FMB MIXTAPE 267 | CONOR SCHMTZ

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FMB MIXTAPE 267 | CONOR SCHMTZ (iTUNES)

Belfast based DJ Conor Schmtz got his first major break securing a residency at Shine events at QUBSU in 2011 as one half of duo Schmutz, where he developed a reputation for his energetic style of diverse DJing. Schmutz originally began as an intimate club night, inviting DJs like Midland, Brawther, Krystal Klear, Hunee and John Talabot to small venues across the city. After releases on labels like Omnidisc, 4 Lux, Dirt Crew, ME ME ME it wasn’t long before Schmutz were appearing at clubs all around the UK and Europe.

Conor himself is currently resident at Ulster Sports Club where he appears monthly for a 5 + hour set covering multiple styles and sounds. Conor proudly holds a significant place at the forefront of cutting-edge electronic music culture and left of centre parties in Ireland, something he has done for over 15 years.

Let’s catch up…

I’ve been busy DJ’ing around Ireland and running my own ‘Invites’ parties – a series of nights where I invite artists that I look up to or who have inspired me. So far I’ve had Rolando, Radio Slave and ND Baumecker come play with me alongside some local selectors that I admire. Before this I was involved in running monthly club nights at USC, bringing international guests to a ridiculously intimate space. I’ve also been doing  pop up events in underused venues around Belfast with TNI (Timmy Stewart and Jordan Nocturne). Most recently I’ve started a collaboration Marion Hawkes which we have both really been enjoying and our ‘After Hours’ parties have been growing nicely. We’ve invited Jaye Ward, Prosumer and Apiento to join us in the last 6 months alone.

This mix was recorded in a small studio in Banana Block in East Belfast called ‘Spinners Mill’. It was done on 2 x cdjs + 2 x Technics whilst nursing a crippling hangover. I often find it hard to decide on records to include in pre-recorded mixes so this one is pure spur of the moment.

When I set out to do this I intended on doing a long mix with a slower build up (which I usually enjoy more), however when I pressed record I thought f*ck it, ‘straight to the point’ vibe – I feel this hour mix is a good reflection of my taste and style. I tried to include a good mixture of old and new records on this, also showing love to Belfast labels and producers.

Next Up…

Next up for me I’ll be appearing at Hang Dai In Dublin on Friday 22nd August, In September we have our ‘After Hours 5’ with Sound Metaphors, I’ll be joining up with Black Bones for their album launch and myself and Marion will also be doing a warm up for ¥ØU$UK€ ¥UK1MAT$U and HODGE at Shine which will be interesting. Towards the end of the year we have series of parties planned in some very special abandoned spaces, including a collaboration with two of my favourite local DJs – ‘Call and Response’ – which I’m especially excited about (get to know them). I’ll also have my yearly collab with Never Never, so a pretty busy few months ahead.

In 2026, I’ll be releasing an edit pack of old American house records that I felt needed resurrected, I’ll also be putting out some original material with remixes from a few personal heroes of mine.

Tracklist

FMB MIXTAPE 266 | LORA S

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FMB MIXTAPE 266 | LORA S (iTUNES)

Hackney born and based, Lora S is a refreshing addition to the electronic music scene. She runs the club night Floorjam, a space that celebrates underrepresented talent in electronic music. Taking influence from Chicago and Detroit, her sets embrace house, acid, breaks, techno and the versatile fringes of wider electronic music, with big influences from R&B melodies, Hip Hop flair and African percussion. She primes any dancefloor she graces with the distinct pacing of her sets, eclectic selections, often with a curveball or two added in to her somewhat chaotic yet dexterous traversing of sounds.

Let’s catch up…

I’m currently recovering from post-holiday blues after a recent trip to Marseille… Summer is in full swing so I’ve been balancing working my day job alongside DJing out and about in London. I filled in for blissy e on Voices Radio last month and have played some fun parties across London over the last couple of months including at Venue MOT with Shortlist, Sugar Rush with Tommy Gold and my own club series, Floorjam, at The Carpet Shop back in May. 

This mix was recorded in one take, on a cloudy afternoon in London with an pioneer xdj set up. I wanted to put together a mix that was high energy and featured tracks new and old that I’ve been enjoying playing out of late. There are some real gems included and it’s definitely a mix made for dancing!

Up Next…

I’m playing a couple of gigs I’m really looking forward to including NT’s Loft with Mike Dunn and Colour Factory’s 4th birthday this month. Aside from DJing, I’ve been working on production so I’m looking forward to slowing down and spending more time on that side of things. There are also some forthcoming releases via Floorjam from talent we really believe in that I’m excited to share in soon!

