During this time of global pandemic it’s been inspiring to see the efforts from various event organisers, artists, and labels to keep the spirit of partying alive with a surge of livestreams from all around the world. Whether it’s a stream to promote new music, tease the essence of a rave, or raise money for numerous charities, it touches the heart to see this unity within our scene.
With so many great streams from a huge variety of hosts, it’s impossible to pin a “best stream” with many being unique in their own way. So, listed below is a compilation of some of our favourite lockdown livestreams.
Mall Grab
Aussie skater boy Jordan Alexander aka MG delivers an hour of his usual high-octane antics. Forming part of Boiler Room’s ‘Streaming From Isolation’ initiative in support of Global Foodbanking Network, the programme also featured sets from HAAi, The Black Madonna and Sippin’ T. Expect a hybrid of heavy duty electro, provocative breakbeat, and rave-ready stompers to spice up your lockdown. 100% of the tracks played is original material, presented with the help of an alien ukulele and pink plush toys to set the scene from his London home.
Roger Sanchez
Four decks, uplifting house, all the cutting, mixing and selecting you can shake a stick at. Roger Sanchez is a certified beat matching master and his stream for the Defected Virtual Festival is no different. If you need some feel good tunes during lockdown, look no further.
Maceo Plex
Whack this on a big screen and lose yourself in an audiovisual experience which will leave your head spinning. Opting to take his stream one step further than most, the ever-creative and boundary pushing artist Maceo Plex serves up 90 minutes of eye-catching visuals. Transporting viewers to Scarface’s mansion, the Egyptian pyramids, and even the queue outside Berghain to compliment a selection high-energy beats from across the electronic music spectrum.
Tale Of Us
Set in a beautiful home studio, Tale Of Us take us on a melodic journey in keeping with their new ‘Unity’ album. Jam packed full of unreleased IDs, the track selection on this mix is impeccable. Keeping the stream minimal and simplistic, Carmine and Matteo blissfully mixed a euphoric set which has already had over one million views in just a few days. This is one we’ll definitely be going back to.
Special note: Look out for their cat making a guest appearance, who was no doubt enticed by the tunes!
Dax J
Probably the heaviest mix listed here, Dax J played a blistering paced techno set, littered with thumping kicks and in your face synths. Located in his home studio and exclusively playing vinyl, Dax J’s ability to get tracks mixed in that quickly has still got us scratching our heads. Watching him throw his records in the air and catch them which we’re sure left many vinyl enthusiasts with sweaty palms.
Steppin’ with SUAT
One artist well known for his obscure lifestreams is SUAT. He’s mixed live from many unorthodox venues including supermarkets, food chains, and various London landmarks including Buckingham Palace and The Tower of London. For a man constantly taking control of public spots, it’s been interesting to see how he’s handled the lockdown.
His ‘Mix N Munch’ episodes demonstrated an art we never thought we needed, combining rice and rhythms direct from his kitchen. Who’d have thought? However, what really caught our eye was SUAT’s new Steppin’ concept which sees the DJ literally strapped to his decks, venturing around luscious forests and grasslands. Beats and a view, what more could you want? Hats off to the man, it did not look like an easy task!
Beatport presents: ReConnect,
Famous online music store Beatport has lead the way for streaming since lockdown with their ReConnect series. The first 24 online event saw over 11 million viewers and raised $185,000 for COVID-19 charities. However, they weren’t done there, as three weeks later saw a second instalment of the series with an immense 36 hour non stop livestream. Between the two streams featured a stacked lineup of heavyweight DJs including Carl Cox, ANNA, Eats Everything, Hot Since 82, Nina Kraviz and many more. Check out Carl’s set below :
Shadow Child
The house veteran is once again doing what he does best, dropping vintage beats from his endless catalogue of selections. This particular stream is focusing on the deeper side of electronic music; hitting all things 2012-2014. A period when deep house had become a powerhouse sound within the underground and this stream definitely hits those notes. Hosted by Rinse, a pioneering British radio station for which Shadow Child is also a resident, it’s nice to delve back in time and be hit with a wave of nostalgia.
Marc Rebillet
The man, the myth, the legend. Expect fun, frolics, and endless grooves from Marc Rebillet, taking suggestions from his viewers and having a Covid-19 subject theme throughout. This hidden gem is filled with character and will have you glued to the screen.
There you have it, some tasty livestreams for you all to wrap your ears around! Enjoy these top class musicians and the content they’re producing to keep our scene alive during these unsettling times. Stay safe, stay home, and we’ll be raving again soon.
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