogie Mix)
05) Joe Ventura (Feat. Priya & DJ Biddy) - Secrets (Michael Gray Main Mix)
06) F.I.D. - Get Row (Extended)
07) Lexa Hill & The Young Punx - Kiss Of Love (Extended Mix)
08) Pig&Dan - Make You Go Higher
09) Risk Assessment (Feat. Queen Rose) - Dance With Me (Michael Gray Remix)
10) Z Factor, Dave Lee ZR & Harry Romero - Ride The Rhythm (Extended Mix)
11) Kelton Prima (Feat. Hard Ton) - Too Funky (Alan Dixon Houz Dub)
12) GhostMasters - 2 The Bang (Extended Mix)
13) Mirko & Meex - After Dark
14) Emmaculate - Konga Madness
15) Cumhur Jay - Courage International
16) Ben Kim - Somebody To Love (LP Giobbi Extended Mix)
17) Sirens of Lesbos - Long Days, Hot Nights (Claptone Remix)
18) Awen & Caiiro - Your Voice (Adam Port Remix)
19) The Shapeshifters (Feat. Kimberly Davis) - Love's Been Waiting
20) Alangii - Illusions

Cover photo courtesy of the Bruce Morrice Collection (2022) #itsallaboutthedash

The Darsh Sessions #02: Dinner with The Darsh

Winter creeps, the dark lengthens its hold, and The Darsh dreams... Welcome to this month's edition of The Darsh Sessions: Deeply Dreaming Darsh. Recorded live during an autumn twitch stream, the goal of this mix is to explore the deeper side of house, that side where the music swirls around itself in the fathoms, intertwining with memory, emotions and vibes to produce an almost dreamlike state. A state where meaning eludes and genres collide in a turbulent mass, never coalescing into a crisp vision, but instead a hazy impression of a remembrance built on shifting sands. A journey within. And even after the journey is over—when we believe ourselves to have found security on the solid ground of waking—the rules of the game rearrange themselves so not even the outstretched hand of lucidity can be trusted... for maybe this reality is nothing but a dream within a dream. Please enjoy. To be honest, I'm kinda proud of this one.

Tracklist:
01) Croquet Club - Only You Can Tell
02) Kabza De Small (Feat. Msaki) - Khusela
03) Sombrero Galaxy - Journey To The Centre Of The Sun
04) Sio (Feat. Charles Webster) - Woman
05) Satin Jackets - You Make Me Feel Good
06) Erykah Badu - Honey (Ron Trent's Honey Mix)
07) Paul Simon - That Was Your Mother (Gui Boratto Remix)
08) Chroncial Deep - Make Up Your Mind
10) Hadiya George - Hot Flavor (Kaidi Tatham Extended Remix)
11) Luka & Sio - Just A Taste (FKA Mash Afro Glitch)
12) Lakou Mizik & Joseph Ray - Ogou (Pran Ka Mwen) (Martin Roth Extended Mix)
13) Sally Shapiro - Holiday
14) Mattei & Omich (Feat. Nathan Nicholson) - Doors (Extended Mix)
15) Abco - I'll Never
16) Jessie Ware - Say You Love Me (Alex Adair Remix)
17) The Midnight - Lost Boy (A.M.R. Remix)
18) Dele Sosimi Afrobeat Orchestra - Too Much Information (Laolu Remix (Edit))
19) Pig&Dan - Make You Go Higher
20) LP Giobbi (Feat. DJ Tennis & Joseph Ashworth) - All In A Dream (Extended Mix)
21) Purple Disco Machine & Bosq (Feat. Kaleta) - Wake Up! (Extended)
21) Infradisco - Aungasana!
22) Doug Gomez - Power Of The People
23) LevyM, Yves Eaux & Lazarusman - Out Out (Cincity Space Mix)
24) Cajmere (Feat. Dajae) - Brighter Days (Just Blaze 'The ReOPENed 3am Mix')
25) Kings Of Tomorrow (Feat. April) - Fall For You (Sandy Rivera's Classic Mix)
26) Pachanga Boys - Time
27) Alicia Keys - Good Job
28) Entro Senestre - Rosegold
29) Sasha - Xpander (12" Remastered Version)
30) Eric Prydz - Pjanoo (Club Mix)

The Darsh Sessions #04: Deeply Dreaming Darsh

Like a pot of hearty stew simmering away on the stove, this month's installment of The Darsh Sessions bubbles just below the boiling point, concentrating its fresh afro and deep house flavours into a nourishing meal designed to warm the soul from the inside out. Recorded live during a December twitch stream (one raided by none other than the modern disco legend himself, Michael Gray!), this set highlights mostly current offerings in the afro/deep house genres with the occasional nod to modern disco gems and house classics. BPMs are kept low and slow but offer no shortage of nutritious substance, intensity and emotion. So, throw on your coziest sweater, grab a spoon and dig into this dance floor feast! Much peace and love, my friends.

