Balance Selections Podcast

Melbourne has never shied away from producing progressive artists who explore the darker side of sound, and Mike Rish is the latest in a long line of esteemed talent to emerge from the city. Yet, he’s slowly carving out a unique niche—an unmistakable rogue-ish frequency that’s both chugging and energetic, playful yet serious. In fact, it’s a whirlwind of emotions at any given moment, but it's always there. However, don't box him in as a merchant of the moody. When he’s not hiding in the shadows, he shimmers like glitter. Check out his latest on Anjunadeep Explorations, ‘Tú Attair’, and his remix of fellow Melburnian Jamie Stevens’ ‘Rivers’—both delectable slices of euphoric prog that will send the blood rushing to your head. Yes, he has game, and it's no stretch to say that Mike Rish is currently one of the globe’s most searing rising talents. On this two-hour mix, the Australian delivers a set for the purists—starting with a slow, inviting build that eventually pulls you in like a vortex. Featuring tracks from Guy J, Pig&Dan, Argy, and a stellar chugging rework of the Hydrogen Rockers' classic ‘Musica’, this mix only solidifies the rumor that buying Mike Rish stocks is a sure bet. @mikerish

Balance Croatia 2025 Fri 8th Aug - Mon 11th Aug 2025 The Garden Resort, Tisno Head to www.balancecroatia.com for more info. Nicolas Rada is a true master of mood. His knack for crafting seamless sets that fluctuates with harmonic precision has enamoured him to a worldwide audience. Not only is he a beacon of Argentinean progressive house, but he is perfectly poised to be one of the genre's leading global lights. Here, he showcases why with a cinematic touch that combines drama with vibrant energy. Nicolas Rada will be performing at Balance Croatia. @nicolasrada __________________________________________________ Balance Croatia 2025 Fri 8th Aug - Mon 11th Aug 2025 The Garden Resort, Tisno Head to www.balancecroatia.com for more info. IG: www.instagram.com/balancecroatia FB: www.facebook.com/balancecroatia

Anton Borin is a rising name in the global progressive house scene, though he's already a well-established name in his hometown of Moscow. With regular performances at iconic local  venues such as Propaganda, Gazgolder, and Community, Borin has become a familiar name in the city's scene. That reputations sees him tour regularly across the continent and the CIS, from St. Petersburg to Yerevan. Borin’s recent productions have been released on labels like Mango Alley, WARPP, and Juicebox, earning spots on Beatport charts and gaining attention from major figures in the scene, including John Digweed, Guy J, Hernan Cattaneo, Nick Warren, and Sebastien Leger, who have featured his tracks on their playlists. It's clear that Borin is beginning to make his mark on the wider scene’s consciousness In this carefully crafted 90-minute set, Borin demonstrates his ear for telling compelling audio narratives. Featuring tracks and remixes from Stelios Vassiloudis, Mike Rish, Tunnelvisions and more, his credentials as a seasoned veteran are clearly on display. @anton-borin

Long-time radio host at Bloop London with her 'Urban Soundscapes' show, and a core resident of London's Free From Sleep brand, Redfreya is emerging as a standout talent in London's deep house and melodic scene. Drawing inspiration from labels like Drumpoet, Kompakt, Best Works Records and Innervisions, her eclectic mix of deep, melodic, afro house, indie dance, and progressive techno is fast becoming her signature sound—one that is as reflective as it is danceable. Already making waves internationally, she’s played for Burning Man's iconic Mayan Warrior, and shared stages with the likes of Damian Lazarus, Sasha & John Digweed, Mano Le Tough, and Âme. Having graced iconic UK venues like E1 and fabric, as well as playing across Europe, with recent ADE appearances at Selador and WhenWeDip showcases, Redfreya’s journey is only just beginning—and the dancefloors are already taking notice. Across this two-and-a-half-hour mix, Redfreya takes listeners on a deep ride, emphasizing the power of the journey over the satisfaction of a destination. Featuring tracks and remixes from Chaim, Jonathan Kaspar, D-Nox & Beckers, and more, this dynamic set demands your full attention. Redfreya will perform at the upcoming Balance Croatia Festival. @redfreya __________________________________________________ Balance Croatia 2025 Fri 8th Aug - Mon 11th Aug 2025 The Garden Resort, Tisno Head to www.balancecroatia.com for more info. IG: www.instagram.com/balancecroatia FB: www.facebook.com/balancecroatia

Balance Croatia 2025 Fri 8th Aug - Mon 11th Aug 2025 The Garden Resort, Tisno Head to www.balancecroatia.com for more info. For the debut episode of the official Balance Croatia podcast, we’re rolling out the red carpet for a true icon in the electronic music world. Eelke Kleijn—four albums deep and showing no signs of slowing down—is the rare artist who effortlessly bridges the gap between underground credibility and mainstream appeal. At the heart of Kleijn’s creative world is his own imprint, DAYS like NIGHTS. In a music industry often defined by compromise, Kleijn proves that success on your own terms isn’t just possible—it’s a louder, more lasting statement. Eelke Kleijn will be performing at Balance Croatia. @eelke-kleijn __________________________________________________ Balance Croatia 2025 Fri 8th Aug - Mon 11th Aug 2025 The Garden Resort, Tisno Head to www.balancecroatia.com for more info. IG: www.instagram.com/balancecroatia FB: www.facebook.com/balancecroatia

