OUEMS Mix Series

We are back on Soundcloud after 4 long years! 

We begin our new series with an amazing celestial journey provided by none other than top selector and Oxford scene veteran, sea elegans. 

Intricate, expressive, tense; just a few words to capture the atmosphere of this gorgeous mix; it weaves seamlessly in and out of genres from electronica to techno and everything in between, blurring the sounds in trademark sea elegans fashion.

Wherever you are, grab a coffee or tea, close your eyes and enter the carefully curated soundscape in this mix.

We will be uploading mixes weekly, stay tuned.

TRACKLIST:
1. Monolake - Atmo [Imbalance Computer Music]
2. Struction - Strukture [Ilian Tape]
3. Jon Hassell - Picnic [Ndeya]
4. Speedy J - Symmetry [Warp Records]
5. Marco Zenker - The Tibet Terrier [Ilian Tape]
6. Donato Dozzy & Mike Parker - Meltemi [Spazio Disponibile]
7. Untold - Yukon [Hemlock Recordings]
8. DJ Who - Give a Little More (Mike Parker Remix) [Ellum Audio]
9. James Shinra - Gyorgy [Craigie Knowes]
10. Neil Landstrumm - Swing/Jerk [Peacefrog]
11. Planetary Assault Systems - Screen (2018 Re-edit) [Mote Evolver]
12. Basic Channel - Phylyps Track [Basic Channel]
13. Sterac & Scor P - Energetix [Token/N.E.W.S.]
14. Skee Mask - Larus Canus [Ilian Tape] 
15. Shed - System Azac [Final Experiment]

EMS Mix #001 - sea elegans

This week we welcome London-based selector, Mademoisel. Mademoisel takes us on a cosmic journey at warp speed through all things trance and techno. 

This mix is nothing short of an hour of power. We start with some fresh European neo-trance cuts and slowly delve into a wormhole of explosive techno bangers, before finishing with a sprinkle of top tier Euro-dance. 

Heavily inspired by the emerging neo-trance sounds from Berlin to the industrial techno might of the Paris scene, this mix is sure to keep you stepping all through the hour. Mademoisel has mastered the driving sound in the short time she has been mixing and I think it's safe to say, she's smashed it!

Be sure to follow her journey as a DJ and check out her upcoming radio shows by following her Instagram!

TRACKLIST:
T_st - Slowly [Loopdeville]
PHONY ORPHANTS - detector dude [Iboga Records]
Ezy - Die Anyway [Fast Forward Productions]
Yan Cook - Whistleblower [Cooked]
Bad Boombox - Medulla [Record Union]
131bpm - Dark and Shit [Crazed Behaviour]
Walfroy - Research (Skynet Mix) [Play Labs]
Narciss - Physical [RAW] 
Alpha Tracks - Starbeams [UTE.REC]
Lenny Funk, Zorra - Mein Kopf ist leer (Original Mix) [recordJet]
Moody Gliani - Jolt & Mooga [Bardouin Music]
The Jaffa Kid - Acid Raver 9 [Utter]
Mark Terre - Gravity Zero [Katana]
Хочу Тебя - TK-33 [angels gun club]
THELMA - Boujee Bitch [Filth Inc.]

EMS Mix #002 - Mademoisel

We're back for another mix in our weekly series, this time welcoming another London-based DJ/Producer, Bob Z. Continuing the theme of our last mix, Bob Z takes us on an angelic trance pilgrimage for the first half of the mix before plunging us into a gabber hellscape for the last half.  

In the beginning there was trance - lots of trance. The mix starts with an impressive blend of the newer Scandinavian sounds coming from Norway and Southern Sweden to obscure mid-90's cult-classics from the golden era of trance - a delightful listen to the ears. 

But at some point, there was a tear in the universe and the demonic spirit was let free to rampage. That demonic spirit lives at ~180 BPM, with wide distorted 909 kicks and hefty claps. Bob Z let that demon free in the second half of this mix, for what I can only describe as "gourmet" gabber. Strong influences from the 90's Dutch gabber and hardcore scene gives this mix unparalleled, exo-scale energy. A rare hat tip to a truly underground sound.

We finish with a tribute to one of the best Euro Dance songs from '95 to return you back to this realm

Bob Z can be found on SoundCloud where he also uploads live hardware jams. I would 100% recommend checking out some of his existing work and future production if you are a fan of 303s! 

This mix really is Gabriel vs Lucifer, a tale of Good vs Evil...

