We did you guys! We finally played a set we are happy to share with you xoxox

The Mirror Dance Warm Up: Dreamcastmoe @ Sneaky Pete's - 21.09.24

The Pocket Dance 001 - C-Shaman (Capri Collective / Heaters / O'Rama) 

First up on our podcast series is Chris Murray, more commonly known as C-Shaman behind the decks. Chris delivered a wonderful mix of disco-infused house, deep melodic grooves and solid technical ability on the decks that ties this mix in very neatly.
We asked Chris a couple of Q's, read below... 

TMD: 'What Inspiration did you use for this mix/how did you go about your tune selection?'

Chris: 'It’s a bit of a mash-up, some bright tunes I thought represented The Mirror Dance alongside some deeper things I had dug up or can’t stop listening to at the moment. Threw it all together and this pocket dance is the result!' 

'Where did you record the mix?'

'It’s a bedroom mix, just hit record and had a dance around by myself for 40 minutes. Managed to get my pals xdjs for this one so it was a lot of fun.'

'What record label is doing it for you currently?'

'Tricky one, there’s too much good stuff. I’ll settle on 'Take Away Records' and 'Permanent Vacation', they’ve both have been killing it for me for a while now. A lot of interesting tunes that destroy bedroom or club environments.'

'What is your favourite venue to play in and why?'

'Been lucky enough to play in most of my favourite’s recently but it has to be Sneaky’s, such an intimate place that’s open to anything, it’s the one. Big fan of friendly small rooms that can just kick off.'

'What gigs have you got coming up?'

'I’m holding down weekly Wednesday’s at Sneaks as of this year which is surreal so you can catch me there or I’ll be back in Glasgow with my best pals, Capri. Some really exciting things on the horizon!'

The Pocket Dance 001 - C-Shaman

The Pocket Dance 003 - Charlie Gilkes (Fallowfield Mobile Disco)

The 3rd instalment of The Pocket Dance comes courtesy of everybody's favourite scouser Mr Charles Gilkes. After cutting his teeth on the Liverpool circuit, Charlie's only recently moved to Manchester but his deep collection of all things house and strong technical ability had us dancing from the get go. This mix gives a taste of what to expect from Charlie as he kicks things off at The Mirror Dance @ Indigo Withington this Thursday (19/4), enjoy!

We had a quick chat with Charlie to give the mix some context, check it out below...

TMD: What Inspiration did you use for this mix/how did you go about your tune selection?

CG: A recent dig back home over the easter break at 3b records. There are also a few I picked up a while ago. Also a couple of radio shows I've been listening to recently.

TMD: Where did you record the mix?

CG: Oak House, Fallowfield.

TMD: What record labels are doing it for you lately?

CG: I've been a Detroit swindle fan for years and their labels Heist and Schitzel Cuts have always provided me with some great stuff. Also recently been loving the hessle sound after seeing Ben UFO showcasing their stuff and blowing my mind a few times this year.

TMD: What is your favourite venue to play?

CG: 24 Kitchen Street, Liverpool. It's where I ran my first parties and I have had some great times both in the booth and on the dance floor.

The Pocket Dance 003 - Charlie Gilkes

Up next on the Pocket Dance is Bristol-based DJ and promoter, Cartographer! We first came across Cartographer on a music sharing group that he manages with his pals called 125 (one two five), It's an excellent place full of like-minded people from across the UK, who are constantly sharing top drawer club-focused music from around the world. Having seen the group become increasingly popular since its inception in 2016, now with over 3000 members, it seemed like a very natural step for Jack Golding and his team to start promoting under the 125 banner, One Two Five Events has already welcomed a whole of host world class DJ's, from Paul Woolford and Maribou State!
As always we had we chat with Jack about the mix and his current interests, enjoy...
How did 125 come about?
Like how most things come about, you come up with a good idea and then 1/10 times you follow through with it. We decided it’d be fun to have a place to share music with everyone in a place where everyone cared. If you post tunes on your Facebook profile they normally fall on deaf ears which can be frustrating when you’re just looking to share some music you care about. By inviting people we met who were into it, over time it’s become the forum it is. I’m really proud of the quality and diversity of music I’ve found through the page myself, I’ve listened to basically every track that’s ever been posted on there. We eventually decided to start a night of the same name that would mirror the group’s music policy, we’ve had some amazing shows in the past 12 months and more to come. Recently our One Two Five producers page has become a great place for the creators in the group to share ideas and get feedback. We’re starting to get quite busy…
How did you go about recording the mix, did you plan any of it or was it all off the cuff?
This one was just with my CDJS and a sound card, primitive stuff. In mixes I try and include tracks the listener might not have heard yet, as such I do come up with a playlist beforehand to ensure this. Once I have tracks I know I want to include, I do tend to put a rough order together to give it some flow, with some room for creativity. I think crafting recorded sets like this can sometimes be beneficial for yourself to see if the set had the same energy you thought it would throughout, which can improve your on-the-fly selections.
Where did you record the mix?
In my new housemate's bedroom while he’s on holiday, oh the joys of bulky music equipment in small houses.
What record labels are doing it for you lately?
It’s on a lot of people’s lips but I’m really enjoying the output of the Scottish label Craigie Knowes. Bone breaking electro and breakbeats have got a big place in my heart and the guys over there deliver in buckets. Pacific Rhythm, Salt Mines and Brothers From Different Mothers have also put out some of my favourite records of late, generally, breakbeat inspired stuff with a soothing delicate feel. For some proper floor rocking Italo inspired stuff Correspondent music have been a go-to for some time.
What is your favourite venue to play?
Without a doubt The Island in Bristol, a long dark tunnel with an ear-shattering and crystal clear sound system. Playing there was a joy since you know the crowd is getting every frequency, definitely, don’t forget earplugs. Also had some of my favourite club experiences in there seeing @Objekt and @DJ Stingray. If only the licence went past 3AM…