Tracklist:
01) KVRBO - Searching For Your Light
02) Miči (Feat. FKA Mash) - Chosen
03) Kid Fonque & Jonny Miller (Feat. Toshi) - Sarhalel (Ed-Ward Remix)
04) Margee (Feat. Joy Tyson & ARKADYAN) - One Love (David Mayer Remix)
05) &friends (Feat. Oluwadamvic) - Gbagbe E (Extended Mix)
06) Thandi Draai - Jika (DJ Clock Remix)
07) Dearson (Feat. Uncle R) - Spirit
08) Vanco (Feat. Bobbi Fallon) - Breaking Away
09) Thakzin - The Magnificient Dance
10) Gil Bokobza (Feat. Tabia) - Ngyanibiza
11) Moojo (Feat. Gabsy) - Vamonos
12) Caiiro (Feat. Argento Dust) - Kaos
13) DJ Tomer & Ricardo (Feat. Mei Tar) - House On A Hill
14) LevyM & Yazz Min - In Your Eyes
15) LP Giobbi (Feat. Monogem) - Body Breathe
16) Swedish House Mafia & The Weeknd - Moth To A Flame (Moojo Remix)
17) Enzo Siffredi & BAQABO - TUNAZAMA
18) Phazed Groove - Dirty Harry
19) Michael Gray (Feat. Brutha Basil & Tatiana Owens) - In My World (Extended Mix)
20) HRNS - Teena's Cry (David Harness & Tedd Patterson Remix)
21) M.E.M.O. - Maya
22) DJ Koze (Feat. Sophia Kennedy) - Drone Me Up, Flashy (&ME Remix)
23) Mistura (Feat. Jemini) - Want Me Back (Jimpster Peak Time Deepness)
24) The Bamboos - Ride On Time
25) Alison Limerick - Where Love Lives (Come On In) (Red Zone Mix)
26) Alison Limerick - Where Love Lives (Come On In) (Classic Mix)
27) DJ Merlon & Enoo Napa - Two Zulu Men in Ibiza
28) Safar (FR) - Daje
29) Doug Gomez & Cee ElAssaad (Feat. Nuzu Deep) - You Left
30) Ron Trent - Time
31) Dustinho - Skies (TekniQ's Supernova Remix)
32) Mr Hands & Rude (Feat. Rhodalia Silvestre) - African Train (Navaa Remix)
33) Moish & Vasilis (Feat. Thoby Dladla) - Ezweni

The Darsh Sessions #05: For Best Results, Simmer Beats at 122° Darsh

The Darsh Sessions returns for 2023 ready to fill your dance floor grocery cart with a steady selection of freshly baked afro beats and horn-filled house treats. No canned goods here, baby! Recorded during a January twitch stream, this month's set begins by exploring the aisles of this new year's most recent afro house offerings before shifting gears to a more uptempo housey feel, highlighted by a number of bonafide staples, including a tribute to the late Maxi Jazz, lead singer and founding member of the legendary dance-band Faithless, who recently passed away at the end of 2022. We stock all genres here at The Darsh Sessions and Faithless is no exception. They say you shouldn't shop for food on an empty stomach, but I have to disagree. Come to this mix hungry and I guarantee you will leave well-fed and satisfied. Big love, everyone. See you next month.

Tracklist:
01) Yamil - Amancer
02) Hypaphonik (Feat. Kali Mija & Offkey) - Lutar (TekniQ Remix)
03) Robin M - Maina (FNX Omar Remix)
04) Awen & Enoo Napa - Redemption (Hyenah Remix)
05) JAMIIE - Voices (DJEFF Remix)
06) Saint Evo & BlvckMoon - Shanka
07) Hannah Wants (Feat. Clementine Douglas) - Cure My Desire (Themba Extended Remix)
08) K.O.G. - Shidaa (Captain Planet Remix)
09) Bajau (Feat. Zoe Kypri) - Flip Of The Coin (Extended Mix)
10) Thakzin, Sun-El Musician & Thandazo - I.C.U.
11) Bombossa Brothers & Yulia Niko (Feat. Totó La Momposina) - La Playita (Extended Mix)
12) Soldera - Cohiba
13) Moojo & Drush (FR) (Feat. Gabsy) - Ene Nyame
14) Doug Gomez - Beasts Of The Shrine
15) Eric Kupper & SP - The Inside
16) From96 - Yiwani
17) Lindström - Closing Shot
18) Ridney, Inaya Day & Richard Earnshaw - Gotta Have (Moodena Remix)
19) Jean Aubergine - Disco Numberwang (Jean's Extended Numberwang)
20) Doug Willis & Dave Lee ZR - Music Speaks Louder Than Words (Micky More & Andy Tee Piano Mix)
21) Pete Heller's Big Love - Big Love (David Penn Extended Remix)
22) Kabbala - Ashewo Ara (Doug Gomez Merecumbe Soul Remix)
23) The Oddictions & Ollie Red - Complicated
24) Blaze (Feat. Palmer Brown) - My Beat (Spaced Out Beat) (David Harness Extended Remix)
25) Selace - So Hooked On Your Lovin (Moon Rocket Extended Remix)
26) Mike Shawr (Feat. Lazarusman) - Story Of Something (DJ Spen & Jihad Muhammad Afro Rendition)
27) Pig&Dan - Better Than The Love I Know (Extended Mix)
28) Duke - So In Love With You (Full Intention 12" Mix)
29) Paul Johnson - Get Get Down
30) Faithless - Insomnia (Original Mix)
31) Bent - Always (Ashley Beedle's Mahavishnu Remix)
32) Frankie Knuckles pres. Director's Cut (Feat. Jamie Principle) - I'll Take You There (Dimitri From Paris Re-Edit)
33) Massive Attack - Hymn Of The Big Wheel (2012 Mix/Master)

