Balance Selections Podcast

The name Steven Weston is gaining more prominence, which is well overdue given his impressive career in music. His CV includes an engineering background working with artists ranging from drum and bass act Rudimental to reggae artist Chronixx, while he’s toured the world playing keyboards for the likes of Ladyhawke, Charli XCX, and Mikky Ekko. Weston also counts James Lavelle as a fan, having regularly collaborated with the veteran for 10 years now. But his passion lies in deep, progressive music, and since entering the arena he's signed to labels such as Anjunadeep, Bedrock, and Last Night On Earth. With tracks from GMJ, Durante, UNKLE, and Duo State, this Balance Selections mix highlights a music purveyor who lives and breathes the intricacies of the sound he has dedicated himself to. @stevenweston

Pockets of electronic music characterized by deep, blissful breakbeats, are once again permeating the scene. Dabbling in this new wave is British DJ and producer Braxton. After joining Anjunadeep in 2019, he quickly gained recognition for a sound that blends blissful atmospheres with warm house and fractured beats. Check his latest Bedrock release alongside Steve Weston: 'Lanes' features bold drums, soaring melodies, and an epic scale that evoke the glory days of prog breaks. Here, Braxton continues his fine from with a soothing blend of progressive textures featuring tracks from Monkey Safari, Nox Vahn, Trilucid, and unreleased tracks from Braxton himself. @braxtonofficial

Nowadays, finding a good full-length album is challenging, which is a real shame. For decades, the LP was a beacon of artistic intention, but streaming platforms like Spotify have reshaped the way music listeners engage with music. To hold attention, it needs to stand out. It needs dynamics. Thankfully, 'Nostalgia,' the new Alex O'Rion full-length, does just that. We had an illuminating conversation with the producer about what makes this album such an essential listen. To celebrate the release, the high-flying Dutchman provided us with an exclusive mix stamped with his usual seal of quality. Full tracklisting and interview: https://bit.ly/4br0zeZ @alexorion

UK-based artist and DJ Four Candles, whose real name is Kris Brown, is recognized for his innovative approach to dance music that avoids fleeting trends. After working with industry legend Nick Muir, his artistic break came on Bedrock Records. Follow up productions found their way onto some of the most respected imprints, from Selador to Afterglow and Tenampa. His recent Balance release, ‘On the Fence' (featured below in Q+A), is one of the standout moments on the recent Balance presents Dave Seaman and Quivver compilation. It’s a unique production rooted in the prog of yesteryear but with a contemporary twist: it’s a sound borne from staying artistically true to oneself. On this excellent mix, Four Candles builds the energy with artisanal ease. Alongside tracks from Donato Dozzy, Spence Brown and Kamilo Sanclemente, you’ll also find exceptional takes by Four Candles on tracks from Leftfield and Sasha. @fourcandlesmusic

Considering his more than 30 years of experience in electronic music, it’s safe to say that Pablo De Mattei AKA PAUL (AR), knows a thing or two about dance music. It's evident in his bookings: From Lollapalooza to Creamfields to Moonpark, there aren’t many Argentinean music festivals that haven’t featured Paul (AR) on their stages. He defines his style as a mixture of Progressive and Tech House, a style that has taken him across the globe from Spain to Peru. Labels from Sudbeat to Perfecto has featured his work, and he was most recently seen on Balance Music through his contribution to the 'Balance presents Dave Seaman and Quivver' compilation. Featuring a host of unofficial Paul (AR) remixes of acts like James Zabiela and Way Out West, alongside original tracks from Nicolas Rada, Dmitry Molosh, and more, the Argentinean delivers a delightful 90 minutes of progressive music suitable for any occasion. @pablo-de-mattei

The old adage "they don't make them like they used to" might seem trite; however, it certainly applies to Belgian producer Pole Folder. During the 2000s, his knack for delivering epic and soaring productions that immersed you into a world of narrative was unparalleled. Listen to the amazing "Apollo Vibes" (alongside CP); it is intricate yet feels huge, unfolding its themes with the confidence of a master magician. All that craft ensured his music being featured on prominent US TV shows (Nip/Tuck, CSI) and movies (2002’s "Stark Raving Mad"). Today, Pole Folder is still acknowledged as a versatile performer who continues to tour globally, bringing his intricate studio creations to life with live vocals and various instruments he has mastered since childhood. For more of his work, check out his Reworck label, which features a deep discography. Here, the veteran does not disappoint. Featuring tracks from Fort Romeau, Marsh, Rodriguez Jr., and, of course, Pole Folder himself, this is a deep, 2-hour progressive excursion filled with many emotional vocal cuts and introspective moments. @pole-folder

A Just Her set blends electronica, house, and deep techno, imbued with an emotional touch designed to capture both the feet and heart of her audience. This skill was honed through a journey from buying vinyl with paper route earnings to becoming a distinguished DJ, producer, songwriter, and label owner (Constant Circles). It's an aspring story, one that's led Just Her to a notable discography on labels including Anjunadeep, Crosstown Rebels, Global Underground and, lest we forget, Balance Music.  Yet, the Just Her goal transcends mere success: she aspires to infuse the industry with kindness and compassion. We daresay she's succeeeding; that energy is evident in this excellent session. Across 90 minutes you’ll find a heady but joyful mix of contemporary house (Logic1000, Byron the Aquarius), UK garage-breaks (Beatune, Lili Chan) and progressive-tinged deep techno (Nakadia, Sasha), all stitched together with exquisite vocal cuts from, of course, Just Her.

From the opening track of this mix, you know you're in for a ride. ’Dance Dance’ is an edit of an old Bollywood classic SAQIB made with Haider Uppal. Its the lush groove sets the tone for a 90-minute dance of deep-fried disco that flirts with main room prog in the most analogue way.

 Hailing from Pakistan, the now Brooklyn-based DJ is an ardent student of music, an arc that includes playing heavy metal bands in Lahore on the way to studying electronic music production in New York (Rutgers University, Point Blank Music).

 Today, he's signed to labels including Flying Circus and Sol Selectas alongside DJ bookings at Electric Zoo, Cityfox and The Brooklyn Mirage. Upcoming shows include supporting BLOND:ISH at Industry City in NY, which follows his recent Nino Torres remix on his own Beat in Time imprint. All signs, of course, that arc is still rising. Featuring tracks from Maceo Plex, Nick Curly, Piemont, Rigopolar, and more, this is a lively adventure into SAQIB’s splendid yet slightly psychedelic world. @saqibmalik

Around the turn of the millennium, Danny Bonnici, as part of Nubreed, was at the forefront of an emerging sound known as progressive breaks—a golden era in electronic music. Celebrating that, he has curated a 2-hour mix featuring tracks from Luke Chable, Nubreed, Sasha, Andy Page, and more. Click link above for tracklist and our Top 5 Essential Progressive Breaks interview with Danny. @dannybonnici

Hailing from Hungary, Peter Makto has been involved with dance music for over twenty years. His self-described rebellious spirit deeply resonates with the creative freedom that electronic music offers. It serves as a conduit for his self-expression, and as hinted in his Balance Q+A, it’s an approach he ties to a deeply spiritual foundation: “I believe in fate and in the laws of the universe always prevailing.” This is the energy he injects into Truesounds Music and Zenebona Records, two record labels focusing on deep, organic dance music. These labels go hand-in-hand with his releases on labels like The Soundgarden and Einmusika, with many more on the horizon. For this 90-minute Balance mix, Peter lays out 16 tracks guaranteed to stimulate states of inspiration and physical movement.

Elliot Moriarty has been enamored with dance music from a very young age, gradually transitioning from DJing at local parties to global events like ADE. Undoubtedly, much of his rise can be attributed to his breezy productions on labels like The Soundgarden. Consider the 2023 release "By My Side” (Songuara), which reached number 1 on the Beatport Organic House chart. It's a light and effervescent tune, brimming with optimism. That energy is also bristling in ‘Balance’, a track he produced exclusively for this Balance Selections mix. And with the troubling times we find ourselves in, his unabashed cheerfulness is a breath of fresh air. Featuring tracks from the likes of Guy J and Juan Deminicis, this is a deep yet sanguine selection that hooks you in from the start.

From his base in Berlin, Soul Button has made a notable impact on the global scene. As the mastermind behind labels like Steyoyoke, Steyoyoke Black, and Inner Symphony, he is on the forefront of delivering high-end and thoughtful dance music. Adding an emotive quality to his work he calls Ethereal Techno, his production skills are well-regarded too. Moreover, when you take into account his online presence, which ranges from Steyoyoke TV to his Steyoyoke podcast, both mediums showing the best contemporary progressive has to offer, it’s easy to see why Soul Button's international recognition solidifies him as one of the global scene’s most trusted voices. And as shown on this Balance Selections mix, that label is highly deserved.

In 1998 the first of a highly renowned series of colour-coded vinyl singles appeared in record stores: Orange. Green. Blue. A new production duo were born, Circulation, and they delivered a sound uniquely theirs. Check the past releases on labels from Hooj Choons to End Recordings; an amalgamation of deep tech and moody hypnotic house, it’s a sound that doesn't fit into any neat categorisation. They continued their chromatically named ways until 2005 when the duo parted. Now, Paul Davis fly the Circulation flag solo, regularly releasing on labels from Bedrock to Selador. As showcased on this Balance Selections mix, his take on dance music is still as cerebral and mood-inflected as it was 20 years ago.

For more info: balancemusic.com.au @hyunji-a Hyunji-A, or Hyunji Lee, is a Korean-Canadian music producer, DJ, and actress based in Montreal. Classically trained on the piano since the age of 4, she has developed an innate desire and passion for creating music. She gravitates towards crafting emotional and cinematic journeys aimed at evoking a profound experience and personal reflection. Since her first release in 2020, she’s been featured on labels such as Mango Alley, onedotsixtwo, Tales of Romance, Sounds of Khemit, and more. Her music has gotten constant support from DJs such as Hernan Cattaneo and Eelke Kleijn, and she has had frequent performances at esteemed clubs and festivals such as Stereo, Piknic Electronik, Igloofest, and more.

For more info: balancemusic.com.au @DifferentRay Different Ray, an enigmatic artist with a mission to spread joy and euphoria through his music, made his debut in early 2018 and quickly ascended to prominence within the Deep House genre. In just a few short years, Different Ray released on some of the world's most renowned labels such as Hoomidaas, The Soundgarden, Art Vibes Music, Nie Wieder Schlafen, Dream Culture, Everything Will Be Ok, Loot Recordings, Mirrors and Sound Avenue and a lot more. In 2021 he triumphed in a remix competition for Nils Hoffmann's debut album on the esteemed Get Physical sub-label, Poesie Musik. Given all that, it's no surprise that his tracks earned him numerous Beatport chart-topping positions. With support from an array of influential artists ranging from Armen Miran to Eelke Kleijn, the future is indeed looking bright for the Tunisian-born artist.

For more info: https://balancemusic.com.au @mitch_oliver Montreal's Mitch Oliver, a trailblazer in the East Coast melodic wave, isn't just a DJ/Producer and Sound Engineer, he's a musical missionary, spreading positive vibes and uniting people through his art. Signed to prestigious labels like Kindisch, TrybesOf, Hoomidas, and XYZ, Mitch's deep, emotive rhythms have earned him acclaim and support from icons like Lee Burridge, and Hernan Cattaneo.

For more info: https://balancemusic.com.au @emigalvan Born in Argentina, Emi Galvan’s story is a journey through the vibrant landscape of electronic music. Influenced by legendary bands like the Chemical Brothers, Daft Punk, and Groove Armada, he has evolved from his early days as a guitar player and singer in rock bands to become a celebrated DJ and producer in the electronic music scene. His acclaimed works, released on labels such as Sudbeat, The Soundgarden, and Balance, along with his renowned remix of Massive Attack’s ‘Girl I Love You’, have earned him global recognition. Recent releases like ‘Samsara’ and ‘Stay High’ continue to showcase his evolving artistic flair, confirming his reputation as a top talent and with sustained DJ support from the likes of Hernan Cattaneo, Nick Warren, Eelke Kleijn, Guy J, and Above & Beyond, just to name a few. With each performance, from his homeland to international venues, Emi Galvan spreads a unique energy, solidifying his status as a dynamic and influential figure in electronic music.

For more info: https://balancemusic.com.au @marshmusician Some artists exude total and unapologetic passion for their craft. Full immersion, absolute dedication and complete commitment; a calling much more than a career, a love much more than a labour, the realisation of a lifelong ambition. An ambition like Tom Marshall’s. A fan favourite on the roster of renowned UK label Anjunadeep and one of the breakout stars of the melodic house scene, Marsh has sculpted a distinctly warm, emotional sound since he first emerged in the mid-2010s. Inspired by his teenage love of the emotionally rich, early 2000s trance sound and the musicality of crossover drum & bass acts like Pendulum, he’s distilled these disparate influences into a captivating and soulful signature style.

For more info: https://balancemusic.com.au @fede-pals Raised in the historic city of Buenos Aires, Fede Pals is a DJ and producer currently based in Europe. Fede has been honing his DJ skills for several years, not only in his hometown but also in countries as diverse as Italy, Spain, Australia, and New Zealand. His mixes defy genre boundaries, seamlessly transitioning between downtempo, electronica, deep house, organic house, and progressive.

For more info: https://balancemusic.com.au @oliverandtom "Music transcends us all," that's what Oliver & Tom, composed by Andrés Martynowicz and Mauricio Infiesta, is all about. This duo’s symbiosis originated in their childhood. Growing up together, they shared diverse musical experiences in rock and pop bands, where Andrés excelled in the electric guitar and Mauricio in the acoustic drums. A few years later, both continued their studies but now choosing the piano and synthesizer as their main instruments of production and giving rise to the creation of the electronic music group Oliver & Tom.