Sometimes it can become a bit of an issue to complete when you start to over think something; like say the introduction to another instalment in a mixtape series. There are certain pre-determined factors that, as an author of such a thing, you can take for granted; like how most people who are like you just accept that there is oodles and oodles of music out there and are content to take tips as they try to find their own way through it. You should also remember that by choosing to put someone on in this manner it says a lot about that person’s artistry, music or DJing before you’ve even started to type a solitary word; so in a sense you’ve already made something of an opening statement…

This week’s guest, Mau’lin, makes music for dancefloors that is meticulously put together. From his early release on Alexander Nut’s Ho_Tep imprint to his latest on the Japanese Diskotopia label he’s displayed a midas touch when it comes to his mixdowns. There are certain things, factors or frequencies that even an impeccable master will fail to buff out but Mau’lin seems able to time and again hit a sweet spot between driven drumwork and attention stealing lead lines. A track like the unsigned ‘Eton Mess’ is a great example of precisely that – his snares may rasp like a beatboxer with a lisp but his bass surges and touches of synth work steal the show as they mesh underneath it.

His latest EP for Diskotopia, Function Open is a great introduction to his sound and his world of pristine mixdowns and basslines that sound ragged yet cover all the necessary frequencies in a smooth and fluid way. He’s one of those producers, like Artifact, who certain people will probably clamber over to label as future… or house… or something as insignificant as – wait for it – post-dubstep-UK-step-bass-garage because his music kind of embodies all of them, in some way at one point or another. Personally I blame the internet, but whether your penchant for obscure micro genres stems from an information overload or just a well stocked record palette, tracks like Mau’lin’s ‘Duties’ or ‘Function Open’ have a clear and present ability to keep a floor working for their DJ. That’s why we sat down with him to talk things through and that’s why we asked him to make this mix.

http://www.sonicrouter.com/2012/03/sr-mix-124-maulin-diskotopia/

1. Machinefabriek – Somerset (Lampse)
2. Powell – No.9 (Diagonal)
3. Airhead – Paper Street (Nick Hõppner Remix)’ (Brainmath)
4. Mak & Pasteman – Do The Same (Lando Kal Remix) (Forthcoming Shifting Peaks)
5. Mau’lin – Starbeast (Diskotopia)
6. Photonz – WEO (Principle)
7. Walt J – Reborn 2 (Curle)
8. Detroit Grand Pubahs – Big Onion (Joakim Slap On It Remix) (Detelefunk)
9. Mau’lin – Quotient (unreleased)
10. Riffs – Girls Attack (unreleased)
11. BD1982 – In Traffic (unreleased)
12. Boxwork – Think Hard (Forthcoming LNUK)
13. Mau’lin – Function Open (Jack Dixon Remix) (Diskotopia)
14. Adam Port – Weekend (Play It Down)

http://www.sonicrouter.com/