The Darsh Sessions #06: The ASDA Big Shop Shimmy

This month's edition of the Darsh Sessions was a difficult set to put together. The winter months have taken their toll already during this young year and fighting my own self-doubts and personal demons proved difficult over the last number of weeks. When fiendish introspection besets the mind like a roiling cauldron of bats, it's much too easy to retreat into the familiar, to clothe yourself in "what works" even if "what works" truly doesn't work at all. So, instead of fighting off my present state, I embraced it and allowed the music to reflect this turmoil. House music was forged in strife, strife much more dire and visceral than any my privileged existence has ever known. While it provides escapist entertainment for many, for others house music acts like a candle in the darkness, illuminating a safe path home through the horrors of existence, both those originating from within and without. And when we dance, we dance to save another day, to save another sunrise... we dance to save ourselves. Much peace and love, everyone.

Tracklist:
01) Evar After - Operator
02) Blanka Mazimela (Feat. Khonaye) - Thula
03) Francis Mercier, Nitefreak & Idd Aziz - Kamili (Extended)
04) beatsbyhand (Feat. Kali Mija) - Gypsy Woman (She's Homeless) (Atmos Blaq Remix)
05) Literatura - A Book of Hope (Ucha Extended Remix)
06) Eden Shalev - Papi
07) Vanco (Feat. Eva Simons) - Desire
08) Mpho.Wav (Feat. Sun-El Musician) - The Den
09) Guy Gerber - What To Do (&ME Remix)
10) Aretha Franklin - I Say A Little Prayer (Liva K & Atsou Edit)
11) Berin - Amaré
12) Jamek Ortega & JUNO (DE) - Suffocating
13) Lobo DJ - Tripping
14) Keinemusik (&ME, Rampa & Adam Port) (Feat. Nomi Ruiz) - Pussy Power (DESIREE Remix)
15) Oscar P - Your Local News (Soul Minority Deep Mix)
16) Don Swing - Women
17) IDQ - Sympho
18) Hanna Haïs & Saint Evo (Feat. Moa) - Spread Love
19) Kevin Yost & Peter Funk - Return To The Deep (22 Extended Version)
20) Wattie Green - Poppin' Keys
21) Coflo & Lee Wilson - Quiet
22) Jay B McCauley (Feat. Leeny Pearls) - I Am More Than Just Your Queen (Eternal Flame Extended Mix)
23) Dr Feel, Badbox, Native Tribe & Da Q-Bic - Battles (Drumapella Mix)
24) Osunlade - Leading Blacks
25) Paul Johnson - Chant Afrique
26) Fritz Carlton & SATE - Leaving
27) Alan Dixon - Nowhere to Run
28) Floorplan - We Give Thee Honor (Extended Mix)
29) Milk & Sugar (Feat. Paul Gardner & Peyton) - You Can't Hide from Yourself (CASSIMM Extended Remix)
30) Sylvester - You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real) (Soulwax For Despacio Remix)
31) Carl Bean - I Was Born This Way (Moplen Dub 1)
32) Omar S - The Shit Baby

The Darsh Sessions #07: A Candle in The Darsh

After four months away The Darsh Sessions have returned with two hours of afro house heaters and funky disco grooves for your listening pleasure. This month's installment of this unintentionally sporadic series is a full body listening experience, designed to delight the ears as much as it commands the feet. In fact, enhancing your listening environment for this one is highly encouraged as you accompany the beats on their journey through the sonic landscape of Disco City. Dance your way down the avenues of sound and admire the rhythmic foundations of its towering architecture before venturing along the alleys of hypnotic groove while enigmatic vocals drift lazily in and out between the hazy city lights. Delight in the dark corners where shadows intertwine with emotion. Before you know it, you'll be dancing with the sun as it collects the city's nighttime denizens and ne'er-do-wells into one last moment of solidarity—a triumphant stand in defiance of the dawn. Hope you enjoy. Big love everyone, and I'll see you in the next sesh.

