Sure Thing Podcast

From Portugal's Nørbak, an intensely personal collection of ambient works from himself and others. A ritual of texture and mood which tenses like heartstring and burns like slow flame. More from Nørbak: @norbakmusic Photograph by Ian Cunningham.

Mix 73 is a very special treat from the Italian duo Plants Army Revolver, formed in 2014 by Birgan Valentin and Marco Ragni. Their refined ability to craft organic and analog soundscapes has captured the attention of the scene's most lauded outlets, including recent live sets for Hypnus & Inveins, and a just-released EP "Yguana" on Shifted's Avian label. Far from content to rest on their creative laurels, the pair have recorded a unique live set for our series, one which unfolds beautifully from beginning to end and provides a precious glimpse into their studio process. More from Plants Army Revolver: @plants-army-revolver

Hailing from Munich, Polygonia is a core member of the IO and Lowless collectives, who together form a family and outlet for deep techno across Europe. Her own production work is captivating, swathed in brooding ambience and revealed through moments of vibrant emotion, captured well in her recently released full-length "In The Dead Of Night." Here she effortlessly weaves her own tracks with those of her contemporaries, and the result is intoxicating. More from Polygonia: @polygonia https://polygonia.bandcamp.com/

Poised at the center of Korea's vibrant techno scene, Oslon is the founder of Oslated Seoul, a kindred label/podcast project situated seven thousand miles away yet musically close at heart. Captured at a recent label showcase in Hong Kong, this spellbinding set showcases a mix of the organic and subterranean sounds which form a common current through his expert curation. We've been keeping a close eye on Oslon's output, and we suspect after listening through this one many of you will be doing the same. More from Oslon: @oslon www.facebook.com/oslatedbyoslon www.residentadvisor.net/dj/oslon

Koen Hoets (@koen-hoets) is a brilliant producer and friend from Rotterdam, perhaps best known for his wonderful "Datum Plano" EP on Ben Buitendijk's Oblique Music imprint. His approach to music is thoughtful and heartfelt, and his contribution to our series is an ambient/experimental opus which floats effortlessly through both of its hours. When the time is right, we encourage you to unwind and become fully immersed in the journey that lies ahead. Original artwork by Olga van Dijk. Recorded live at Isotoop, Rotterdam. http://www.olgavandijk.com/

LA's beloved Mike Gushansky delivers an arresting mix of patient and twisted house music. As co-founder of the Redline event series and resident of SF's As You Like It, Mike is a familiar face in California's rich dance music scene, and a welcome influence on its sonic landscape. Per the artist, this mix tells a story that reflects his emotions following a surreal and life-altering event, and it's our privilege to share it. More from Mike: @mikegushansky

As the co-founder of Seattle's secondnature (@secondnatureseattle) collective, Eddie Lee's influence on the North American techno scene is difficult to understate. Yet as the group's most elusive member, he rarely steps into the limelight despite his well-told reputation as a fantastic DJ and curator. Captured live at secondnature's 5 Year Anniversary celebration, this is Eddie's first available recording in over five years, and we're excited to share it with you. Like the fury of a long-dormant volcano, it bursts forth with surprising and breathtaking intensity. Prepare to be swept off your feet. More from Eddie: @edwardvinylhands

Undveld delivers an hour which burns at a distance. Assembled over the course of nearly a year, the Lithuanian artist showcases a sublime and emotive division to his far-reaching collection, enveloping us as we step away from the dance floor once more. More from Undveld: @undveld facebook.com/undveld

When they aren't busy behind the decks of our favorite NY venues, Lychee curates the Spontaneous Affinity interview and podcast series, which recently celebrated the release of its first print publication and co-hosted our latest event with Evigt Mörker and Takaaki Itoh. Our good friend and frequent collaborator, they continue to play a large part in helping Sure Thing feel newly at home on the east coast, and many of you who have seen Lychee play can also attest to their ability to work a dance floor into a frenzy. We hope you enjoy this one, a very special mix from a very special artist and a ravishing display of impressive scope and unyielding energy. More from Lychee: @lycheefrut @spontaneousaffinity http://spontaneous.zone/ https://spontaneousaffinity.bandcamp.com/

Warp drive techno from the Japanese master, and our last podcast of the year. Love and thanks to everyone who joined us on this journey through 2018. See you next year! Cover art by Sofia Hjortberg.

