MIX CDS

By 2000, it was long overdue for me to begin producing mix CDs rather than mixtapes. This presented a unique challenge to me as I was conditioned to the demands of the cassette - 45 minutes of music on two distinct sides, independent but interrelated.

The CD, on the other hand, was the length of an average DJ set requiring a continuous flow of music for up to 80 minutes. Therefore, I had to reinvent my creative process, my sense of timing, and feel for the energetic arc of the musical journey. Since these mixes were all recorded at home (and almost entirely without edits), the CD format demanded more precision and patience. One unacceptable mix sixty or seventy minutes in and I had to start all over!

Initially, I ordered conventional, professional-grade CDs. Over time, this proved to be both expensive and wasteful. With the creative design skills of dela at my disposal, she and I experimented with alternatives to the plastic CD case. Together we produced CDs with a handcrafted, linoleum print design, others with an origami-style cardstock case, and most recently, we have used Re-Sleeve cases.

In keeping with my love for music, all CDs are professionally mastered and duplicated to ensure the richest listening experience possible.

Amrta
Amrta (February 2012)
Pronounced "Ahm-ree-tah", this CD was inspired by my second trip to India. Amrta is translated most often as "Nectar of Immortality". The mix is derived from songs played during my NYE sunrise set and is a blend of tech-house and groovy techno, expressing both rich textures and a dance-floor friendly optimism for 2012. Artwork by dela.
Visible/Invisible
Visible/Invisible (February 2011)
This introspective mix came out of the depths of Winter. It features ambient and experimental sounds interspersed with atmospheric electro- and tech-house. A friend described this unique sonic voyage as being on a "Spaceship traveling underwater in a light-filled Sea". Artwork by dela.
Full Moon Medicine
Full Moon Medicine (October 2010)
A re-creation of my set from Moontribe's 17-year anniversary, which did not get recorded live. My set occurred after dela ramped up the party with her phenomenal dubstep set. With the dancing already electric, this techno set turned into a peak performance experience. Ohm Guru's Turbo Sound was superb and Moontribe was in the midst of a massive resurgence of youthful energy. It was a stellar . . . er, lunar night! Artwork by Siobhan Stofka and dela.
Geocorona
Geocorona (November 2007)
My first CD mixed with CDJs instead of the industry mainstay for over 20 years: Technics MK 1200 turntables. After years of vanishing local vinyl vendors, I gave into the new reality of on-line music shopping. Geocorona was first worked out, in part, as a live set under a full moon. Representing the evolution of techno during that period, Geocorona fuses minimal, electro-house, and trance-influenced techno. Artwork and custom, all-paper package design by dela.
Love Is In the Aether
Love Is In the Aether (June 2006)
My second collaboration with dela. At this point, I was ready to move beyond conventional, plastic-intensive CD cases. Thus began our initial foray into alternative CD packaging. Love Is In The Aether was encased in a paper gatefold CD envelope with a homemade, linoleum print cover. Musically, this is a return to my lifelong love for classic electro-breaks; dela provides newer sounds with glitchy, dreamy downtempo. Original linoleum carving by Steven Jimenez. Printed by dela and me.
NYE FMG - night
Electric Dreamers (June 2004)
Commissioned by my friend and fellow spiritual traveller, Devotee Joseph, Electric Dreamers taps into the visionary energy that infuses tribal dance culture. Words of wisdom from Joseph's spiritual teacher are briefly interwoven into the mix. Profits from the sale of this CD supported her non-profit: The Servants of Charity Food Relief International. The project is a clear manifestation of Joseph's devotion and dedication to service. Musically, Electric Dreamers combines tribal progressive, tech-house, and dubby techno. Artwork by Madeleine Delage and dela.
Together
Together (December 2002)
A mostly faithful reproduction of my live sunrise set at the September 2002 Full Moon Gathering. This mix is a gift to dela, who had one of those transcendant dancefloor experiences we all cherish. Classic sounding trance moves into tribal rhythms and ultimately yields to deep, lush tech-house. Artwork by dela.
Ahimsa
Ahimsa (December 2002)
My first collaboration with dela, Ahimsa was conceived and mixed after September 11, 2001 as a call to non-violent action. During this period, I was avidly practicing Iyengar yoga and reading yoga philosophy. So, the words penned by master Yogi B.K.S. Iyengar in his seminal work, Light on Yoga, regarding Ahimsa (non-harming) were an inspiration (see CD insert). Ahimsa, with it's deep, beautiful blend of ambient, dub, and downtempo has become one of our most beloved mixes. The first six tracks were selected and mixed by dela while Brad contributed the remainder. Artwork by dela.
Integration
Integration (May 2002)
Features recordings of both a singing bowl played by RaRa Avis as well as excerpts from a discourse by my esteemed yoga teacher Paul Cabanis. As such, this is my sole mix that "integrates" non-electronic elements. Integration stems from my deep fascination with yoga philosophy and its concepts of mind, consciousness, cosmic energy, and their potential for unification in Samadhi. This mix features tracks from one of my favorite labels at the time: Choke Music. Integration weaves together a rich tapestry of techno and tech-house. Artwork by dela.
Ecstaticacti
Ecstaticacti (January 2001)
This mix is a celebration of my love for the deserts of the Southwest. It is also a token of my inspiration derived from reading Edward Abbey's Desert Solitaire. Throughout this period and still to this day, dela and I spend much of our free time hiking and camping in the almost uninterrupted open spaces found from Death Valley National Park in California to Canyonlands National Park in Utah. Here we lose ourselves in the beauty and solitude of the majestic desert. Ecstaticacti merges intense, sparse tribal techno with uplifting trance. Artwork by dela.