FMB MIXTAPE 252 | TOSHIKI OHTA

Posted on November 28, 2024 by Feel My Bicep

FMB MIXTAPE 252 | TOSHIKI OHTA 

FMB MIXTAPE 252 | TOSHIKI OHTA (320 DOWNLOAD)

FMB MIXTAPE 252 | TOSHIKI OHTA (iTUNES)

On this weeks episode of the FMB mixtape series we welcome Toshiki Ohta. He is a London based Anglo-Japanese DJ and a co-host of the cult NTS show Sacred Pools. He’s known for mixing between textures, genres, tempos and styles, underground and overground, with a love for pitched down jungle, pitched up breakbeat rave, EBM, dark balearic and acid rollers. Let’s catch up… 

Music wise, I’ve had a great year – for someone isn’t a “career” DJ, I’ve been lucky to play at some amazing spots in 2024 – Fabric for Daniel Avery’s Divided Love (b2b with Bicep support Manami), Queens Yard Summer Party, Love International, Waterworks and Field Maneuvers were some highlights. I’ve had a relatively quiet close to the year, but just had my NTS Sacred Pools show recently. 

This mix was recorded at home on x3 Pioneer XDJ1000 and a Pioneer DJM800 mixer. I actually recorded this in the middle of the night so I had to do this using my wife’s headphones (also not my usual AI AI AI ones as I have misplaced them…) as my family were asleep. It took over 20 attempts to record it as the first 4 minutes is three tracks layered over each other and trying to get that right with no monitor and non-dj standard headphones was a mission. Nailed it at 03:30 am… 

In the same way that Matt and Andy cover a wide range of BPMs and textures across what they play, I wanted to do the same with this mix where what I play is loosely in their world of music, but at the same time this is something to listen to rather than just hearing on the dance floor. I described it to Matt as “ethereal bangers” and this mix is relatively pacy with a 136 – 166 bpm range. I’ve dug deep into my collection for this, with tracks from 1991 through to 2024, with selections from all 4 decades. I love recording mixes just as much as I love playing to a dance floor. 

Up Next…

Just locking in some dates for next year which is exciting. I’m playing for the Dairy Farm crew at Low Profile Studios Manor House, London tomorrow night (Friday 29th Nov) – that will be quite slamming hardcore / bass / techno / jungle set, then spending a month in Ibiza on a family trip (I’ll be playing at The Standard with legendary promoter Mark Broadbent on 12th December), and my first show next year is 28th February with Full Measure at The Waiting Room, Stoke Newington. Some very exciting festival and club dates to be announced…

For mixes, I’m in conversation with an institutional London record store to contribute to their mix series which I’m excited about as well, plus the usual quarterly Sacred Pools show on NTS.

Tracklist:

  1. The Gateway Experience – Twin Freaks | Stealth Records [1991]
  2. Lobe – Limbic | Swim [1995]
  3. Chemical Brothers – Leave Home (Terror Drums)  | Freestyle Dust [1995]
  4. DJ Close Your Eyes To Find Me – Angel Trance Edit 11 | Falling Star Erotica [2021]
  5. Distance Dancer – Brain Dance | Nowt Music [2020]
  6. The Jaffa Kid –  Ytron | Self Release [2021]
  7. Apollo Two – Return To Atlantis (LTJ Bukem Remix | Good Looking [1993]
  8. Paranoid London – The State Of That | Self Release [2021]
  9. Pierre Rousseau – Mémoire De Forme (Joakim Redrum Remix) | Beats In Space [2023]
  10. Mathis Ruffing – Somersault | none/such [2023]
  11. PAN-AL – It’s Rigged | Apollo Records [2019]
  12. Slowdive – Kisses (Daniel Avery Remix) | Dead Oceans [2024]
  13. DJ Rap – A Strange Paradise | Propa Talent [2006]
  14. Paul Blackford – Half Life | Deadlock [2009]
  15. Scarper – Night Flight | Self Release [2018]
  16. DJ LHC – Blue Beam | ZONAᴇxᴘ [2021]
  17. Navdeep – Amrit | Nasha [2002]
  18. Orca – Rain Of Drums | Lucky Spin [1993]