Tracklist:

FMB MIXTAPE 265 | VAN WILKINS

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On this weeks Feel My Bicep mixtape, we welcome Van Wilkins. Van Wilkins is a 24-year-old DJ and producer from the South of England, known for weaving together Breakbeat, House, Dub, Electro, Techno, and everything in between. Tapping into the resurgence of UK Garage and Breaks, Van’s built a steady following with his instinctive selections and rhythm-led style. He’s played sets at Drumsheds, Keep Hush, and toured with Interplanetary Criminal, with a BBC Dancefloor Moment shout adding to the momentum. Outside the booth, he’s explored more experimental ground too — including an interactive music installation that handed creative control over to the audience.

Let’s catch up…

I’ve been getting premasters in for releases this summer, which means spending far too long on snare drums that are chipping away at my sanity — even though i keep reminding myself that no one can hear the difference between the couple decibel adjustments.

I also recently joined Demand Artists booking agency, which I’m super excited about. I’ve also been working on a score for a climbing documentary that should be released soon — had a tonne of fun deconstructing my music into pretty drones. Logic has a brilliant function where I can drag video into my project, so I can produce live on the spot whilst watching the video.

This mix was recorded from my studio at home on my trusty Pioneer XDJ RX3’s with a green tea in hand. It’s made up entirely of unreleased original productions by me. I’ve always found myself switching between making club-focused tracks and more emotive, melodic stuff, and this mix brings both sides together in one place.

A lot of it came together while I was sat in various cafés in Bali on rainy afternoons — Headphones in, trying my best not to stare as soaked customers came in, ringing out their ponchos and drip-drying before finding a seat. That atmosphere definitely fed into the mood of some of the tracks in the first half. 

Up Next…

I’ve got a release coming in August with Nervous Records, which I’m really looking forward to. There’s also a track landing soon with Outhouse Sounds on the 2nd of August— my first proper go at a techno release. And as mentioned, I’ve been working on the score for a climbing documentary, which pairs my music with some really beautiful scenery. Sat on tonnes of unreleased music so hopefully lots more releases soon!

Thank you for inviting me. Big supporter of the show, so it has been an honour guesting for it.

Tracklist:

FMB MIXTAPE 264 | HAMMER

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FMB MIXTAPE 264 | HAMMER (iTUNES)

This week we welcome Belfast-born producer, DJ, and label curator Hammer. He is the visionary behind two influential labels, Remmah and Italo Hiits, both of which showcase his distinctive sound while spotlighting rising talent. Remmah, now on its 20th release, has launched the careers of artists like Anna Gram, Kilimanjaro, and Stevie Cox, cementing its reputation as a hub for cutting-edge music. Hammer’s 2024 collaboration with Bicep on their Chroma label earned widespread airplay on BBC Radio 1 and 6 Music, while releases with He.She.They Records and a vinyl-only EP on Skylax Records highlights his versatile production skills.

Let’s catch up…

Summer is in full swing and I’ve just released my latest single, ‘U Didn’t Know’ on my label Remmah. It features vocals from Lili Chan and it’s the 20th release on the label, and all in all I’m extremely happy about that!

The mix was recorded at Sub Club earlier this year, it was an all night 5-hour set and an absolutely amazing night.

This is the last hour of the five hour set I played, the idea at the time was just feed of the crowd and go with the flow. There’s nothing better than letting loose after building a music journey for the last four or five hours to a sweaty club with a beautiful sound system.

Next up…

I’ve track coming out on Sri Lankan label Tropical Wax its a vinyl only Various Artists, as well as music coming on Semi Delicious and Nein Records.

I’m off to Beat Herder festival soon. Then I’ve two day parties at SWG3 in my hometown Glasgow and Gonzo’s Two Room in Norwich. I’m playing Burning Man in August too, which will be a first.

I’m also working on a new community studio at SWG3 in Glasgow which will be a really big and exciting project coming at the end of the year.

Tracklist

FMB MIXTAPE 263 | ZURI

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FMB MIXTAPE 263 | ZURI (iTUNES)

This week on the FMB mixtape we welcome Zuri. Hailing from San Sebastian but now based in Manchester, Zuri brings a distinctive, genre-defying approach to mixing. A resident at Amber’s Club and Crop Radio, with regular appearances at Soup, Warehouse Project, and standout shows alongside Joy Orbison, Overmono and Or:la, Zuri continues to carve her very own path. Let’s catch up.

