Had a little extra time so I thought I would dedicate a bonus round of the “Best Of” to another medium I hold near and dear - mixes. Between podcasts, souncloud and internet radio, there’s an incredible amount of material out there. While some disagree with the ethos behind the mix, I love what it’s become and it truly can be an art form and a great way to promote your brand/aesthetic as well. Here are some mixes that stood out for me this year:
Samuel Kerridge - Red Bull Train Wreck Mix
Kerridge displays such an incredible mix of brvtalising sound and artful technique. When I heard Suicide over Covered in Sand to kick things off I was blown away.
Kerri LeBon - Jealous God Issue No. Five
One of my favorites of 2014. Kerri’s mixes cover such a wide array of genres and eras, yet manage to find a common thread every time. I loved the whole feeling of this mix and hearing Body of Light with The Wake and Silent Servant was amazing.
Pandora’s Jukebox - Mega.Mix.One.
While maybe not the most Brvtal mix, I included this because Pandora’s Jukebox is the queen of assembling sexy, sultry after-hours type vibes and you can always envision yourself at an underground avant garde party smoking cigarettes and drinking champagne with interesting people. And I like that.
S13 - Burning the Existence
Secret 13 has easily the most unique, in depth, fringe mixes out there. I learn something new every single time a mix comes out. When “Burning the Existence” was released on Halloween it took things to another level. 3 hours of the outer edges of goth and post punk. This will be played for years to come.
Violet Poison - SWQW Podcast 005
I love the whole aesthetic of Violet Poison and they create dark, powerful music that can fit into multiple genres. This is clearly on display here with a great darkwave mix that lets you peer into the mind.
Silent Servant - Powell Melon Magic on NTS Radio (April)
I could have also went with Silent Servant’s LN-CC mix, Fabric X Jealous God and a couple others but I just had the most fun listening to this one. Juan continues to show that he is one of the most versatile and skilled producers/djs out there.
CVLT Nation - Deathrock 2014 curated by Oliver Shephard
These deathrock mixes have been going for a couple years now and they have not lost any steam in my opinion. The deathrock scene is currently going strong and these are a great way to discover old and new.
Jock Club - Red City Deep House Mix
This is short but powerful and most importantly, DEEP. This could have been mixed by an old school Detroit legend but it’s by the young and up and coming deep house member of Ascetic House. They win again.
Rrose - Little White Earbuds
A rare mix from Rrose this year. I love h/er whole performance art concept and these mixes always come with dark, brooding techno, perfect for the endless nights.
Ryan Elliot - Panorama Bar 06
Ok fine, this is obvious but it really is that good!