In this series, Selections, we invite DJs, producers and label heads to dig into their digital crates and share the contents of their Bandcamp collections. While hearing new music played out by your favourite selectors has been put on hold as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, it’s never been easier, or more important, to support the artists and imprints releasing tracks, albums, EPs and comps in the midst of all the madness. In lieu of opportunities to discover new records on the dancefloor, Selections will give you the chance to nab sounds from the crates of tastemakers, and support the people behind them while you’re at it. Win-win, right?

This week, Roman Flügel spotlights smooth Italo Disco, razor-sharp electro, luxurious deep house and more from the likes of Philipp Otterbach, Marvin & Guy, Galcher Lustwerk, Vivan Koch and more. The German electronic and house legend has long been celebrated for his anthemic productions and tastemaking DJ sets, both of which blend radiant synth pop and Italo-style melodies with pumping grooves and the jagged rhythmic flair of EBM and techno. These sounds and more are represented in his Selections, as well as on a recent set of releases for Gerd Janson’s Running Back. The ‘Anima’ EP and ‘Eating Darkness’ LP, which were both released on 7th May, capture Flügel at his best, balancing dancefloor euphoria with introspective, mournful melodies inspired by a year of isolation. 

Check out ‘Anima’ and ‘Eating Darkness’ on Running Back’s Bandcamp, and check out Roman Flügel’s Selections below. 

“Chloé’s label Lumiere Noire Records has been releasing quality electronic music that oscillates between listening and club music for quite some time. The new album by Destiino offers a beautiful journey of moods poured into sound.”

“Benedikt Frey is not only a fantastic producer. He’s also running the R.I.O label which has given us Phillip Otterbach’s amazing psychedelic lecture with his last album ‘Everything Else Matters’.”

“In my imagination Marvin and Guy hold a professorship in Italo Disco. Their latest release is smooth and carefully produced and shows an exceptional feeling for rhythm and melody.”

“Die Orakel is Oliver Hafenbauer’s imprint based in Frankfurt am Main. Reptant’s latest 12“ offers razor-sharp, high-speed electro along with electronica miniatures and some beat studies to blow your mind.”

“Jennifer Cardini’s Dischi Autunno keeps it slow and sexy on this fantastic two part compilation.”

“Zillas On Acid from Philadelphia have released a remarkable stream of music in the past couple of months. Their tracks are fun, psychedelic and deep. A perfect combination!”

“Galcher Lustwerk knows what it takes to create wonderful house music.”

“Midland’s Re-Graded #5 by Elvin T is another killer release. I’m so looking forward to being back on a dancefloor again!”

“Vivian Koch has created a stunningly beautiful record for AD 93, the label that never disappoints.”

“Some of my favourite Thomas Fehlmann material. It almost feels like the music embraces you - a feeling that is most welcome in pandemic times.”