MASSIVE BBC Essential Mixes

Written by Brittne MacCleary 

Every week you can spend an intimate two hours with your favorite DJs on BBC One’s Essential Mix. This blog samples some of the most massive mixes from this program and describes the variety each DJ brings to their mixes. 

​Since 1993, Pete Tong has brought us the world’s most massive DJs, directly from BBC Radio One’s studio, through our computers, and into our ear-holes (and our hearts). Each week, you, me, and that guy down the street can access two hours of an electric, booty-shaking, heart-pounding, music mix whipped up by our favorite — or perhaps soon-to-be favorite — electronic artists.

Pete has aptly named this show the Essential Mix. Bold claim? I think not.

An Essential Mix can go a lot of different places, and each contains a myriad of music. I really appreciate how each artist maneuvers through aspects of their own creations, collaborations and discoveries to create something that feels personal, and sometimes, unexpected. ​

 Ashley Beedle (1998)

Essential Mix - Ashley Beedle - 10.05.1998 by Mrtrugoy on Mixcloud

​Beedle began DJing in the early 80s, but made his name with the groups Black Science Orchestra and The Ballistic Brothers in the early-late 90s. He’s typically a funky, deep disco-house kind of guy but this is his reggae Essential Mix. Beedle has an expansive knowledge of Roots Reggae/Dub and the Essential Mix provided the perfect platform to showcase that. ​
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Flying Lotus (2008)

I’ve yet to encounter a producer with as unique a style as Flying Lotus. His music is experimental and multi-dimensional, drawing influence from avant-garde jazz, hip-hop, soul, groove, and the cosmic interactions between space and time. You may have been introduced to his music on Adult Swim, but since then he’s come out with 5 studio albums and has collaborated with some amazing artists, including Thundercat, Gonjasufi, Kendrick Lamar, and Captain Murphy, FlyLo’s alter-ego. Like most producers, Flying Lotus’s live shows bring many new elements to the music. He’s truly a performer and if his music is not already blowing your mind, the 3D projected visuals will. Even if you can’t see this amazing artist in person, you still have his mezcla essential de 2008. Granted he made this mix 7 years ago, right after he put out his second album, Los Angeles, but it gives you some insight into how amazing Flying Lotus was from the start. 

The Gaslamp Killer (2012)

The Gaslamp Killer - BBC Radio 1's Essential Mix (2012-12-01) by The Gaslamp Killer on Mixcloud

​Though there's a plethora of other mixes,, I'll leave you with undoubtedly my favorite Essential Mix I have heard thus far: The Gaslamp Killer 2012 Mix. The Gaslamp Killer’s eclectic taste in world music keeps this mix intriguing from start to end. I’ve discovered some really interesting music here from Bollywood soundtracks, other Brainfeeder artists, jazz, industrial, hip-hop, psych rock, and  of course some original Gaslamp Killer tracks. My fav, soon to be your fav. Put it on, clean the house, cook dinner, go on a road-trip… whatever!

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Try to find other artists you love with an Essential Mix; there are literally hundreds. Try to catch a new one, too. They happen every week! Cheers!


List of Essential Mixes: 
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Essential_Mix_episodes


BBC Essential Mix Episode: Guidehttp://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006wkfp/episodes/guide