Balance Selections Podcast Balance Music

UK-based artist and DJ Four Candles, whose real name is Kris Brown, is recognized for his innovative approach to dance music that avoids fleeting trends. After working with industry legend Nick Muir, his artistic break came on Bedrock Records. Follow up productions found their way onto some of the most respected imprints, from Selador to Afterglow and Tenampa.

His recent Balance release, ‘On the Fence' (featured below in Q+A), is one of the standout moments on the recent Balance presents Dave Seaman and Quivver compilation. It’s a unique production rooted in the prog of yesteryear but with a contemporary twist: it’s a sound borne from staying artistically true to oneself.

On this excellent mix, Four Candles builds the energy with artisanal ease. Alongside tracks from Donato Dozzy, Spence Brown and Kamilo Sanclemente, you’ll also find exceptional takes by Four Candles on tracks from Leftfield and Sasha.

@fourcandlesmusic

Considering his more than 30 years of experience in electronic music, it’s safe to say that Pablo De Mattei AKA PAUL (AR), knows a thing or two about dance music. It's evident in his bookings: From Lollapalooza to Creamfields to Moonpark, there aren’t many Argentinean music festivals that haven’t featured Paul (AR) on their stages. He defines his style as a mixture of Progressive and Tech House, a style that has taken him across the globe from Spain to Peru. Labels from Sudbeat to Perfecto has featured his work, and he was most recently seen on Balance Music through his contribution to the 'Balance presents Dave Seaman and Quivver' compilation.

Featuring a host of unofficial Paul (AR) remixes of acts like James Zabiela and Way Out West, alongside original tracks from Nicolas Rada, Dmitry Molosh, and more, the Argentinean delivers a delightful 90 minutes of progressive music suitable for any occasion.

@pablo-de-mattei

The old adage "they don't make them like they used to" might seem trite; however, it certainly applies to Belgian producer Pole Folder. During the 2000s, his knack for delivering epic and soaring productions that immersed you into a world of narrative was unparalleled. Listen to the amazing "Apollo Vibes" (alongside CP); it is intricate yet feels huge, unfolding its themes with the confidence of a master magician. All that craft ensured his music being featured on prominent US TV shows (Nip/Tuck, CSI) and movies (2002’s "Stark Raving Mad").

Today, Pole Folder is still acknowledged as a versatile performer who continues to tour globally, bringing his intricate studio creations to life with live vocals and various instruments he has mastered since childhood. For more of his work, check out his Reworck label, which features a deep discography.

Here, the veteran does not disappoint. Featuring tracks from Fort Romeau, Marsh, Rodriguez Jr., and, of course, Pole Folder himself, this is a deep, 2-hour progressive excursion filled with many emotional vocal cuts and introspective moments.

@pole-folder

A Just Her set blends electronica, house, and deep techno, imbued with an emotional touch designed to capture both the feet and heart of her audience. This skill was honed through a journey from buying vinyl with paper route earnings to becoming a distinguished DJ, producer, songwriter, and label owner (Constant Circles). It's an aspring story, one that's led Just Her to a notable discography on labels including Anjunadeep, Crosstown Rebels, Global Underground and, lest we forget, Balance Music. 

Yet, the Just Her goal transcends mere success: she aspires to infuse the industry with kindness and compassion. We daresay she's succeeeding; that energy is evident in this excellent session.

Across 90 minutes you’ll find a heady but joyful mix of contemporary house (Logic1000, Byron the Aquarius), UK garage-breaks (Beatune, Lili Chan) and progressive-tinged deep techno (Nakadia, Sasha), all stitched together with exquisite vocal cuts from, of course, Just Her.

From the opening track of this mix, you know you're in for a ride. ’Dance Dance’ is an edit of an old Bollywood classic SAQIB made with Haider Uppal. Its the lush groove sets the tone for a 90-minute dance of deep-fried disco that flirts with main room prog in the most analogue way.



Hailing from Pakistan, the now Brooklyn-based DJ is an ardent student of music, an arc that includes playing heavy metal bands in Lahore on the way to studying electronic music production in New York (Rutgers University, Point Blank Music).



Today, he's signed to labels including Flying Circus and Sol Selectas alongside DJ bookings at Electric Zoo, Cityfox and The Brooklyn Mirage. Upcoming shows include supporting BLOND:ISH at Industry City in NY, which follows his recent Nino Torres remix on his own Beat in Time imprint. All signs, of course, that arc is still rising.

Featuring tracks from Maceo Plex, Nick Curly, Piemont, Rigopolar, and more, this is a lively adventure into SAQIB’s splendid yet slightly psychedelic world.

@saqibmalik

Around the turn of the millennium, Danny Bonnici, as part of Nubreed, was at the forefront of an emerging sound known as progressive breaks—a golden era in electronic music. Celebrating that, he has curated a 2-hour mix featuring tracks from Luke Chable, Nubreed, Sasha, Andy Page, and more.

Click link above for tracklist and our Top 5 Essential Progressive Breaks interview with Danny.

@dannybonnici