Christian Smith highlights why there is no substitute for experience…

Christian Smith has long operated at the intersection of progressive and techno. As both DJ, producer and label boss of Tronic, his work is defined by precision, propulsion and an instinct for evolution that has kept him at the top of his game for more than two decades.

A constant presence in global clubs and festivals, Smith’s output remains relentless. His productions draws on a deep understanding of dancefloor psychology shaped over years behind the decks.

The recent Follow Me EP with us underscores that position. Rooted in groove yet engineered for peak-time moments, it reflects an artist who has refined the art of impact.

On this Balance Selections mix, the pioneer delivers on those years of refinement. Featuring tracks from Gai Barone, Jamie Stevens and Mariano Mellino, this is a muscular mix that knows when to pull on emotional levers.

Tracklist

1. Christian Smith – Golden Point {Bedrock}
2. Mariano Mellino – Poison {Tronic}
3. Gai Barone – Clutchy {Barra Uno}
4. D. Diggler – Herding Light {Lucidflow}
5. D-Shift – Control Me {Sprout}
6. Mayro – Pizzicato – {Tronic}
7. Patch Park – Spells (Jamie Stevens Remix) {District Records}
8. Sander Kleinenberg – My Lexicon (Hersloot Remix) {Armada}
9. Gai Barone & Tiefstone – Ripley {District Records}
10. Christian Smith – Follow Me {Balance}
11. Rodriguez Jr. & Jan Blomquist – Destination Lost (Hersloot remix) {Disconnected}
12. Carl Craig – At Les (Christian Smith Hypnotica Remix) {Tronic}
13. Stereo Underground – Curveball {District Records}
14. D-Shift – Look Into My Eyes {Tronic}
15. Christian Smith – L’Amour Toujours {Tronic}
16. Ian O’Donovan – From The Ruins {Tronic}

Name: Christian Smith
Location: Sweden
Alias/Producer name: Christian Smith
Labels affiliated with: Tronic

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I grew up listening to early electro and late disco in the mid ’80s. Then when house music arrived, I became completely addicted. I was living in Germany at the time, as my father was a pilot for Lufthansa, so we had cheap tickets and often visited close family friends in New Jersey.

I would listen to and record the mix shows on WBLS out of New York, where DJs blended genres and worked three decks at once. That eventually led me to become a battle DJ, and later move into house and techno.

I have older siblings who brought home mixtapes from a local club called Dorian Gray, a legendary venue inside Frankfurt Airport. Many DJs, including Sven Väth, got their start there. Those tapes featured artists like Egyptian Lover, The Human League and Kraftwerk.

I started clubbing at a very young age. Before I was even old enough for proper venues, I was going to school parties held in clubs. By 13, I was already frequenting them regularly.

I didn’t dance much; I was obsessed with the DJs, watching their every move. Eventually I got my own decks and began playing too.

At first it was always more of a hobby than a career. That changed while I was in graduate school, when I produced a few big records in a row in the late ’90s.

Within six months, I went from being a graduate student to having a packed touring schedule around the world.

To my luck and pride, my very first 12inch was by Kate Bush – Running Up That Hill. I bought a bunch of singles before this, but I really do not remember which was my first one. Probably not as cool at Kate Bush. 😉

I had a proper analogue setup for many years, but I got rid of everything about ten years ago. Now I work exclusively with software and an engineer. I prefer this workflow, and it’s served me well. I tend to use the Roland SH-101, Arturia Pigments and the Arturia Jupiter-8 a lot.

When I DJ, I play from USB sticks and always ask for the Pioneer V10 mixer. I don’t miss hauling record cases around the world. It might be an unpopular opinion, but I also prefer the depth of digital sound. Digital can still feel warm.

I’ll be heading out on a major South America tour in April, followed by Asia in May and Australia/New Zealand in June. It never really stops, but I’m genuinely happy about moving further into progressive.

I feel more inspired than I have in a long time. I love the scene, and I love the challenge of producing progressive music.

I consider this one of there cornerstone songs of melodic electronic music. Still love it now!