The DJ Mix as we know it (and for that matter the distribution of independent sound) has been in massive transformation over the last decade. The form and the format started to shift with the slow death of the cassette. And while CD-R offered a similar time format and D.I.Y. possibilities they never took off the way anyone hoped because over that time we’ve become digitized (and most have one foot in the cloud). Simultaneously independent radio was facing a slow death and stations that we grew up on were disappearing. This leads to a bigger problem – how to deliver your music, your message, your audio signal to the masses?
The obvious conclusion here is - thank goodness for podcasts. What began as a format that people questioned has become a pillar in keeping broadcasting alive. Here at Dubspot HQ, as you can imagine, we are constantly bombarded with wonderful sounds from every direction. We’re always listening to something fresh, so what we’ve done here is compiled a list of what we consider to be essentials – podcasts such as Gilles Peterson’s Worldwide Podcast, Resident Advisor / RA Exchange, XLR8R, Sound Pellegrino, Create Digital Music’s Music Tech In Review, Stones Throw and Ghostly. While we are on the subject – stay tuned for an update to the Dubspot Podcast (which you may have noticed had disappeared for the moment.) We’re working on a new and improved version and will have more info on that for you soon. In meantime, check out the podcasts we have in our playlists; preview the sounds, and if you’re so inclined – do subscribe.
Gilles Peterson’s Worldwide
Kicking off this roundup is Gilles Peterson’s wonderfully eccentric podcast series. As one of the world’s most respected selectors Peterson always seems to know about new music before just about anyone else. This prolific podcast covers everything from the psychedelic hip hop & R&B of SA-RA to highlighting dubstep luminaries like Benga and Skream. Worldwide is probably the only podcast in which you’ll find the legendary Herbie Hancock alongside upcoming future bass and funk talent Actress (below).
RA Exchange
While Resident Advisor’s now-legendary podcast continues to bring the freshest artists from the world of DJing to your iPod, the RA Exchange has really caught our attention in recent months. Launched in mid-2010, the RA Exchange is a podcast featuring some of our favorite artists talking about how they make music and the philosophies behind the creations. Sometimes drifting into stories from the days-of-old, it’s always interesting to hear people like Dave Clarke, Quincy Jones (seriously), and Function talk about how they got into this world of music. It’s also refreshing to listen to something that isn’t a mix once in a while.
Music Tech in Review
While on the subject of wordy podcasts, another recent favorite is Music Tech in Review. Launched by two of the most prominent writers on the subject, Peter Kirn and Oliver Chesler, the first episode breezes through the future of iOS music creation, Rock Band 3 and a bunch of other techy stuff that we recommend checking out. Also – please take a moment to read Create Digital Music (by Kirn) and Wire to the Ear (by Chesler) for the latest in music technology news.
Little White Earbuds
Over the years LWE has become the go-to source for critical reviews of music with an academic take on writing. They cover the fringes of electronic music – from minimal to IDM to dubstep and a lot of things in between. The LWE podcast shows off some favorites from the staff and leans towards experimental techno and dubstep djs for selectors. The most recent podcast is well worth a listen and comes from NY natives DJ Spinoza (Bryan Kasenic – founder of the now legendary Bunker series) and Bunker resident DJ Eric Cloutier. Past selectors include Silent Servant, John Roberts, 2562, Mike Huckaby, Stacy Pullen and DJ T.
Beats In Space
DFA darling Tim Sweeney hosts this NY-based weekly radio show that crosses all genre boundaries with new guest DJs each week. With Tim Goldsworthy as a regular guest (together they are T&T) the show definitely has a loose disco vibe happening. But with guests like Superpitcher, Roman Flügel and DMX Krew (who all appear on BIS this month) you can expect variety of the best kind.
The Adventures of Soul Clap
Boston’s Charles Levine and Eli Goldstein have made their name by breaking the rules of house music (+ a pinch of slow/sexy) and their podcast reflects the same sentiment. The most recent adventure features underground hip-hop legend 7L (of 7L and Esoteric fame) dropping a mix of soft rock (no joke – it’s dope) that starts with Kenny Loggings, cuts through Toto and The Pointer Sisters and ends with Jan Hammer. Previous guests have included Catz n Dogz, No Regular Play, Nicolas Jaar, and DJ Three (playing D+B!)
