Balance Selections Podcast

By Balance MusicMusic

Balance Selections Podcast episodes

October 18, 2024 Balance Selections 302: Kallisto
New Zealand-born Kallisto is steadily making a name for herself with ear-catching sets crafted for progressive house purveyors. Since relocating to Melbourne, it's a skill that's not gone unnoticed, landing her on lineups alongside the likes of Hernan Cattaneo, Kasper Koman, Eelke Kleijn, GMJ & Matter, Subandrio and more. She plays regularly at the city’s popular venues and recently played on the Elements Festival.   
A relative newcomer to production, yet she’s already released on Germany’s TRIP and emotions label and Australia’s UGNENIUS crew. Most recent release ‘Meraki’, on the Almar imprint, is a big slice of dancefloor fodder, hinting at what's to come from the young producer. Couple that with a growing Youtube channel featuring live Kallisto mixes, and all signs point towards an artist to keep tabs on.   
On this Balance Selections mix, her ability to craft compelling stories are on full display. Featuring tracks from Hernan Cattaneo, Kostas Outta Agustin Peros and more, it’s vintage progressive filled with melodic drama and spacious euphoria that is perfect for getting lost in.
@kallisto_music
1 hr 37 min
October 11, 2024 Balance Selections 301: Christian Nielsen
Christian Nielsen, a Danish DJ and producer from Copenhagen, is known for a blend of melodic techno and house that is infused with Scandinavian minimalism. Launching his career in the early 2010s, he plays an energetic sound characterized by deep basslines, soaring melodies, and intricate rhythms, leading to releases on prestigious labels like Diynamic, Ellum, and Kompakt. Beyond the studio, Nielsen has made his mark performing at iconic venues such as Watergate, Fabric, Printworks, and Pacha for Solomun +1.
In this uptempo Balance Selections he dives straight in. Featuring tracks from Matara, Helsloot and Josh Samuel, this is a energetic mix of chunky house and main room techno that never strays from delivering dancefloor delight.
@christiannielsenmusic
59 min
October 07, 2024 Deep. Dark. Progressive. mixed by McKeown & Bassiray
🥷 McKeown & Bassiray exclusive 65-track playlist 🥷
https://spoti.fi/3YtN5Lo
Deep. Dark. Progressive. Those three adjectives captured a moment in electronic music that rippled through the scene like a sonic ideology. The sound emerged at the turn of the millennium and embraced its name with laser-like precision: it sure was deep, undoubtedly dark, and undeniably progressive.  
It’s a moment that Stuart McKeown and Darius Bassiray know all too well. As part of Melbourne’s Zero Tolerance crew and two-thirds of Depth Institute, they champion its contemporary incarnation, releasing on labels like Mango Alley, Sound Avenue, and, of course, Zero Tolerance.  
They also lived through it, making them perfectly positioned to pontificate on the scene. Read the full feature on the Balance Music website, where we delve into this early 2000s strain of progressive. To supplement that article, they crafted a two-hour showcase of their favorite classic and contemporary genre moments. Featuring tracks from John Creamer & Stéphane K, Chab, Diego Moreira, Analog Jungs, and more, this is an excellent entry point for anyone looking to explore this audio world.
@mckeown-bassiray
1 hr 59 min
October 04, 2024 Balance Selections 300: Sander Kleinenberg
For our special 300th episode, we welcome a true electronic music icon...
As part of the original crew of Nubreed DJs, Sander Kleinenberg helped shape a sound that defined a generation. However, more than his peers, Kleinenberg challenged the prog status quo in a way that set him apart. The first Everybody mix compilation, featuring pink-themed art collage and journal-style liner notes, showcased an artist with a penchant for fun—an image that contrasted sharply with the serious persona his contemporaries portrayed.
That energy transferred to his sets too, which would fluctuate from vibrant deep house to dark, dramatic progressive sounds. It resonated widely, so much so that he took out the Essential Mix of the Year honours in 2001.
Today, he remains active in the studio, boasting an ever-growing and impressive list of collaborators, including names like Halsey, Daft Punk, Timbaland, and Madonna. His Deepest Mixtape In The Universe podcast is proof that he hasn’t lost his mixing touch. We are thrilled to host this legend for a two-hour mix featuring Phil Kieran, Tigerskin, Blue Amazon, and more.
2 hr 1 min
September 27, 2024 Balance Selections 299: Kabi
Kabi is part of a new wave of progressive house producers emerging on the global scene. Hailing from Argentina (where else?), he belongs to a generation raised in homes influenced by the musical revolution of the nineties and early 00s. For Kabi, this translates to a rich musical upbringing filled with Jamiroquai, Illya Kuriaki & The Valderramas (an Argentinean hip and funk duo), and even St. Germain.
Today, he’s building a reputation through carefully crafted DJ mixes and an impressive array of productions. Bedrock, All Day I Dream, and The Soundgarden all feature Kabi’s work, and now he adds Balance Music to that list. His recent Venom EP comprises a trio of well-honed tracks that sound as if created by a two-decade veteran. The title piece, “Venom,” is dance floor titanium—a progressive bomb of the nuclear kind that should come with a warning. “Misti,” with its lovely introspective intro, harks back to the glory days of progressive house, while “Switch” draws you in with melodic grit and a massive breakdown that will captivate even the most stubborn dance floors.
In this Balance Selections mix, Kabi showcases his complete talent with a complete 60-minute set that explores different shades of progressive house. Featuring artists like Traumer, Scippo, Avision, and, of course, Kabi himself, this is a robust journey of dance floor bliss that begins deep before building to a heavy-duty big room finale.
