Salamat, Music: 2020, A Year In Music Mixes
Salamat, Music: 2020, A Year In Music Mixes
This year we needed music more than ever. Live gigs stopped and DJ’s and selectors switched to Twitch live streams or online radio shows. Music provided solace, comfort, and much needed unity across all platforms, genres, and time zones. Here’s some of my favorite mixes from this year from some of the best Filipinx/a/o DJ’s and curators around. Dig in and Happy New Year!
ISIP by ET IV
Evocative and thoughtful sounds from the Philippines and the diaspora by Bay Area DJ and founder of ASTIG Sounds, Eduardo Daza Taylor IV aka ET IV. Created for Undiscovered SF’s UNDSCVRD Mixtape series.
HATAWNA by Les Talusan aka Les the DJ
Philippine pop and dance hits from the late ‘80s-early ‘90s created by Les Talusan for Vex Ruffin’s NTS Radio show Manila Times. A throwback blast of pop perfection from DC based DJ and supreme OPM collector, Les the DJ.
TIZITA RADIO (05.11.20) by Rani de Leon
Los Angeles based DJ and Arts and Culture Programmer, Rani de Leon curates a mesmerizing collection of Philippine field recordings and related sounds for Dublab Radio.
Pasta Groove on Manila Times by Pasta Groove aka Parallel Uno
A mind expanding mix of Philippine jazz and soul nuggets from the unparalleled Parallel Uno aka Pasta Groove aka Paolo Garcia. Ever prolific, Pasta Groove also put out a stop-in-your-tracks LP under his Parallel Uno moniker as well as a tribute LP to his father’s legendary band Hotdog called Muling Kagat.
DMAPS on Manila Times by DMAPS aka Diego Mapa
Philippine music scene luminary and OPM appreciation stalwart Diego Mapa put together a genre bending/time spanning collection of OPM gems for Vex Ruffin and Possiblemusic’s Manila Times show on NTS Radio.
Flipside Vol. 1: Bay Area Freestyle Classics by Proof
Although put out the end last year, this got a lot play in 2020. San Francisco DJ Marky Enriquez aka Proof surveys the 90’s Bay Area Freestyle movement on this addictive 30 minute mix.
Live with 45s Vol 2. - Digs from MNL, TORONTO, & NYC by Un_G
DJ and Filmmaker Gary Gabisan aka Un_G with an energetic 45s workout. Also check out his video/mix A Magnificent Mix.
MonoLoco Mixtape: Pinoy Grooves Funk and Disco Party (05/09/2020) by Pinoy Grooves
UK based DJ and collector Pinoy Grooves’ impressive OPM collection on full display on one of his many mixes featuring Philippine jazz, disco, soul, and more.
DWTreskul Radio presents! Manila Twister by DJ Arbie Won
Rare Soul , Jerk and Beat from the Philippines compiled by DJ Arbie Won of Treskul Records in the Philippines.
MANILA COMMUNITY RADIO
A big shout out to Manila Community Radio featuring a wide array of shows from artists, DJ’s, and curators from across the globe. “MCR is a platform that embraces diverse, inclusive, and freely-expressive Filipino talent in the underground and of underrepresented communities.” Created by Jorge Juan B. Wieneke V. aka Similarobjects, perhaps one of the most important figures in new Philippine music. I highly recommend the shows: Curious Listening 01 w/ Teresa Barrozo — 09.12.2020, similarobjects & Teya Logos — 08.01.2020, Vex Ruffin — 10.6.20, Renee Rosete — 11.26.2020, Nativity — 10.03.2020, Switched On 01 w/ Diego Mapa — 08.26.2020
MANILA TIMES W/ VEX RUFFIN & POSSIBLEMUSIC
Possiblemusic & Stones Throw Records' affiliate Vex Ruffin’s monthly show on NTS Radio. Recommended shows including the above mentioned Manila Times shows: DJ MEESTERENRIQUEZ (4/9/20), VEX RUFFIN & POSSIBLEMUSIC (10/7/20)
Happy listening and Happy New Year!
Joel Quizon
12/30/2020