The Playlist Special: Gaurav Malaker

Delhi-based DJ/producer Gaurav Malaker  is not one to favor genres. In his playlist, the musician, who is one-half of BLOT, lists everything from good old pop by MJ to the bass-brass goodness courtesy Maceo Plex and the tinkling melodies by Ryuichi Sakamoto.

“Jam” Michael Jackson, 1992

I’m yet to hear a groove that as great as this one! It is such an amazing track and just so well produced. I thought I blew up my little 2-in-1 music system the first time the snare came in. The video had Michael Jordan AND Michael Jackson, it didn’t get much better back then I suppose.

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“He Is Watching You” Solomun, 2011

Simple, beautiful track. You know when a sound or a smell has the ability to transport you to a certain time and space in the past, this one does it every time I hear it.

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“Origins (David August Remix)” Max Cooper, 2014

If you asked me in 2016 to be a track from 2014 this would probably be it. It sits pretty on the intersection of absolutely impeccable production, great synth work and just great (electronic) songwriting I strongly recommend a listen.

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“Merry Christmas Mr Lawrence Theme” Ryuichi Sakamoto, 1983

Delightful bells, whistles and piano. I love this composition, it’s one of those pieces that sound so comfortingly familiar even when you hear it the first time.

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“Need to Feel Loved (Original Mix)” Reflekt ft. Deeline Bass 2004

Great bassline and vocal-ey bits. Back when I heard this, all I wanted was to make a tune like this. Unfortunately (and obviously) it never materialised. Maybe I’ll make a bootleg or something now.

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“Fault Lines (Dauwd Remix)” Beacon 2015

Great remix of a rather lovely track. I’ve been very inspired by the melodic atmosphere that this track creates. I’ve played it out to death this year admittedly. Fun fact: that voice in the track is actually a guy.

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“Sycamore Feeling” Trentemoeller, 2010

This one changed my entire music writing process, style and sensibility. It’s a wonderful track that for me sort of celebrates the joy in sorrow, however twisted that sounds!

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“Solar Detroit” Maceo Plex, 2015

[The track is a] deadly combination of bass and brass just drenched in an amazing dark beat structure. Very popular, very inspiring, very effective.

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“Endless Games (Patrice Bäumel Mix)” Blond:ish, 2015

It really is so hard to write such great minimalistic music, music that allows the listener to keep coming back to soak in the only five primary instruments.

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