Techno Playlist of Reference

Sometimes the middle of the week can drag. Hump days are like speedbumps, slowing you down and pulling the weekend further out of reach. Sometimes the only thing you can do is find some hype music and turn the volume up. Shake away that stagnancy, drive forward my friend. 

We’ve got just the playlist for you this week, Techno curated by our friends Process London, who know a thing or two about the genre. Let’s get the story behind the curation: 

When did you start listening to Techno?

I start listening to Techno about 5 or 6 years ago.

Did you ever have a moment when you felt like Techno started speaking to you?

Every time! When I listen to a track for me is like the artist is talking to me, trying to tell me a story.

It works even better on a big sound system!

What are some example situations when you would listen to this playlist yourself?

It helps me to focus so I listen to it a lot at work when I need to get things done quickly; As well as when I get back home after a long day and I need to relax with a beer or a glass of wine. Techno goes really well with wine!

If you had to choose just one track from this playlist, which one would be your favorite?

There are a lot! but I would go for one that I have added in February: Utkast - &&&&

Listen to the Process Techno Playlist with 700+ tracks here. 

Motown Playlist of Reference

This week features one of our Community Manager’s favorite genres, the classic, soulful, never-old-and-forever-awesome Motown. Originating from Detroit in the 50′s and 60′s, Berry Gordy founded a record label called Motown Records, playing on Detroit’s popular moniker: the motor city. To this day Detroit is famous for two things: cars, and music. There is no doubt that Ford and GM and Chrysler have produced some beautiful cars over the years. But nothing can compare to Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, and the wave of music responsible for the foundation of nearly every popular genre we listen to today. 

This playlist of reference is curated by Justin S. Let’s the get the story behind the creation: 

When did you start listening to Motown? 

That’s easy! Ever since I can remember, I’ve been jamming out to music from Motown.  I really appreciate the fact that my parents introduced me to this genre of music at a young age because it’s where I found my passion for singing.

Did you ever have a moment when you felt like Motown started speaking to you? 

The first time I ever heard “Aint Too Proud to Beg” by the Temptations.  I think every naive kid going through their first break up always finds that music can help ease the pain of a heartbreak.  I don’t think I fully understood what the song meant then, but to me, it’s always a reminder that sometimes you need to do everything you can, to get what you want or where you want to be.

What are some example situations when you would listen to this playlist yourself? 

The one that comes to mind most is driving down to Myrtle Beach every year for family vacation.  Having the windows rolled down, Motown blasting, knowing that in a few hours I would be sitting on the beach is something I looked forward to each Summer.  Carolina Beach Music goes hand in hand with Motown because that’s where it was born.  To me, there’s nothing better than being near the Ocean listening to the music of Motown.

If you had to choose just one track from this playlist, which one would be your favorite?

This is a no brainer for me.  “Up on the Roof” by the Drifters is hands down my all-time favorite Motown song.  Whenever I get stressed or need some time to myself, I listen to this song and it helps me know that there is a place “Where you just have to wish to make it so"….And that’s Up On The Roof.

Americana & Bluegrass Playlist of Reference

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Another year, another summer, with the lazy summer night where stars fall into dreams and the world seems like it will never end. For sitting around the campfire, strumming a guitar, bellowing calls and returns, there is nothing better than Bluegrass and the impeccable genre of Americana. This week’s playlist of reference is curated by our man Tom B. Let’s get the story behind the curation: 

When did you start listening to Bluegrass/Americana? 

I started to listen to Bluegrass in the mid to late 60’s when I first heard Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs, the music made me feel good and put me in a great place.

Did you ever have a moment when you felt like Bluegrass/Americana started speaking to you? 

I bought the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s album “Will the Circle be Unbroken” which is a collaboration of country and bluegrass players, it opened my eyes to how good these players are and how great these old songs are. I think it might have been my first exposure to Vassar Clements, Mother Maybelle Carter and many of the other great musicians and singers on this album. It is my favorite album even though I don’t listen to it as much as I used to I think it is always a special time when I do. The song “Keep on the Sunny Side” will always cheer me up if i’m down and a very moving song for me.

What are some example situations when you would listen to this playlist yourself? 

I add a lot of the newer songs and groups to it before we go to a string music festival “Harvest Music Festival” at Mulberry Mountain, Ozark, AR. I will line up my favorite artist so I can become more familiar with their music. I like to listen to many different genres but if we are going to see someone live I like to listen to that genre before I go.

If you had to choose just one track from this playlist, which one would be your favorite? 

“Keep On The Sunny Side” with Mother Maybelle Carter

  • May, 12 2015
  • music
  • classical
  • playlist
  • whyd
  • curation
  • social network

Classical Music Playlist of Reference

Not all the music shared on Whyd comes from emerging artists. There are also the classics, and included is the most classic of them all: Classical Music. Whether you’re studying, working, or want to let the beauty of music wash over you, take a listen to this playlist curated by Cyril Delmas-Marsalet. But first, let’s get the story behind the curation: 

When did you start listening to Classical Music?

