January sets the bar high for the rest of the year regarding music tales from DJs worldwide. In this month’s list, there are several outstanding warm-up/opening sets and some energetic sets that will bring your bloodstream to boil. If you don’t feel like listening to ‘untz untz untz,’ there are some blissful ambient mixes that will relax you. Mixes are listed in no particular order.

Lux - Arch Selections 25 

Berlin via Leipzig-based Lux showcases her dubby and ambient side in the latest Sweat Lodge ARCH series podcast. Known for her broad music knowledge, the German DJ takes a listener on a unique journey, whether it's a tranquil, relaxing music tale like this one or quirky, uplifting house music with catchy breaks, the style Lux mastered over the years.  

Priori - Animix One Hundred & Fourteen

One of the most impressive mixes we heard in a while...wow. The Montreal-based Priori creates the world for itself in this 165min long adventure. The world where each new turn develops into a new story, a different story, but always in a perfect correlation with events that led to it. From ambient to drum and bass and everything in between, this adventure is worth 165 minutes of your life. 

Vand - Phonons Podcast 088

The work, whether a DJ mix, live set, or music production by Vand, can't go unnoticed here at Delayed. In the past several years, Vand has become one of the staples of the beloved Amsterdam scene. The releases on SoHaSo, Alpenglühen, and On Board Music as well as many mind-bending mixes and performances, put Vand above the noise and highlight him as one of the most talented Dutch artists. His latest mix for the Phonons series is a hypnotic escapade that explores depths of techno, creating an ultimate late-night atmosphere that cries for dark, hazy dance floors. 

Livwutang @ Nowadays

In the past few years, Livwutang has become one of the brightest stars of our local, quite vibrant NYC scene. This excerpt from her opening set at beloved Nowadays, where she shared the decks with Aurora Halal, is an uplifting off-kilter journey that some of our Delayed crew members had the luck to enjoy last summer. Take us back!!! 

Donna Leake at Praia, Waking Life ‘22

The 5hr set by London-based Donna Leake from last year's Waking Life festival is a true ear candy for people who like their DJ sets eclectic, in the word's true meaning. During this set, Donna visits many different corners of the music realms with outstanding track selections and a very nice flow. 

Inhmost - Reflexions Podcast 24

The latest podcast from one of our favorites, Inhmost, is an hour of carefully constructed drone ambient soundscapes. An ideal soundtrack for self-reflection and moments of stillness. 

Lola Haro closing set NYE’22 @ C12

The Small Steps label boss, Lola Haro, recently posted the recording of her closing set at the NYE party at Brussels nightclub, C12. The set is a groovy trip that comfortably levitates in deep, melodic, and hazy house realms. 

Octo Octa & Eris Drew - Phonica Mix Series 103

The first mix of 2023 from Phonica's podcast series comes from Octo Octa and Eris Drew, who created an energetic and moments euphoric set, a perfect partner for your next run. This is what Maya and Eris said about the mix: 'Our mix for Phonica is like "hour four" from some of our long sets: a sweaty blend of housy-trance, atmospheric techno, deep psychedelic house, and sprawling prog rollers. The mix was recorded with two PLX-1000 turntables and the Pioneer V-10 mixer using Logic X in our New Hampshire cabin.'

Adhémar - Open Soul Session #44

One name has become synonymous with quality regarding deep, atmospheric techno. A multi-disciplinary French artist Clément Davout aka Adhémar created his recognizable style rich in organic atmospheres and hypnotic undercurrents. His latest mix for the Lowless podcast series is an 'after-hour' version of Adhémar with a more upbeat groove but with the same intricate sensibility and flawless flow. 

Polygonia at HÖR, January 13, 2023

Polygonia's recent visit to HÖR's DJ booth showcases a different side of the talented multi-disciplinary artist. It brings a high-octane techno journey ready to rock any dance floor with an 'intricate Polygonia touch.'

S-Pill - MNMT Label Showcase | Huinali Recordings

Just a few days before 2023 knocked on our doors, our friends from Huinali Recordings released a marvelous 18-track compilation called Mirinae (Milky Way in Jeju Island dialect) featuring some of our favorite artists as well as some new names from the East Asian scene. A popular music platform, Monument, recently did Huinali Recordings showcase featuring the interview with label boss Jongmin Lee aka Oslon, and this 'continuous mix' made by S-Pill using the tracks from the Mirinae compilation. One of the finest Korean DJs creates a delightful story out of 18 Mirinae chapters. 

Tren - Live ambient set @ Ambientkveld, Oslo, January 8, 2023

The new ambient excursion by Tren, recorded live at Ambientkweld in Oslo, is a true remedy for these cold winter days. Its deep emotional undercurrents and organic, warm soundscapes with a heavy emotional undertow are a perfect partner for a cup of tea and a lazy Sunday afternoon.  

Jane Fitz - Trommel.158

Jane Fitz doesn't need any special introduction. Countless mixes that we listened to from the legendary Londoner speak for themselves. The mix for the Trommel music platform adds yet another gem to Fitz's legacy and showcases her talent to 'rule' the dance floor with such ease. The set was recorded live at the Forest Stage of Vienna's Paradies Garten Festival. 

Soela - Warm-Up Set, Tresor, Berlin, January 28, 2023

Soela is back on our list of favorite mixes for all the good reasons. Her warm-up set, recorded live at the infamous German nightclub Tresor, is a beautiful journey through deep, dub, and micro house. It's a perfect warm-up set. 

Aaron J - Patterns of Perception 106

Aaron J unleashes the raw power of complex rhythms in his latest mix for Patterns of Perception. Forget about 'four to the floor' here, Aaron J has different plans, and it's fun AF! 

Molly - Rinse FM, January 28, 2023

Over the years, LRV label boss Molly has spoiled us with a consistent influx of creme de la creme house music through her radio show on Rinse FM. Her latest radio show might easily go into the top-3 category. It's a true house music extravaganza representing the beloved genre in various shapes and forms. 

Eli Verveine - Opening Room 1, Fabric, London, September 24, 2022

Look no further if anyone wonders what a good warm-up set should sound like. Courtesy of the Swiss DJ Eli Verveine recorded at the infamous Fabric, this set is well-balanced and smooth, with an incredible track selection and great programming.

Âsan- The Vortex Podcast #035

Get lost deep into the techno vortex created by one of the co-founders of Cellar Door Records, our dear friend Âsan. Âsan's talent for seamless storytelling when DJing shines in its best light during these 67 minutes. This is dark, trippy, late-night techno in its finest form. 

Sybil @ Paral.lel 2022

The recording of Sybil's set from last year's Paral.lel Festival is an excellent example of an incredibly well-paced DJ set. Slowly unfolding from drone, lush ambient into a hypnotic off-kilter deep techno, this mix shows all the beauty of a perfectly executed opening set. Sets like this require specific DJ skills, and listening to a good one is always a treat. 

Khotin - The Ransom Note Mix

In the light of his upcoming album 'Release Spirit' on Ghostly International, due in a few weeks, Khotin delivers an hour of beautiful lush ambient with dreamy melodies and deep undercurrents.