Editors' Picks 2024
As the year comes to a close, we at Delayed have been enjoying our annual tradition of combing through 12 months of music & memories. It’s truthfully a daunting ritual, as we’re so lucky to be presented with such an exorbitant amount of music throughout the year. There is a lot of weight behind a decision to consider something the favorite thing you’ve heard over the course of a 12 month period. You are a different person that you were on January 1, 2024, so much has happened in your life and around the world. On the other hand, music is such a powerful thing - a certain track, mix, or album can attach itself to a distinct memory or bring you back to a specific place or state of mind. Certainly everyone who shares this deep affection for the deeper sides of electronic music or any musical genre has that one thing they continue to come back to, listening over and over as a source of comfort. 2024 was a complex year, full of beauty as well as so much pain. We’re grateful to have the opportunity to be able to hear, collect and reflect on the creations of so many talented artists around the world. Thank you for your work and for your dedication to your craft - it’s what helps us to process all that goes on around us. Our hope is that Delayed can be a digital playground for your ears and for your mind - a place to unwind and escape, just for a moment. We’re excited to share our musical reflections of the year with you. Enjoy, and don’t hesitate to let us know what your favorites are as well - you can reach us anytime at info@delayed.nyc or on our various social platforms.
With love,
Team Delayed
P.S. There is one slight change from last year’s favorites of the year list - we’ve decided to include a ‘set’ category for our favorite recording of a DJ set or live set from a festival or club.
FAVORITE TRACK OF 2024
Irina
Bastien - Lapse / Coda [Red Edge]
This year, I found myself drawn to darker ambient music with an experimental edge. Bastien’s track “Lapse/Coda” from his stunning album on Red Edge imprint embodies that vibe. The analog warmth and intricate sound design make it feel like a short film in audio form. We played it in our ambient set at the Above Below Festival, and now it’s forever tied to that beautiful memory—a perfect combination of sound and moment.
Theresa
Audrey - The Mercenary [Archive Recordings]
If this track is played, something happens. It contains one of the best and most meaningful vocals in techno history and is very dancefloor appropriate, especially if you do love a little butterflies in your stomach while dancing. Even more so, it seems like a meditation that has the potential to calibrate your life while dancing.
Gilles
Tensen Park - Spores Adrift [Never Late]
This year, I was introduced to Tensen Park’s work, and it felt like such a fresh discovery. Even better, we got to connect with Mark, which led to his amazing release on our imprint in September. One of the highlights for me is Spores Adrift. It’s the track I keep reaching for—there’s something about the playfulness in the arrangement, great sound design and that killer low-end drop that just hits perfectly every time. This one is a keeper for sure.
Zach
Other Joe - dreaming out loud [Theory Therapy]
So many wonderful tracks out this year, but Other Joe’s mix of bright melody and moody percussion on dreaming out loud really does it for me. Keeping things fresh and memorable, an auditory ear worm that I just keep returning back to, over and over.
Griff
Dorisburg - Grottloop [Aniara]
This track was a staple in my sets over the summer, a track I knew I wanted to play every time I had the chance to DJ. I’ve filed it in a Rekordbox playlist that I call ‘eyes closed groove’ - it’s a track that locks your mind & body into that blissful hypnotic state on the dancefloor. I really trust it, and all of Dorisburg’s tracks really, to get people moving. It has such a snappy, punchy groove & is so incredibly playful with layer upon layer of interesting, unexpected sounds.
Dan
Tijn Driessen - In Bloei [Moodfamily]
There’s a certain sound that has a strong pull on me, and the warmth of this track from Tijn Driessen embodies it—I think those who know me would agree. It’s the sound I love to listen to at home and play out. It found its way into my Saturday afternoon set at Above Below this year, where I aimed to create the feeling of a hug, cradling people into the second day of music. From the moment I first heard it, I knew I had to play it. Gentle pads, a playful, delicate melody, and smooth throughout. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve listened to this in 2024—it’s a lot. It calms me, puts me in a positive mindset, facilitates moments of reflection, and now acting as a Time Machine, reminds me of a special Above Below and a magical summer.
FAVORITE REMIX OF 2024
Irina
Forest On Stasys / DYL - Aquatica (DYL Remix) [Prosophone]
Romanian producer DYL revisits “Aquatica” and gives it a fresh spin by slowing things down. It transforms the track from a drum & bass piece into a breaky, rumbling after-hours gem while staying true to the spirit of the original.
Theresa
VNTM - Oiseaux ( Luigi Tozzi Remix) [Self released]
The open source project by dutch Artist VNTM offers and interesting and innovative take on co-creation, and this remix by Luigi Tozzi stood out for me, as he created a black hole around 4:30 that sucks you in and sends you far away, spitting you out in another dimension.
Gilles
Hiver - Time Lapse (Estrato Aurora remix) [On Board Music]
The remix package from On Board Music was a standout for me. There’s plenty to love in this collection, but I have to shine a light on Estrato Aurora’s contribution—it’s no surprise, given he is one of my favorite producers. Estrato Aurora has this unique way of balancing raw, weighty low-end elements with melodies and pads that bring in just the right amount of warmth and depth. Halftime can sometimes feel heavy, but he manages to infuse it with a sense of beauty that adds an emotional layer to the experience.
Zach
Altone - Naturally Unnatural (Naturally Flowing Thomas Fehlmann Remix) [Echocord]
Thomas Fehlmann’s take on Altone’s dubby original sees an extended journey as the track slowly develops but stays true to the glitchy textures and thumping kicks. I love playing these types of tracks that create space and with a proper groove.
Griff
504 Aquatic - Evaporator [Plebeian remix] [kshack]
Plebeian has quickly become a new favorite producer of mine this year. His remix of 504 Aquatic’s ‘Evaporator’ is an impressive display of many years of honing one’s craft. Everything is so carefully sculpted, every sound fits perfectly into place.
Dan
Asphalt Layer - Journey to the Other Place [Ulf & Ralf's Delta Drift] [Verdant Recordings]
This is the one category where I shall succumb and share two picks as I found myself losing sleep over this one…
I remember messaging Tommy aka Asphalt Layer a long time ago to tell him how much I loved Journey to the Other Place. In response, he created an edit at a faster tempo for me to play at an event I was booked for—a gesture that meant a lot and cemented my love for the track. It’s not the first time that has happened with Tommy either! This year, Verdant Recordings released a new take on the track with a slightly different name, featuring two remixes. My favorite is Ulf & Ralf’s Delta Drift Remix. It feels like it belongs in a movie score—suspenseful, romantic, solemn and powerful. It tells a story, perfectly matching the sense of adventure and mystery conveyed by the track’s title. It’s terrific.
Tryst & Vovian - Haeundae Beach [The End Of The Line] (Eli Verveine Remix) [Stolar]
The other standout is Eli Verveine’s remix of Tryst & Vovian’s, Haeundae Beach on Stolar. Everything Stolar does, and everything Eli touches, goes down well for me. Philipp Priebe is doing an exceptional job at Stolar, consistently releasing remixes that showcase unique artistry built from the same stems. It’s a testament to the character of the producers collaborating with this German label, and Philipp is fully committed to this approach. This particular track features a hefty bassline and groove —one that I’m patiently waiting to hear on a big, clean system. It’s the kind of sound you need to feel in your belly.
FAVORITE EP OF 2024
Irina
Daniel[i] - Berglüster EP [Alpenglühen]
Daniel[i] really had an incredible year. Along with his phenomenal album on Muzan Editions, he also released a release on the always-reliable Madrid-based label Alpenglühen. It feels like a perfect pairing—his Berglüster EP is a four-track exploration of atmospheric dub techno at its finest. It’s subtle and introspective but still carries enough groove to keep things moving on the dancefloor. It's a real standout for me.
Theresa
Bas Dobbelaer - Binding Elements Remixed [SoHaSo]
I could have easily picked two more releases of the label to be mentioned here, as it was a good year for SoHaSo. Already the original by Bas Dobbelaer was beautifully swaying, textured electronica and these reinterpretations by a top selection of producers (including our very own Moon Patrol) take this matter to a more extroverted level.
