A Mix for (Almost) Every Mood

I need something in my ears pretty much at all times. I can’t walk two blocks to the bodega, lift a weight, brush my teeth, or fold a single piece of laundry without music on. I’ll take up the “why” with an expert (they’ll never appreciate how efficient the “what” makes things like navigating Bandcamp releases!). The “what” is often a propelling DJ mix. I listen to a million mixes! This isn’t my best-of mix list but rather some recent mixes (2020–2023) that get me through very random, weird parts of life—I hope they’re there for you in times of musical need as well. (Where’s Civillés & Cole: Two of these mixes start with “A Deeper Love.” Can you find them?) –Sacha

For calming down: Julion De’Angelo, Kiosk Radio, 8.28.22

Detroit’s De’Angelo plays anything with soul. This vinyl set leans toward house and is impossibly smooth.

For feeling saucy: gbd (fka Savile), Live @ Paragon NYC, 12.02.23

I’ve listened to this so many times—it makes me feel unattainably good for that hour. Forget all your responsibilities! Go to a dar kclub! Or listen to this mix. I shout from the mountain tops that gbd is one of the best, and I can tell they had fun playing this set

For feeling happy: Kilopatrah Jones, Is Burning #128, 9.15.23

All of Kilo’s mixes make me happy (we’d both be dancing our hearts out at the Sound Factory
if we were born a couple decades sooner, I think), so I’m just picking this one for the Toni Braxton
remix.

For doing work: Stella Zekri on GEMS with Rose Kourts, The Lot Radio, 4.12.23

All of Kilo’s mixes make me happy (we’d both be dancing our hearts out at the Sound Factory if we
were born a couple decades sooner, I think), so I’m just picking this one for the Toni Braxton remix.

For feeling angst: Synthicide with Elaine Infrared and Andi, The Lot Radio, 3.19.23

This world will make ya angry! The Synthicide folks are really skilled DJs and have what you need if that’s industrial, EBM, techno—and energy release! This mix is excellent and nonstop hot.

For hiking a mountain: livwutang, down2earth, 4.22.22

This is a lush mix that’s the perfect soundtrack for the natural world, high-powered to fuel outdoor activities.

For seeking validation: Tammy Lakkis, Social Studies, 5.25.23

Tammy submitted this mix for Social Studies. It features a lot of sounds I love but hesitate to put out there. This mix proves my disparate interests can live together in a set—and people will like it.

For relieving headaches: Chameleon Greenroom with fleet.dreams, The Lot Radio, 1.24.23

Don’t give me quiet; give me infectious, interesting rhythms when I have headache or dizziness. It knocks the feeling out. This impressively percussive journey is what the doctor ordered. (I definitely listen to this when I'm healthy too.)

For lifting weights: Amadeezy, Shake Junts, Moveltraxx, 5.04.20

Originally featured on RONI’s Rinse France show, this is a power hour of bass and 808s from the Boss (see page 27); the final 10 minutes are a trap megamix that will get you to the end of your workout.

For doing cardio: OK Williams, NTS, 8.17.23

OK apologies multiple times for the mixing of this uptempo all-vinyl set, but there’s no need—it’s great! Selections range from universally fun to deep techno cuts. It keeps you runnin’

For dancing: Oscar Nñ, The Lot Radio, 7.24.23

The edits in this mix are just so clubby and fun. If you’ve ever been to Papi Juice. . .you know the vibe.

For connecting to my culture: Moving Still, Boiler Room London: Middle of Nowhere, 11.03.23

This SWANA Boiler Room lineup made me so happy—and brought out the belly and the bandari (IYKYK). Moving Still is one of my favorite Middle Eastern edit producers, and this set has something for everyone, even if Italo, or prog, or UK break beat is your thing. Intrigued?

For feeling cosmopolitan: musclecars, Boiler Room NYC, 8.25.23

This set captures the golden age of New York house—exactly. There’s some deep, some garage, a little tribal. It makes me feel like I was there in the 90s.

For feeling proud: Mike Servito, Pride 2021 DJ Mix, Apple Music, 6.01.22

For whatever Pride means to anyone, from the master Mike Servito.

For feeling energetic: DJ Shannon, Bossa Radio x
Sorry Record, 5.06.21

Honestly, I want to listen to this DJ Shannon mix all the time but it hits just right when I'm rested and relaxed and want to have fun.

For capturing nostalgia: DJ Knife, DNA – Alcohol Mix, 5.28.21

This lean-soaked mostly hip-hop mix captures memories of the trap night PVRPLE that Knife and Amadeezy (whose mix is on the flip of the tape, but he already got a shout on this list. . .) threw at the Good Life (RIP).

For feeling confident: Azzeddine, House of Diggs Meets Social Studies, Lot Radio, 10.25.23

This makes me feel confident—because Azzeddine is a confident guy.

For feeling love: Alfredo, Social Studies, 9.01.22

He made this for me!