Tracklist:
01) DJ Feevos - Early Rise
02) TekniQ - Amasiko (Miči Vocal Mix)
03) Frigid Armadillo & Mpho.wav - Can You See Me
04) Moojo & Demayä - Lotus
05) Gianni Romano x Emanuele Esposito x Aüra (Feat. Trick Beat & Thieuf Ndiaye) - Clandestin
06) Fiona Kraft - Deeper Feelings
07) Fiona Kraft - Deeper Feelings (Manoo The Remix / Piano Interpretation by Bacanito)
08) Themba & Nico De Andrea (Feat. Tasan) - Disappear (Andrea Oliva Extended Remix)
09) Fabio Tosti & Michael Moses - Hypnotized
10) Cleveland P. Jones & DJ Spen - Pearls (DJ Spen & Jihad Muhammad Remix)
11) Manybeat - Eterno
12) James Mac & VALL (Feat. Rosalie) - The Boy Is Mine (Club Mix)
13) David Morales & Scotty Paynter (Feat. Romina Johnson) - Give Me More (Manoo Remix)
14) T. Markakis & Manuel Kane - Release Yourself (Extended Version)
15) Jamie Lewis presents Nikos Diamantopoulos (Feat. Billie Brown) - Wish I Didn't Miss You (Nikos Diamantopoulos Original Mix)
16) Joi N'Juno - Akalelo
17) Phazed Groove - (Let Me) Get Under Your Skin
18) Steve Miggedy Maestro - Mi-T-Hi (MS III Full Dizko Slap)
19) David Penn & Sex-O-Sonique - I Thought It Was You (Extended Mix)
20) N'dinga Gaba & Jaidene Veda (Feat. Josh Milan) - Beautiful (Doug Gomez Merecumbe Soul Remix)
21) Thomas Jack (Feat. Idd Aziz) - Tumbukila (Extended)
22) Studio Bros & Bun Xapa - Wangila
23) James Deron - Yekeleke
24) Antonio Ocasio (Feat. Anjani) - Distant Moment (Manoo Remix)
25) Manybeat - Paraiso

The Darsh Sessions #08: Sunrise Over Disco City

Live recording of my 5-hour closing set for the premiere 2023 edition of the Daisy Faosy Palooza Festa Chella birthday stream, as broadcast live on Twitch on Sept. 9, 2023. 

The set might not be perfect from a technical standpoint, but it was made with 100% Darsh-grade love. Happy Birthday, Daisy! ❤️ #teamkitchen #PhDFPFC

(oh yeah, and for those wanting to jump straight to the Disco Dreams/Bateau Blanc mashup, head to 01:08:40)

NOTE: I tried to post the tracklist, but it's too long, LOL. Msg me if you want a copy.

DAISY FAOSY PALOOZA FESTA CHELLA 2023

The Darsh Sessions returns with its 9th episode: When The Phoenix Celebrates The Flame. While previous episodes have featured a mix of afro beats alongside more traditional house and disco entries, this month's mix is a purely afro house affair. What I love about afro house is the sculpture of emotion this music provides. Unafraid to be tender, driving, soulful & playful, it explodes with intense percussive energy one moment and soothes with delicate compassion the next. Its rhythms inspire not only the outward expression of physical movement, but also a reflection inward into the state of one's soul. It's hard to put into words, but this music celebrates the human experience, in part, by never shedding its humanity. This sound insists upon connection, whether through communal expression of voice and dance, or through the unification of the various mental fragments that make up the self. 

"Don't stray too far," it seems to be reminding us, "it was never meant to be this difficult." 

Much love & peace to you all. See you in the next sesh.