 

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FMB MIXTAPE 251 | TIA COUSINS

Posted on November 14, 2024 by Feel My Bicep

FMB MIXTAPE 251 | TIA COUSINS

FMB MIXTAPE 251 | TIA COUSINS (320 DOWNLOAD)

FMB MIXTAPE 251 | TIA COUSINS (iTUNES)

On this week of the FMB Mixtape we welcome Tia Cousins, she is a collector with a passion for in-between sounds, for experimental genres and niches both old and new. She is the co-parent of the newly launched Music To Watch Seeds Grow Bt imprint & hosts a monthly show on Bristol’s Noods Radio. Let’s catch up with her…

In the beginning there was Tia, and Tia had a groove, and from this groove, came the groove of all grooves

And while one day viciously throwing down on his box, Tia boldy declared, “Let there be CHUG!”

I’ve been playing lots of fun gigs & getting stuff together for the launch of mine & Wil’s cassette/digital label ‘Music To Watch Seeds Grow By’. the first cassette drops later this month & we’ve got some other exciting releases in the pipeline too!

I recorded this one morning at home on my housemates cdj set up – 2x CDJ900s, some sort of DJM mixer and a coffee next to me.

I get pretty stressed out recording mixes so I had a start and end track in mind, the rest is a bit of a freestyle. I guess it’s a snippet from a dark, sweaty club when you’re not too sure what the time is anymore.

Up next…

Winding down for the year! Got a few gigs for some homies – playing at Wigflex Exxxtra Long at Corsica Studios, Digital Garden’s first party at The Flying Duck in Glasgow and then me and my DJ partner in crime Ruf Dug will be hosting a pub quiz & 6 hour b2b for The Mirror Dance in Edinburgh!

Tracklist:

  1. Paula Tape – Panamericana
  2. Steele-Up – Waiting For You (Fabrizio Mammarella Rework)
  3. Zerocks – Margin / Industrie
  4. Iro Aka – Olafon
  5. Dave Aju – Telekuneko
  6. In Flagranti – Raw Substance (Eric Duncan Remix)
  7. Cowboy Rhythmbox – Rock Music (Erol Alkan Rework)
  8. Miss Represented – Crack That Habit (Johnny Aux Remix)
  9. Open Secret – Chatterbox
  10. Amor Fati – Mattie’s Word Down Edit
  11. Idjut Boys – Schlagstock (Vacant Gaze Version)
  12. Babes In Love – Bonus Babes Dub Reprise
  13. Benedikt Frey – Dominatrix
  14. Cute Heels – Third Skin (Steffi Remix)
  15. Nova Materia – Aparence en Suenos
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FMB MIXTAPE 250 | ROSE KOURTS

Posted on October 31, 2024 by Feel My Bicep

FMB MIXTAPE 250 | ROSE KOURTS

FMB MIXTAPE 250 | ROSE KOURTS (320 DOWNLOAD)

FMB MIXTAPE 250 | ROSE KOURTS (iTUNES)

On this weeks episode of the FMB Mixtape series, we welcome Rose Kourts, the Brooklyn-based DJ and radio host whose built a reputation for sets that surprise and delight. She is a co-founder and resident of beloved renegade party Sweet Kicks and is a resident at Lot Radio for her show “GEMS”. Her selections weave through house, techno, electro, trance and jungle! Let’s catch up with her…

I’ve been keeping very busy! I’ve been on the road every month this year, and when I’m home I’m usually either DJing in NYC, prepping for an upcoming set, or out on a dancefloor enjoying the immense talent and incredible events we have here every weekend. Lately though I’ve also been sprinkling in weekends off for rest and self-care, which has looked like quality time with loved ones outside the club, going down rabbit holes at home with new records and assignments for an Ableton course I’m taking, and monthly trips to the sauna (new fave way to rejuvenate!). I also think it’s very important as an artist to slow down and take time to reflect on how your artistry is being expressed and received. This is especially true the bigger and bigger the opportunities coming your way get. Speaking personally, my entire year has seen nonstop, iconic, inspirational, wildly rewarding new experiences and connections and a few dreams come true so I have lots to reflect on and immense gratitude for all the trust to tear it up all over the place. At the risk of sounding cheesy I have genuinely just been soaking up the blessings, trying to take any stresses in stride and not limit myself in any of my own imaginings for the future.

