#18 Feat. Staff Picks in DJ Tools / Acapellas

Josh Wink is as iconic as it gets in electronic music. The Philly artist crafted several of the genre's most enduring hits early in his career and has continued to remain at the forefront of the scene ever since. His Ovum label is part of the reason for that, as are superb new tunes like this one. Truncate is one of the new techno dons, known for his funky signature style of jackin tracks, along with crafting vast, all-consuming grooves that dominate dance floors. He has done so mostly on his own label and together the pair cook up some real magic on this new release. Be Aware came about during a multi-day studio session at Truncates LA studio and is the first of two EPs that will be released from that same creative collaboration.Josh has been a fan of Truncates for years and had him remix his 2016 single 'Shoelaces' and 2017 single 'Resist', while in return Josh remixed Truncates 2017 tune 'Concentrate'. The timeless 'Be Aware' is a ghoulish techno track with freaky vocals that keep you looking over your shoulder. A sparse lead synth rises and falls to edgy effect, slick drums roll deep and unique tweaked effects flesh out this most well-crafted of tracks. Truncate offers his own impactful interpretation, where the tempo quickens and builds into an infectious powerful groove that has immense impact. This EP is a perfect example of an artist collaboration, where you can equally hear the signature sound of each producer in one distinctive track. This is the first coming together of these two underground icons and the results are unsurprisingly powerful.

Josh Wink, Truncate

#40 Feat. Staff Picks in Melodic House & Techno

For its 25th anniversary, Cocoon Recordings returns to its roots with an elaborate vinyl LP box set, marking the first part of a two-volume anniversary project. 25 Years Cocoon Recordings - Volume One brings together exclusive contributions from international artists who have defined the sound and diversity of the label over the past two decades, complemented by fresh talents who are helping to shape its future. Over the span of 25 years, Cocoon Recordings has created a catalog that now comprises hundreds of releases, 12-inches, albums, mix CDs, and iconic compilation box sets, always bridging past, present, and future. While firmly rooted in techno and house, the label has also provided space for electronica, ambient, and other evolving genres. 25 Years Cocoon Recordings - Volume One is more than just a compilation. It is both a homage to the labels history and a glimpse into what lies ahead. With exclusive tracks that embody the Cocoon sound in all its depth and complexity, this release marks a milestone in the legacy of one of electronic musics most influential labels, arguably the strongest compilation in Cocoons history. To mark this special occasion, Sven Väths label presents the first of two carefully curated volumes, uniting 15 exclusive tracks from international artists in celebration of nearly three decades of Cocoon Recordings. The luxurious 5x12 box set features a spectral-reflective foil finish and includes contributions from renowned names such as Butch, Robag Wruhme, Josh Wink, Guy J, and Dino Lenny, alongside longtime companions of the label including Extrawelt, Harvey McKay, Johannes Volk, and Raxon. New discoveries of recent years, Jonathan Kaspar and Riccardo De Polo, enrich the release in their own distinctive ways. The compilation is completed by the unmistakable talents of Damiano von Erckert, Fedele, and ja:ck, who provide the perfect conclusion to the first of two parts. This release sets the stage for whats next: a daring diptych where musical voices emerge, shining with originality and passion, carrying the spirit forward. The story is just beginning. Something special is on the horizon. One can only wonder which artists will shine on the second chapter.

Jonathan Kaspar, Robag Wruhme, JA:CK, Butch, Josh Wink, Raxon, Dino Lenny, Extrawelt, Frank Sonic, DIST_42, Guy J, Riccardo De Polo, Johannes Volk, Harvey McKay, Damiano von Erckert, Fedele