Tracklist:
01) Sonido - Middle Of The Garden
02) AndileAndy - Always Choosing Love
03) DJ Kabila (Feat. Victor Sithole) - Bayede (Lemon & Herb Remix)
04) Nutty Nys - The Promise
05) Josiah De Disciple, Boohle & Da Capo - Mama (Da Capo's Touch)
06) DJ Kent (Feat. Mo-T, Mörda & Brenden Praise) - Horns In The Sun (Thakzin Remix Extended Version)
07) Ed-Ward, Dylan-S & Foozak (Feat. Polaris) - Power Of You
08) Enzo Siffredi & BAQABO - Swahili Ballad (Copal Remix)
09) Thakzin - Possessed
10) Ed-ward (Feat. Benediction S.A) - Time Zone
11) West & Hill, Soulroots & Soul Star - The World Goes Round
12) KingDonna - Beyond My Control
13) Michael Jackson - Liberian Girl (Alex Kósh & Kid Bamboo Edit)
14) Oscar Mbo x KG Smallz (Feat. Dearson) - Yes God (Mörda, Thakzin & Mhaw Keys Remix)
15) Ronn (Feat. Sofiya Nzau) - Niaje
16) PolyRhythm & LemonSoulDJ - Diasis
17) Kasango, Leo Guardo & Leo Gira (Feat. Jordan Grace) - Save A Prayer
18) Anthony P. (CH) - Aura (DSF Extended Remix)
19) CLARAA (Feat. Ashimba) - Kukaya (FKA Mash Remix)
20) Safar (FR) - Memelles
21) From P60 with Lisa Shaw - Magic (Enoo Napa's Alternative Remix)
22) Thakzin - Men & The Birds
23) InQfive x Dr Feel - White Hyena (Motivesoul Remix)
24) Jnr SA - D2MA
25) Safar (FR) - The Lost Tribe
26) RE/MIND - NOBODY (Extended Mix)
27) Ahoona - Life (Original Extended Mix)
28) ELLAY - Joy & Flowers

The Darsh Sessions #09: When The Phoenix Celebrates The Flame

The Little SATURDARSH That Could, a recording of my twitch stream from Nov 4, 2023. 

I always record my mixes (or, more precisely, I always try to REMEMBER to record them), but don't always post them. I wasn't intending on posting this one either, it was just supposed to be a fun, unannounced, no pressure stream for friends. The Twitch Gods had different plans though as the stream was nothing short of a technical house fire, with myriad crashes, equipment issues, and digital gremlins running amok in both Rekordbox & OBS. And while I've had these sorts of issues in the past, this time I didn't let them get the better of me. Just kept calm, reset what needed to be reset and, most importantly, never once stopped the music. And for that, I was rewarded with what was honestly one of my favourite streams to date. Seeing all your friends in chat (including an incredibly special guest that made me a bit emosh) come back after every crash with nothing but encouraging words and more enthusiasm was such a heartwarming experience. They showed up for me on their Saturday night and I was determined not to let them down. The music streaming community is a unique and special one (as many of you already know), and this set will always remind me of that. Big love, everyone!

The Little SATURDARSH That Could

The Darsh Sessions returns with its 10th(!) installment. Initially I had a whole intro written to explain what I was trying to achieve with this mix but, to be quite honest, it was *sigh* insufferable. I even mentioned trying to write something "less up my own ass" so I've just gone ahead, taken my own advice and deleted that nonsense. What I will say instead is that, continuing with last month's theme, this edition of The Darsh Sessions is a deeper afro house affair than previous offerings, with more of an emphasis on mood, flow and the occasional surge of emotion rather than tearing up the dancefloor with banger after banger. My best advice would be to get cozy, pop an edible, hit play, and just let the vibes swirl around your ears for 120ish minutes. 

Peace and love, everyone. I'll see y'all in the next sesh.

Tracklist:
01) Jonas Schilling - Rising Tide
02) Angélique Kidjo - Agolo (Da Capo's Touch)
03) Sam Deep (Feat. MaWhoo) - Thokoza
04) Red Circle - Rodrigo
05) Themba (SA) (Feat. Lizwi) - Mountain High (Extended Mix)
06) Chronical Deep - Fula
07) 8nine Muzique - City Of Kings
08) Citizen Deep (Feat. Jessica LM) - Dtjoh
09) N'Dinga Gaba (Feat. Sahffi) - Summer Breeze (FKA Mash Re-glitch)
10) Atmos Blaq - Kwa Mama
11) Hypersoul X & Idd Aziz - Pendula (Demented Soul Imp5 Afro Mix)
12) Black Coffee & David Guetta (Feat. Delilah Montagu) - Drive
13) Zakes Bantwini, Skye Wanda & Thakzin (Feat. Suffocate SA) - Mama Thula
14) Jack J - Something On My Mind
15) Keinemusik (Rampa, Adam Port, &ME) - Muyè
16) Da Capo - Call It Black
17) DJ Gregory - Tourment d'Amour (Mpho.Wav Extended Afrotech Remix)
18) D.S.D. - Just Can't Stop
19) Kid Fonque - 2Sides (Crackazat Remix)
20) Krewcial - Kitoko
21) XOTTO - Mandela
22) Yet More (Feat. Sem) - Luna Nera
23) Moderat - More Love (Rampa, &ME Remix)
24) George Livanos & Jaidene Veda - How Cliché (Doug Gomez Remix)
25) Liva K - You Can Dance Now
26) Fahlberg - Since I Fell For You

The Darsh Sessions #10: Deep Fluid Dynamics

The Darsh Sessions returns in 2024 with its 11th installment of unique house type goodness. Recorded live from a twitch stream back near the beginning of December 2023, this set is definitely more up-tempo than the previous few Sessions while also coming in shorter than those at a brisk 90 minutes. From deep, organic swirls of synth to fist-pumping piano house anthems to Taylor fn Swift, this mix has a little bit of everything as I continue to explore whatever it is that makes this darsh house sound. My only desire for you the listener is that the journey is worth the ride.