I recorded this mix at home using two XDJ-1000s and a DJM-750 mixer, focusing on getting songs to kiss with one eye on the decks and one eye on my cats.

As this mix is scheduled to air on Halloween, I decided to take the phrase “bubble, bubble, toil and trouble” as inspiration. I wanted to conjure up a mix built around tracks that bring to mind a bubbling cauldron (is it a love potion, or poison?) and blend grooves that evoke mischief magic with those that hold a simmering darkness – ultimately with the goal of casting a spell upon my coven of listeners. I tend to be a rather genre-agnostic selector; while I originally thought I would lean entirely into a spooky bag, in the end I’m delighted that this mix traverses a range of moods across different corners of electronic music. Listening back I feel slinky sensuality playing an groovy tug of war with weirdo twists and turns. Very Rose Kourts.

Up Next…

When this mix comes out, I’ll be out in Montréal for the first time playing during Halloween weekend! Afterwards I’ll be taking a short break from gigs to focus on other creative projects, like production and a few more mixes I finally have the headspace for. I’m also taking some time to vision board the future; thinking about next iteration of dreamy gigs to work towards is the first step in manifesting, whenever the stars align. I am already working on dates for 2025, including a much anticipated EU tour in May (yes y’all, she’s back!) and would love to explore more of the world in next autumn. Unrelated to DJing, I’m delighted to be firmly in my Auntie era and am eager to share the joy of music with some sweet babies in my life :)

P.S. Big love to Bicep for having me join their North America CHROMA tour date in NYC last month, and as a contributor on this excellent mix series!

Tracklist:

  1. HONEY B & Next Dimensional – MYSTERY INC
  2. Modini – Impressive Pineapple
  3. Neil Landstrumm – Purple
  4. Lady Blacktronika – Feel So Good
  5. Mazewski & Verlake – Gokaider (Hizuo Remix)
  6. estoc – A Sea of Flowers (Pollination Mix)
  7. CCL – The Plot Thickens (ft. D Tiffany)
  8. WILHELMINA – Loose
  9. Jennifer Loveless – Pleasure (tINI Booty Remix)
  10. Huey Mnemonic – Brainscraatch
  11. Escaflowne – Monterey Bay
  12. Paál – Quarter Pounder Remix (G. Flame’s Deeper Loft Dub)
  13. WILHELMINA – DANCE RITUAL
  14. WTCHCRFT – THE ENGINEER
  15. Maōh – The Escape
  16. Maōh – Time’s Up
  17. Huey Mnemonic – Slipping into Madness
  18. Regal86 – Cross-eye view
  19. KETTALYNNE & Yazzus – Tefla
  20. Maōh – Labyrinthion
  21. Franco Alesso – Genetic Skunk (Original Mix)
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FMB MIXTAPE 249 | BOO

Posted on October 17, 2024 by Feel My Bicep

FMB MIXTAPE 249 | BOO

FMB MIXTAPE 249 | BOO (320 DOWNLOAD)

FMB MIXTAPE 249 | BOO (iTUNES)

On this weeks episode of the FMB Mixtape, we welcome BOO, the artist exploring the dynamic space between club and ambient soundscapes and curating dream state party series and record Label Ghetec. She describes her distinct and emotive productions as “emotional body music” yearning for liberation through self-expression. Let’s catch up with her and find out what she’s been up to lately…

I’m writing new music, developing my songwriting, working on some bespoke compositions and also building Ghetec @gh3tec (my community, label and party series). 

This mix was recorded at home on 2 x XDJ 1000’s and Allen & heath Xone 42 mixer.

The mix is inspired by my memories from summer as we transition into winter. It’s hyper dancey then tails off into more introspective selections. I’m trying to find the intersection between shifting club sounds and experimental music with a peppering of leftfield pop. In some ways this feels like my first mix as Boo, as I’m just discovering how to play in a way that feels like me! 

