Whether you’re anxiously awaiting your next festival, hunkering down and saving up for your next warehouse rave, or just painfully bored at work, it might be time for some audio therapy. Depending on your specific tastes and preferred genres, one of these aural journeys should suit your fancy and hopefully make your nine to five less horrible. Here are my top 10 recommended stations for when you just need to turn on, tune in, and drop out.
1. The Mat Zo Mix – A veritable ‘chicken soup’ for the audiophile’s soul, Mat’s mixes offer a blend of progressive house, classic ‘techno’, and Drum and Bass. All jokes aside about Matzoh balls, his mixes sometimes incorporate unexpected twists and turns, challenging the listener more than a typical ‘mix’ of the same 5 seasonal bangers & mash. If you are expecting a bland remix of Animals or Clarity, you won’t find it here.
2. Cycles Radio – Max Graham’s radio show airing every Tuesday can only be described as ‘sound journeys’. Now before you point a finger and declare me a hippie, let me explain: No two radio shows ever sound remotely the same, and often develop into complex and intricate sound sessions. If you do choose to tune in, be sure you have a comfy chair, as you won’t want to miss a second.
3. The Drop Podcast – A local favorite among tri-state EDM fans, The Drop offers a comfortable relaxed atmosphere which offers both favorite recent hits mixed in alongside established favorite tracks. Often bringing in talent guestmixes to further enhance his podcast experience, some of his most recent guests have included NYC-based Live City, Tyler Sherritt, and PA-local Aylen. Very much a ‘friends and family’ approach, these podcasts are a great way to discover local talent as well as fondly rediscover perennial favorites.
4. Progressive Area – For those seeking a punch of electro to power through the work day, tuning in to Miami-based producer Klaud’s “Progressive Area” podcast may be a great way to start. Complete with a tracklist of songs you can download after the show, this is not only a great way to discover new tracks, but also a chance to explore a diverse mix of the likes of MOGUAI, John Dahlback, and ZROQ.
5. A State of Trance – Chances are, you already listen to this streaming staple of electronic greatness. Unquestionably one of the most beloved music series across all trance fans, the affectionately termed ‘ASOT’ is as much as of an old favorite as it is a glorious new discovery to newer listeners. Why didn’t I list it in the #1 spot? If trance is not your cup of tea, you may not enjoy this program, and as magical as this station may be, the first three listed do bring together a melting pot of electronic sound. However if you are a trance purist and Armin van Buuren is your god, please please make this one of your routine musical rituals.
6. Above & Beyond Group Therapy – A staple among fans of euphoric sound, group therapy is aptly named, and will very much be an aural journey through uplifting sounds. Those seeking a more visceral sound will enjoy this mix (perhaps more than those previously mentioned). Therapeutic and soothing, this may be the best ‘breath of fresh air’ session to really give you pause.
7. Future Sound of Egypt – Fans of Aly and Fila or not, this newer Cairo-based podcast is worth a shot for those less-familiar with the transformative sets expertly executed by Fadi in live performances (Aly continues to produce at low sound levels to avoid further damaging his hearing). Though fans of the duo have long anticipated the availability of these podcasts, the sounds are approachable to those unfamiliar and I would highly advise diving in head-first to these powerful and uplifting powerhouse sound journeys (describing them as anything else would be an insult frankly).
8. Rinse by Shadow Child – Paired alongside effortless guestmixes, this lesser-known session is a perfect flight into old school tech-house essentials. Bringing in guests such as Kill Frenzy, Karma Kid, and Hauswerks, these mixes may be a perfect escape from the ‘routine banger’ onslaught found on more mainstream stations. If you want to sink deep into the inner-workings of a classic tech-house sound, this may be the very rabbit hole you are looking for.
9. Corsten’s Countdown – Those seeking to hear the “latest and greatest” and peruse top dance tracks may find themselves more inclined to look towards Rotterdam-based Ferry Corsten’s countdown. Voted in by listeners of the show, tracks that air on this episode have represent what is popular among Ferry’s devoted masses. A good staple among more underground sessions, the countdown is a great place to get a quick glance at what tracks are making a mark in the scene.
10. International Departures – Unfamiliar with Myon and Shane 54? This Hungarian power-duo should absolutely be on your list of DJs to discover, and their International Departures podcast is the perfect gateway. Ranging from familiar mixes with Kaskade, Adventure Club, and Hardwell, to lesser-known gems featuring Las Selinas, Juventa, and Maor Levi this is the perfect mix of familiar and foreign to newcomers.
If I’ve left out any worthy podcasts, please feel free to list them in the comments!
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