It’s been an exciting few months! I did my first guest show at NTS for Martha’s show last month. I listen to NTS all day and every day so I was very starstruck to be there. Earlier this month, I did my French debut at a gorgeous festival in the woods just outside of Paris called Orange Crush. Everyone should go next year, it’s such a cute festival! I have also just got back from Gottwood where I played at the no_one takeover which was such big fun.

The mix was recorded at Amber’s, which is my spiritual home. I wanted to try a three deck mix so I am very glad they let me sneak in. Thank you Hutch :)

The idea behind the mixtape was to treat dubby and percussive sounds as a kind of palette rather than anchoring myself to a specific genre. I’ve always had quite an eclectic taste, and my sets have naturally reflected that. After having been quite chaotically genre-fluid since I started DJing, I feel as though I am finally finding my own sound, where there’s plenty of room for fluidity but feels much more intentional and personal to me.

I wanted the mix to act almost like an ID or self-portrait, pulling together the styles I gravitate towards most at the moment. It’s an introspective recalibration of my sound and intent, merging deep sub-bass with forward-thinking, deconstructed styles that prompt both movement and reflection. There’s a strong emphasis on hypnotic, percussive, dubbed-out cuts, playing with tension and release, and navigating the line between moody and fun.

I felt brave enough to push myself out of my comfort zone and attempt a polyrhythmic transition where I blend a chuggy 3 bar loop at 110bpm with a 4/4 dubstep track at 146bpm. I also threw a 3 deck mix in there just for good measure :P It was a bit of a workout but worth the sweat!

I’ve also recently been quite fascinated in how dubstep is being reimagined, which allows a broader palette of sounds to feel at home within its framework. I tried to reflect that by including influences from outside traditional club genres that still feel very relevant to my sound.

In a nutshell, the mix is an appreciation of dubwise textures, UK soundsystem culture and global club and percussive sounds, tied together by a lot of introspection which should hopefully invite people to dance and also listen.

Up next…

 I am playing at We Out Here in August which I am really happy about. I will be travelling a lot with work during the summer, but I might try to sneak a set in Asia or the US from the back of it (@promoters I’m your woman!). I will be back in the UK for club season with some very exciting shows lined up! 

Thanks so much for having me on your mixtape series, it’s a real dream to contribute <3

Tracklist

FMB MIXTAPE 262 | BIG REG

FMB MIXTAPE 262 | BIG REG (360 DOWNLOAD)

FMB MIXTAPE 262 | BIG REG (iTUNES)

This week on the FMB mixtape we welcome BIG REG, the DJ, producer and promoter who has keen a key figure of the underground scene for 2 decades. Starting in Leeds with the iconic Pigs club night to residencies at Mint Club, he’s now in London running Extra Smooth parties. He also has an EP on his own print incoming, Extra Smooth Records. Let’s catch up..

I’ve recently started a new club night and a record label called Extra Smooth Records with my friend Spencer. We had our launch back in May at CU in Dalston, naughty little basement club with a big fuck off dubstep sound system in there. We’re gearing up for our 1st release on the label which should be out by the end of the summer. But apart from that I’ve just been busy in the studio, hence the starting a record label. 

I recorded this mix in my living room on turntables, CDJs and my knock off rotary mixer. 

No real idea behind the mix really. I try not to overthink things. Just records I’ve picked up or rediscovered recently, played at roughly the same speed, well sometimes anyway. But its definitely more of a club focused mix. 

Up Next…

I’m away to DJ in Croatia next week, then straight to Glasto, so please pray for my remaining brain cells. After that we have a party on at Colour Factory out in their garden on the 20th of July. We’ve got Aldonna and Occibel over to play. Should be a tasty one. Tickets are on RA.

Tracklist:

1. Ragga Twins – Shine Eye

2. Reflex Blue – Ruff City Dub

3. Makam – Girls Night 

4. Helium – Out There

5. DJ Debra – Radical (Scott Mac and Nancy Noise Remix)

6. Natural Born Grooves – Groovebird (DJ Eclipse Remix)

7. Renegade – Feel It (Dave Randall Mix)

8. BIG REG – Ian rush (unreleased demo)

9. El-B feat. Rolla – Serious

10. Dj Abstract – Touch

11. Destiny Cloud – Sun Phase (DJ John Brooklyn’s Toxic Love Mix)

12. David Duriez – The Banger (Original Mix)

13. Mono – High Life (187 Lockdown Low Life Dub)

14. BIG REG – Burn the sun (unreleased demo)

15. Anthony Rother – When The Sun Goes Down

FMB MIXTAPE 261 | JOHN LOVELESS

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On this weeks episode of the FMB mixtape, we welcome John Loveless, a DJ, producer and writer from the North West of the UK. He runs his own Hot Concept imprint and party series, and works with Palms Trax on CWPT. His radio residencies on Refuge Worldwide and Cashmere Radio allow him to explore electronic and alternative music. Let catch up with John Loveless..