Juan Buitrago is a Colombian DJ and rising electronic music producer who takes pride in crafting emotional landscapes which never feels overdone. His tracks are primarily rooted in progressive house, crafted from a captivating blend of analogue and digital hardware. Labels like Nick Warren's The Soundgarden, Paul Oakenfold's Perfecto Records, Mango Alley, and Juicebox Music, have all signed his productions, while artists from Guy J to Hernan Cattaneo, and Eelke Kleijn regularly play his tracks. In this Balance Selections mix, he showcases a veteran’s ear for track selection and programming that is consistently silky smooth. Featuring tracks from Kamilo Sanclemente, Amháin, and Fran Garay, this is a flawless two-hour showcase which never loses its grip.

Kostya Outta, originally from Belarus and now based in Poland, has been plying his trade in progressive house for over a decade. His groovy melodic sound, first established with tracks like High Flyers and Silence, set the stage for his rise, earning him future support from top-tier DJs like Eelke Kleijn, Hernan Cattaneo, and Nick Warren. To date, two of his releases cracked the Top 10 of Beatport’s Progressive House chart, with one landing at #4 (‘Falcon’) - even becoming one of the platform’s Best Sellers of 2022.

 Known for dynamic performances, Kostya has played at major festivals across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, sharing stages with artists like Sander van Doorn and Aly & Fila. With a unique sound he describes as "outta space," Kostya continues to impress with a dependable sound that is hard to deny. 

 On this Balance Selections mix he showcases that trained ear for highly contagious melodies and super tight programming. Featuring tracks and remixes from Dmitry Molosh, Digital Mess, Fuenka and a generous selection of Kostya’s own productions, this is a top notch progressive outing from one of Poland’s best @kostyaoutta

Roland Leesker has been immersed in electronic music since the 80's, starting his career as a house DJ in Frankfurt and quickly becoming a resident at major clubs like Wild Pitch, XS, and Dorian Gray. Today, Leesker is best known for his affiliation with Get Physical Records, where for 15 years as Managing Director he’s been at the heart of operations, helping shape and define its sounds and breaking new artists.

 From studying international finance and law in three countries to working high profile roles at Virgin Music and Ministry of Sound, Leesker carries the caliber of experience that sees him receive invitations to be a keynote speaker at international music summits like ADE. Recently, he took time away from tinkering in the background to release his debut album, ‘Searching for Peace’. Released on Get Physical, it’s a love letter to house music in all its forms: "I thought it could be nice for a change to produce a few new tracks myself, focusing on what got me here in the first place: Music and the joy it brings, creating it.’

 On this mix, he expands on that with a selection filled with his favourite house tracks, or as he findly names them, ‘his sweetest, sweetest treasures’. Across 60 minutes, he showcase the genre’s most enduring tracks and underground classics that feature the likes of Roy Ayers, Tevo Howard and Dj. T. @roland-leesker

In an endless quest for deeper meaning, Hobin Rude’s music is anchored in rhythm and propelled by intricate sonic textures. In just a few years, with over 150 tracks released on 70+ labels, his attention to detail has saw him released on prestigious labels from SUDBEAT to The Soundgarden and beyond. His music is regularly supported by industry giants such as Guy J and Sasha, and he hosts the Progressive Tales podcast on the Progresivna Suzna channel. Couple that with his global tours from Spain to Malta, Armenia to Sri Lanka, and Russia to India, and it's clear that Hobin Rude is becoming an integral part of the global scene. Nowhere is that more evident than in this highly polished Balance Selections mix. Across the full 65 minutes, and featuring artists like Alex O’Rion, Tonaco, Moshic, and more, we’re taken on a thrilling ride into deep and dark territory that is vintage progressive.

New Zealand-born Kallisto is steadily making a name for herself with ear-catching sets crafted for progressive house purveyors. Since relocating to Melbourne, it's a skill that's not gone unnoticed, landing her on lineups alongside the likes of Hernan Cattaneo, Kasper Koman, Eelke Kleijn, GMJ & Matter, Subandrio and more. She plays regularly at the city’s popular venues and recently played on the Elements Festival. 

 A relative newcomer to production, yet she’s already released on Germany’s TRIP and emotions label and Australia’s UGNENIUS crew. Most recent release ‘Meraki’, on the Almar imprint, is a big slice of dancefloor fodder, hinting at what's to come from the young producer. Couple that with a growing Youtube channel featuring live Kallisto mixes, and all signs point towards an artist to keep tabs on. 

 On this Balance Selections mix, her ability to craft compelling stories are on full display. Featuring tracks from Hernan Cattaneo, Kostas Outta Agustin Peros and more, it’s vintage progressive filled with melodic drama and spacious euphoria that is perfect for getting lost in. @kallisto_music

Christian Nielsen, a Danish DJ and producer from Copenhagen, is known for a blend of melodic techno and house that is infused with Scandinavian minimalism. Launching his career in the early 2010s, he plays an energetic sound characterized by deep basslines, soaring melodies, and intricate rhythms, leading to releases on prestigious labels like Diynamic, Ellum, and Kompakt. Beyond the studio, Nielsen has made his mark performing at iconic venues such as Watergate, Fabric, Printworks, and Pacha for Solomun +1. In this uptempo Balance Selections he dives straight in. Featuring tracks from Matara, Helsloot and Josh Samuel, this is a energetic mix of chunky house and main room techno that never strays from delivering dancefloor delight. @christiannielsenmusic

🥷 McKeown & Bassiray exclusive 65-track playlist 🥷 https://spoti.fi/3YtN5Lo Deep. Dark. Progressive. Those three adjectives captured a moment in electronic music that rippled through the scene like a sonic ideology. The sound emerged at the turn of the millennium and embraced its name with laser-like precision: it sure was deep, undoubtedly dark, and undeniably progressive.

 It’s a moment that Stuart McKeown and Darius Bassiray know all too well. As part of Melbourne’s Zero Tolerance crew and two-thirds of Depth Institute, they champion its contemporary incarnation, releasing on labels like Mango Alley, Sound Avenue, and, of course, Zero Tolerance.

 They also lived through it, making them perfectly positioned to pontificate on the scene. Read the full feature on the Balance Music website, where we delve into this early 2000s strain of progressive. To supplement that article, they crafted a two-hour showcase of their favorite classic and contemporary genre moments. Featuring tracks from John Creamer & Stéphane K, Chab, Diego Moreira, Analog Jungs, and more, this is an excellent entry point for anyone looking to explore this audio world. @mckeown-bassiray

For our special 300th episode, we welcome a true electronic music icon... As part of the original crew of Nubreed DJs, Sander Kleinenberg helped shape a sound that defined a generation. However, more than his peers, Kleinenberg challenged the prog status quo in a way that set him apart. The first Everybody mix compilation, featuring pink-themed art collage and journal-style liner notes, showcased an artist with a penchant for fun—an image that contrasted sharply with the serious persona his contemporaries portrayed. That energy transferred to his sets too, which would fluctuate from vibrant deep house to dark, dramatic progressive sounds. It resonated widely, so much so that he took out the Essential Mix of the Year honours in 2001. Today, he remains active in the studio, boasting an ever-growing and impressive list of collaborators, including names like Halsey, Daft Punk, Timbaland, and Madonna. His Deepest Mixtape In The Universe podcast is proof that he hasn’t lost his mixing touch. We are thrilled to host this legend for a two-hour mix featuring Phil Kieran, Tigerskin, Blue Amazon, and more.

Kabi is part of a new wave of progressive house producers emerging on the global scene. Hailing from Argentina (where else?), he belongs to a generation raised in homes influenced by the musical revolution of the nineties and early 00s. For Kabi, this translates to a rich musical upbringing filled with Jamiroquai, Illya Kuriaki & The Valderramas (an Argentinean hip and funk duo), and even St. Germain. Today, he’s building a reputation through carefully crafted DJ mixes and an impressive array of productions. Bedrock, All Day I Dream, and The Soundgarden all feature Kabi’s work, and now he adds Balance Music to that list. His recent Venom EP comprises a trio of well-honed tracks that sound as if created by a two-decade veteran. The title piece, “Venom,” is dance floor titanium—a progressive bomb of the nuclear kind that should come with a warning. “Misti,” with its lovely introspective intro, harks back to the glory days of progressive house, while “Switch” draws you in with melodic grit and a massive breakdown that will captivate even the most stubborn dance floors. In this Balance Selections mix, Kabi showcases his complete talent with a complete 60-minute set that explores different shades of progressive house. Featuring artists like Traumer, Scippo, Avision, and, of course, Kabi himself, this is a robust journey of dance floor bliss that begins deep before building to a heavy-duty big room finale. @kabi-ar

Fiona Kraft is a multi-faceted creative hailing from France. From a piano-playing child to a teenage clubber, then transitioning to a model, DJ, producer, and record label owner, her journey has been one of hard work and dedication. This path has shaped her into an artist whose DJ sets—ranging from AfroHouse to tech house and progressive—captivate global audiences. Collaborators include producers like Damian Lazarus (Lazarusman) and Gab Rhome, and she is set to work with the legendary singer Robert Owens. This year Kraft also launched her own label, NON MERCI MUSIC, a space for musical freedom and experimentation. Her positive sets have taken her to over 40 countries, where she has performed at prestigious venues and festivals such as Caprices Festival, Hi Ibiza, and Fabric London. In a brisk 60-minute mix, the French producer presents a sharp blend of contemporary deep house, layered with Afro house and progressive influences. Featuring artists like Shall Ocin, Tim Engelhardt, and Jonathan Kaspar, this impressive showcase weaves rich textures that feel timeless. @fionakraftmusic