Up Next…

I’ve got a few shows coming up and a Boiler Room early next year. Until then I’m working on my next release and a mix series of my own for Ghetec.

Tracklist:

  1. Boo – Hyper Feminine
  2. FKA Twigs – Eusexua
  3. Charli xcx – Everything is romantic featuring caroline polachek
  4. Dark Sky & Afriquoi – Cold Harbour
  5. Tha Pumpkin – Take Me (Norman & Pain Melo Mix) (1995).mp3
  6. Nikolai – Ready to Flow (Original Mix)
  7. ? – Met Her At Merseplatten
  8. Joris Voorn – Incident (Miyagi)
  9. Doss – Strawberry (Singin’ Club Mix)
  10. Tritone – I Know You’re Out There
  11. Nick León – Xtasis Feat. DJ Babatr (Pearson Sound remix)
  12. Effy – The Highest Level
  13. Mothers Pride -Floribunda(Big C Remix)
  14. Jockstrap – 50/50 (Extended Mix)
  15. Big Boi – Kryptonite (Nick León Baile mix)
  16. Four Tet – Parallel Jalebi
  17. John Beltran – Everything At Once
  18. Lauren Duffus – unreleased
  19. Dj Funk – The Roof Is On Fire!
  20. Arca – 「AALIYAH」x あいのうた
  21. LCY – 0NLY 0NE
  22. Christian Dior Denim Flow (Snow Strippers Remix)
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FMB MIXTAPE 248 | NIKI LAUDA

Posted on October 3, 2024 by Feel My Bicep

FMB MIXTAPE 248 | NIKI LAUDA 

FMB MIXTAPE 248 | NIKI LAUDA (320 DOWNLOAD)

FMB MIXTAPE 248 | NIKI LAUDA (iTUNES)

This week on the Feel My Bicep mixtape, we welcome Niki Lauda! Niki is a Bulgarian queer artist who started by DJ’ing and throwing events in Grenada, and now Barcelona. As a big part of the spanish electronic scene, they have played at the likes of Sónar, Primavera Sound, Boiler Room, Elrow and more. Let’s catch up with them…

Recently I’ve been on a rollercoaster because I’ve just moved to a new home in Barcelona with a new job in the music industry so now my days are really busy because I also have to combine it with my personal projects. So I have these thoughts laying in bed like finally I am on the path I wanted all these years and my ambition continues to grow so if I don’t start organizing myself better and resume therapy it will eat me up. Also why is downtempo not on trend? Let trip hop make a comeback, pleaseeee.

I recorded it for the first time playing in my new home with my own equipment (I was without it for like a year), and my roomies were listening to it, so cute. My computer crashed yesterday so I had to put together last minute tracks mixed with my friend’s songs… a rollercoaster, sis.

So you can find lots of percussion, an underline dubstep rhythm, very deep, very clubby. Some political message and 3 unreleased tracks from 3 Barcelona based artists talented as phuck. It is somehow a tribute to the city of Barcelona, since it has changed my life. :)

Up Next…

Inspiration and being with my friends. We are going to the Unsound Festival in Poland for the weekend and I’m very excited that I can take this mini break to connect with them and dance, eat, laugh, cry, sleep together in a city I’ve never been to. No work, just vibes. Thank you for listening!<3

Tracklist:

  1. Sankara Future Dub Resurgence – Dreams Are Dub Reality
  2. Ramadanman – Drowning (Version
  3. Drumheller – Barracuda
  4. The Mahgreban, Omaar – Waiting (Ploy Remix)
  5. Bamao Yendé – Tornado
  6. RAVL – Doomsday Clockmakers
  7. re:ni – Thousand Yard State
  8. Alvva – Unreleased
  9. Camion Bazar – YLB
  10. COIDO – Ritterstep
  11. DJ COLL – Unreleased
  12. LEYKA – Sirocco
  13. Freck II – Whaha Riddim
  14. 9TRANE – Moat
  15. Laksa – Belly Brocka
  16. Leese – Sag (Capiuz Remix)
  17. Johnny Reebok – Aphrodite Dub
  18. Leonce, Neana – Tense It
  19. LaFrancesssa – Unreleased

 

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