In my opinion, Pete Tong’s BBC Radio 1 Essential Mixes are as good as you can get to know an artist without actually seeing him perform live. Essential Mixes are the best way one can discover the new and unreleased, rediscover the old and forgotten, test the artist’s transition and mash-up abilities and learn more about their unique taste and music choice. Im surprised it took me this long to finally review one of these on EBT (that will change, I promise) since they, as the name indicates, are an essential listen for any true EDM fanatic.
With all that said and done, allow me to present one of the freshest and hottest producers to rise to the EDM stars in a period of less than a year, Alesso! Taken under Sebastian Ingrosso’s wing, he made his breakthrough debut with his remix of Nadia Ali’s “Pressure” and, in collaboration with “father” Ingrosso, exploded last summer with the release of the magnificent “Calling”. Alesso is on EBT’s “Upcoming and promising” list (alongside Zedd, Cazzette, Porter Robinson and others) as we expect nothing but the greatest from his work, and, rest assured, his Essential Mix does not disappoint. Get comfortable and enjoy 2 hours of nonstop Alesso goodness!
Essential Highlights:
While for me every included track is an essential, here are some moments that stood out from the mix.
[8:42] First thing that grasped my attention is Alesso’s recently released “Greyhound” from the Swedish Mafia mashed with the sensational “Antidote”. The track is still new and fresh, so including it was a smart move.
[24:35] While I’ve had enough of Calvin Harris’ “Feel So Close” ever since it hit every radio station in August, its inclusion brought balance to the pure house mayhem with some smooth piano progressions and Harris’ own soothing vocals.
[27:38] Yes! Probably my favourite parts of any Essential Mix are the featured exclusive previews for upcoming hits. With still no news of the release of the instrumental version of “Years”, Alesso already debuts the Vocal Mix. Thoughts?
[35:12] Now something that I’ve never heard of before, “Jonas Törn – Boss”. Original and a catchy Rock melody that has been pumped with electro-dub synths.
[52:15] Strobe. Enough said <3
[61:42] The track that started it all! It wouldn’t be the same Alesso without “Pressure” (Personally my #1 track of the summer & in the top 3 of 2011).
[71:19] Alesso surprises us with an unidentified preview. Release date- now!
[85:45] Kudos to Alesso for the mashing choice of Pendulum’s “Island” remix with the amazing “Sending My Love” + “Awooga”!
[89:15] Turn up the Volume! Not in the Swede’s style to include Autoerotique’s cake-exploding, electro-based “Turn Up the Volume” but it’s a good change of scenery, even if for a moment.
[108:59] I forgot to add one more aspect about Essential Mixes: it’s the opportunity to give tracks a second chance. And now, given the change of scenery and my elevated mood, Michael Brun’s “Rise (Dirty South Edit)” sounds better second time around.
[116:52] Alesso finishes with a bang: a first ever preview of his upcoming “Silenced By The Night” remix. What a great way to end the Essential Mix! So uplifting, so Alesso!
Full Tracklist:
01. Dúné – Heiress Of Valentina (Alesso Remix) [Nero]
02. Deniz Koyu – Hertz [Flamingo] w/ Alesso – Nillionaire [Refune] w/ Porter Robinson – Unison [Owsla]
03. Swedish House Mafia – Greyhound [EMI] w/ Swedish House Mafia vs. Knife Party – Antidote [EMI]
04. Steve Angello, Sebastian Ingrosso & Alesso – Eclipse (Why Am I Doing This) [White]
05. Ivan Gough & Feenixpawl feat. Georgi Kay – In My Mind (Axwell Mix) [Axtone]
06. Alesso – Raise Your Head [Refune] w/ Calvin Harris – Feel So Close [Sony]
07. Alesso – Years (Vocal Mix) [Refune]
08. Nero – Me And You (Dirty South Remix) [MTA]
09. Jonas Törn – Boss [White]
10. David Guetta feat. Sia – Titanium (Alesso Remix) [F*** Me I'm Famous]
11. Arty, Matisse & Sadko – Trio [Axtone]
12. Deadmau5 – Strobe [Mau5trap] w/ Qulinez – Troll [Size]
13. Otto Knows – Million Voices [Refune]
14. Nadia Ali, Alex Kenji & Starkillers – Pressure (Alesso Remix) [Spinnin]
15. Hard Rock Sofa – Quasar [Axtone] w/ Pryda – Muranyi [Pryda]
16. Alesso – ID
17. Alesso – Dynamite [Refune] w/ Sebastian Ingrosso – Laktos [Refune] w/ Avicii – Levels [Le7els / Universal]
18. Pendulum – The Island (Steve Angello, AN21 & Max Vangeli Remix) [Size / One More Tune] w/ R3hab & Swanky Tunes feat. Max C – Sending My Love [Wall] w/ Calvin Harris – Awooga [Fly Eye]
19. Autoerotique – Turn Up The Volume [Dim Mak] w/ Coldplay – Clocks [Virgin] w/ Matt Caseli & Danny Freakazoid – Raise Your Hands [Axtone]
20. Avicii feat. Salem Al Fakir – Silhouettes [Le7els]
21. DEVolution feat. Amy Pearson – Good Love (Alesso Remix) [One More Tune]
22. Avicii – Fade Into Darkness (Instrumental Mix) [Le7els] w/ Florence and the Machine – You’ve Got The Love (Mark Knight Remix) [Toolroom]
23. Michael Brun – Rise (Dirty South Edit) [Phazing] w/ Dirty South & Those Usual Suspects feat. Erik Hecht – Walking Alone (Acappella) [Phazing]
24. Sebastian Ingrosso & Alesso feat. Ryan Tedder – Calling (Lose My Mind) [Refune / Universal]
25. Keane – Silenced By The Night (Alesso Remix) [White]