TRACKLIST:
X-Coast - Mu Tai [UNDERTHESEA]
Omformer - Interstellar Injection [translucid]
Omformer - March of The Goblins [Ute.Rec & Amniote]
Tadan - Sistrum Hathorium [Mana Abundance]
Alpha Tracks - Rainbow Worms [Ute.Rec]
Omformer - Orbital [Sinesis]
Artemis - Eccos Journey [Atoom Records]
Peska - Acid Is Here [Acid Laboratory]
Matriark - Virvle [self-release]
2 Push - Universal Nation (1luu Edit) [GAUL]
HLLW - Where Were You When All Withdrew [HLLW]
Omniself - Atonement [BODYCOUNT]
Omniself - Dreamkeeper [Megatech Industries]
L'Ektoplasm - Brain Faillure [self-release]
Hyperforce - Tool Rotation [Morph]
Blümchen - Intro (Herz an Herz) [Control]
Menace & USD - FILE 001 [Area 51 Recordings]
Rave Nation - Going Crazy (Forze DJ Team Mix) [Forze Records]
Menace & USD - Trip X5 [Area 51 Recordings]
Bass X & Genaside - Metal Core [Twisted Vinyl]
Blümchen - Herz an Herz [Control]

EMS Mix #003 - Bob Z

We return this week, welcoming Oxford's very own Talayi as our fourth guest. If you have been in Oxford over the past few years then you have almost certainly come across Talayi behind the decks at various raves, ranging from The Bullingdon to some more intimate, green locations shall we say. One thing is for certain; deep tech house and progressive trance is sure to be blaring out

This mix kicks off with a mesmerising glitch/trance sound to begin the journey before smoothly transitioning to some 90's inspired groovy, swinging house bangers. The next stop brings us to neo-trance, with a tech house twist to keep things pumping with energy, mixed in with some rumbling 303's and dreamy synths.

We begin to up the tempo from here on, increasing the energy but keeping the positive atmosphere. A few breakbeats are thrown in for good measure to keep you on your toes later on in the mix keeping you guessing where the beat will go next! We finish this mix with how we started it; high emotions. Pads, synths and drums - a simple recipe that's hard to master. 

Talayi has moved on to pasture's new and continues on his journey of music in Europe after finishing his PhD! I'm sure you'll be back with even more spiritual sounds!

Check out his Soundcloud for more mixes!

TRACKLIST:
Koreless - White Picket Fence [young]
Capricorn - Love In London (Piano Mix)[4th & Broadway]
Jasper Tygner, LUXE - Blush (LUXE remix) [Silver Bear]
Babylon x - Milliard Prisma Cliché [Tofistock]
Furious Frank - Trip 2 fantasy [Kalahari Oyster Cult]
Justin Jay - My First Trance [1Ø PILLS MATE]
Theo Everyday - Everybody's Talking (Well Let's Talk) [Cheeky Music Group]
TAFKAMP - Take Me Away (Taffie's Final Cut) [self reflektion]
LUXE & Tom Place - Moonquake [Dansu Discs]
not even noticed - Declination [Eudemonia]
Kiara Scuro & Timothy Clerkin - Lola's acid [GODDEZZ]
Desire - An Ode to Our Night [Matière]
Bailey Ibbs - Clocked It Got Long [Night Service]
Cream - Keep Your Eyes Open [Everyone On Acid]
Von Riu - France Progressive [JERRY HORNY]
Trancial-X-Tion - Dead Bodies (Remix) [Bonzai Jumps]
Escape Artist, Adam Pit - Energy Breakthrough (Adam Pits Lightspeed mix) [Phonica]

EMS Mix #004 - Talayi

We're back again with a fresh of the press mix from Oxford selector, Kate. A regular amongst the OUEMS crew, Kate has been delivering seriously bouncy house sets at the open decks and we just had to ask Kate to send in a mix! Her distinct sound infuses all things house, from the deeper Chicago sound to the introspective minimal cuts, and not to mention a few French house cuts sprinkled in for good measure!

On that last point, Kate has recently returned to the UK after living in France and that influence is clear as day in this mix. We begin proceedings in a tranquil manner with some downtempo house populated with some airy synths ebbing and flowing in time with the shuffly hi-hats. Not long after this we take a detour to the continent with some bouncy, 90s infused French house. Grand piano chords sweeping in and out perfectly in tune with that distinctive driving vocal sound from a bygone era.

For this next stage of the mix, Kate takes us globetrotting to Chicago, Bucharest, Manchester and more. Kate weaves us through all the giants of the golden age of house, reminiscent of a certain Laurent Garnier set from the Hacienda days.

As we progress deeper into the mix we get treated to the current sound of the past 12 months. A few neo-trance/prog records give us a chance to get lost in the synth heavy melodies. A vision of where house is going? It certainly seems that way. We finish on some vintage pumping, feel-good deep house to keep your hips swaying and feet stepping, before being treated to an absolute show stopper finale of a classic!

This mix is all things retro and neo. A classy mix all around, this one will be sure to age like a fine red wine!