Our latest podcast features the work of Saphileaum, an emerging artist from Tbilisi, Georgia who has captivated us with a steady output of dream-like, organic techno on cherished labels such as Oslated and Norite. Like a walk through enchanted woods, Saphileaum's mix is densely layered with hollow echoes and lush melodies, blanketing the listener with tender yet hypnotic energy. More from Saphileaum: @saphileaum Saphileaum performs live at Khidi (Tbilisi) with Abul Mogard and Marja De Sanctis on December 22, 2018.

Joining us on our next podcast is Mysteries of the Deep founder Grant Aaron, who began the New York-based project in 2011 as a podcast and event series for ambient and experimental music, hosting the likes of Neel and Patrick Russell, before expanding it to a label in 2017. In true form Grant has provided us with a mostly-ambient mix, an hour which evolves patiently and profoundly over its course. Grant covers grand territory with his selections, dealing in sparse instrumentation, sweeping drones, and pared-down percussion, weaving these elements into a moving and cohesive whole. Dive in now, or save this one to accompany you on an upcoming journey. It’s worth the wait. More from Grant Aaron (Mysteries of the Deep): @mysteriesofthedeep @insideout

We're thrilled to welcome our next guest to the podcast series, France's Martin Goodwin. The enigmatic and quietly brilliant artist, whose scarce and beautiful releases are treasures of the genre, has provided us with the perfect accompaniment to the coming winter—an mix which is absorbing, introspective, and at times aching in its warmth. More from Martin: @martingoodwin

As co-founder of the Diacritic Collective and resident for the As You Like It party series, Lily Ackerman is a household name in the Bay Area scene, a favorite among locals whose sets are as reliable as they are versatile. With only a couple of studio recordings from Lily out in the wild, we couldn't wait to dig into this mix the moment it landed in our inbox, and we suspect quite a few of you will feel the same. Recording entirely from vinyl, Lily has put together a colorful and energetic hour which treads diverse ground from the perennial favorite, Donato Dozzy, to more raucous offerings from the likes of Laksa and V111. Enjoy! More from Lily: @lilyackerman

Ahead of his upcoming performance at Kraków's legendary Unsound festival, NY-based Sheepshead turns up the heat for our latest podcast. As curator of the Newtype Rhythms podcast, Sheepshead has paved the way for a varied and impressive showcase of sounds from left-of-field. Here his range is on full display as he runs through a series of off-kilter rhythms and full-on jams before settling in on some beloved classics, all weaved together with a heavy dose of UK influence and serious low-end weight. More from Sheepshead: @sheepshead-music

Kristen Dalen is a multi-talented musician, DJ, and visual artist based in Seattle and a key affiliate of the US-based Blankstairs label. Dalen's mixing style allows the carefully curated selection of heavy yet patient techno to shine, allowing each track to breathe and unfold while remaining in constant control of the energy. We're excited to welcome them to the podcast, and share this recording from a highlight of the Pacific Northwest techno scene. More from Kristen: @kristendalen @blankstairs

Celebrating 4 years of Sure Thing. Mixed by Aaron J (@arn_j). Thank you for your continued love and support. Artwork by Clara Cortés Garcia www.claracortes.com

One year after it's release, Vâyu's debut album on Annulled remains a permanent fixture in many DJ sets and listening sessions, a prime example of a deep, shamanistic journey from a meticulous and relatively new producer. Behind the journey is France's Maxime Mouttet, who has provided for us a look into his inspirations with this powerful and hypnotic mix which immediately transports us to a more primal and submerged place. More from Vayu: @v-a-y-u

For our latest mix we turn to France's Nems-B (@nemsb), who we had the pleasure of meeting during last year's Parallel Festival (@paral-lel-festival). As co-founder of the respected Phonons (@phonons-net) series, Nahim's ear for contemporary techno is well established, and he makes this clear in the airy, dynamic mix he has recorded for us. Upon pressing play we were immediately taken back to Spain's transcendent mountain ranges, and we hope your listening experience is equally profound.

Japan's Nao (@nao_rural) has established a name for herself as a resident DJ of the very special Rural festival, and for her versatile and razor-sharp sets delivered frequently around the Tokyo scene as a member of the addictedloop crew. We were fortunate to meet her when she came out to support her friend Wata Igarashi in SF, and after discovering the kind-hearted soul behind the talent we knew we had to invite her onto the podcast. Enjoy this exhilarating, multi-layered hour from a true tour-de-force!