One of the joys of running a music website is being able to offer readers an eclectic array of podcasts, free of charge, representing quality DJs and their influences and grooves. While the compilation to some may be a dying format with the advent of these online freebies, we prefer to think that it offers artists, producers, and DJs a brilliant way to gain new fans, and to reward existing ones. Sometimes, we've been approached by people who want to get a mix out there - other times, we've had to fight tooth and nail to secure sounds from the world's finest names. Either way, Data Transmission has strived to bring you the best, most upfront, unrestrained and diverse mixes, 52 weeks a year.
Below is our definitive list of podcasts for 2011, chosen for by the hard working, music loving staff. Ranging from technical, itchy drum and bass from Icicle, to the eerie, post punk-influenced techno of Adultnapper, the 8-bit progressive beats of Andrew Bayer and superb off-the-cuff sets from KiNK and Krafty Kuts, check out our selection, and let us know what you think. Click on the images to open the download page.
1 // Tom Trago
This podcast is a deep, experimental and retro-flecked foray into the mind of Tom Trago who, though quite a hero in his local Amsterdam, remains a seriously underrated young producer and DJ. Tom showcases his art of selection as he winds soul and funk into the breadth and depth of his podcast, creating a mix that seems as fresh as it does timeless. He keeps our ears firmly pricked as he crosses dark interludes from Martyn, pure Detroit-influenced flavours from Kyle Hall and delights in lighter caresses from the highly talented Caribou besides much more from outside the monumentally cool and challenging Rush Hour crew he's been adopted by. Seamless, inventive and highly rhythmic, Tom's golden mix showcases his exceptional ear for music and is subsequently DT's collective favourite of the year. CL
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2 // Andrew Bayer
Little known to many at the start of the year, this surely changed when the Berkley School of Music graduate took his sound design skills and merged the worlds of hip hop, 8-bit and progressive trance to skilful effect with his debut album this year on Anjunadeep. For DT, he took his unique approach to structures of hip hop, trance, techno and beyond, that twists and turns with many synthetic, beautifully crafted surprises along the way. A true representation of the lessening gap between genres, with an appreciation for bass, beats and dynamic gaps between notations of sound all acting as the glue for this superb and unique mix. JG
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3 // Icicle
Drum and bass has seen its net cast further in recent years with the introduction of minimalism and countless other styles. Out of all the artists making waves and broadening the scope of drum and bass (and its relationship to different genres) Icicle is one who expertly carve out a niche persona and sound all of his own. Cold, frosty and sparse with a beastly edge, Jeroen Snik's tech-edged, house-appreciating-jungle method is beautifully displayed for DT on this mix, showcasing his wide influence and arsenal of unique, icy tracks perfectly whilst also dousing the mix with his own superb productions. A true sonic innovator. JG
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4 // KiNK
Bulgarian producer KiNK has been on the scene for a fair while, and in 2011 he's been constantly referenced as an influence for many of the younger breed of producers. Lauded as a true hero of the electronica world, KiNK sidesteps trends by playing exactly what he wants, when he wants. Mixing old school sounds with a well-informed, modern twist, he's known for filter-heavy acidic house music that's influenced everyone from xxxy to Julio Bashmore. For his DT podcast, his mix ranges from Leif to Deetron and Disco Nihilist, all showing his highly charged, hyper energetic DJ sets, forged from turntables, beats machines and various gadgets that give him full live control over his sound. Take a trip with KiNK as he distorts modern electronic music with an acidic, grooving beat. We promise you'll love it. JG
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5 // Frivolous
This is a podcast for the serious deep house indulgers driven by a relentless high-energy momentum, dotted with intricate electronica tracks from the likes of Four Tet and bringing in sublime vocals from Lykke Li. CL
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