The first ILL Picks of 2013 is finally here!

And very late, so let’s start catching up:

KlangKuenstler – Amelie (Rework) [soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/71573346″ params=”” width=” 100%” height=”86″ iframe=”true” /]

Here is a (free) Christmas present from Michael Korb, a.ka. KlangKuenstler. I recently discovered this Berlin-based producer (don’t call him a DJ; if anything, he may even take offense to be called that). His sets are performed live, and plays only his own creations. That way, when “people celebrate and rejoice, he really is the hero of the evening,” says his Facebook page. His style is melodic, often mellow, and quite danceable. KlangKuenstler combines instrumental and electronic elements.

This particular track is a rework of the title song to one my favorite films, Amelie, “Comptine d’un autre été,” by Yann Tiersen. Follow Micah on SoundCloud here and check out more of his great tracks. Through his own record label, Zuckerton Records, which he created in 2011, he has provided a great platform for himself and other musicians.

A2 Davis & Dembowski – 9am (Oliver Schories Remix) [soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/55945019″ params=”” width=” 100%” height=”86″ iframe=”true” /]

Let’s switch gears here to this superb minimal track, re-released on January 10th as part of Ton Liebt Klang’s “Our Lovely Sounds 2012“. I’ve been following Oliver Schories, now a common household name, for over a year. Mollono.Bass’ remix of his Wildfang, which I came across in December 2011, found its way onto my playlists well into the middle of 2012. Minimal instrumental, via piano, is found here, and tons of punchy, crisp bass that is dark and cool. Follow Oliver Schories on Facebook and SoundCloud, and show big love to Wolfgang Dembowski on his SoundCloud too.

Support these great artists and buy this track on Beatport here!

Spark Taberner & Oliver Kucera – Turn of The Screw [soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/23599324″ params=”” width=” 100%” height=”86″ iframe=”true” /]

Into third, with techno: Turn of The Screw. This was a recent re-release, on “Best of Hybrid Confusion,” with the original release back in February 2012. This clearly is a high-energy heavy hitter and not one you want to open your set with. For me, personally, a set consisting entirely of this type of music gets boring very quickly, right before a headache sets on. Having said that, a set that features a track of this massive magnitude at precisely the right time for the crowd is sure to be remembered as a massive set. Dutch DJ Spark Taberner’s style is super dark, so for more tracks like this, visit his SoundCloud and follow him on Facebook. The track is for sale on Beatport here.

Bernstein (Mollono.Bass Remix) [soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/68690697″ params=”” width=” 100%” height=”86″ iframe=”true” /]

Speaking of Mollono.Bass, here’s a groovy tech house remix of Dolph’s Bernsetin, fresh off the (vinyl) press from Acker Records! Acker’s release of Quetschkommode, by Dole & Kom, was featured in the first ILL Picks. This track combines goofy brass instrumentals with Mollono-style “.Bass” to create one heck of a groovy, fun tune. Follow Dolph himself here and Mollono.Bass, one of my favorite producers, on Facebook and SoundCloud. Oh, and don’t forget to buy this great track here on Beatport.

JAMES TALK – WORBLES WERBLES [soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/73861803″ params=”” width=” 100%” height=”86″ iframe=”true” /]

Going full spectrum here with a this classy house tune, which also happens to be a free download. James Talk gained popularity considerably after receiving huge support from James Zabiela. My first time hearing his work was precisely when Zabiela played his huge hit Jamie Woon – Street (James Talk Re-Edit) and the Mad Not Mad Productions‘ July 4th boat party in 2011. I was so impressed by his sound I even hit record on my phone! The upload is below, and you can see I was not the only one moving to James’ groove that Independence Day. In accordance with that sound, the style of Worbles Werbles is light and easy-going; yet it makes you want to move and get down. I’m instantly transported to the sunny party cruise. Get onboard! [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/v/ylUS2gC8cdI]