It’s New Year’s Eve 2023 in Belfast’s Bone Yard, and Oliver Grant is overthinking. After spending the previous two weeks restlessly rifling through his collection...
Recognise
Over the past three years, the name RIOT CODE has become synonymous with a strain of hard, fast techno, landing on labels like Noise Manifesto, HOMAGE and NineTimesNine and hammered out at parties like Teletech. Formerly a duo, the Derry-based project is now an individual venture for Oliver Grant, who’s ready to lift the trademark mask and take things to the next level. Alongside a storming Recognise mix that capture’s RIOT CODE’s past, present and future sounds, he speaks to Olivia Stock about going solo, navigating the techno scene as a trans artist, and what the future holds
In-demand DJ and radio host, producer of sound system shakers for labels like Timedance and Ilian Tape, promoter and label co-founder at re:lax, Lauren Bush, aka re:ni, has become a seemingly unstoppable force in UK club music through a combination of hard work and self-belief. Alongside a pulse-quickening Recognise mix, she speaks to Jasmine Kent-Smith about formative club experiences, the importance of role models, and the pursuit of authenticity
Milan-based producer and DJ Piezo has spent the past decade refining his meticulously mutated strain of club music, with releases appearing on lauded labels such as Wisdom Teeth and Nervous Horizon. Alongside a head-spinning Recognise mix, he tells Christian Eede about his early days in the Italian freetekno rave scene, formative years in Bristol, and the global sound palette of his Ansia label’s latest compilation
Rotterdam's IMANU crafts tracks and DJ sets that do away with genre, choosing instead to surf through styles, tempos and textures with a focus on emotional impact. Alongside a hair-raising Recognise mix, he speaks to Ben Hindle about changing up his production process, taking creative risks, and visualising his sound
First famed for her UK funky anthems in the late ’00s, producer Karen Nyame KG left the scene behind after experiencing misogyny, double standards and a lack of support. Since 2018, she’s been re-energised, with a new sound, acclaimed DJ chops, and a music community that has welcomed and supported her. Alongside a smooth and soulful Recognise mix brimming with Afro percussive grooves and deep house, Ria Hylton learns about her move towards melody, and how those early years set the foundation for her return
In the fabric of New York's club scene, Kristin Malossi is a crucial thread. As DJ Voices, her sets favour "energy and drama over genre". As one of the bookers at underground institution Nowadays, she champions artists who imbue their selections with authenticity and adventure. Alongside her 90-minute Recognise mix, she tells Eoin Murray how a devotion to community and integrity informs everything she does
With releases on labels including Critical, Deadbeats and Noisia’s VISION, to name but a few, gyrofield has fast become one of drum & bass’ most sought-after artists, though her sound stretches in numerous directions. Her detailed, gnarly yet emotionally vivid productions are a breath of fresh air in the scene, and continue to evolve sonically alongside their own personal growth. Here, alongside a bass-charged and genre-jumping 90-minute Recognise mix, she shares her story with Becca Inglis
Kikelomo brings people together, whether she’s co-running the Accra-based Oroko Radio station, DJing to club crowds or working on documentaries. Alongside her genre-hopping Recognise mix, she speaks to Sarah Kearns about fostering community, her love of radio, and her eclectic musical taste
Jonny From Space’s percussion-fuelled and psychedelically hazy take on electronic music has made him a core figure in Miami’s percolating underground. Alongside a roasting hot Recognise mix, Bruce Tantum catches up with the ascendent artist about the DIY spirit and sense of community in the city's scene, and the evolution of his sound
Los Angeles DJ and producer Introspekt is one of the most essential and versatile artists in the modern garage scene. Alongside a blazing Recognise mix, she speaks to Oli Warwick about the sound’s queer roots, her come up in LA, and the importance of community
As Malibu, the French DJ and producer Barbara Braccini writes diaristic ambient music with a distinct sense of melancholy. As dj lostboi, she’s more playful, repurposing pop anthems into ethereal epics. Alongside a blissful Recognise mix evoking the vibe of “long summer nights”, she chats to Heléna Stanton about these projects, field recordings, the influence of vaporwave, film scores and trance on her sound, and her monthly NTS show, United In Flames
Rising Chilean DJ/producer Paula Tape has made her name releasing irresistible, synth-drenched house tracks on quality labels including Rhythm Section and Permanent Vacation, while her Hola Mundo party holds residencies in London, Paris and her adopted home of Milan. Here, alongside a stomping Recognise mix, she speaks to Ria Hylton about her focus on production, crate-digging, and making a radio show for her plants
Nooriyah is a DJ and musical archivist who’s changing the narrative around music from the South-West Asian and North African (SWANA) region, highlighting its global influence and embedding it in her genre-jumping club sets, radio shows and socials. Alongside her party-starting Recognise mix, she speaks to Ria Hylton about her journey so far, keeping it high-energy, and encouraging others to pursue their passion
A fixture in Poland’s underground club scene, DJ, producer, vocalist and graphic designer Avtomat brings an anarchic industrial edge to their wildly varied and intricate DJ sets. Alongside a blazing mix for the Recognise series, Ben Murphy talks to him about activism, Polish folk music and playing Berghain
DJ and broadcaster Manara has dazzled dancefloors and airwaves with her upbeat demeanour and electrifying blends of club cuts, pop tracks, and South Asian sounds. Alongside a party-starting mix, she speaks to Aneesa Ahmed about her varied musical upbringing, her Pure Spice show on BBC Asian Network, and taking inspiration from Mariah Carey, memes and more
Part of New York’s thriving underground and the cross-States Juke Bounce Werk crew, DJ SWISHA has established himself as an essential producer and DJ covering footwork, house, jungle and more. Alongside a high-energy mix joining the dots between Jersey and Baltimore club music and techno, he speaks to Tice Cin about friendship, club culture and his mysterious former alias
Mandidextrous electrified the drum & bass scene in 2022 with their turbo-charged speed bass sound, but their story as a pioneering producer and queer figurehead goes back much further. Alongside a thrilling mix for the Recognise series, they speak to Ben Hindle about finding a home in the free party scene, being an EQ50 mentee, and working hard while having fun
Italy-based, Australia-born DJ and producer Nite Fleit has made her name with tough-as-nails electro, but her recently-released debut album reveals a more emotional side. Alongside a storming mix for the Recognise series, she speaks to Claire Francis about her formative years in Melbourne, her natural flair for DJing, and how making music helps with her ADHD
Chicago footwork artist Heavee steps up for the Recognise mix series, and speaks to Arielle Lana LeJarde about following in the footsteps of their mentor DJ Rashad by releasing an EP on Hyperdub, and how cartoons and video games helped lead him to a life in electronic music
Fever AM co-founder Rhyw steps up for the Recognise mix series, and chats to Eoin Murray about his forthcoming release, his childhood obsession with The Prodigy and the all-important element of surprise in his hallucinatory club music