TRACKLIST:
Mother Tongue - Message is Love [Rush Hour Music]
Alex Kassian - Spirit of Eden [Pinchy & Friends]
Seydinah - A la folie (Club Mix) [Sound of Music Records]
Aaliyah - One in a Million (Giegling remix)
Traumer - Quanta [Gettraum]
Fibre Foundation - Don't You Ever Stop (Club) [Big Big Trax]
Moloko - Sing It Back (Mousse T's Feel Love Mix) [Echo]
Kim Ann Foxman - Magic Magic [Firehouse]
ronan - Geodesis [On Loop]
Escape Artist - Wanna Dance? [X-Kalay]
Youandewan - Cauliflower Wing [Small Hours]
Ko Yang - Pony (Alex Kassian remix) [Bliss Point]
LT - Grain (No Moon remix) [X-Kalay]
Bliss Inc - Hacking the Planet [Radiant Love]
Bell Towers - Maybe We Can Work it Out (Eden Burns 48hrs remix) [Public Possession/Cascine]
Chrissy - Can't You Feel It [Dansu Discs]
Fibre Foundation - Free Your Mind (UK mix) [Big Big Trax]
Donald's House - Bassian Plain (Alex Kassian remix) [Touch From A Distance]
Unknown - Hot Like Jam [Parallax Unknown]

EMS Mix #005 - Kate

This week we return with our first digital + vinyl mix from a very, very special guest hailing from London, dj pana. dj pana is a true trance aficionado with an encyclopaedic knowledge of the genre and an unwavering passion for all things trance. Whether it is an obscure 90s record or something released last week, dj pana has a gifted ear for finding hidden gems and blending them in a seamless manner.

We begin with a gentle start featuring some trance inspired chug-downtempo, setting the introspective, mind-bending theme of the mix. Gated vocals, wide pads, psychedelic synths, warped basslines and some tight percussion all flow harmoniously as songs merge into a unified trance sound. 

The tempo slowly increases as we move on throughout the mix, but the atmosphere retains a meditative feel. Tension is continuously built and re-molded as we venture from a more techno-flavoured trance with emphasis on the kicks to the classic driving basslines and ethereal gated vocals of Goa-trance. The duet between each song entering and leaving in this mix is masterfully crafted by the conductor, dj pana.

Towards the end of the mix, we go from trance for the mind to trance for the body. High tempos, pounding kicks and big room, stabby synths show us the other side of trance, the body high. We unwind with one of the best songs of 2021 by Healion which is fitting for this pilgrammage.  

In dj pana's on words, this mix is "taking you through progressive and experimental sounds of the 90s and present day. Trance for the club, Trance for the home".

TRACKLIST:
DJ 2LATE - Lavender On Floor 7 (m00n Mix) [self-release]
Nail - Cassiopeia [Mysticisms]
Speedy J - The Oil Zone [Beam Me Up!]
Neutron 9000 - Indian Prayer [Rising High Records]
Voyage - OAF (Chord)[i.t.p recordings]
Silicion Sound - African Daydream [Moon Spirits Records
Evolution - The Experience of Taking A Step into Someone's Dream [Gaia Tonträger]
Human Beings - Phase [Deviate]
Push - Strange World (HH's Intera Chiron Mix) [Bonzai Records]
Ololiuqui - Fire [Ricochet Dream]
Repulsive Force - Trance Psycosis [Translusid]
Ipeo - Meet Your Maker [Al Gharib]
Ezy - Trollcontrol [Tricky Grain]
Omformer - March of The Goblins [Amniote X Ute]
Intrance - Te Quiero '97 (Commander Tom Remix) [Urban]
Drone - Contagious [Candyflip Records]
Ololiuqui - Frame Your Thoughts [self-release]
Healion - About Breathin [NAFF]

EMS Mix #006 - dj pana

Back again for an al fresco mix from one of our very own OUEMS crew, LJ Balance. LJ balance is the new kid on the Oxford block, originally from London, he recently arrived back last October and has firmly cemented himself within the Oxford scene in an impressively short amount of time in the city. LJ Balance has a dynamic approach to electronic music, rarely looking back, he is at the forefront of UK inspired sounds and this mix is chopped full of it. 

Kicking of proceedings, LJ Balance begins with a skewed drum 'n' bass sound intertwined with frissons of rhythmic excitement. Tensile beats make way for airy pads and snappy arpeggiated synths; the archetypal regimented kick drums lose shape and fragment, joining the melodic elements throughout this early section.

As we proceed, percussive elements precipitate through and the mix transforms to a more familiar, driving beat. The interplay of percussion and groove meld so seamlessly that teasing apart their individual components becomes almost impossible; the sharp beats and rhythmic patterns interlock with a fluidity that mirrors the natural flow of movement. 

Towards the peak of the mix, we transition into electro-infused sounds. Heavy bass patterns, shakingly-deep resonant vocals and distinctive, unpredictable synth patterns surge through with an intense, pensive energy, dominating this section of the mix.

The tail end of the mix slows things down, with the forceful and propulsive bassline giving way to a gentle, fluid bassline with a warped texture. Percussion is there to gently aid the colossal pads and acutely chopped vocals. A positive and vibrant conclusion. 

This mix is a rejection of what we all know electronic music to be, sometimes a rigorous and repetitive affair, LJ Balance breaks this down with a highly produced mix with some incredible forward thinking sounds.