Since I was a child. My parents and grandparents used to listen to Classical music.

Did you ever have a moment when you felt like Classical Music started speaking to you?

When I was about 9 years old, our teacher told us that Maria Callas had just died. We listened to one of her great “arias”… That was a great discovery for me, full of emotion.

What are some example situations when you would listen to this playlist yourself?

Classical music is great for working at home (I’m a teacher). There’s a Classical tune for each mood and each moment.

If you had to choose just one track from this playlist, which one would be your favorite?

Opera, of course… “A Te O Cara”, from “I Puritani” by Bellini, sung by Luciano Pavarotti.

Playlist of Reference: Alt Rock

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The next installment of our Playlist of Reference series turns up the volume. “Alt Rock” is a collection of bangers curated by our man Stefanos. As is the tradition, let’s get the story behind the curation: 

When did you start listening to Alt Rock?

I was a rock fan since the 70’s . When I was a student in Glasgow, Scotland in the late 70’s and early 80’s I used to listen to BBC Radio 1 and the famous DJ John Peel who had his program every night.

Peel played many of the new groups who sent him their demo tapes. He gave them airplay and made them known.

I loved groups such as Echo and the Bunnymen, Joy Division, Siouxsee and the Banshees, The Cure, Cocteau Twins, etc…

Did you ever have a moment when you felt like Alt Rock started speaking to you?

Yes. Echo and the Bunnymen and Siouxsee and the Banshees really impressed me.

What are some example situations when you would listen to this playlist yourself?

On a long haul flight to a holiday destination.

When feeling a bit out of energy and needing a recharge.

Concentrating on the music on a good stereo. listening in the dark.

To make me optimistic and put me into a fighting mood.

If you had to choose just one track from this playlist, which one would be your favorite?

SPC ECO: Push

Playlist of Reference: Trance

The next installment in our Playlist of Reference series sees things get a bit more epic as we dive into the world of Trance music. This Trance playlist contains electronic rises and falls - a roller coaster of different energies accelerating through our ears, all curated by Mathis Lorenzo. As usual, let’s get the story behind the curation: 

When did you start listening to Trance music?

I really discovered Trance during the first festivals I attended when I was 16 years old. I already knew a little bit about it then, of course, but it was during that specific time that the music took on a new dimension in my eyes. 

Did you ever have a moment when you felt like Trance started speaking to you?

Yes, and not just once! The most interesting thing with Trance in my opinion is the internal voyage that it permits. Making you dance, galloping on a bewitching beat, it lets you have a certain experience, solitary and subjective, or “transcendence.” 

What are some example situations when you would listen to this playlist yourself? 

I don’t always listen to this playlist, as opposed to others because I think that certain conditions are necessary to really appreciate it. So I normally listen to this playlist when I know that the quality and volume will be high, and then when the ambiance and I are ready to go! 

If you had to choose just one track from this playlist, which one would be your favorite? 

I would say “Vitamin T” by Terranoise, because it’s the most representative sound for what I like in a genre where there is a lot of mix of numerous different sub-genres. With a fast and aggressive beat, I am incapable of keeping myself from dancing when I listen to it! 

Collective Soul: Playlist of Reference

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Another week, another installment in our new series delivering you trendy subgenre Playlist of References curated with love and attention from our community of music lovers. But it’s not enough just to accept the music, we also want the story behind the curation. This week it’s Collective Soul curated by the creator of Underground Playlist, Sal Cannata.  

When did you start listening to Collective Soul?

Collective Soul is a recent addition to my playlist catalogue on Whyd. Soul music has always been one of my favorite genres and I have seen a big change in how it has been implemented in music the past several years. Generally when one thinks of Soul they tie it in with R&B but with all the cross-genre experimenting going on, a lot of Soul-based music has translated into a unique style of Indie music that touches the boundaries of other genres. Despite the different genre influences of these particular songs they all sound so right when placed next to each other. I thought it would be great to put together a sample of this kind of music that we feature on Underground Playlist and showcase a new wave of Soul music to the Whyd community.

Did you ever have a moment when you felt like Collective Soul started speaking to you?

Totally. I live for this kind of music. Soul singers bring a lot of passion to each lyric. The artists in these songs have a great way of conveying emotion and I connect with that a lot. It seems like whether these particular songs contain certain elements of Pop, Rock, R&B, or Electronic, the aspect of Soul brings everything together and connects with me in a big way.

What are some example situations when you would listen to this playlist yourself?

I find that the overall tone of this playlist centers around relaxation. That could be useful in pretty much any situation except for maybe the dance club. For me, I’ve found this playlist to be a great listen towards the end of the day as things wind down. Everyone listens to music differently so this playlist can be used for all sorts of things like during work, cooking dinner, lounging with your friends, the list goes on!

If you had to choose just one track from this playlist, which one would be your favorite?