@kabi-ar
55 min
September 20, 2024 Balance Selections 298: Fiona Kraft
Fiona Kraft is a multi-faceted creative hailing from France. From a piano-playing child to a teenage clubber, then transitioning to a model, DJ, producer, and record label owner, her journey has been one of hard work and dedication. This path has shaped her into an artist whose DJ sets—ranging from AfroHouse to tech house and progressive—captivate global audiences.
Collaborators include producers like Damian Lazarus (Lazarusman) and Gab Rhome, and she is set to work with the legendary singer Robert Owens. This year Kraft also launched her own label, NON MERCI MUSIC, a space for musical freedom and experimentation. Her positive sets have taken her to over 40 countries, where she has performed at prestigious venues and festivals such as Caprices Festival, Hi Ibiza, and Fabric London.
In a brisk 60-minute mix, the French producer presents a sharp blend of contemporary deep house, layered with Afro house and progressive influences. Featuring artists like Shall Ocin, Tim Engelhardt, and Jonathan Kaspar, this impressive showcase weaves rich textures that feel timeless.
@fionakraftmusic
1 hr 1 min
September 13, 2024 Balance Selections 297: Ranj Kaler
Ranj Kaler is a name becoming more regular on the global scene. After losing his DJ residency at the start of the pandemic, he used the lockdown to focus on music production. Within six months, he was releasing tracks on labels like ARRVL and Four Candles’ Keep Thinking, alongside attention grabbing reworks of Sade and Kate Bush. Since then, he's released music on labels including Capital Heaven and Foxtrot Alpha.
Never one to stick to a single genre, Ranj’s productions blend house, breaks, techno, and electro, creating a distinct sound that has earned him support from a long list of DJs from John Digweed, to Hernán Cattaneo. His talent has also made him a sought-after remixer, with labels like Hooj Choons, Pangea, and Laika Sounds commissioning his work.  
On this 90 minute mix Ranj delivers a smooth mix of deep breaks, house, prog and more that feels vital. Featuring productions from Framewerk, Danny Howells, Sébastien Léger and more, this is an effortless mix showcasing Kaler’s dynamic track selection.
1 hr 30 min
September 06, 2024 Balance Selections 296: Ok Sure
Electronic producer/DJ Ok Sure is a prominent name in Melbourne's music scene, renowned for her dark, moody, and melodic sound that has made her a fixture at festivals like Rainbow Serpent and Let Them Eat Cake. She’s a regular on Australian radio and hosts a show on Reform Radio in the UK, which was nominated for a Mixcloud Online Radio Award.  
Her extensive discography spans nearly 15 years, featuring collaborations with artists such as Deadmau5, Sophie Lowe, Charles Oliver, and Lupa J. However, it’s her live performances that truly stand out, with DJ sets pulsing through techno, deep house, electronica, and beyond.  
That genre-hopping prowess is on full display in this otherworldly two-hour mix that is perfect for early morning hours after a club session. Filled with twisted electronica, dark deep techno, and more, this adventurous ride delves into the after-hours realm with unexpected artists like Four Tet, Max Cooper, Nathan Fake, Donato Dozzy, and Luciano.
2 hr
August 23, 2024 Balance Selections 295: Katrin Souza
Katrin Souza's journey is a remarkable example of turning adversity into creativity. Despite growing up in an orphanage and lacking formal musical education, Katrin Souza overcame significant obstacles to pursue her dreams. After discovering the joys of electronic music, she dedicated her nights to studying music production while balancing a full-time job and raising two young children as a single parent. Her first demos received support from Paul Oakenfold and Roger Shah. This was an unexpected surprise for her, given that she had to fend for herself for most of her life: “I had never really received support or recognition in my life. Somehow, being an outcast felt more comforting.”
Today Souza is a recognized member of the global music community, managing a full-time music career while raising her two creative children: “My son writes music and my daughter is an artist. I am very proud of them!” Her music releases, spanning over 15 years on labels such as Monstercat Silk, Dissident, and LW Recordings, feature melodic arrangements that linger long after the song ends. Her recent production, ‘Paradise Island,’ alongside John Fisherman on the HOROSHO imprint, exemplifies this with its breezy, summery sound and optimistic overtones.
In her two-hour mix, Souza delivers an exceptional journey that highlights the joy of escaping through music. Featuring tracks from Gai Barone, DJ Koze, Guy J, Dave DK, and more, this fluid progressive mix explores a range of meditative flavors which build towards an explosive end.
@katrinsouza
2 hr
August 16, 2024 Balance Selections 294: The Journey
In Melbourne the names of Jacob Malmo and Tom Evans are well known as solo artists. Together, they have carved a niche for themselves as The Journey, a name synonymous with sturdy progressive. It's a sound that's been forged with their combined 20 years plus of dance music experience - and one that’s gaining traction internationally.
Alongside multiple European tours, they have graced stages at iconic festivals like Rainbow Serpent, Pitch Music & Arts, Subsonic, and Strawberry Fields. Labels from Monaberry to Stil Vor Talent to Einmusika have signed their music and they've collaborated with artists including Bebetta, Tim Engelhardt, and Florian Kruse.
Their name is an apt one too: a Journey set can take exciting turns which never feels forced. On this almost two hour set they deliver on that sentiment with an adventurous sound that is minimal in aesthetic yet maximal in impact. With tracks and remixes from Sébastien Léger, UNKLE, Tim Engelhardt, Guy Gerber and more, this one deserves your full attention.
@thejourneymusicaus
1 hr 46 min