This last year at i-D, we’ve made it our mission to bring some of the best exclusive music to your ears, from celebrating the freshest breaking artists and DJs, to championing the ones you already love. And what a year it’s been! Our Slumber Sessions, Music To… and i-DJ series have shared musical delights from the likes of Jessie Rose, Redlight, Jessy Lanza, Kaytranada, Gerd Janson, Egyptrixx, Anja Schneider, SInjin Hawke and Skream to name just a few. Here’s our top 10 mixes of 2014, play loud.
Kaytranada: In the Mix
When we got our hands on Kaytranada’s set from Benji B’s Deviation night in February we knew we had something special. With Judah on host duties, Kaytranada’s 90 minute journey is one of the most special DJ sets we’ve heard this year. Through hip hop, R&B, house and warming Kaytra reworked classics, the positive energy downstairs at XOYO that night was incredible and we share this mix again with huge thanks to Deviation and XOYO.
Young Fathers: Music To… Babylon
At the start of the year, Young Fathers delivered a mix that was packed full of everything we love. Inside, there’s everything from James Brown to Mapei to The Fall to Dizzee Rascal, dropping his seminal track Sittin Here from his Mercury Prize winning album Boy In Da Corner, a feat that the Young Fathers went on to accomplish exactly 11 years later with their album Dead. If you missed this first time round then get it’s time to get to know.
Slumber Session: Submotion Orchestra
When one of our favourite bands agreed to be part of the Slumber Session series, we knew they were going to create something special. Submotion Orchestra’s Dom Ruckspin took us on a dream-inducing trip ahead of the release of their fourth album, Alium.
i-DJ: Santé
Last month, Berlin based Santé deviated from his norm and delivered an i-DJ of less dance floor focused house and techno and boy was it a good one. Recorded in the after-hours sometime while the birds tweet in the morning light, this one is for those who want to carry on the party with a little more chill.
Jesse Lanza: Music To… Cheer Yourself Up To
Canadian Hyperdub producer and vocalist Jessy Lanza recorded this mix for i-D during a downtime session after what was probably a fun-filled weekend at this year’s Pitchfork Festival. From smooth R&B footwork to smooth 808 house jams this one will cheer you up, Jessy Lanza style.
i-DJ: Flava D
RBMA alumni Flava D mixed one of our favourite i-DJ’s of the year. Her new and unique blend of garage, bassline and grime keeps things fresh with one edge of her hat constantly tipped to the old school. Never overdoing it or over-complicating the mix, listen back to Flava D’s i-DJ.
Slumber Session: Lusine
We love it when we really feel the personality of an artist through their mixes, and Ghostly International signed Lusine gave us just that with his Slumber Session. With tunes rolling from Kid Smpl to Nosaj Thing, Letherette and Nicolas Jaar you only need to press play to hear why this is one of our faves.
REKchampa: Music To… Discover The Love Below
With grooves from the off, this years round up wouldn’t be complete without this mix from Atlanta based REKchampa. This is a sweet journey through 60 minutes of house, techno and acid funk that we’ve had on repeat since it landed in our inbox.
Mumdance: Music To… Make You Hardcore
Man of the moment Mumdance dug deep, deep inside his dusty vinyl collection to unearth some stone cold classic Hardcore gems and rave anthems. From the second Mumdance told i-D “this is my heart and soul man!” we could tell we were going to be in for a treat. This mix will take you back a year or two. Look out for his 1 Sec EP dropping 20th January on XL!
Slumber Session: Broove
We discovered the unknown Latvian producer on SoundCloud and instantly fell in love with his soothing, soft, piano perfection. Delivering one of the finest Slumber Sessions we’ve had this year, with tracks from Nihls Frahm, Submotion Orchestra, Myrkur and some of his own hypnotic productions, we present again, the delicate sounds of Broove.
Credits
Text James Hutchins
Photography Ash Kingston