I’ve been trying to evade my allergies and enjoy the sensory pleasures of spring’s arrival in Berlin. Listening to music, reading in the sun and of course, trying to play it cool about recording this mix…

The mix was recorded live, in one hot take, on CDJs and a Pioneer mixer at my friend Charlie’s.

As alluded to above, I’d check the original Feel My Bicep blog for new downloads pretty obsessively, circa 2010. I even made it to the first ever Bicep DJ gig in Manchester, which I recall was cut heartbreakingly short by a fire alarm (without a subsequent fire). The music featured was a much-appreciated introduction to a particular strain of dance music, especially house and Italo, driven by charisma and odd hooks. I’m still drawn to those kinds of records and that admittedly nebulous attitude, regardless of era or genre, so I used those instincts to record something with the sort of progression and pace that my daft 21 year-old self might have enjoyed.

The final track here – a Leftside Wobble bootleg of an exciting little band called The Beatles – even initially came to me via FMB, but I don’t think I’ve ever used it in a mix or even on the radio, so this felt like as good of an opportunity as any to exorcise it after all these years. Some other tracks in here are ‘personal classic’ trax that I know like the back of my hand, while others, like Peach’s remix of Cromby, landed in my inbox a couple of hours before I recorded and just felt right for the flow.

Up Next…

I’m currently in the process of finishing up some new tracks and remixes with my production partner Gramrcy, one of which features here for the first time here. These should arrive later in 2025. I have a remix with Palms Trax on the horizon, and I’m soon to reach the 100th edition of my show ‘Display Resolution’ on Cashmere Radio, after which I’ll put the show on ice or an irregular schedule for some time. I’m hoping to record a mixed compilation of sorts to celebrate, so have progressed to agonising over the track list for that one instead. I have some exciting gigs upcoming this summer, such as a nice long stretch outdoors at ELSE in Berlin for the CWPT party, and Pikes in Ibiza for the first time.

I’ve also written a full-length feature screenplay with my mate Rich, AKA, DJ Enchanted Rhythms, which we’re still chipping away on, draft after draft. I have been involved in music for a long time now, but film is a similar passion, and this has felt like the most exciting and fulfilling work I’ve undertaken lately. While I wait for A24 to call, I’ve decided to more frequently update my substack, No Fun At The Fair, and have an essay to publish soon on a strawberry theme park, and another on outdoor swimming pools, if that’s your sort of thing. Hold tight!

Tracklist:

  2. Sax – Don’t Turn Your Back On Me (Tech Support Edit)

  3.  Joe Lewis – Separate Ways

  4. Luca Dell’orso – Dear Rosie

  5. Ghost Assembly – I Keep On Making The Same Mistake

  6. KDA – Rising (Vocal Trip)

  7. The Hacker & Endrik Schroeder – The Voyagers

  8. Robert Drewek – Acidiction

  9. Cromby – House Flava (Peach Remix)

  10. Drua – Nightfire

  11. Desert Sound Colony – Defaminator

  12. Self Preservation Society – Chinless Acid

  13. Gramrcy & John Loveless – Feel So

  14. I:Cube – Transpiration

  15. The Beatles – Tomorrow Never Knows (Leftside Wobble Edit)

FMB MIXTAPE 260 | MARLA KETHER

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On this weeks Feel My Bicep mixtape, we welcome Marla Kether, the bassist, producer, DJ and founder of Kilengi Dance Party, born in London to Congolese parents. She’s been taking her high-energy sets around the world to Glastonbury, supporting Loyle Carner on his US tour. The diverse selections feature a bass-led blend of Kuduro, Dembow, Afro House and Global Bass. Lets catch up…

Recently I’ve been playing a bunch of really great shows with my band, and working on a few remixes that’ll be out this summer. I’ve also been enjoying a (slight) lull in my tour schedule which has meant more time with friends!

Last Friday, I DJed at Outra Cena in Lisbon for a Numa High party. The Tascam recording is being mastered at the moment so—just for you—I’ve re-recorded part of my set, from the comfort of my lovely bedroom.

The party was a celebration of people and music from the African diaspora, so I featured a lot of Batida, Kuduro, Baile Funk and Afro House. Just serving up my usual mix of global dance sounds really—giving people a taste of what to expect at my upcoming shows, as well as showing off tunes I heard during my trip to Brazil earlier this year.

