EMEXL is a DJ and producer originally hailing from Teesside but now based in Newcastle UK. Previously releasing on some of the most infamous North East rave scene record labels under other aliases, EMEXL takes him into the world of house and techno, influenced by the likes of Patrick Topping’s uptempo productions and KINK’s mastery of analog hardware.

Earlier this month he debuted on Doc Brown’s Unlearn Records with Prepare For Drama. As the name suggests, this a tense, seething tech house cut, with ultra-crisp hats, thunderous drums and an acid lead line creating a seething, boiling atmosphere.

With the release out now, he put together this playlist of his favourite 10 modern rave cuts.

Monki – Feels Darker

The drums and bass on this one are infectious. There simple aren’t enough “hands in the air” moments in tracks anymore but this one delivers on the front!

Adelphi Music Factory – Sample Seduction

DJ Seductions’s original track, sampled here by Adelphi Music Factory, was the first mix CD I owned back in 95 so when I heard this modern rave rebeef, I instantly fell in love. Classic 909 house groove meets super cool rave stabs.

Hannah Laing – Get Busy

If you haven’t heard of Hannah Laing yet, remember you heard of her here first. This is her second release on the mighty Trick Label from Patrick Topping. North East England meets Scotland. This one BANGS!

Infekt – Make Me Feel

What a vocal! I love the stabs and the classic piano on this one too. It’s a stomper on the legendary Nervous Records.

Matt Guy – Set My Mind Free

A modern classic in many senses of the word. The vocal just sticks with you on this one – play it loud.

Airwolf Paradise – Don’t Hurt Me Baby (NRG Trax Remix)

Another track from Patrick Topping’s Trick Label. Get your fist pump ready for the drop – wait for it, all together now….!

GHSTGHSTGHST – Beatdown

GHSTGHSTGHST is going places. This little rave number hits in all the right places. A true party track designed to hit hard on the dance floor.

EMEXL – On the Dance Floor

I couldn’t not include one of my own tracks right? Signed to Data Transmission in summer 2022. Classic rave stabs meets funky electric piano and pumping bass.

Sorley – Short Circuits

Another DJ producer from my home in the North East of England is Sorley. The production on this track is so tight. Sorley knows exactly what he is doing with his bass and drums and the hook on this track is simply contagious.

Kristen Velvet – Perfect Devision

If you haven’t guessed already I’m a sucker for a 90’s rave stab and that coupled those chopped up vocals means I’ll be playing this one for months to come.