TRACKLIST:
Kincaid - Sudden shifts in perspective [Grid]
Elephas - E.O.U [PAL.Sounds]
Lithe - Second Pavilion [Self Released]
Konx-Om-Pax - Rez (Skee Mask Remix) [Planet Mu]
Sentinel 793 - Movements [Universal Magnetic]
Hagan - Right Here [Future Bounce]
Destrata - Low Sun [INDEXLIFE]
(?) - [Cloudcore]
Gavnlig - Brands [INDEXLIFE]
Otik - Clairvoyant [Graded]
Surusinghe - BAD GIRLS [Steel City Dance Discs]
Gafacci - Wabisabi [Self Released]
Dotorado Pro - Macumba [Enchufada]
Mercy System - Troika Shuffle (Pluralist Remix) [Meld]
Y.A - Juggling [Emoticons]
LCY - Cherubim [SZNS7N]
Mr. Mitch - Trusss [Gobstopper]
Desert Sound Colony - Another Fish in the Pan [Unknown to the Unknown]
Front Bench - TEMPTING [199]
Yarn Init - A1 San City [Mind Controlled Rectifier]
DJ Karawai - OPERATOR [Sauce Traxx]
Aloka - View Source [Haws]
Soft Grunge - Bass in Your Chest [Posse Up!]
Thodén - Gush [Electroménager]
Stenny - Blind Corners [Ilian Tape]
Kenji Ko - Coaxer [3024]
Nico - Passage (feat. Tristan Arp) [Grid]
Moodrich - 4:44 AM [Self Released]
Skee Mask - CZ3000 Dub [Ilian Tape]
Tom VR - Soared Straight Through Me [all my thoughts]

EMS Mix #007 - LJ Balance

After a much-needed hiatus over the Easter holidays, we return with a truly special vinyl-only mix curated by our good friend Wat Tyler, a veteran Oxford head and the driving force behind FLOW. 

Wat Tyler has played a crucial role in building an authentic and vibrant alternative scene in Oxford, especially after the closure of Cellar left many feeling lost. The rise of FLOW soundsystem nights has been nothing short of inspirational, filling the void and then some, and becoming a bedrock of the scene that is a must-visit for any Oxford head seeking deep cut tech, trance, techno, and house records. 

But this mix is something different. It's a mesmerizing psychedelic adventure that combines downtempo, ambient, and progressive house in a whirlwind of tones and textures. Drawing inspiration from South Asian sounds, Wat Tyler weaves together ethereal harmonizing vocals with the rumble of the Goa drum, spanning over five decades with timeless cuts that showcase his exceptional selector abilities.

After 20 minutes of bliss, the mix shifts gears as the first kick drum enters, bridging the two sections with a gorgeous chugger that features grand pads, a driving kick, and a gentle sub bass. We now enter the next zone.

The latter half of the mix introduces more structured sounds with increased percussive elements, yet it retains its introspective feel with deep and wide synths and pads that are highly hypnotic and enchanting. This section has all the elements that make it truly captivating.

The mix concludes with a stronger focus on percussion, featuring driving breakbeats and swinging hi-hat patterns. However, it remains positively reflective and never too intense. The quality of the narrative in this sensational mix is reminiscent of a screenwriter's expertise, designed to evoke daydreaming and create an afterglow atmosphere.

In Wat Tyler's on words: "Tunes for the afterglow. Tracks that simmer in the dawn light, and don't normally get played out in clubs or parties. An eclectic mix for daydreaming. Mixed on vinyl in Cowley, sometime in March, 2023."

The magnificent artwork for this mix is created by Gabriella Bailey, whose amazing work can be found on her Instagram page. You can also find Wat Tyler on his newly launched Instagram and check out FLOW soundsystem for details about upcoming parties.

TRACKLIST:
Loscil - Argonaut I (Kranky, 2002)
Pass Into Silence - Voices (Kompakt, 2004)
Michael Shrieve & Steve Roach - Big Sky (Novus, 1988)
Bill Laswell & Gigi - Mengedegna (Time Capsule, 2019)
Another Fine Day - Life Before Land (Beyond, 1994)
Software - Frontiers-Of-Chaos (Innovative Communication, 1985)
Code - Part One: Dawn (Third Mind Records, 1994)
Taucher & Koma - Happiness (Dr. Atmo Remix) (Rumour Records, 1994)
Human Mesh Dance - Sunflower (Instinct Records, 1993)
Pilgrims of The Mind - Airplane (Interchill Records, 1996)
Off and Gone - Kopli (Harthouse, 1996)
Cap'm Stargazer vs Commander Mindfuck - Battle On the Tundra (The Initial Citrus Earthquake Confrontation) (Exist Dance, 1994)
N.Y.X - Delphi (Paradise 3001 Remix) (ESP Records, 1994)
Air Liquide - If There Was No Gravity (Rising High Records, 1994)

EMS Mix #008 - Wat Tyler

We return two weeks on featuring a live recording by our good mate and talented selector, Lil' Cam. In this vinyl-only set, Lil' Cam takes us on a journey through a small but unforgettable moment in time – the annual Mayday forest raves in Oxford; what a treat!

Lil' Cam is a frequent flyer up and down the M40, spinning records between Oxford and London, he delivers a unique style of rolling and hypnotic tech house, techno and trance. Lil' Cam is also a driving force for the scene here in Oxford. He plays a leading role in the FLOW nights which have become a staple in the calendar for any Oxford head; his role has been crucial in building a better scene here.

Listening back to this mix immediately brings me back to hearing this live in the woods. We begin with a Balearic and atmospheric theme: swinging percussion, grooving basslines, hypnotic kicks and airy pads. The energy was perfect as this began the descent into the night.

We sway back and forth between driving tech house and deeper introspective cuts as the mix proceeds. A pleasant interplay between the playful and warm elements throughout, reflected by the towering trees onto the dancefloor. Whether you're dancing wildly or lost in introspection, the mix invites you to let go and lose yourself in the music.

At the halfway mark, the mix takes a turn as we shift away from the rolling 4/4s and move into a breakbeat. As we journey through the musical wilderness, the mood gradually becomes darker, adding to the overall mystique of the experience. 

Towards the end of the mix, we're treated to some warm and ethereal acid trance that warps and bends around us, taking us even further on this spiritual journey. The mix concludes with a rolling tech house tune that features catchy vocals from an Absolut Vodka ad: "Clarity, Simplicity, Perfection" - a fitting end to a truly exceptional mix that showcases the range and skill of Lil' Cam's unique style.

Mayday is something truly special, where people come together to celebrate the power of collective action by organising free parties in the woods without leaving any trace. It's a beautiful testament to the love for nature, people, and sound. I want to personally thank all the DJs, sound engineers, soundsystem owners, decor artists, welfare, VJs and of course the ravers! For a small moment in time we had our utopia. 

TRACKLIST:
Christian Linder - Ultramagnetic [Phono Elements, 2001]
Nectar - The Wet Season [Grayhound Recordings, 2002]
Motorbass - Ezio [Different, 1996]
Quazar - La Sirena [Go Bang! Records, 1991]
Gideon Jackson - Taj-Mahal [London Housing Benefit, 2001]
Motion Blue - In Motion [Sumsonic, 2000]
Cozmo Giant - Eden (We Are Cozmo Giant) [Phuture Wax, 1996]
Bushwacka! - Bluntski [Plank Records, 2000]
Lehner & Biebl - Sweet [Urknall, 1999]
Harold Heath - Can You Feel [Uhuru Beats, 2002]
Octo Octa - River [Fabric, 2020]
Kruse - Absolut Kruse [absoluttracks.com, 2004]

EMS Mix #009 (Live Mayday Set)- Lil' Cam

After a much needed break, we return with a sizzlin', sunshine soaked,  summer mix provided by Barcelona based, Brussels raised, Oxford made; Eduardo. 

Eduardo immersed himself in the Oxford scene back in 2019, quietly observing the crowd and keeping a keen ear out for the burgeoning trance sounds that would soon take off. With one foot in the 00s and the other in the 20s, he unearthed hidden gems from Scandinavia to the overlooked classics of the Balearic Islands and everything in between. During this time, he was an avid listener, yet to make his mark behind the decks. Thankfully, we now present his sensational debut mix!

We are gently introduced to the mix with a delicate yet moody ambient soundscape brimming with positive undertones. A delicate structure provided by the soft breakbeats married with the ensemble of swirling synths leaves the listener engaged to the natural progression of the mix.

Swiftly transitioning into a Balearic trance classic from the late 2000s, we're enveloped in an ethereal atmosphere of airy vocals, lingering plucks, and warm pads that transport us to the Iberian Peninsula. This theme remains prevalent for the first third of the mix.

As we venture further into Eduardo's sonic palette, we encounter the more contemporary sounds that inspire him, with a particular focus on the techno-trance revival emanating from Scandinavia and Berlin. The tracks exude driving rhythms, emotional depth, and a melancholic aura.

The mix concludes where it began, with ethereal and floating ambient textures. The simplicity of these sounds enables their hypnotic effect, providing an emotionally charged ending to a thought-provoking mix that traverses the relationship between euphoria and melancholy.

For a debut mix, this is nothing short of excellent. A clear theme to the mix presented through widely differing sounds all tied together in a sublime manner. Check out Eduardo on his Instagram @edurodgermartinez

TRACKLIST:
Katcha - Touched by God (Katchas Quiet Storm Mix) [Hooj Choons]
Fragma, Inpetto - Toca's Miracle (2008 Inpetto Extended Mix) [Soundness Records]
Vegas Soul - Day by Day [Bellboy Records]
X-Coast - Move (Trans Mix) [Riviera Records]
gãl - Antre [mould.audio]
THIRD WIFE - Gone [Concrete Lab]
TERKEL HØNGAARD - Klubbasker [Extra Energy]
Alpha Tracks - Rainbow Worms [Ute.Rec]
XL Order - Quintessence [GODDEZZ]
Matriark - Virvle [self-release]
Dj Ibon - Båret af Myrer [Kengu]
The Hitmen - Like I Love You (Vocal Club Mix) [Dropout]
Lorenzo Senni - Dance Tonight Revolution Tomorrow [Warp Records]

EMS Mix #010 - Eduardo

As the summer months come to a close, OUEMS gaffer, Machachi, presents the final mix of the season.

