Right-click or CTRL-click here to download (233MB MP3)

This is my latest DJ mix, inspired by the beautiful Los Angeles rainstorms of the last several days. The songs were selected and the mix was compiled specifically for rainy day listening, preferably in a setting where you can also hear the rain in the background. Obviously, I missed getting this out while the L.A. storms were in full effect but I reckon it's probably raining somewhere else in the world right now or will be soon. Fellow Californians, I hope you'll add this to your emergency rain survival kits for later.

Naturally, the music here is mainly somber and introspective, reflecting either lyrically or sonically the themes of rain or water, with a really thick, wet sound that is not very danceable at all (although there are quite a lot of beats -- this is not an ambient mix). You'd think this would make for an easier time on the mixing end, but Rainy Day was probably the most difficult mix I've undertaken. While the technical aspects of a high energy dance mix can be daunting, achieving a decent flow or arc is quite a lot easier than it is with relatively chill music, at least in my opinion. The challenge was compounded by the longer running time -- 100 minutes, as opposed to the far leaner 60. It was a real chore, discovering the optimum track list and mix points, but I think I did a good job. 

My favorite moody mixtapes were always those sent to me by friends and didn't include a track list, so I will continue that tradition here. But you will hear the sounds of Blur, David Bowie, Goldfrapp, Joy Division, Nine Inch Nails, M83, R.E.M., Radiohead, Röyksopp, Yeah Yeah Yeahs and more, plus one or two what-I-hope-will-be-pleasant surprises. I must warn you, Rainy Day is a bit goth. 

Cover art by me, featuring the lovely Katie Horwitch. I grabbed a few iPhone shots of her while accompanying photographers Lou O'Bedlam and Jon Hill on a shoot in Venice Beach during last week's rain. You can see more of Katie here.

Hope you like it!

Previous Mixes

Download Insomnia Mix 1 hereDownload MTHRFCKRZ Mix here