DVO25: Seven Mixes Celebrating 25 Years of Weird, Heady Dance Music.
Soundcloud links in images. Free downloads are here.
I first tried DJing in June of 1998, using a broken Technics 1200 and an unreliable belt drive turntable from a local thrift store. I wasn’t competent until after picking up real 1200s a year later, but that summer was the departure point for the many twists and turns of my DJ life.
Now it’s 25 years later. I have little to show in the way of fame or money, but I’m rich in friends, music and memories. I decided to celebrated those loves in the best way I can, by sharing music from throughout the long, weird journey. I played seven livestreams over seven months, then uploaded the mixes to SoundCloud for posterity. They are also included here for free download.
Some were broadcast from my basement, some from live gigs, and some from who even remembers where? Each mix covers the distinct tempos and styles I’ve played over the years, all while maintaining the heady, melodic, sometimes dark vibes that characterize all my music.
I sequenced the mixes to reflect the arc of my interests, minus some brief mid 2000s forays into the cheesier side of electro house. Although once something genuinely good is engrained in my taste, it’s kind of hard to take it back out, as shows in the later mixes. The one exception is the “encore,” as weird morning music has always been my true sweet spot.
It turned out to be a difficult and at times emotionally exhausting experience. This was mostly due to wanting to have each mix capture both where I was at a time and where I am now. I think I did a great job for the most part, although there were moments when it felt forced. There was also the pressure to get something out every month while managing daily work, home and political projects, travel, and difficult life events among family and friends. Aging is hard, and this all made me hyper aware and respectful of how high pressure life is for touring artists and performers.
Thanks to my family, friends and fans who listened in, who appreciate how much work I put into mixes, and who’ve supported me over all these weird long years. Here’s to many more for all of us, whatever our passions or callings may be, and wherever we end up.
In solidarity,
Devin Rydel Kelly / AKA Adlib
