We look back over the 2024 Balance Music podcasts that resonated the most with you…
Over the past 12 months, we’ve been privileged to expand our back catalogue with incredible DJ mixes from scene legends and rising stars alike. If these mixes are any indication of the state of the global electronic music scene, we’re thrilled to report it’s in a phenomenal place. With contributions from across the globe, the quality has been nothing short of exceptional all year round.
Here are three key takeaways from this year:
- Deeper, darker sounds are making a big comeback. The resurgence of atmospheric, brooding progressive has been undeniable.
- Is Argentina the ultimate hotspot for progressive? From packed dancefloors to standout productions, it seems the answer is a resounding yes.
- The return of extended DJ mixes. Artists and listeners alike are embracing longer, more immersive journeys once again.
With over 60 mixes delivered this year, we’ve been blown away by the response from our audience. But we couldn’t help but wonder—which mixes were your absolute favourites? To find out, we delved into the stats across all our platforms (SoundCloud, Mixcloud, YouTube, and Apple Podcasts) to see which sets you listened to, interacted with, loved, shared, and commented on the most.
Without further ado, and in no particular order, here are the 12 Balance Music mixes that resonated most in 2024.
To celebrate his stellar Nostalgia LP, Solis Records’ boss sat down with us (full interview on the Balance website) and delivered an exclusive mix. From the opening chug of his track Libruim, it’s clear: this is main-room music with a deeper, darker edge, packed with headline energy across its two-hour journey.
The under-the-radar Russian producer delivers a standout mix of the year, blending cinematic drama with meticulous programming. Opening with her pensive track “Owl Adventures” it journeys through DJ Koze‘s “XTC,” en route to a euphoric main-room finale. This is a captivating listen from start to finish.
mixed by McKeown & Bassiray
In an in-depth Balance feature, Melbourne’s McKeown & Bassiray explore the evolution of early 00s dark prog. Their two-hour mix delivers exactly what it promises—a definitive masterclass in deep, cerebral progressive. Dive in for two hours of pure nocturnal frequencies.
Over 140 minutes, Redfreya crafts an enveloping experience that builds like a rising tide. Featuring tracks and remixes from Chaim, Jonathan Kaspar, D-Nox & Beckers, and more, it’s a refined mix that, as one listener described, unfolds “like a live concert.”
(Balance 006 20 year anniversary)
To mark 20 years since his iconic Balance 006 (full deep dive on our website), the Australian legend curated a special 2024 reinterpretation. One hour of lush progressive breaks and one hour of hypnotic 4/4 grooves—essential listening for fans old and new.
Barely weeks old, but already undeniable—Mike Rish has defined 2024 with his mastery of dark prog and euphoric peaks. In this rare studio mix, the Aussie delivers a gripping journey that seamlessly blurs the line between heady techno and progressive.
The SoundCloud comments say it all—this one hits. Hyunji-A crafts a seamless flow of rolling tracks from Tantum, Subandrio, and D-Sense, laced with warm, psychedelic undertones. It demands repeated listens – and cements her place as one of Canada’s rising talents.
Ranj’s genre-blurring productions—melding house, breaks, techno, and electro—have earned support from icons like John Digweed and Hernán Cattaneo, alongside remix work for labels like Hooj Choons and Pangea. In this 90-minute mix, he effortlessly weaves deep breaks, house, and progressive sounds with tracks from Framewerk, Danny Howells, and Sébastien Léger, showcasing his dynamic style and impeccable track selection.
Rocío Portillo showcases South America’s rising talent with a moody, percussive mix featuring tracks from Juan Buitrago, Agustin Lupidi, and Claudio Cornejo—perfect for heads-down dancing in smoke-filled clubs.
A dense 120 min progressive journey, brimming with vocal cuts and introspective moments, from one of the finest to ever do it. Featuring tracks from Fort Romeau, Marsh, Rodriguez Jr and more, this carries an emotional heft that demands attention.
mixed by Danny Bonnici
A collection of classic progressive breaks, curated by one of the sound’s true pioneers. Featuring cuts from Hybrid, Luke Chable and Andy Page, it is essential listening for genre heads – or anyone looking for an entry point into this much loved sound.
We celebrated 300 Balance Selections episodes with an absolute legend. This two-hour foray into organic tech and playful prog touches the audio cornerstones of his twenty plus year career. From the deep sleaze of Phil Kieran Saturdays to Helsloot‘s uplifting rework of My Lexicon, this set is filled with class that is suitable for… everybody.
