Podcast : DJ Walkman - Varpa

You know DJ Walkman, don't you? He is one half of the Lithuanian netlabel team, Sutemos, that brought us some of our favorite artists through the critically acclaimed Intelligent Toys series! Today, DJ Walkman takes off his managing hat, and puts on a pair of DJ headphones to bring you one of the finest mixes featuring all of our favorite releases from Warp Records!

This is a wonderful listen, spanning some of our favorite Warp releases in just over an hour. The transitions are flawless, mashing up the beats and sounds from all of your favorites! I hope you enjoy! If you like this, be sure to grab DJ Walkman's first mix for Sutemos, Milk Und Herring, which we have profiled back in 2008! Be sure to also check out our past review of Intelligent Toys 5.

See full track listing, plus stream or download the mix on Headphone Commute

Podcast : Subheim – Headphone Commute Mix

Welcome to another exclusive mix from Headphone Commute... On this first day of November we bring you a gorgeous journey into the subconscious mind of Subheim. Both, uplifting and dark, this musical exploration, will take you into other worlds, real and imagined. It's always nearly impossible to describe the music featured by our podcast contributors - and it is especially difficult to capture all of the beauty conveyed through the sounds of Subheim. Marriage of solid beats, and soaring melodies will keep you on the edge of your seat, until you get up and move with the rhythm...

Compiled mostly from his own compositions, and a few of his contemporaries, such as Bersarin Quartett, Ben Lukas Boysen, Access to Arasaka and even Max Richter, this exclusive mix traverses a dark and isolated land of despair, sprinkled with promise and hope. Teasing us with tracks from his upcoming album, No Land Called Home, released by the beloved Ad Noiseam in just a week (November 9th!), Subheim unveils his most mature composition to date! With jazzy acoustic percussion, field recordings, and organic textures, Kostas K weaves evocative feelings from his mind to yours.

See also our Track of the Week featuring Subheim's Streets, and a short video teaser. Read Headphone Commute review of Approach (Tympanik, 2008)

See full track listing, plus stream or download the mix on Headphone Commute

Podcast : :papercutz – Dream Scores

Today we are proud to present you with another exclusive mix from one of our favorite artists - :papercutz. Bruno Miguel has appeared on these pages before, first with the Ultraviolet Rmx's (Apegenine, 2008), his debut album, Lylac (Apegenine, 2008) and Two and a Half Questions with Bruno Miguel; then with his own Reflections on 2009 and an amazing Remix project, Do Outro Lado Do Espelho as featured in our Audiobulb Special. And now, Miguel has put together something incredibly special, exclusively for Headphone Commute readers and listeners - a journey across his favorite film scores that has been immaculately selected, arranged and mixed. This is a very exciting one - a lot of love went into this production, and you will hear it from the very first note...

See full track listing, plus stream or download the mix on Headphone Commute

Podcast : Low Light Mixes – pno 2010

If you have enjoyed our last entry from Low Light Mixes - The Landscape Listens, then you're in for another amazing treat! Following on the footsteps of last week's mix, Exponents Of The Guitar it's not a mere coincidence that today we turn towards the piano. Today's podcast, pno 2010, is a selection of contemporary and modern classical compositions featuring our favorite instrument - piano...

See full track listing, plus stream or download the mix on Headphone Commute

Podcast : Low Light Mixes – The Landscape Listens

Today we're presenting to you one of our favorite ambient journeys from Low Light Mixes. Although this mix was made in the dead of winter, we still feel that its calm nature can soothe away your daily worries, stress and aches. It definitely hits the spot on this side of the mixing board. Here's Dave Michuda talking about the inspiration behind the mix: It's the dead of winter, just trying to outlast the snow & cold, trying to make it to spring break. The music in this mix has a sort of lonely winter feel to it. The tracks are not too dark or depressing, they just seem to conger up images of vast, snowy landscapes. We hope you enjoy this entry, and I'm sure Dave will be back with more!

See full track listing, plus stream or download the mix on Headphone Commute

Podcast : Shukry Adams – kw1v3r

After sharing with the commuters his previous mix, Ethereal Cinematicism, Shukry Adams returns with an edgier side of his likings. Listeners should expect to get enveloped in drone, noise, and even "douchestep", in this slowly evolving, hour long journey.