Much peace & love, everybody! I'll see y'all in the next sesh.

Tracklist:
1) Wardner - On Your Mind (Workerz Remix)
2) Green Velvet - Flash (Channel X Remix)
3) Prunk - Let Me Show Ya
4) Mateo & Matos - The Real Thing (KOT Underground Mix) (2015 Remaster)
5) Lipelis & Carrot Green - Rolando Nascer do Sol
6) Harrison Crump - I Need Your Love (Crump Daddy Club Mix)
7) Archie Hamilton (Feat. HQA) - Let The Light In (Extended Garage Dub)
8) Doug Gomez - Que O Amanha Vai Trazer
9) Antonio Ocasio (Feat. Precious James) - A Broken Spirit Could Never Be Free To Love
10) Kiu D - Music Is A Language
11) Massimiliano Pagliara - All The VCOs You Can Eat (Traveler Dub)
12) Kitty Amor - Solitude (Extended Mix)
13) Mila Journée - Sunrise
14) Taylor Swift - Cruel Summer (LP Giobbi Remix - Extended Version)
15) Samer Soltan - I Want Your Love
16) Oscar P - Trouble (David Montoya Retouch)
17) Miguel Scott - Irish Coffee
18) Merlin Bobb & Robert Ortiz - A Song 4 You (Main Mix)
19) Janeret - Lush
20) Jesse Perez - Spottieottiedopaliscious

The Darsh Sessions #11: Weaving the Tapestry of Night

By request, here is the live recording of my portion of the The Lisa Darlo Birthday Spectacular 2024 twitch stream from January 26, 2024. 

This one definitely sounds homemade (lol) so apologies in advance for the technical glitches, artifacting and occasional dodgy mix. I definitely ran the stream setup through its paces that night, especially with the slideshow intensive OBS overlay (lol). The mix IS made with 100% Darsh goose love however, and I believe that love shines through regardless of the sonic quality. Happy Birthday, Lisa! ❤️ #teamkitchen #TLDBS2024 

No tracklist this time, but expect 4+hrs of hi tempo classic-era house and disco tunes with some new releases & modern gems thrown in for good measure. Feel free to comment or msg me for any track IDs.

And oh yeah... gonna pat myself on the back here a sec just to say that the opening to this birthday set is fn🔥🔥🔥🔥!!!

Also, special shoutout to The Captain Liam Spence (@liamspence7) for delivering a phenomenal opening set for #TLDBS2024!

The Lisa Darlo Birthday Spectacular 2024

The Darsh Sessions returns for its 12th installment, an unabashed celebration of all things afro, deep, organic and tech. In just under 120 minutes this mix provides you with a darkened corner of the dancefloor to call your own. A place where you can lower your head and vibe in the heady swirl of sound. A place where dance is pilgrimage and music our salvation. For a few precious hours we put our lives on hold so we can tend to the soul. Music is our church. We rise, we ebb, we triumph, we fall. How does one live in an age where living is at a premium? I don't know. I wish I had an answer.

Much peace & love and thank you for listening. I'll see y'all in the next sesh.

1) Torpedo (SA) - Arrows
2) Franky Carbon-e & Nae:Tek - Kaleidoscope
3) Dim Angelo & Afrofunk - Sempa
4) Bun Xapa - Berlin
5) Zakes Bantwini & Kususa - Iyangena Iyaphuma
6) Sammi Ferrer & Chaleee - Champagne
7) Kikkram - Calamari
8) Moeaike - Mala Fama
9) CISUMMI (Feat. Stevo Atambire) - DIKEBO (Sparrow & Barbossa Remix)
10) Osfur (Feat. Rita Mdn) - Calins Salés (Dynamic Club Mix)
11) Conde (Feat. Ayah Tlhanyane) - Kuwala (Extended Mix)
12) Moojo & Caiiro (Feat. Starving Yet Full) - NGWINO
13) Radio Slave - Strobe Queen
14) Kevin Yost - Taste
15) Charles Webster & Ursula Rucker - Begin Anew (Clavis Remix)
16) Petros Odin & Anastasia Nati - Into The Sea (David Morales Remix)
17) Spencer Brown (Feat. Wilt Claybourne & Ladysmith Black Mambazo) - Awu Wemadoda (&friends Mix)
18) Simone Vitullo & VXSION - Understanding (The Neighbors Extended Remix)
19) Liva K, Atsou & Lazurusman - 100 Horses
20) Sébastien Léger - Ariana
21) Demayä - Now That We Found Love
22) Dr Phil RSA (Feat. Nuzu Deep) - All My Children (Native P. Remix)
23) Sky White - Alien Soil
24) Dennis Ferrer - Hey Hey (Jack Back Extended Remix)
25) LevyM (Feat. Kash Neeve) - Heartache
26) JOSEPH (CH) - Nabama
27) Timmy Regisford & Mark Lewis (Feat. Soul Jay) - I Love You
28) Cuneyt Cilingiroglu - Sometimes It Hurts
29) Shimza & Aloe Blacc - Darling

