The Curator's Crates: Volume 3

GHOST - Downhill2k01 REMIX – LSDXOXO, Downhill2k01
“GHOST” off of the Brand New E.P. of club siren LSDXOXO fits neatly into my personal preferences: over four minutes of altered vocals over breaks and jersey kicks with bright keys contrasting the solemn lyrics. Downhill2k01’s remix uses an extra minute wisely, amplifying the original song by speeding it up and bringing in variation in the song’s structure. The EP features 4 originals and 4 accompanying remixes with well chosen collaborators (Nick Leon, Downhill2k01, and O.J.C.) and is worth a listen.

Ice Sheets – KAVARI
This month’s selections are clearly following a darker, electronic feel with “Ice Sheets” being the most concentrated and maximalist of the three selections. It also might be the shortest song I’ve spoken about. With 1 minute and 21 seconds KAVARI delivers an effective build and then ends the industrial song on a powerful note. It follows a beautiful progression– a twinkling synth distorts into a powerful guitar loop using a background of crunchy drums, ghostly voices, and other grainy elements. “Ice Sheets” is a great example of controlled chaos and straddling the line between noise and other genres. 

Verbatim – Cameo Blush
“Verbatim” is a raw and emotional dance track. The looped vocals have no discernable words but build an interesting soundscape when layered with a rising synth and consistent drum pattern. Cameo Blush adds in several peaks and valleys of energy that carry the listener gently through the song. Fans of Bicep, Mall Grab, and Circa might particularly enjoy this one.

T O X I C – Keifergr33n / Toxic – Britney Spears
“Toxic” by Britney Spears might be one of the most remixed songs of the early 2000s. For the longest time, I found it difficult to single out one remix to speak about. However, this remix by Keifergr33n passes the iconic sample between breaks and plugnb for a unique take that is distinct from the original.

DELETE IT ALL - David Shawty / Only Time – Enya
“DELETE IT ALL” is a vulnerable song self-produced by controversial hyperpop edgelord David Shawty. Shawty’s chipmunked interpolation about feeling numb and questioning his life are bookended by the “Only Time” sample, one of the most iconic songs about finding solace. Even if you’re not interested in the trappy hyperpop sound, this song is worth a listen as an example of one the biggest gaps between a song with a sample and the original.

Back In The Day Remezcla – Swami Sound / Back in the Day – Swami Sound, CVMILLE
The recent Brat and it’s completely different but also still brat release got me thinking about remix albums/ EPs that use the format as an artform. If you’re looking for a similar feeling to Brat and Brat and it’s completely different but also still brat, check out Club Shy by Shygirl and Club Shy RMX. Both remix projects deconstruct their originals with the club in mind.

Back In The Day Remezcla is not necessarily club-minded, but it is a remix EP that serves as a revisitation of the title track of Swami Sound’s 2023 album, Back in the Day. The original song features smooth vocal chops with the lyrics “back in the day” peaking out to enforce the theme of nostalgia. While putting out an EP of remixes of one song isn’t particularly interesting, it is notable that the rest of the album’s remixes were relegated to the 2024 Deluxe version of Back in the Day. Partitioning this song and reimagining it 5 times across several genres lends itself to interpretation as a rebirth. While the original is a prime example of NYC garage & 2-step, the rest of the EP features UKG, baile funk, and house. If you’re only going to listen to one song, “Back in the Day Funked Out” is my favorite.

B2B with Guest Curator

OddwOrld

.WAV Gallery is a digital space that uses the idea of an art gallery space as a physical reference. I used that specific reference to convey that the narrow field discussed here is born of my own preferences and a direct result of my participation in music as a DJ and casual listener. With this in mind, the guest curator B2B segment is intended to use that style as a basis for guest DJs to experiment and add on top of. 

This month’s inaugural guest curator is DJ, producer, and ChuneStation collective member OddwOrld. Known for his production-minded DJ style and adventurous USB, OddwOrld has an answer for each song thrown at him. There probably isn’t a genre left untouched across the hour plus B2B. The main notes of house and UKG are supplemented by a strong presence of baile funk, jersey club, and dubstep. There wasn’t necessarily a theme or prompt for this one, but upon listening to the high energy song selection, you might be able to tell that it was recorded at a housewarming party. Listeners should keep an eye out for several OddwOrld originals peppered throughout. 