Gilles
Feral - Chez Driss [Hypnus Records]
Feral is one of those producers who keeps deep techno feeling fresh and unpredictable. The sound design on this EP really stands out. Even with the constant flood of music I go through, Feral’s tracks always catch my ear—they have a distinct vibe that’s hard to miss. Every time I’ve played something from this EP, it’s gotten a reaction. That mini-drop around the two-minute mark in “Chezz Dris,” when the tribal sequence kicks in—absolute gold. Moments like that stick with you.
Zach
Brendon Moeller - Vacuum [Samurai]
Never straying too far from the crates, Brendon Moeller is one of those artists whose releases always manage to connect. With each being incredibly diverse and great displays of his musical talent. His Vacuum release on Samurai Music displays this in spades as he dives through what various shades of dub and half time can exist in a well crafted 6 tracker.
Griff
Tensen Park - Jurassimo [Never Late]
This is the third release on our own Never Late label & an instant choice for my favorite EP of the year. Tensen Park has a very special knack for creating ambient soundscapes that blend perfectly into the background. To me that is the true definition of really good ambient music - music that can accompany everyday life & activities without distracting the mind. The tracks are so full of life with all of these waves of moments just moving along on a musical conveyor belt. There aren’t really many loops that you can grasp onto, everything is so beautifully patient & drawn out. The music is timeless to me & I’m always left wanting more once it’s finished. I really do not know how he does it!
Dan
Luna Ludmila - Hoisin Dreams [SoHaSo]
This EP, Hoisin Dreams from Luna Ludmila captures the same feeling I got from In Bloei but with a different edge. It’s made for the dance floor and perfect for clubs, while still carrying that warmth on your back. I can’t help but smile when I listen to it. Breaks, dub-heavy basslines, tribal rhythms —every track is a hard hitter in its own way, which is why it’s a favourite in my library. With the sounds I like to push, one of these tracks can always find its way into my sets thanks to its versatility—whether out or with friends. What gets me? It’s the dub. Dub energy on the dance floor makes me weak at the knees —that’s what Ashley does so well. She’s incredibly talented and one of my favourite artists right now. A highlight of my summer was seeing her play a live set at La Nature in Belgium back in June.
FAVORITE ALBUM OF 2024
Irina
Mjulev - Clouds Are The Better Birds [Never Late]
This was an easy pick—it's the album I had on repeat all year. It became the backdrop for many moments: long walks in the park, yoga sessions at the Barn, subway rides… you name it. I am happy to have talent like Mjulev on our label, Never Late. "Clouds are the Better Birds" is one of those albums that feels like a faithful companion for quiet, reflective times.
Theresa
Sarah Wreath - Integration [The Bunker New York]
A great electronic album works on the dancefloor and for other listening activities. It bridges genres, tells a story and stands somewhat for itself. Sarah Wreath is for me definitely an artist to watch- “Integration” stood out for me through its very mindful approach and an excellent, sensual pace.
HVL - Nonlinear [Self released]
HVL became one of my favorite producers, and “Nonlinear” terribly fell off the radar. This album is emotional intelligence translated to music, soft, wise, evolving and not overly heady.
Gilles
Illuvia - Earth Prism [A Strangely Isolated Place]
This year, I’ve found myself drawn to calmer albums, leaning more toward ambient and downtempo sounds. One that’s really stood out is Ludvig Cimbrelius’ latest release as Illuvia on A Strangely Isolated Place—a label I’ve loved for a long time. It strikes the perfect mix of soothing and rhythmic. Drum & Bass has always been a big part of my musical roots, especially the atmospheric side of it, like LTJ Bukem, who I listened to endlessly in the late ’90s and early 2000s. Illuvia’s Earth Prism feels like a natural extension of that era for me—a deeply introspective album that’s also incredibly comforting. The blend of lush pads, mellow melodies, and drum patterns that work their magic subtly, without dominating, makes it my go-to for unwinding.
Zach
Priori - This but More [Naff Records]
Canadian producer Priori’s musical journey through the realms of nostalgia and new tugs at the heartstrings through the deft use of muted drum patterns and soft melodies, waxing and waning. I love putting albums like these on and sitting back to listen through their entirety.