See full track listing, plus stream or download the mix on Headphone Commute

Podcast : Arkady – But I-

I’m pretty psyched up to get this mix out into your ears! This one has been in the making for quiet some time, and it is finally here! Get ready for some massive dark IDM, grinding dubstep and raging drum’n'bass, perfectly mixed up by Arkady! If you haven’t heard this type of music before, then I’d be proud to introduce you to this style!!! I am a huge fan of the artists featured in this mix, which is why, when I found Arkady spinning these tracks, I’ve asked him to prepare a special mix just for Headphone Commute listeners!

See full track listing, plus stream or download the mix on Headphone Commute

Podcast : bvdub - 2 hours and 20 years

This weekend we have another outstanding mix for you! 2 hours and 20 years has been put together by Brock Van Wey, releasing under bvdub, exclusively for Headphone Commute. It is indeed special, since this is Brock's first mix made in 15 years with moments of elation. It was made on a 2-hour morning bus ride from Shanghai, where Brock reflected on the last 20 years immersed in electronic music. Carried by his emotional ups and downs, the mix incorporates a verity of tracks along the memory lane...

Be sure to check out bvdub's Return To Tonglu (Quietus, 2008), We Were The Sun (Quietus, 2009) and his amazing White Clouds Drift On And On released on echospace [detroit] in 2009 under his real name.  If you have time, read also Headphone Commute's Conversations with Brock Van Wey.


See full track listing, plus stream or download the mix on Headphone Commute

Podcast : Sysyphe – Under the Wood

This weekend we are very excited to bring you a chilled out, psybient mix by Philip Contamin, who records some lush downtempo under the name of Sysyphe. Check out his debut album, Running Up That Hill released on French Hadra Records. We've been meaning to introduce you to some of our favorite psychill artists for a while! And Headphone Commute’s Best of 2009 : Music For Awakened Spirits And Open Minds, has been a testament to that endeavor. So it's a pleasure to have an artist select his [and our] favorite releases from labels like Aleph Zero, Space Baby, Blue Hour Sounds, and of course, Ultimae. Hope this takes you on a journey...

See full track listing, plus stream or download the mix on Headphone Commute

Podcast : HC - Oceanica

Sun... Ocean... Calmness... Being in a meditative state of mind, attempting to clear out all thoughts and rid myself of negative energy, I put together a mix to compliment my breathing. As the water sways in waves, so does my breath, and so does everything else. Rotations... Cycles... Beginnings... This ambient mix with a touch of dub is meant to relax your mind and take the stress away. Use it as a simple tool to bring peace into your restless soul...

See full track listing, plus stream or download the mix on Headphone Commute

Podcast : Bop - Micromixes

Let me introduce you to Bop. Hailing from Saint-Petersburg in Russia, Alexander Dmitriev is a new breed of producer intent on re-writing the rulebook with an intoxicating ice-cold sound; embracing influences from deep techno and minimalist dubstep through to IDM and ambient drum & bass. This is beautiful, melodic, micro-glitchy d'n'b that should definitely get you excited about the evolution of the genre.

In 2009, Dmitriev released his first EP on Med School, Song About My Dog and immediately captured my attention. He followed it up with his debut full length album, Clear Your Mind (Med School, 2009), and Headphone Commute has selected it for our Best of 2009, Music For Caffeine Free Car Chases.

I am now delighted to present you with not just one, but two micromixes fused together. Although combined, both still clock in under 30-minutes, there is still a lot of music on here. This is a showcase of the latest compositions by Bop and a few of his label-mates. I reversed the order, and first feature Bop's Micromix #2 from May 2010, followed by Micromix #1 from April of last year, 2009. I don't think the order matters here, as long as you enjoy the music. Which, I'm confident, you will!

See full track listing, plus stream or download the mix on Headphone Commute

Podcast : Mnemonic45 – Spring Rain

Macedonian producer, Goce Gligurovski, composing under the name Mnemonic45, takes us into the sounds of nature, attempting to synthesize and sample the "wind on trees", birds in "conversation", and river stone "society". For this mix, he selects some of his favorite artists to create a moving ambiance of sound.

See full track listing, plus stream or download the mix on Headphone Commute

Podcast : Tigon – Phasers on Stunned

A long time contributor to Headphone Commute, Tigon, tries his hand at mixing up his favorite tracks for our Podcast. Fans of experimental, ambient and dub sounds will be absolutely delighted with this traversal of amazing selections! Once again, the music speaks for itself here!