The Darsh Sessions #12: Long Night's Journey Into Darsh

Darsh Sessions #13. 2hrs of peak time, take no prisoners, holy roller revival Darsh Discobitch Energy designed to shake the very foundations of the firmament itself. 

And this ain't no headphone mix, either. No, this one's for them big kid go up to 11-type speakers. All your bass are belong to Darsh.

Time to dance the night away under the discora borealis.

Much peace & love, everyone. I'll see y'all in the next sesh.

Tracklist:

01) Disco Dandies with Tamike Jones - Let It Flow (Extended Mix)
02) Guerrilla Disco - Get Into The Groove (Derrick McKenzie Boogie Down Remix)
03) Rob Redford - Makin Ends Meet (Demarkus Lewis Deez Raw Life Mix)
04) Ninetoes & Mousse T. (Feat. TTeo) - Holdin' On To Your Love (Extended Mix)
05) Shakedown & Bootsy Collins - Funky And You Know It (Myd Extended Remix)
06) Jerk Boy (Feat. Mack  Moses) - You Should Feel Love
07) B. B. & Q. Band - On The Beat (Into The Nineties)
08) Sam Redmore (Feat. Lumi HD) - Let It All Out
09) Maurice Joshua presents Yvonne Gage - Garden Of Eve (Maurice Joshua Main Mix)
10) Michael Gray (Feat. Kimberly Brown & The Sultra Gospel Singers) - Fly Away
11) Hot Since 82 & Ron Carroll - Preach (Extended Mix)
12) Purple Disco Machine (Feat. Roosevelt) - Higher Ground (Extended Mix)
13) Riva Starr - Love You Till Tomorrow (Extended Mix)
14) Kronan - Anika Na O (Extended)
15) Micky More & Andy Tee & Don Carlos (Feat. Taka Boom) - The Music Of Your Mind (Groove Culture Extended Mix)
16) David Penn & Kevin McKay - Hallelujah (Odyssey Inc. Extended Remix)
17) Wh0 (Feat. Anelisa Lamola) - The Power (Extended Mix)
18) gome - Elevator Man (Mike Dunn BlackBall Remix)
19) Stacy Kidd (Feat. Peven Everett) - Body Jerkin' (Chicago Mix)
20) Contrecoeur - Jazzy Tommy
21) Barry Can't Swim - Kimbara (Extended Mix)
22) Mr Hermano - Free As The Morning Sun (Haji & Emanuel Remix)
23) Bakermat - Praise Break (Extended)
24) David Penn & OFFAIAH - Satisfied (Extended Mix)
25) The Montanas vs Roland Clark - Music Talking (Fred Falke Remix)
26) Ultra Naté, Russell Small & DNO P - HAPPY FEELING (Cevin Fisher Remix)
27) Damir Pushkar, Wekingz & 4Peace - Celebrate The Life
28) HiFi Sean, DeVonde & Inaya Day - The Redemption
29) Siggatunez - Come Together

Cover photo courtesy of the Fairyruss Collection (2024) #fuckcancer

The Darsh Sessions #13: Discora Borealis

On November 2nd, 2024, a most exceptional group of people from all over the world came together for a special livestream event to raise money for charity, and also to uplift the spirits of a truly beloved woman who has touched all our lives in her own unique, considered way. In four short years this group went from being strangers online who met hanging out in pandemic-era DJ streams on twitch, to becoming a powerhouse of a family affectionally known as #teamkitchen.

And, oh my word, what an event it was. 

To share a stream with the incredibly talented DJs who selflessly donated their time and efforts to raise money for bowel cancer research is a forever memory that I will hold dear for the rest of my days. To @liamspence7, @craig_warrington, @leebuxtondj, @djmicfreak and @djmichaelgrayofficial—it was an honour and a privilege, and I'll never be able to thank you enough for what you all accomplished for our own @fairyruss.

And to @phdaisy, @kelly_hanks76, @paulbowman76, @shiny_lisa_darlo, and my Geordie brother Liam... what can I even say without tearing up. I love you all so much it hurts. How we kept this a surprise as long as we did is anybody's guess. "Paul, delete that right now!!" "Eric, wrong chat!!" LOL

Below is the link to my own small contribution to this magical night of love and music. But just because the stream is over, it doesn't mean we're through raising money. Please use the link in the comments to donate to this extremely necessary cause. Don't make me send DJ Betsy after you!! She's only 9 turning 10, but she's a fierce one. We've raised £3,660 so far—let's see if we can't get that to £5,000!!