Griff
Frunk29 - Sequentia [Not Not Fun Records]
This album has stayed with me as a comforting musical companion since the very start of this year, providing a sense of stillness & peace. Frunk29 is one of those artists for me where I hear a track of his & I instantly know it’s him. To me, his sound feels like a combination of Mac Demarco & a Krautrock band called Harmonia from the mid 70s, or ‘bedroom balearica’ as his label describes it, with those blown out, fuzzy, distorted drum machine loops but then combined with lush guitars & whimsical FM synths. The music is so alive & full of character as he captures the passing of moments, baked into beautifully noisy recordings.
Dan
Lb Honne - present future / here there [Project Indigo]
This one was an easy choice—it’s sheer class from Lb Honne. Deeply introspective, calm yet driving. After spending time with Karl at events in London and Amsterdam, it’s clear that his gentle and thoughtful nature is perfectly reflected in this music. Ambient, atmospheric, minimal, dub, house with well executed vocal samples.
This release is just one of many top tier offerings from Project Indigo this year. Their passion for their craft is something special, and few are doing the same at their level in this realm of house music. In my opinion, their sound is completely unique, and paired with the label’s aesthetic, it all fits together beautifully. From the moment this album was released, nothing else has come close to being my favourite. Nine incredible pieces of art—but if I had to pick a standout among standouts, it would be Sky Funk.
FAVORITE MIX OF 2024
Irina
Delayed with… Joan Gila
Another easy pick. The setting, the music, the people—everything about this mix felt special. Joan’s track selection was remarkable, creating something almost like a cinematic moment at the Barn this spring—such a great memory to hold onto.
Theresa
Sundays are for... Pjenné
This part of our very own sundays series has become a reliable companion. It is one of those eclectic, gentle sets that comfort you and make you hum along.
Gilles
Delayed with… Maharam
Listening to mixes has always been a big part of my routine. It’s something I’ve done for years, and over time, I’ve developed a sense of what I value most in them. For me, track selection is absolutely key—nothing else matters if the tracks don’t connect. But the technical side—mixing, pacing, flow—comes in close behind. Pacing, especially, can make or break a mix, and it’s something I pay particular attention to in opening sets.
If you’ve followed my picks from last year, you might have noticed my soft spot for warm-up mixes. That holds true this year, too. My pick is the latest addition to our Delayed with… series, crafted by Maharam, an incredibly talented DJ from Brooklyn who I had the chance to share the decks with at Drift. Maharam’s mix nails the pacing—it’s moody yet mellow, deep and dubby, with just the right touch of bass to keep things unexpected and engaging.
These days, hour-long podcasts have become the norm. Years ago, I wasn’t so sure about the format—I used to prefer something longer—but when a mix is put together as thoughtfully as this one, an hour feels just right.
Delayed with... Fran Campos [Delayed x Mostra]
I also want to highlight another incredible mix, this time from Fran Campos, a veteran of the Spanish techno scene and someone I’ve always found inspiring. He recorded this for our platform ahead of Mostra Festival, and it has a similar vibe to Maharam’s mix. It’s darker, murkier, and tells a story that pulls you in from start to finish. Both mixes are absolute standouts for me this year.
Zach
Basic Chanel - sounds of healing vol. 5
I’d like to highlight two here for this entry, the first being from Basic Chanel. Her fifth entry into her sounds of healing is full of emotional moments and incredible music. I loved the eclecticism and how she approached connecting everything together.
Sundays are for... Pjenné
The second entry here comes from a place close to the heart. 2024 saw so many wonderful Sunday morning guest mixes and Pjenné’s is no different. Something about the familiarity and feelings surrounding the nostalgic mix hits extra hard these days.
Griff
A Far Blue concept by Lord Of The Isles - 'Mirage Mountains'
The perfect mix for a long drive. I’ve cried multiple times listening to it throughout the year. The mix artwork is a photo I took while driving through the mountains of Albania in the summer of 2023 & I actually listened to this mix exactly one year after I took the photo, on the same road in the mountains of Albania. It will always be a mix I reach for if I can’t think of something new to listen to. I have so much admiration & respect for Lord Of The Isles, he has a beautiful ear & am so thankful to our friends Sam & Lawrence from Far Blue for bringing us this mix.
Dan
Animix One Hundred & Fifty One: Sun Drine
This was the hardest choice because I listen to so many mixes, and many this year have been next level! However, there’s an artist very close to my heart who appeared on Animalia’s Animix series earlier in the year: Sandrine, aka Sun Drine.