See full track listing, plus stream or download the mix on Headphone Commute

Podcast : Aldous – Winter’s Worth

Another week, another mix, another special treat! The last entry of April features a pristine selection by Aldous, who shares the same taste in music with Headphone Commute and you!

See full track listing, plus stream or download the mix on Headphone Commute

Podcast : Ruckspin – Ranking Studio Mix

About two years ago, Rob Booth of Electronic Explorations has introduced me to the new sound of dubstep. I've heard the wobbly sound of the London underground before. But this was something else. Cinematic, ethereal, and incredibly organic, with a rumbling bass and a syncopated beat. I was immediately in love with the output of Ranking Records. Artists like Ruckspin, Quark, and Planas have immediately grabbed my attention, and I've been a fan ever since. I am especially excited about this installment of our podcast featuring a special showcase mixed by Ruckspin of the label's latest forthcoming and unreleased tracks. Your neurons are about to get very excited.

See full track listing, plus stream or download the mix on Headphone Commute

Podcast : HC – Our Shelter, Our Tomb

I am very excited to share this special mix with you! I originally put it together back in February, after I was finished with Headphone Commute's Best of 2009. It was intended as a follow up to my popular Modern Classical Mix, featuring my favorite selections from 2009. The mix quickly became dark, nostalgic, and bleak. Originally featured on the truly wonderful Fluid Radio back in March, here it is, finally, for your enjoyment!

See full track listing, plus stream or download the mix on Headphone Commute

Podcast : Overcast Sound – April Ambient Mix

Canadian deep-techno duo, Michael Pettit and Jamie Drouin, producing under the moniker Overcast Sound, create "introspective compositions built from fragments of field recordings, oblique references to dub rhythms, and sweeping cinematic textures..." They have recently released a 3-track EP, Untitled 12 on Untitled & After label, which is highly recommended for fans of DeepChord, Quantec, bvdub, and anything on echospace [detroit] label. Mmm... did I get your taste buds wet? Then you will enjoy this showcase!

See full track listing, read the story behind the selection, plus stream or download the mix on Headphone Commute

Podcast : Cole Pierce - Later

This week we bring you a wonderful selection of modern classical and experimental pieces as compiled by Cole Pierce. Later was originally produced in a unique edition of 60 CDs, featuring a poem by Tyler Carter and packaged with the playlist printed on found paper and were distributed to Cole Pierce's mix CD mailing list in January of 2010. The ongoing multiples project (since 2004) consists of mixed CDs produced and mailed about twice a year. Cole Pierce is a Chicago based artist making paintings and video installations, holds an MFA in Art Theory & Practice from Northwestern (2007).

See full track listing, read the story behind the selection, plus stream or download the mix on Headphone Commute

Electronic Explorations

I’ve been ranting about my favorite podcast, Electronic Explorations, for over a year now. It’s about time that I was able to catch Rob Booth for an in-depth interview. And while you read it, make sure to grab the latest episode, featuring the artist at the top of my rotations, Hecq.

Read full Interview with Rob Booth of Electronic Explorations.

myspace.com/robbooth | electronicexplorations.org

Ten Favorite Mixes

Besides listening to albums and compilations, I do tend to consume a lot of mixes released around the net on various blogs, podcasts, and labels. Although this selection is pretty enormous, I'd like to take the time and document some of the mixes that have appeared in my rotations more than a few times, and will most likely remain on the list. The other, most important reason for this post, is so that I could share this music with you. And best of all, these are all FREE for you to grab right now!

Bop - Autumn Studio Mix (Sonorous Music)
This one was recommended to me very recently, and I have already listened to it a bunch of times. Bop compiles a mix of intelligent drum'n'bass with a hint of bass heavy IDM elements. This one is exclusive to Sonorous Music. A big portion of tracks are produced by St. Petersburg (Russia) based Bop himself, which is very impressive. The tracks are minimal, glitchy, and deep. Highly recommended. I'm definitely keeping my eye on Bop.

Anders Ilar - Love Fields (Electronique.it)
Anders sent me a copy of this mix himself, but it appears to be featured on Italian electronic music magazine and podcast, electronique.it. Ilar arranges an experimental glitchy mix layered with ambient and modern classical pieces, featuring Murcof, Alvo Noto, Deru, Kettel, krill.minima, Morgan Packard, and even Shadow Huntaz. An excellent selection and very fluid flow.