When I took on the OUEMS project about a year ago, I inherited a vibrant community of heads across all genres. We nurtured this community through the open decks sessions for beginners, production workshops, and, of course, the mix series. Now, with the academic year approaching, it's time to pass on the project and bring in new energy!

Regarding the mix, it draws heavy inspiration from recent free parties in the woods around Oxford and London. I've selected tracks that capture the essence of these recent sounds. Whether it's the energetic peak time or the blissful morning chuggers, my hope is that this mix takes you to that special place.

I'm excited to see how OUEMS evolves and investing more time into my personal projects. Stay tuned, as we'll be back in October with more exciting events! x

TRACKLIST:
Machachi - insect repellent [unreleased, 2023]
Mittelstandskinder Ohne Strom - Spring [Organic Records, 1998]
Atmos - A.Pro.X [Sprial Trax, 1999]
S-Range - Kym [Flying Rhino Records, 2000]
Polyploid - Popag [Intruder Records, 1995]
Zeta - Taiga Part 3 [area127, 2022]
Eupsychia - 2001 [Hadshot Haheizar, 1997]
Biotone - D.wave [Indica, 1996]
Cosmo Chaos - Ghost Inside Wired [Shiva Space Technology, 2002]
Psicotek - Deoxy's Destiny [CrudeBerlin, 2022]
Synthetic Progress - Acid Future [Harthouse, 1995]
Ylem - MaelstromYlem - Maelstrom [Tonkin' Records, 1997]
Astral Projection - Life on Mars [Transient Records, 1997]
Bob Z - Visa [unreleased, 2023]
Machachi - chug bug [unreleased, 2023]
Nicola Cruz - Naeku (John Talabot Remix) [Multi Culti, 2021]

EMS Mix #011 - Machachi

For our first mix of the academic year, we have Martian Moves cofounder and OUEMS organiser, LJ Balance, returning with a storming peak time mix to kick off the new season.

Building tension from the first track straight into a polyrhythmic transition, the London native doesn’t let up, blazing through gripping latin techno and hard drum grooves, through to acid-drenched electro and swirling deep techno. Voyaging through tracks that defined the UK underground’s festival season, alongside deeper cuts familiar to the discerning Martian Moves punter, LJ Balance brings the intergalactic flavours for an hour of non-stop dance floor damage.

OUEMS mix #012 - LJ Balance

To kick off the academic year we have long time OPS/OUEMS associate and Chrono-synclastic Infundibulum head honcho rm *.  Having cut his teeth on the Oxford nightlife circuit over a decade ago as a wide-eyed attendee of Simple, Cellar and Eclectric nights (back when top name DJs were the same price as a Najar's) their modus operandi is blending the trippiest, funkiest strains of underground dance music lineage. Psychedelic as an adjective, not a genre.

After a quick trip down memory lane to a particularly wonky afters in a Dutch apartment, the mix quickly locks into tough UK leaning breaks and techno from the early 90s to the present. A standout is Rayce & Ree's "Not High" which, although a product of the Florida breaks scene, epitomises the dark energy of peak-era UK rave, with skittering drums and acid lines over a dark, grinding bassline. The mix climaxes midway with Peter van Hoesen's psychedelic behemoth "Dream Implosion", which rm * would like to thank his dear friend [redacted] for finding after trading in his Tinder premium subscription for Discogs. For the second half, the mix moves through acidic, rugged electro ("music that tells you how to dance") mixed with grime from MRK1 and Loefah's "3rd Choice", a dubstep masterclass in heavyweight minimalism. Definitely not a drop-in replacement for your dark academia study playlist, we recommend listening in the dark as a software upgrade or when embarking on a medium-deep afters following a mind expanding night on the town.

Catch rm * live at the OPS start of term party Wednesday 15th October 2025 at the Bullingdon: https://ra.co/events/2269193

Tracklist:
Charles Cohen - Sunrise: Women / Men
Tim Love Lee - The Tortoise (Sex Tags Mania NYC Mix)
Asusu - Velez
Pearson Sound - Rubber Tree
Loco Dice - Roots (DJ Tennis Remix)
DJ’s Rayce & Ree - Not High
Batu - Melts into Air
Polygon Window - Quoth (Wooden Thump Mix)
Peter van Hoesen - Dream Implosion
ScanOne - Andromeda (Sync 24 Remix)
Carl Finlow - Hashtag (Radioactive Man Remix)
Morah - Cassiopeia’s Daughter’s Nebular Gate
Silicon Scally - Formulant
Gamma Intel - Thread
MRK1 - Fight
DJ Dijital - Bang
Gabor Lazar - Excite
Gamma Intel - School of Common Sense
Vex’d - 3rd Choice (Loefah Remix)
Rob Acid - Overview
Dreams - Glok
Second Storey - Attack of the Modlings (/DL/MS/ Remix)

OUEMS Mix #013 - rm *

OUEMS Mix #015 brings no-holds-barred, dance floor detonators from longtime affiliate DJ Double Tap.