One of the bookers from Above Below, James, discovered Töchter and Sun Drine at the end of 2021. Töchter is an all-female collective from Bern, Switzerland. We were honoured to invite Sun Drine to play in 2022 and 2023, offering something different each time—wow. Every time her name pops up on SoundCloud, it’s exciting, which was the case when Animalia shared this mix.
On her SoundCloud page, Sun Drine says, “In simplicity lies awakening – In detail lies love.” This attention to detail, awakening, and deep affection are central to Sun Drine’s narrative and storytelling. Her podcast for Animalia is hypnotic, patient, organic, introspective, and infectious. Ambient techno and half-time rhythms throughout and perfect for headphone listening at any time of day.
FAVORITE SET OF 2024
Irina
Katatonic Silentio Live From Electrum Up To Date Festival 2024 Białystok
This live set from Katatonic Silentio, an artist I’ve been paying close attention to over the past two years, is something truly unique. It unfolds slowly, balancing a dark intensity with an unexpected beauty that draws you in from the first moment. With its nods to murky experimental sounds, it’s not the set you can just put on in the background—it asks for your full attention and a good pair of headphones.
Theresa
On Board Music - Our Recordings - 07 - Zitto
I chose two sets that embody what good DJing sounds like to me. A well-chosen progression, different levels of emotional intensity, a depth of musical knowledge and devotion to the floor, and not the “ oh look what cool tricks I can do”-vibe that is overflowing these days. Both sets seem selfless and in service of the crowd and the floor. Georgian Zitto delivered a perfect opening set for the concrete halls of Bassiani, ascending nicely into some full blown WTF -moments at the end ( most probably laying the ground for a wild night at this temple).
Aaron J at Paral·lel Festival 2024
While Aaron J mastered the “early evening” slot at Parallel Festival. And for the record, I could have easily put 2 more Aaron J sets here, who was for me the most constant DJ over the year. Highly recommend to follow both DJs more, as there is something very complete, and whole about their sets.
Gilles
Rrose live at Mostra Festival 2024
Rrose’s live set at Mostra Festival was one I’d been looking forward to for ages, and it absolutely delivered—it was a total mind-bender. The way Rrose built everything with such patience, balancing tension and release, was next-level. The intricate details in the sound were front and center, and every element felt deliberate and precise. I can still picture the looks we were giving each other in the crowd—those “what is even happening right now?” glances, in the best possible way
Zach
Aaron J at Paral·lel Festival 2024
Stunning progression, amazing track selection, a deft mixing talent, I was so happy to witness this set in person while away in the Pyrenees. Aaron’s had a banner year and there is an absolute reason why.
Griff
Bas Dobbelaer - Freerotation 2024
Bas’ Freerotation set is one of the more masterful set recordings I’ve come across. It instantly draws you in, & in my case really made me want to go back in time & teleport to that tent in Wales. Anytime I’ve craved inspiration throughout the year, I’ve put this one on. It is incredibly smooth & the atmosphere in the tent must’ve been so special.
Dan
Sound Synthesis - Live at AboveBelow Festival (UK)
Again, there were so many sets this year in contention—travelling to festivals across Europe, I was lucky to catch some awesome moments on the dance floor. However, it has to be one from Above Below —co-created with some of my best friends.
Keith, aka Sound Synthesis, opened his set with the vocoded vocal sample “Come on everybody, let’s have a fucking good time,” and boy, did it set the tone. A 90-minute live performance by a favourite artist of the crew. His awaited arrival to the Chiltern Hills—having missed the 2023 edition due to unforseen circumstances—had to happen this year!
With sultry electro, spacey grooves, pure euphoria, and huge energy, Friday night was done right. One of my favourite dance floors I’ve enjoyed at Above Below at the Stone Circle stage and perhaps that I’ve ever seen? He blew the roof off. Everyone was left completely gobsmacked—not just the audience or us, but maybe even Keith himself—because everything just clicked. As far as I know, he improvised on the spot, and the tempo was faster from the get-go due to the way the evening flowed. Yet you wouldn’t have guessed it was all improv. The final track in this mix is a tear jerker for me —it’s the beauty of how electro can warm your bones and soul. The perfect ending. Thank you, Keith. Until next time!