Luke Hess - mnml ssgs mx05 (mnml ssgs)
Here's a mix featured on a blog I frequent, mnml ssgs, covering everything minimal. On this exclusive mix, Detroit based Luke Hess compiles up some tech house, minimal techno, and dub-tech, featuring tracks by himself, Sistema, Luciano, Efdemin, Urban Force and others. This mix has kept me upbeat, even during the most stressful situations. I especially remember bopping my head to the groove in the airport security line. Hope it does the same for you.

Jasper TX - mnml ssgs mx08 (mnml ssgs)
OK, while I'm still covering the mnml ssgs blog, here's a treat from Dag Rosenqvist, aka Jasper TX. On this exclusive mix, Dag features some ambient, modern classical and minimal tracks from Eluvium, Tsukimono, Jóhann Jóhannsson, Machinefabriek, and himself with a beautifully crafted flow of sound. Don't forget to add mnml ssgs your RSS feed and keep up with their nice writeups and a nice selection of exclusive mixes.

Surgeon - For Dog Faces Only (Spannered)
If you feel like hitting something a bit more harder, you can always count on the Surgeon. Put this in your pipe and smoke it. An excellent grind through Jeff Mills, Monolake, Joey Beltram, Basic Channel, The Surgeon himself and many of his other favorites. This mix comes from Spannered radio where it is still one of the most popular on their list. If you poke around on the site, there are a few more nice ones by Neil Landstrumm and Aaron Spectre that I recommend grabbing

Ambivalent & JPLS - M_nus 10-Year Anniversary Mix (XLR8R)
This mix, celebrating M_nus Records' 10 year anniversary, appeared in XLR8R Podcast. I'll be honest, that most of the magazine's podcast episodes are blotchy, but this excellent mix features tracks from False, Heartthrob, Gaiser, Ambivalent, and of course, the label owner, Richie Hawtin and his famous Plastikman moniker. Pretty solid coverage of all the label's favorites.

The Glitch Mob Mix (XLR8R)
Since I already mentioned the XLR8R podcast above, I might as well bring your attention to this compilation of the Los Angeles based collective, Glitch Mob, featuring some of the west-coast electro-infused instrumental hip-hop, chopped-up glitch and head-bopping beats. The names to watch for on this one are edIT, Ooah, Boreta & Eprom, and Clipse. Definitely a great party flavor there...

Pinch - EE.ORG 1st Anniversary Mix (Electronic Explorations)
It's no secret by now, that for all of my dubstep needs, I regularly tune into Electronic Explorations podcast. Last week, EE celebrated its one-year anniversary, and Pinch contributed an exclusive mix featuring a handful of his own tracks, plus a few from Distance, 30Hz, Peverelist and Deleted Scenes. Apart from the continuous mix appearing in the middle of the podcast, Rob features a few of forthcoming releases from Planas, Mount Kimbie, and a favorite of mine, Reso. Just add this to your subscription list, grab previous episodes (all, if you ask me), and forget about searching for the latest tracks - Rob's got it covered for you!

Amon Tobin - Solipsistic Nation No 82 (Solipsistic Nation)
Solipsistic Nation is yet another podcast that is regularly on my rotations list. This year, Bazooka Joe, covered a variety of the best styles in electronic music. My favorite episode happens to be his interview with Amon Tobin featuring some of his earlier tracks released under Cujo moniker. Besides the music, the interview itself is very informative, and although this is not really a continuous mix by Amon Tobin himself, I still felt compelled listing it here as one of the best for this year.

Emanuele Errante - Live Set (Somnia Podcast)
Somnia Records had only four episodes in its podcast this year, yet one of the labels artists, Emanuele Errante, happened to secure a spot with his exclusive Live Set. Grab this one to dive into some gorgeous ambient and modern classical. I really hope that Somnia will resume its podcast, perhaps featuring a live set by the label's owner, Evan Bartholomew, who recently released another LP, "Phoenix Rising" under his famous Bluetech alias.


I'm going to leave off this post here, inviting you to submit some of your own favorite mixes of the year. Please chime in and drop off links to free and legal downloads. I'd be sure to check them out!!!