Starting strong with the instantly recognisable hook of Sweet Dreams, quickly warped and shredded by the chaos-inducing log drums of Soundcloud savant Akalex, DJ Double Tap bursts out the traps with an unapologetic statement of intent: Leave the pretences at the door, cos we’re here to party. 

After locking in the listener with consecutive earworm pop remixes, Double Tap deep dives for a headsy double-header from French WAJANG boss Siu Mata, building tension with his pacey percussive steppers. The ears perk up again as Double Tap weaves in acapellas from 00’s grime and 2020’s UK rap - Skepta & BBK, Tion Wayne, and Central Cee in quick succession - set to visceral body-moving GQOM and UK Funky, with hard-hitting clave claps and bone-rattling percussion. Straddling the Atlantic, Double Tap quick-steps between Brasilian bouncing baile funk and South African amapiano log drums; the inevitable BADSISTA’s fusion of acid and baile scrambles circuits on both sides of the equator.

Deftly mixing across amapiano, gqom and afro house to jersey, dembow and baile funk, Double Tap traverses the best of Black, Afro and Latin dance music, for an hour of relentless hip-shaking party material.

Tracklist: 

1. AJAY - Sweet Dreams (GQOM Edit by AJAY and AKALEX) [Self-Released]
2. Omagoqa - 4th Wave [The Other Side Recordings]
3. Shouse - Love Tonight (Vintage Culture & Kiko Franco Remix) [Hell Beach]
4. Jerome Sydor - Fame (Original Mix) [Sunset Gathering]
5. T.NO - SON TIN [Self-Released]
6. Siu Mata - Rodinia [NERVOUS HORIZON]
7. Siu Mata - Kenorland [NERVOUS HORIZON]
8. T.NO - 2MANY [Self-Released]
9. LOVE SIX - ShutGqom (LOVE SIX Edit) [Self-Released]
10. Russ Millions & Tion Wayne - Body (Sorensen Gqom Remix) [Self-Released]
11. Central Cee, Lil Baby - BAND4BAND (NIVEK Edit) [Self-Released]
12. SHINSHAN SALAZAR - THE HANDS WILL BE IN THE AIR [Self-Released]
13. Anorre - No Sabia [HoTL Records]
14. T.NO - Ela Desce, Ela Sobe [Self-Released]
15. Pablito Pesadilla, Barbero Exotico, Paul Sax - Viaje Infinito [Pablo Pesadilla Records]
16. Safri Duo - Trompetitas (Extended DJ Manu Remix) [Self-Released]
17. badsista - Jogou De Beat [Pantera Cartel]
18. La Materialista ft. N-Fasis - Taka Taka (Siu Mata Edit) [WAJANG]
19. TLC Fam - Izulu lama [GQOM OH!]
20. SHUKO - NASTY (SHUKO Gqom REMIX) [Self-Released]
21. Sho Madjozi - Huku [Flourish & Multiply]
22. T.NO - TOKYO GQOM [Self-Released]

OUEMS Mix #015 - Double Tap: A Set for Shango

The young Oxford-based DEE shows experience beyond her years in a smooth, funky-stepping hour of dance-floor focused house grooves.

Starting with a burst of euphoric, pumping vocal house, DEE lets the swing take a hold before Dale Howard’s Nasty menacing bass line surges forth and lets you know she means business. Skipping through familiar hooks like Wild Child’s Renegade Master bassline - given the 2025 treatment by Jordan Peak for dance music institution Defected Records - DEE sails into the flow with the cool charisma of peak festival season. 

Into the peak of the mix there’s no shortage of sexy drops, giving low end groove and 4 to the floor sway. Keeping the energy high with the wild synths of Marian’s Git The Light, DEE rolls on with syncopated bongos and shiningly clean off-beat hats to counter ever-chunkier basslines.

Moving into the last section, rolling bass and stomping kicks meet space age acid worbles in DEE’s own track Nevermind, an undeniable highlight of the mix, even in such esteemed company. Ending with the iconic sample from Yello’s Oh Yeah that seems to echo her attitude to the dance floor, DEE’s mix will have you in denial that summer is over as you groove away into the sunset.