Numbers
Glasgow’s Numbers collective has been the breakthrough club sensation of the last few years, blending old school party vibe with the latest cuts – sounds range from Miami bass to chi-town house to grime to Baltimore with in-your-face style and all-about-the-music ethic. The latest podcast features an artist from the Numbers label, Slackk, while the belowmix comes from Girl Unit of the Night Slugs collective. I’d also recommend checking out the mixes from Jackmaster (Dress 2 Sweat / Numbers) who is recording a mix for the Fabric Live series this year.
MNML SSGS
Although it kind of reads like “minimal sausages” it really means Minimal Messages and delivers some of the most cutting-edge techno mixes from around the globe. Levon Vincent kicked off 2010’s series and Stroboscopic Artefacts’ Lucy has created a unique mix to kick off 2011 (below.) The new series is called SSG Special and features interviews with the artists who record mixes for the series.
Saturn Never Sleeps
King Britt’s Saturn Never Sleeps project has spawned an interesting blog and podcast series that features experimental excursions by Britt and musicians he works with. On SNS Podcast Number 12 he creates a performance with the Nintendo DS and the GlitchDS software. “I have been into Noise/Experimental sounds for many years. Influenced by Throbbing Gristle all the way to Underground Resistance, I often venture into this realm from time to time.
A Time For A Heavy Heart is a podcast performed completely live using special software on my Nintendo DS run through a Pioneer ESX1000 and DJM800 direct to cd. A heavy trip for those who love the darker side of sound.”
Hot Flush
This podcast features some of the best and brightest in the world of dubstep and comes from one of the hottest labels of that genre. With mixes by Scuba, Incyde, Sigha and October the series isn’t short on talent. The latest mix comes from Hot Flush resident dj and Halcyon, NY’s Nihal Ramchandani. At only 20 years old he’s already got a massive knowledge of abstract and dub-heavy music from the fringe. The mix features tracks from Shackleton, Surgeon, Kode 9, Scuba, Demdike Stare and some hot unreleased cuts as well.
XLR8R
XLR8R is essential not only for keeping abreast with up to date information on our fast-evolving global electronic music and culture scents, but it is a guide to understanding current, happening music, and it’s podcast series is one of the most, if not most consistent supplier of fresh heat, exclusive mixes and sets from innovative electronic and bass music artists. For example, check out London grime producer, Terror Danjah’s incredible set to get a glimpse! – Lamin
Stones Throw
Stones Throw is one of the best independent labels, not just for unleashing incredible, unconventional, hands down hip hop classics, but for its founder’s voracious musical appetite and impeccable curatorial choices. DJ and producer Peanut Butter Wolf is deeply heavily involved and incredibly generous as demonstrated on the recent Happy New Year edition of the Stones Throw podcast, in which PB Wolf gift us “a 50-minute mix of current & upcoming Stones Throw Records for 2011″ with two brand new Madvillain tracks! – Lamin
Fact Mag
On the off-center, eclectic and enigmatic side of indie, and happening electronic and dance music, pushing things forward and shining light on the strange and eccentric is Fact Mag. Fact Mag is uncompromising in its belief in recognizing and promoting unique acts, styles, and everything wicked coming from the corners of the various centers of the globe, from London to Chicago. Check out the latest edition of Fact Mix which is a brand new mix from the London-based duo Hype Williams. Subscribe to Fact Mag podcast here – Lamin
Sound Pellegrino
Sound Pellegrino Podcast is a weekly, hour-long show curated by Orgasmic & Teki Latex (otherwise known as the Sound Pellegrino Thermal Team.) SP podcast series has been steadily rolling out heat-filled mixes, usually the mixes are put together by the Sound Pellegrino Thermal Team, but most recently they’ve been supplying us freshness from new and upcoming artists cropping up in the new house and techno universes – from the recent collaborative effort with Night Slugs very own L-Vis 1990 to a downloable podcast from Hackman. – Lamin
Ghostly International’s Podcast
Ghostly International’s podcast, GhostlyCast it’s always exceptional. Take the latest edition which is compiled and mixed by synthwave producer (and very active remixer!) Com Truise out of Princeton, NJ. The Producer’s Komputer Cast is a standalone, independent podcast series on its own right, but if it wasn’t for the Ghostly post we would not have known. You can also stream or download the previous GhostlyCast on Soundcloud courtesy of another rising beatmaker Shigeto. Check it out below – Lamin
Michael Walsh is an audio/visual artist and journalist living in Los Angeles.
