Neo Kekkonen is responsible for two of the best Trance music remixes ever featured on our sub-label “Exalted Tunes”. His remix of “Departure” received great reviews and feedback from Djs and fans alike, yesterday, we revealed his latest remix, this time for ASKII’s single “Spirit”, available as “Free or Pay”.
Today he sent us his Top 10 of 2013, he didn’t include any of his tracks because he wanted to be completely unbiased, he was even kind enough to give it to us as a spotify playlist for all of us to fully preview his picks. The best part is that he commented (briefly) on each track of his chart. Check it out.
NK: First, it must be said that there is so much good music in the scene, any short list is a drop in the ocean. These are some of the tracks I remember from trance side of 2013, in no significant order.
Tasadi & Nhato – Turning Point (Cramp Remix)
NK: I have always liked hypnotic tracks that have an ethereal atmosphere in the background. This is one excellent example.
Super 8 & Tab – L.A. (BT Remix)
NK: Perhaps the most interesting version of this track. I especially like the arpeggios that remind of goa and psy traditions.
Myon & Shane 54 with Amy Pearson – Hurricane
NK: The feeling here is very much what the word “trance” means to me. It’s great that there are still artists in the scene making this style.
Matt Fax – Anima
NK: This too represents the word “trance” well. One can travel without moving listening to tracks like this.
Andrew Bayer – Need Your Love (Original Mix)
NK: I must admit, part of why I like this is that it reminds of BT’s album This Binary Universe. The atmosphere here is just as captivating.
London Grammar – Hey Now
NK: My first version choice would have been the Arty remix, but I could’t find that on Spotify. Still, the original is very good too :)
Lana Del Rey – Young And Beautiful
NK: Another track I got to know better through a club remix which doesn’t seem to be available on Spotify. That one was by Myon and Shane 54.
A special thing about this song is that message in the chorus is both romantic and realistic, no matter how unlikely “I know you will” part might look in light of statistics.
Placebo – Running Up That Hill
NK: And yet another one with a club mix that does not seem to appear in stores ;) The remix by Jerome Isma-Ae would be my preferred version.
Jaytech – Wipeout
NK: This one is very trancey and calm, but the arp that keeps running for much of the track reminds me of similar riff in a song by AC/DC. One of those cases where personal connotations add to listening experience.
Omnia – Immersion
NK: An example of melodic track that doesn’t go too far. Very good balance of melody and ethereal feeling, an elegant track from more peaceful side of trance ;)
Related Links
“Neo Kekkonen Is Back with A New Massive Remix”
“Weela – Departure (The Remixes) Now Available in Stores”
