CHART BY AMD

CLASSIC

Luigi Tozzi – Kracken [Digital Reflection, 2014]

AMD: This track has a very special place in my heart. It was probably one of the first hypnotic techno tracks I stumbled upon early in my rookie years as a DJ, and even then I had a feeling that this sound was my calling. Fast forward six years, and I was absolutely right.

DEEP

Xyléme – Sesamo [Valian Kollektiv, 2020]

AMD: “Sesamo” is a track that can be played either at the beginning of a set as a warm-up, or somewhere at an afters, following a night of predominantly punchy techno. Xyléme is a very underrated artist in my opinion, who does such a great job infusing atmospheric tones with grooves.

MENTAL

Infinity – Phase 2 (NFEREE Remix) [NFEREE, 2020]

AMD: NFEREE is my favourite discovery of the past year. What I find so interesting about this track is that it simultaneously has a way of being sinister and soothing. I would also like to add that the details in this production transcend percussions, which gives a different kind of subtle beauty.

DARK

Viels – Oblivion [Semantica Records, 2019]

AMD: Excellent release on the well-renowned label Semantica. I always appreciate tracks like this, because it can be a great “checkpoint” track to let the audience know that they are about to be taken in a different direction. Perfect for the peak part of a set.

EXPERIMENTAL

Eyvind Blix – In A Safe Place [Oslated, 2019]

AMD: Another artist who has had an incredible year is Eyvind Blix. Released on what I think is the best record label out of Asia, this track is part of the top 3 best VA compilations I’ve ever had the pleasure of adding to my collection. It’s a beautiful mix of chaos and order, with incredibly soothing undertones.

DOPE BASSLINE

Synthek – Loser [Attic Music, 2017]

AMD: Though Synthek and Attic Music aren’t as prominent in the hypnotic techno scene, there is absolutely no doubt that they both release plenty of quality music deserving of such attention. Another one of my “checkpoint” tracks that feels like the perfect halfway point between TGP vibes going into a Polegroup sound. Top-notch.

OLD SCHOOL

Atom Heart – Adobe [Delirium, 1994]

AMD: Music is timeless, and I believe tracks like this are here to constantly remind us of that fact. I have to thank my good friend and mentor Damon Bradley for having introduced this to me. As I wasn’t exactly raised in dance music, a lot of my influences are more recent than many great DJs who have been immersed in the world for the majority of their lives. Now I have something to look back to as a reference whenever I feel the need to educate myself on the rich history of dance music.

TO START A MIX

MTRL – Maze [Solid Shape Records, 2019]

AMD: It’s safe to say that this is another artist, along with the IO roster, that has such a bright future ahead of them. MTRL is incredible at creating opening tracks. Lush, immersive, and very thought-provoking elements can capture an audience into a set.

FOR THE PEAK TIME

Hector Oaks – Uno A [OAKS, 2016]

AMD: If you are familiar with Hector Oaks and his label, you know that this guy is not known to be “hypnotic” in any shape or form. Even if his sound is quite industrial nowadays, this track always brings back flashes of peak hour blisses from past DJ sets I have played. This should also encourage people to thoroughly look through discographies, no matter the artist/label: you never know what you’ll find!

A FEEL OF A RAVE

EQD ‎– Equalized #005 B [Equalized, 2011]

AMD: Three words: past, present and future. That’s what I feel whenever I listen to this track. It’s a time machine within itself that can obliterate the space/time continuum, yet can be so grounding if played at the proper place and time.