Rest in Party

When: Friday, November 1st from 8pm - 2am 
Where: Hidden Tiger
Tickets

Join collectives Gong and Unfiltered Party for a gothic and haunting night of electro, house, UKG, and minimal techno. You can expect a welcoming atmosphere as you dance to celebrate life, death, and the mysterious creatures of the night. 

No Strings

When: Friday, November 1st from 10pm - late
Where: 74 Wythe Ave.
Tickets

The collective No Strings is known for hosting their brand of if-you-know-you-know events featuring Cobrasnake-esque internet cool kids and underground music. The one to watch will be sznl, who are fresh off their recent techno set for the ChuneStation x Pan!c Room Halloween event. While the duo is typically known for their minimal house, funk, soul, and disco sets, they also thrive in more experimental and industrial spaces. I am anticipating a set that will lean into their darker and more niche influences.  Additionally, I am looking forward to a set from the maximalist electronic duo MGNA CRRRTA who are sure to bring their trademark energetic hyperpop sound. 

Brooklyn Loves UKG Takeover Bossa Nova Civic Club 

When: Sunday, November 3rd from 7pm -10pm
Where: Bossa Nova Civic Club
No tickets required

Fight off the Sunday Scaries with BK Loves UKG at their free Bossa Nova happy hour and birthday party for co-founder Shmooky.

Radio Nublu 

When: Friday, November 8th from 10pm - 4am
Where: 62 Ave C.
Tickets

Unfiltered Party’s Connector, Dugout Radio’s Samisosa, Pan!c Room’s Duco, and Ethereal Tempo’s Fanny are joining forces at Radio Nublu for what is sure to be an unmissable multi-genre night. This avengers-like linkup between local legends will most likely feature jungle, UKG, techno, and “bumpy bouncy club tunes.”

When looking back on the events I tend to mention in the Sets You Missed section, I’ve started to notice a preference for events with a strong curatorial sense. The organizers make it very clear what to expect based on the promotional materials, have a unique perspective, or are consistent over time. Generally, this involves a sonically cohesive theme and a well-ordered lineup. This means that DJs that align with the overall vibe of the night (including the venue) and are organized in a way that builds energy. Below, I’ll walk you through some of my favorite recent events that fit into that category. 

ChuneStation & LOVEINTHEENDZ: Global Groves

ChuneStation’s Global Grooves event on September 21st was the perfect farewell to summer. The lineup featured a B3B with global DJs Blue Canariñho, LOELASH, and Daviaa in addition to standalone sets by frequent Chune collaborators Nusnce and Sea Rae as well as collective member OddwOrld. Musically, the group delivered on promises of baile funk, hip-hop, UK garage, and added in some Jersey and Baltimore club. With each event, the collective centers around a new theme and executes it flawlessly.

Y2AURA’S (NY Rat)atouille Party

The second installment of Y2AURA’s Rat Party was easily one of my favorite recent events. Each time, Y2AURA pairs up with a local DJ for a themed night that ends in a B2B with the co-curator. The (NY Rat)atouille Party was co-hosted with Gong collective member Yerim. The series has become a call for the return of the house party, promising good company and good music at the forefront. This month’s event featured thematic cooking from collaborator UndertheTable. DJs JUNGIN, Lunatayic, OVpleasefocus, sznl, Y2AURA and Yerim thrived in their individual styles that lended themselves to the crowd’s combination of dancing, eating, and chatting. This event was an example of one where the cohesion between the joyful aesthetic theme and the relaxed location allowed for a flexibility in sound for the best payoff. 

Crash Test by Connector

Crash Test was founded by Book Club Radio alum Connector, who wanted a night of indie dance, electro, leftfield, and other distorted dance music. It is purely based on love and excitement for this specific type of music and the emotions it evokes, which made for an engaging and easy night out. This is probably one of the clearest examples of a sonically cohesive theme, as the night revolves around a specific sound rather than a seasonally themed event. I’ll definitely become a regular attendee based on the consistent sound and welcoming atmosphere. Future iterations will happen on Thursdays, once a month – see you there. 

