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:
- HONEY B & Next Dimensional – MYSTERY INC
- Modini – Impressive Pineapple
- Neil Landstrumm – Purple
- Lady Blacktronika – Feel So Good
- Mazewski & Verlake – Gokaider (Hizuo Remix)
- estoc – A Sea of Flowers (Pollination Mix)
- CCL – The Plot Thickens (ft. D Tiffany)
- WILHELMINA – Loose
- Jennifer Loveless – Pleasure (tINI Booty Remix)
- Huey Mnemonic – Brainscraatch
- Escaflowne – Monterey Bay
- Paál – Quarter Pounder Remix (G. Flame’s Deeper Loft Dub)
- WILHELMINA – DANCE RITUAL
- WTCHCRFT – THE ENGINEER
- Maōh – The Escape
- Maōh – Time’s Up
- Huey Mnemonic – Slipping into Madness
- Regal86 – Cross-eye view
- KETTALYNNE & Yazzus – Tefla
- Maōh – Labyrinthion
- Franco Alesso – Genetic Skunk (Original Mix)