Massive shoutout to the Darlo Kitchen too. It's not merely a place, it's a destination.

And, oh yeah... #fuckcancer.

Until next time, I love you all.

-Eric "The Darsh" Valade

Charity link: https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/teamkitchen-stream-for-bowel-cancer

Tracklist:
01) Vernessa Mitchell (Feat. Rickey Dillard & New G.) - Higher (Steve Silk Hurley Original 12 Inch)
02) 95 North - Let Me Tell Ya
03) Geoffrey C & DJ Spen - Beats Like This
04) Starsailor - Four To The Floor (Thin White Duke Mix) (Short Version)
05) DJ Quest - Respect (Ron Hall Remastered Mix)
06) Pete Ellison - Get Down To James Brown
07) DJ Sneak - A Taste Of The 90s
08) Glam Sam And His Combo - The Last Days Of Disco (John Morales M+M Mix)
09) The Temper Trap - Sweet Disposition (VXSION Remix [Extended])
10) LP Giobbi (with Alabama Shakes) - Until There's Nothing Left (4AM Edit)
11) Candi Staton - Young Hearts Run Free (Barry Harris 2021 Remix)
12) Prospect Park (Feat. Taka Boom) - I Got This Feelin' (Micky More & Andy Tee Disco Mix)
13) Mark Maxwell (Feat. DÉ SAINT) - Tracey in My Room (Steve Hart Extended Remix)
14) Bellaire & Aaron K. Gray - Never Stop Dancing (Extended Mix)
15) HiFi Sean (Feat. Celeda) - Feel The Music (Extended Mix)
16) Carl Kennedy vs MYNC (Feat. Roachford) - Ride The Storm

F**KCANCER Charity Stream for Bowel Cancer Research

6 months later and over 100 lbs lighter (that's right, I've lost 100+ lbs!), The Darsh Sessions returns with its 14th installment: Not For The Faint Of Darsh. Taking inspiration from a recent November 2024 trip to the UK where I played my first ever B2B with The Captain Liam Spence (my brother!), this set unequivocally pushes the tempo and explores the higher BPMs of house, deep tech and disco. Hypnofunk basslines, pounding pianos, outrageous horns and slinky silk vocals are the order of the day, all served alongside a big honking slab of peak time Darshrageous energy. Please accept my apologies for any damaged caused by my attempt at ripping the roof off this mf. Sometimes you just need to travel where the tunes are taking you.

Enjoy the journey, everyone. Much peace & love to you all. See ya in the next sesh!

Tracklist:
01) Simkid & The S.O.S. - Funshine
02) Sway-B - Questions
03) LEYO x Toman (Feat. Thierry Ganz) - That Booty
04) ZAV (Feat. Naux) - No Bass
05) Shermanology x Rudimental - Like A Train
06) Facu Baez - Hot Like Fire (Extended Mix)
07) James Wyler - Mezzin' Around
08) Ben Miller (Feat. Surya Sen) - 2 HOT (Extended Mix)
09) Mercy Street (Feat. Michelle Ndegwa) - I Know Now (Extended Mix)
10) Paperclip People - Throw (Slam's RTM Remix) x Shawn Christopher - You Can Make It (Preacher-Pella)
11) Kevin Aviance x Honey Dijon - CUNTY (Extended Mix)
12) Charles Levine & Martin Buttrich - Festival Queen (Extended Mix)
13) Danny Serrano - Subway (Extended Mix)
14) HP Vince - Dancing Non Stop
15) Luke Alessi - After Five
16) Mr. Belt & Wezol x Qobra x Alex Hosking - Keep It Exciting (Extended Version)
17) Cour T. - Mikro (Extended Mix) x Bongoloverz (Feat. An-Tonic) - Spirit Of House (Spoken-Apella)
18) Heidy P - Elevate
19) Blackchild - So Good (Heat Mix)
20) Ridney & Roisto - A&S (Extended Mix)
21) Timmy Regisford - YOU BRING ME JOY (MAIN MIX)
22) dB Boulevard - Point Of View (Diego Broggio Club Mix)
23) Marley Carroll - One More Year (Extended Mix)
24) LOSTBOYJAY - COULD BE WRONG (Extended Mix)
25) Kristin Velvet - The Same Old Heart
26) Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs & Moullinex - So Alive (Nala Remix)
27) Soul of Hex (Feat. Javonntte & Mariana Phelts) - Constellation
28) Revelle27 - Mother (Extended)
29) Dombresky - In My Soul
30) Oppidan - Mr. Sandman
31) Caribou - Got To Change

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