Up Next…

So, I have quite a lot coming up! I’ve got 2 remixes and a track on Somewhere Soul’s new compilation coming out in June-July; a heap of live bookings, including Cross The Tracks, The Great Escape and SXSW London; and I’ll be DJing at Glasto, We Out Here, Outlook and Little Simz’s Meltdown Festival to name a few!

Tracklist:

1. Dembow Tronico – GЯEG/King Doudou

2. Ele é bom – Tia Maria Produções

3. Domina – De Schuurman

4. JOGA DE LADIN (AFRO HOUSE) – Deejay Poco

5. Fermina Style – De Schuurman

6. Bend Down – Tia Maria Produções

7. 1000º (MIL GRAUS) – DJ Cirofox

8. SAMBAPITO (OriginalGhetto) – Lilocox

9. Palhacinho – Dj Doraemon

10. Rude Boy Giddy Up – DJ Tameil

11. Md – B I L L Y G

12. Poeng Ka Poeng Ka – De Schuurman

13. Subiu, Desceu (So Vital Remix) – Feadz, Mc Wes

14. CRAZY IN LUV – T.NO

15. Flashing Hype – Sam Interface

16. Loose Control (JERRIH & ELLAIME REMIX) – Missy Elliott

17. (Not So) Serious Ting (Anna Morgan Remix) – SICARIA

18. Vai Amor – JLZ, PEDRO, INVDRS

19. JUGO DE MORA – INVT

20. Gatherer – Leonce

21. TOKYO GQOM – T.NO

22. Penrose Steps – Kaval

23. PALIZA – INVT

24. O Babo – DJ Ketchup

25. 2º Round – Dj Dú Marcel

26. DDDD DJ! – T.NO

27. TOMA PAU – MC Gw, Rennan da Penha

28. Afro Pras Novinhas – MC Nandinho, DJ JOTACÊ 22, Mc GIBI, Mc Waguinho Caxangá

29. Xtraga – Brâulio ZP

FMB MIXTAPE 259 | ADELINA

FMB MIXTAPE 259 | ADELINA (320 DOWNLOAD) 

FMB MIXTAPE 259 | ADELINA (iTUNES)

On this weeks episode of the Feel My Bicep mix, we welcome the Ukrainian DJ, performer and producer, Adelina. She made her name being an integral figure of Kyiv’s underground scene, she is now in Berlin running her Oracool party series and the Homoymous record label. Passionate about deep baselines and broken beats, lets dig in to the mix and catch up…

I’ve been lucky enough to quit my day job and spend most of my time focused on music and surrounded by my loved ones.

The mix was recorded during one of my recent gigs here in Berlin.

Lately, I’ve been getting more and more into records, so this is more of a retrospective selection of music that I’ve been enjoying recently.

Up Next…

Not much planned for now. I recently started a label called Oracool, so I’m going to keep working on future releases with my friends. I’m also actively preparing for my debut at Tresor on May 9th.

Tracklist:

FMB MIXTAPE 258 | PÉPE

FMB MIXTAPE 258 | PÉPE (320 DOWNLOAD)

FMB MIXTAPE 258 | PÉPE (iTUNES)

On this weeks FMB Mixtape, we welcome Pépe, the Valencian producer known for seamlessly blending techno, bass, breakbeat and IDM. His crystalline melodies, intricate rhythms and glitch-infused soundscapes have gained him support from many including Ben UFO, Special Request and Objekt. Let’s catch up with him…

I have just had a run of two releases on Elicit and YUKU, alongside running my first party, “Patchwork”, where I invited Hermeneia to play an extended set. It was a great night of  dub-heavy, hardcore continuum explorations.

I recorded the mix at my studio in Alboraya, Valencia. Two XDJs and a turntable were used.

I wanted to record a straight-to-the-point mix of heavy club sonics. It goes from breakbeat and machine-funk acid into the more percussive, bassier fringes of my collection. As always, I’m obsessed with the concept of the hardcore continuum, and I like to see in which different ways I can tap into it with my mixes, trying to snip and patch many points of club music history into new collages. We go from Detroit to Manchester to Tokyo, Baltimore, South London and beyond with this one.

Up next…

Festival season looms, and I’m getting myself ready for Embassat, BBK (where I’m hoping to run into you guys, we play the same day), Soundit festival, and plenty more dates yet TBA.

Some more music and remixes are on the way, but more to be announced soon!

Tracklist: