An expertly crafted journey edging toward the darker side of dance…
In an endless quest for deeper meaning, Hobin Rude’s music is anchored in rhythm and propelled by intricate sonic textures.
In just a few years, with over 150 tracks released on 70+ labels, his attention to detail has saw him released on prestigious labels from SUDBEAT to The Soundgarden and beyond. His music is regularly supported by industry giants such as Guy J and Sasha, and he hosts the Progressive Tales podcast on the Progresivna Suzna channel. Couple that with his global tours from Spain to Malta, Armenia to Sri Lanka, and Russia to India, and it’s clear that Hobin Rude is becoming an integral part of the global scene.
Nowhere is that more evident than in this highly polished Balance Selections mix. Across the full 65 minutes, and featuring artists like Alex O’Rion, Tonaco, Moshic, and more, we’re taken on a thrilling ride into deep and dark territory that is vintage progressive.
1. Peres – Aprori (Intro Mix) {Mistique}
2. Odagled – Bubastis (Original Mix) {Runemark Records}
3. Robert R. Hardy – Last Indos (Original Mix) {Balkan Connection South America}
4. Rockka – Amnesia (Mike Isai Remix) {Mango Alley}
5. Alex O’Rion – Blaze (Original Mix) {Replug}
6. Hobin Rude – Gloom Gospel (Original Mix) {Meanwhile}
7. Matt Oliver – Leaky Cauldron (Original Mix) {Transensations Records}
8. Tonaco – Avalon (Original Mix) {Meanwhile}
9. Hobin Rude – ID (Original Mix) {ID}
10. Hobin Rude – Symphony Of The Lost (Original Mix) {Nightcolours Recordings}
11. Moshic – Adon Olan (Original Mix) {Contrast Records}
12. Blanka Barbara – Beacon of Hope (Retroid Remix) {Rabbit Records}
Name: Ognjen Cerovic
Location: Belgrade
Alias/Producer name: Hobin Rude
Labels affiliated with: Sudbeat, The Soundgarden, Mango Alley
Facebook
Soundcloud
Instagram
I grew up surrounded by fragments—old jazz floating from scratched vinyl, classical pieces played softly on Sunday mornings, and occasional folk songs that seemed to drift in from nowhere. My parents weren’t musicians, but music was always there, lingering in the background. It was less about what was playing and more about how it made the house feel alive, even when everything was still.
It happened late at night, a random radio broadcast cutting through the usual noise. I don’t remember the track, only that it didn’t sound like anything else I’d heard. It was mechanical, hypnotic, but somehow full of soul. In that moment, something clicked. It wasn’t just music—it was a portal, something I needed to explore.
My first time in a club felt like stepping into another world. The DJ was more like a conductor of chaos, weaving sounds that seemed to control the air itself. I couldn’t tell you what tracks were playing, only that it felt like everything in the room pulsed in sync with the music. The club’s name is a blur now, but that night… it planted a seed that’s still growing.
I gravitate toward those who create with depth and a sense of story—artists like Hernan Cattaneo, Guy J and Roger Martinez. Their music feels like an invitation to get lost in the layers. It’s not just the sound; it’s how they build atmospheres. I’m also inspired by the quiet moments in life—the sound of rain, the hum of a train, the odd silence before dawn.
The latest album I got was Polyfauna by LORN. It wasn’t just recommended—it felt like it found me. It’s haunting, immersive, and lingers in the mind long after the final track ends. Listening to it was less like hearing music and more like being dropped into a world built from shadows and echoes.
My setup is a mix of hardware and software—where digital precision meets analog warmth. I rely on Ableton for production, but I keep a few synths around to add character, like the Moog Sub 37 and a Roland TR-8S for rhythm. When I DJ, I prefer the tactile feel of vinyl, but I also work with CDJs for versatility. There’s something about the ritual of vinyl that still feels right, though—it forces you to listen more carefully.
There’s a track in the works that’s been evolving with every session, and i will let you know about it soon. It’s an exploration of space and silence, inspired by the moments between thoughts. I’ve also got a couple of remixes lined up, some collaborations brewing, and couple of EP’s coming soon. It’s all part of a bigger story that’s still being written.
The next gig will be in a place that feels like home—a small venue where the crowd understands the unspoken connection between sound and soul. I’ll also be back in Sri Lanka soon for another set, and we are working on South American tour. And there’s something else in the works… a series of pop-ups where you’ll have to follow the trail to find the music.
The podcast was a journey from start to finish, mixed live with CDJs in a dimly lit room. I wanted it to feel like a dream—fluid, unpredictable, and immersive.
A recent obsession. It’s a journey of its own, unfolding layer by layer…
“Take Me Alive.” It’s not just a track—it’s a moment captured in sound, designed to linger in the spaces between your thoughts.
A strange, haunting piece—minimal yet heavy with emotion. A reminder that simplicity can be profound.
Prisoners. It’s unsettling, layered, and leaves you with more questions than answers. Just how I like it.
Dark. A perfect blend of mystery, time travel, and existential dread. It pulls you into a web of secrets where every answer only raises more questions.
There’s a small cabin in Iceland, far from everything, where the Northern Lights dance above an endless silence…