It’s hard to choose just one track out of the 80+ in the playlist. From a Whyd experience the Robin Schulz remix of “Waves” is one of my favorite finds on Whyd. I remember just browsing around and clicking on the song to see what it was about and instantly became a fan. I love how a bootleg can turn into a mainstream hit a year or so later. It’s rare and awesome that I was able to witness that journey early in the game. When I would hear the song on the radio in front of my friends I’d make sure to let them know how long ago I first heard this song and where I found it. Thanks for the bragging rights Whyd! :)

From a more musical standpoint, Ben Howard’s cover of Keisza’s song “Hideaway” blows me away every time. I love how an artist can flip a song and give it a brand new feel. A few others that never get old to me are Jordan Bratton - “The Grey,” Harper - “Animal,” Shy Girls - “Renegade,” Ari Lennox - “Bound,” The Prince Fox remix of Sam Smith’s “Stay With Me,” and the newly added Kevin Garrett - “Coloring.” There are so many that I love but those are some standouts in this playlist. Stay tuned as I plan to update Collective Soul with new additions as time goes on!   

Thanks Underground Playlist! Check out the personal account of the creator of Underground Playlist, Sal Cannata for more Indie Soul and extra tracks! 

Selecterz: Playlists by Artists You Love

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Hey Pierre! How’s it going? Can you tell us about the main goal of Selecterz?

Hello Whyd! Everything is really good. The year started strong with the launch of the new version of Selecterz. The idea is simple: artists that I like make selections to share so I can discover new music. The site also proposes playlists, music videos, a focus on record labels, music channels, magazines. The goal: offer the best of what’s being made today, without being limited to style, and to guide music lovers through the vast desert that is the internet. 

How do you choose the artists that make playlists for you?

It’s just the artists that I like. There is no logical choice. The feeling that leads to it cannot be described. It comes from everyone. It’s also the feeling that makes me want to share. Know who listens to what. Smile when listening to certain tracks. Realize that an artist will be able to add tracks to their playlist that are completely separated from their universe. I tend to say that we are what we listen to, and I want to share these “stolen” moments, where we can get into the artist’s head for a few seconds. These playlist are also the best way to discover new tracks. 

Tell us about the new design for the site!

The new version is more user-friendly. You can finally search for the artists and playlists by style, shuffling from one style to another, learn about an artist, listen to their tracks on Soundcloud, YouTube, Deezer, and Spotify, and share them on Whyd! I wanted to make the site more visual, more attractive, and offer fast access to music without having to search. 

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What are your objectives for 2015?

Keep evolving the site, developing new functionalities, welcoming new collaborators, and continued to make people discover new music from the ears of the artists. 

Follow Selecterz on Whyd and Like Selecterz on Facebook. 

Electro Swing: Playlist of Reference

Continuing with our latest initiative of delivering high quality playlists meticulously curated by our top music lovers, today we bring you a subgenre that combines old and new, and is rapidly pushing its way into the mainstream. It’s Electro Swing curated by Louis de Sentenac. Let’s get the story behind the playlist with this quick interview: 

When did you start listening to Electro Swing?

When one of my friends told me about Parov Stelar, who was releasing their album “That Swing” in 2009 with tracks like “Wanna Get” or “Kiss Kiss” that are big references in Electro Swing for me. You’ll see a lot of Parov Stelar in this playlist!

Did you ever have a moment when you felt like Electro Swing talked to you? 

I immediately attached myself to Electro Swing, I loved the vintage jazz and swing influences mixed with contemporary electronic that made it very danceable and excellent to listen to. 

What are some examples of situations when you listen to Electro Swing?

Most often it’s during aperos with friends, before heading out or to a concert, listening to Electro Swing gets me ready to go! 

If you had to choose just one track on this playlist, which one would be your favorite?

Man that’s not easy. Being a big fan of jazz I would lean towards a jazzier track: Dimaa - “Andrew" 

Thanks Louis! Here’s his Electro Swing Playlist in all of its glory. Please share with your friends who are in to Electro Swing! 

Indie Dance Playlist of Reference

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Continuing in our series of Playlists of References comes an epic banger from Switzerland: Indie Dance. Time to get out your flower crowns, clip on your suspenders, and prepare to Instagram. But first, let’s get the story behind this 400+ track playlist from its curator, Rainer Etzweiler of RCKSTR Mag

When did you start listening to Indie Dance? 

Around 2007/08 when I started DJing and producing music. 

Did you ever have a moment when you felt like Indie Dance started speaking to you? 

A lot, if you count the remixes of pop or indie songs. Almost none if you don’t, there are not too many disco songs with heart-touching/deeply moving lyrics. Disco music is mostly about the simple things and that’s a good thing. 

What are some example situations when you would listen to this playlist yourself? 

Usually when I’m out for a run or when I have friends over at my flat. Also before I do a new mixtape, it helps me to pick the right tracks. 

If you had to choose just one track from this playlist, which one would be your favorite? 

Uhhhhh, that’s not easy. Especially since there are so many. I would go with one of my latest favorites: RAC - “Cheap Sunglasses” feat. Matthew Koma - Viceroy Remix. 

And now, cut loose: