The Seasons | Trance / Progressive House

As winter welcomes us with the cold weather and shorter days I hope to brighten your day with this winter podcast mix. It features some great uplifting trancers with some classics that might bring back memories. I took the picture for this podcast as the sun was setting in Joshua Tree National Park in California. I happened to be climbing down a mountain at the perfect elevation to snap this shot as the sun was setting. While it has been a very busy holiday season, I hope to start working on some new remixes very soon – hope you enjoy the mix - Happy 2010 – Thanks for listening Orbital – Halcyon + On + On - I was going through my old music collection and stumbled upon this classic. The original record was made in 1992 with a Kirsty Hawkshaw vocal sample from "It's a Fine Day”. It was the perfect opener to this winter mix and probably will bring back memories to some as well. Simon Patterson – Different Feeling - An outstanding record that I listened to a lot last year - A really inspirational uplifting vibe that embodies trance. Mike Shiver – On The Surface (Alex M.O.R.P.H Remix) - Heard this about a month ago and was blown away. Reminds me of the really uplifting anthems that came out in the late 90s. The vocal drops are amazing. Dinka – Civilization - Dinka has been a mainstay in my sets this past year – always well produced. Bart Van Wissen – Cosmic Superhero – I really like the full sound of this record and the deep progression in the constant build. Boom Jinx & Jaytech – Milano - Really liked the 80s synth sounds and the clean production - A great dancefloor banger. Kid Massive Feat. Elliotte Williams N’Dure– Touch Me (In The Morning) (Avicii’s Massive Mix) – There have been many remixes over the years to this classic by Rui da Silva. I remember listening to it all the time on Tiesto’s ISOS 2. I liked this new remix, but if you haven’t heard the original version definitely check it out. Moonbeam Feat. Avis Vox – We Are In Words (Ashley Wallbridge Vocal Mix) – Sounds very similar to Pryda on many levels – I liked the deep pumping sidechained bass and the interesting flailing synth. Maor Levi – Reflect – The vocal part on this record is brilliant – the deep basslines and drops are excellent – this is an overall great record. Thomas Datt – 2v2 (Robert Nickson Remix) – One of my favorite all time trance records – the melody and progression always put me in a reflection state of mind. I really enjoy the spacey elements and soft synths that fill this classic record.

While compiling records for my Fall Seasons Podcast, I wanted to feature some classic records that always put me in a deep thinking mindset. This Fall Podcast Mix features one of my favorite classics of all time - Nalin & Kane’s Open Your Eyes in the rare El Barco Mix and a “mashup” mix I blended with the well-known Faxing Berlin by Deadmau5. Both of these records share the same emotions and feel, and are two original and inspiring records. Autumn is a beautiful time of year and I felt it appropriate to use one of my favorite Photographer’s photos for the cover of the Podcast. Patrick Smith maintains a purist’s approach to photography using real graduated filters to balance the full spectrum of color across a photo’s highlights – the colors in the photo fit perfectly with the mood I was trying to create within the Fall Mix. Hope you enjoy it – Thanks for listening Nalin & Kane - Open Your Eyes (El Barco Para Es Vedra Mix) – One the best progressive records of all time – an inspirational record I never get tired of listening to. I have always wanted to open a set with the Barco Remix and feel the mood was perfect for the fall mix in setting the tone to come. Chicane - Autumn Tactics (Thrillseekers Remix) – Another classic I have been listening to for years that features many qualities I hope to achieve in my records to come. The guitar is brilliant and the vocal sits perfectly within the mix. Made By Monkeys Feat. Darcy Conroy - I Think Of You (Rui Da Silva Remix) – I really enjoy the vibe and groove of this record, as it seems so simple but very effective with a well-placed moody vocal throughout. Gaia - Tuvan (Gareth Emery Remix) – Probably one of the best trance tunes of the year – had to include it, as I have been listening to it nonstop and really enjoy the build up and main melody hook. Depeche Mode - It’s No Good (Matt Crofford Remix) – The mix is about 90% done and the mastering is rough – I wanted to include it on the podcast, but it will be available for a full download off my website in a couple of weeks when it is finished. DJ Tatana - Autumn Sun – This is where the mood of the mix turns a bit more uplifting and progressive – this is an amazing track – the smooth vocal harmonies and flute like – sound make this record special. Dinka - Green Leaf – Another solid release by Dinka with the signature sound of melodic progressive house. Adiva feat. Vicky Fee - How Does It Feel (Myon & Shane 54 Dub Remix) – I really enjoy the smooth, clean bassline and vibe of the record – the vocal mix is excellent as well. Nalin & Kane vs. Deadmau5 - Berlin’s Eyes (Matt Crofford Mash) - Both of these records share the same emotions and feel, and are what I was looking for in a deep thinking, beautifully melodic soundscape. I was blown away by how well they blended together and how seamlessly their melodies complimented each other.

I just returned from a trip up to Northern California, where I spent time with one of my best friends taking photos and writing music. It was an inspirational trip, as he lives in a tiny town (about 400 people) off the Lost Coast in Humboldt County. You could drive for miles on the beach and never see anyone. It is a magical place and a different way of life from a big city such as San Diego. This Summer Seasons Mix reflects the cheerful mood of the summer and features a photo I took of the amazing view from my friend’s front porch overlooking the Lost Coast. Hope your summer is going well and hope that this mix adds to more good memories! Dinka – Asylum – I really enjoy Dinka’s sound and productions. This is a perfect opener to the summer mix, as it slowly builds a positive and soothing vibe that relaxes the mind and body. Pryda – Melo – Eric Prydz aka Pryda continues to deliver the best melodic instrumental records with flawless production quality and his signature sound. Awesome, feel good record. DBN Feat. Madita – Asteroidz (Sultan & Ned Shepard Remix) – One of my favorite records of late, it has a great house vibe with a free-flowing vocal and pulsing synths. All the elements of this record are very well mixed – I especially enjoy the deep, grooving bassline. Antidote – Eclipse - A classic house record that fits perfectly in the mood of this summer mix. Another all time favorite – from the bassline to the amazing keyboard jam towards the end – this truly is an unbelievable record which has been in my record box for around 10 years. Andain – Beautiful Things (Gabriel and Dresden Unplugged Mix) – One of my favorite tracks of all time - this is a classic record that sets the bar for a well crafted remix. The instrumentation, vocals, and lyrics paint a perfect mix. I have listened to this record so many times and always find something new within it. I think this is Gabriel and Dresden’s finest work. Michael Angelo Feat. Jenry R - Disconnected (Myon and Shane 54 Dub Mix) – A feel good record that highlights the sound of today’s current trance and progressive scene. Myon and Shane 54 have been pounding out some great remixes lately. We Love 90 Feat. Jade - Right In The Night (Billions Dollars Dogs & Vincenzo Callea & Fast DJ Club Mix) – this record has grown on me over the last couple of weeks – the Spanish guitar influence and the vocal part come together to form a very well-produced record. Gareth Emery – Metropolis – Always quality from Gareth – this record maintains his string of great productions. The other side of this record release – Exposure – is a brilliant trancer. Coldplay – Life In Technicolor (Matt Crofford Remix) - Although this remix has been available for download for a while now, I felt it fit perfectly with the vibe of the summer season and would be a great way to close out this seasons mix. I have received a lot of positive feedback on this remix and I really appreciate the comments! I am hard at work on a new remix that will be mixed in the next seasons podcast. Til then, Thanks for listening Matt Crofford www.mattcrofford.com | music@mattcrofford.com

I am happy to present the first episode of the Seasons Podcasts. With new sound technology and new software coming out every month, the electronic music scene is thriving with talented producers. It is an exciting time to create a DJ Mix, as producers are pushing the boundaries of sound using the new technology of today and creating amazing new records that are raising the bar for everyone. The Spring Mix features a photograph I took while in Hong Kong at Repulse Bay. It is a High Dynamic Range (HDR) photo, which is a blend of three images taken at different exposures to create a photo that almost resembles a painting. Below you will find the tracklisting for the Spring Mix – Thanks for listening Pryda – Wakanapi – Eric Prydz aka Pryda is one of my favorite producers. Each of his records are well mixed, well thought out, and very melodic. Wakanapi is a perfect example of a record that slowly builds to a climax using layers. Pryda is one of the most consistent producers all around – I recommend all of his productions. Arnej – Strangers We’ve Become – I’ve been listening to a lot of Arnej’s productions as well – all top notch. This is one of the best vocal tracks I’ve heard in a while. Kenneth Thomas & Chad Cisneros with Keo Nozari - Breakthrough (Oliver Smith Remix) – A talented group of DJs and producers – this is a nice emotional track that sits well in the mix with a progressive sound. DJ Orkidea - Metaverse (Gareth Emery Remix) – Gareth Emery is one of the best producers / remixers today – I think Gareth is one of the best at creating the “driving” feeling in his productions and remixes – he adds a great groove to the remix with features an amazing melody by DJ Orkidea. Vincent De Moor – Mystique Colors – Awesome melody that never stops – this record slipped through the cracks a couple years ago but is a personal favorite, which fits nicely in the vibe of this Spring Mix. Funabashi and Hammer – Moments - One of my favorite trance productions ever – this is a record that reflects the beauty and possibilities of trance. From the breakdown to the sound of the synths and melody – this record has it all and is a classic in my book. Komytea – Professional Killers (Jerome Isma-ae & Dan Portman Remix) - A great record that reflects the current sound of progressive house music – big room drops, excellent production quality, and an exciting atmosphere filled with dynamic sound and energy. Dinka – Meaningful Story - Another producer who is producing quality records at a consistent level – I’ve enjoyed pretty much all his productions – he’s one to keep an ear out for. Depeche Mode – Precious (Matt Crofford Remix) - The longest time I have ever spent working on a production or remix but definitely the most fun and rewarding. I am really happy with this remix and am excited to include it to close out the first seasons mix. www.mattcrofford.com | music@mattcrofford.com