Tracklist:

Carlita, Andre Zimmer - Raf [Fabric Records]
Dale Howard - Nasty 90’s [MOXY MUZIC]
Jordan Peak - Front 2 Back [Defected Records]
Watchers (UK) - Rush [UNLISH]
Ammo Avenue - The Invite [Kaluki Musik]
Freenzy Music - To The Jungle [Hellbent Records]
Chris Di Perri, Iglesias, Melanie Ribbe - I’m So Bad (Iglesias Remix) [Elrow Music]
Puff(ITA) - Disaster Frank [Reecords]
Marian(BR) - Git The Light [BANDIDOS]
Bedran. , Steve Gerard - Shortbus Symphony [Fresh Step Music]
Kidoo - Groove Theory [MUSE]
Latmun - Again [Solid Grooves Raw]
DEE (uk) - Nevermind [Self-release]
Brad Brunner, AG Swifty - Resonate [COCO]
Ammo Avenue - Triple X [BANDIDOS]
Seeing Double - Ring The Alarm [South Of Saturn]
Junior Jack - Thrill Me (Philip Z Vocal Mix) [Self Release]
RILEY - Passion [Self Release]
Iglesias, Latmun - Duffman [Mindshake Records]

OUEMS Mix #016 - DEE (uk)

London-based drum & bass specialist DJ Sorrido blends 5+ years behind the decks with a deep love for the genre's darker, heavier edge. Inspired by pioneers like Benny L and Adam F, DJ Sorrido channels the raw, sinister energy of drum & bass while keeping its history alive in every set. Pushing weighty basslines and relentless rhythms, Sorrido pays homage to the roots while driving the sound forward.

Tracklist:
Dillinja, Break - Hard Noize (Break Remix) [Valve]
Septon - Shotgun [Informal]
Benny L - Shadow People [Metalheadz]
Beat Assassins, Phibes - Home Grown (Phibes Remix) [Jungle Cakes] Disrupta, Zoro - Fire [Nuusic]
Brek, Calyx & TeeBee - Keepin It Raw (Calyx & TeeBee Remix) [Symmetry Recordings]
Levela - Exhale [Get Hype Recordings]
Terrence & Phillip - Trust No One [T&P Music]
DJ Limited, Traumatize - Buss It (Traumatize Remix) [Biological Beats]
DLR, Break, Randall - Song and Dance VIP [Self Released]
Benny L - Venta Black [Metalheadz]
Ben Snow - Out in the Streets [ELEVANTE RECORDS]
Randall - Something Going On [MAC 2 DIGITAL]
Traumatize - Mind Your Own [Biological Beats]
Alex Reece, Benny L - Pulp Fiction (Benny L Remix) [Metalheadz]
MC Bassman, Dutta - Power to Kill (Dutta's mix) [Souped Up]
Iskia - Feel So [Gorilla Warfare]
Iskia - Pass Thru [Gorilla Warfare]
Simula - Behemoth [UKF]
K Motionz, Simula - Phantasm [K Motions Music]
Mefijus, Camo & Krooked, SOTA, Circadian - Sientelo (Sota & Circadian Remix) [UKF]
Kings Of The Rollers, Serum, Bladerunner, Voltage - Chin Swinger [Souped Up Records)
DRZ - Ghosts [Alpha Circuit]
Formula, Spasez - Sniffing Monkey (Spadez Remix) [Wonky Goose]

OUEMS Mix #017 - DJ Sorrido

OUEMS Mix #018 presents close collaborator, DJ and journalist squidj, who has not only rocked our dancefloors in recent weeks but our inboxes too, writing numerous excellent investigative articles for the new OUEMS newsletter (available on her Substack @scarlettsnotes).

Recorded during the same musical rut that inspired her article on the phenomenon of DJ burnout, squidj has stitched together a sequence of invigorating earworms to help her clamber out of the burnout hole.

Starting groovy and deep with 6 minutes of a Gabriel Belabbas deep house track, squidj’s long-form DJing feels more akin to a selection style than the frenetic transitions typical of the digital DJ era. Stepping with confidence over Eris Drew’s uplifting swing and Kaval’s funky percussion, these longer mixes afford even more impact to each drop, bringing out the subtleties of the production and enveloping the listener.

squidj smoothly slides into a euphoric bounce of trancey and progressive styles towards the second half of the mix, with expansive arpeggiated synths and syncopated bass plucks, before ending the set with the addictive loops of Lew E and Avalon Emerson to travel deeper into the wormhole than ever before.

As evident from the slighter tracklist than that of previous mixes, squidj is experimenting with a slower form of DJing to appreciate tracks in their near-entirety, drawing out each mix and allowing the alchemical combinations to bubble away.

Tracklist:
Gabriel Belabbas - Rider On The Storm
Eris Drew - Transcendental Access Point
Inland Knights - Bounce
Kaval - Iguazú
C.K - Decisiveness
Joe Goddard - Rapid Fire (feat. Laima)
Sweely - Recentre Yourself
Spray - Double Stunt
Cameo Blush - Just Concentrate
Utah Saints, Drumsound, Bassline Smith - What Can You Do For Me (7th Heaven Remix)
The Trip  - My Paradise
Fruit - Bull of Heavens
Avalon Emerson, Tornado Wallace - A Dam Will Always Divide (Lew E Asks The Dust Remix)

OUEMS Mix #018 - squidj

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