Debs Basak at Georgia Room

Debs Basak headlined Halloweekend at Georgia Room on October 26th with a masterful set of house and melodic techno. He brought a high energy collection of recognizable classics and hidden gems. You can listen to the recording of his best set yet below. 

To hear more from Debs Basak you can attend his B2B with Sasababy at EVOL Nightclub on November 15th. RSVP for free here. There is also the option of a $50 all night open bar available for purchase at the venue.

2024 HALLOWEEN MIX by VUCX 

DJ and producer VUCX makes his triumphant return with this soundcloud exclusive mix. It’s 30 minutes of dark, sexy synthwave and electronic music. VUCX delivers an ideal Halloween mix that isn’t too on the nose but captures the spirit of the season for easy listening year round.

CLUB CLASSIC PIU PIU PIU by Waddle

You technically haven’t missed Waddle’s CLUB CLASSIC PIU PIU PIU yet since it is only available on SoundCloud. The all caps title and mii character cover led me to believe the mix might be one of Waddle’s classic maximalist mixes. I was quickly proven wrong by the bouncy, fresh, cute vibe mix that he recommends for everyday use. Waddle opens with a house remix of “Smooth Operator,” and carries that light sound throughout the seamless hour-long mix. I was going to recommend listening at work, but depending on how your office feels about dancing, you might want to exercise caution.  

With an awareness of what events I am usually drawn to, I can also speak on some sets that I am sad I missed. I am not sure if it’s just the FOMO talking, but ChuneStation X Pan!c Room’s F.E.A.R. The DJ might have been one of the best events of the year. About half of that opinion is based on Instagram stories I saw the following day, the other half is based on the reputation of the two powerhouses. It seems like all of the DJs came prepared with high energy, hard sounds behind the backdrop of a well-decorated Ridgewood space and costume-committed partygoers. I’ve included some photos below, courtesy of Y2AURA and @thelightgawd, so that you can also regret missing out. Luckily, Y2AURA’s set is available below.

Keep an eye out for an unrelated announcement from Pan!c Room this Sunday, November 3rd.

The second event I missed, EXTRA SCARY PLEASE, was a sold-out success curated by @finding.your.niche. @finding.your.niche shifts away from mainstream club culture, returning the focus to the dance floor and the joy of being present in the moment. Extra Scary Please stayed true to the spirit of the brand’s popular Extra Spicy Please series, which allows DJs to play what truly inspires them, unbound by promoter demands. 

In addition to the resonant message behind the event, organizer ANICHE (@anicheintheworld) put together an incredible lineup of 7 DJs, captivating performers, a tattoo artist, and a tarot card reader, with specialty drinks and food all contributing to a unique and immersive atmosphere. If, like me, you were not one of the approximately 250 attendees, you can view some photos courtesy of legendary Elsewhere in-house photographer Luis Nieto Dickens below. 

This section is inspired by the history of white label vinyl records used as promotional copies by DJs. Record labels would often send DJs advance copies of releases to test out on crowds. In some cases, the records would even be mixed differently to sound better on club speakers. 

The below songs have been submitted by their respective creators/ remixers to share with you all. The hope is to spotlight new and exciting sounds that you are able to download and take with you - either for casual listening or to share in club settings.

444

Brooklyn-based South Asian DJ 444 is known for her signature bouncy sound steeped with global and cultural influences. I was lucky to meet 444 a little under a year ago while on the same lineup for an event hosted by collective It’s a Secret. Had I had this newsletter at the time, the set would’ve made it into my Sets You Missed section. If I had stopped dancing long enough to take photos or videos, I’d put it in there now. Her approach to production is a concentrated explosion of energy built for the dancefloor. The below remixes of club classics “Scream and Shout,” “Work,” “A Milli,” and “Mercy” are made for large rooms with big speakers full of sweaty, dancing partygoers. If you’re looking to hear more from 444, I’ve included a link to her 2-hour Elsewhere set below the remixes.

Castillionare

Castillionare tends to be a bit of a chameleon in his capacities as visual artist, producer, and DJ. His sets have the well-rounded approach of someone with a mutli-modality approach to art. Castillionare’s genre field is broad, at times leaning towards house and UKG and at other times leaning towards baile funk or techno. The two remixes below are bright, fresh UKG takes on pop songs.