The best mixes I've heard in 2013

I’ve been behind in listening to new music lately. I thought I’d take the easy way out for my first music list post in a few years.

Poolside mixes

Downside is no tracklist, upsides are dance, dance, dance, and downloadable! One features a great mix of Sade’s "When am I going to make a living" (free download)
Solé Fixtape #15 by French Horn Rebellion

Haven’t listened to anything by French Horn Rebellion since 2009, but this mix (accompanied by a tracklist and downloadable!), is solid throughout. Solé Fixtapes are quite amazing - I definitely have been listening to a few of them on loop, including Yuksek - #17), Breakbot - #19 (which features Look Straight Ahead by the Nick Straker Band), Bixel Boys - #20, and Tropicool - #1. It’s always interesting to see how independent brands build up loyalty and ‘trend’ factor with potential customers. Getting custom mixtapes by popular DJs that are free for download at the cost of a like is definitely a great way. Like their Facebook Page, and all mixes are downloadable.

LeBron - all mixtapes

I just can’t decide which one is best. His dedication mixes to Breakbot are non-stop dancing, but to be frank, I have not been disappointed with any of his mixes. Many of these are downloadable and feature tracklists, so head on over to his soundcloud page.

Flight Facilities Decade Mixes

What a brilliant idea. Flight Facilities starts the decade mixes from 1972. There are four mixes in total. This was part of a residency they took part in for triple J - you can read about the process and development of these mixtapes on their blog. I also love how for the 2002-2012 edition, Flight Facilities did not use any of those annoying pop tracks you hear these days but songs I listened to over and over. All mixes, along with tracklists, are on the soundcloud page.

Despite the fact that I still have over 10 I want to put in this post, that’s already over 15+ hours of mixtapes! Enjoy, and Happy Holidays!

Les Auteurs of Christmas


Four Grounds Media imagines Christmas through the eyes of famous film directors in “Les Auteurs of Christmas” [via]

Yolanda Be Cool

Australian duo Yolanda Be Cool return with All That She Wants featuring vocalists SYF and Fritz Helder formerly of Azari & III – their first piece of work since the Canadian outfit recently disbanded. This collaboration between four of the brightest minds in electronic music today resurrects the Ace Of Base ‘90s pop classic in a cool, brooding, chugging fashion. The two-part remix EP releasing on Dim Mak Records February 4 and February 18 respectively, includes the original version from Yolanda Be Cool and features remixes from a cast of rising producers including Human Life, Walker & Royce, Plastic Plates, Wordlife, and Go Freek.

Portfolio

Portfolio

Although there’s still more work to do, I’ve finally gotten around to updating my portfolio and adding some new work. Check it out by clicking on the portfolio link up top!

Probe into theatre ceiling collapse

Probe into theatre ceiling collapse

Last night, while watching Jude Law in Henry V at Noel Coward Theatre, and I kept thinking about how scary it would be if anything happened, since the top balcony is built on an extremely vertical angle. While watching the play, the roof at the Apollo Theatre, literally around the corner from Noel Coward, collapsed.

Canadian Ash Wood Toboggan | Lagom Design

Canadian Ash Wood Toboggan | Lagom Design

Well, we haven’t been hit by any snow storms here in London, or any snow at all for that matter. The weather has been quite nice - not too cold. I’m not wishing for any cold weather, but I secretly want this toboggan, to find a mountain of snow, and  to revive memories of my childhood on les tapis magigue ou volant (basically plastic sheets you’d slide on - icier the better).

My talk at Nuqat 2013


Last month, I was lucky enough to be invited to speak at Nuqat - a creative conference that takes place every year in Kuwait. Think of it as something that has the potential to become like the Creative Time of the Arab World, or overall Middle East I should say. This year’s theme was “Executing Culture Shock.”

The organisers did a wonderful job, and were extremely quick at posting all the lectures online, as well as updating the social media sites with photos and other content.

This is the full video of my talk (skip the first 2-3 minutes which actually shows me having technical difficulties!).

I can’t thank the entire Nuqat team enough for their hospitality and amazing work!