The wondrous work of NYC native Nickodemus seems to continue every year quite effortlessly. Those that aren’t familiar with the global DJ/producer have probably encountered his music without realising it – it’s almost impossible not to. With remixes for Bob Marley, Nina Simone, Billy Holiday, Mr Scruff, Thievery Corporation, Quantic and more, Nickodemus has reached all parts of the globe with a frictionless approach to music that coasts from international dub and downtempo to house and techno.
Alongside his international DJ travels across the world, Nickodemus has made a mark back home in New York with his own Turntables on the Hudson NYC party, which itself has travelled river to river and city to city including the Nile (Cairo), the Thames (London), the Agean (Kalymnos), las Ramblas (Barcelona), the Danube (Budapest) and more.
Accompanying the parties is a compilation series which brings the 10th edition this month on Nicko’s own imprint Wonderwheel Recordings. Nickodemus and the Turntables on the Hudson crew showcase the eclecticism of the infamous, now worldwide party. Entitled Uptown Downtown, the compilation is said to paint a picture of the dancefloor from the beginning to the end of the night at TOTH’s NYC summer 2015 uptown home (La Marina in Washington Heights) and their year-round downtown home (above the clouds at Le Bain on top of the Standard Hotel in Manhattan). Pulsating electronic house vibes are presented by the likes of Bonobo, Claptone and Alex Barck, while latin and afrobeat sounds come from Captain Planet, Quantic, Alsarah & The Nubatones, Novalima, Chancha Via Circuito, Jose Marquez and more.
In line with the new compilation release associated with the NYC river parties, head-honcho Nickodemus has curated a playlist of 10 definitive tracks to soundtrack a voyage down the Hudson.
Listen to and purchase Volume 10: Uptown Downtown right now on Bandcamp, and peep an exclusive mix from the man himself right here.
1. The Congos – Fisherman
One of my favourite tracks when leaving the dock on a boat party on the Hudson, the Nile, wherever we may be. It just sets the mood & leaves the city pace back on land.
2. Chancha Via Circuito – Sueno en Paraguay (El Buho Remix)
Another song that just takes you on a journey & out of the norm.
3. Bonobo – Flashlight
A more uptempo feel good song that can match with a full blazing sun overhead or at sunset.
4. Michele Chiavarini – Let Me See You (Clap Your Hands)
This track has quite the feel good effect with its funky bassline, gospel vocals, piano & claps. Now we’re passing the Statue of Liberty & tears of joy slide down the cheek.
5. Shaun Escoffrey – Days Like This
This can really never get old & if people aren’t smiling & dancing to this one, they’re walking the plank!
6. Jose Marquez – Bebelo
Filled with deep bass & heavy percussion which are perfect when it’s time to get things heated up yet stay rooted in nature.
7. Claptone – Cream
Fits nicely when passing by Staten Island as it samples the same Wu-Tang sample of The Charmels’ ‘As Long as I got You‘. Most people in NYC understand that reference well & probably would love it if you flipped into the Wu version!
8. Nu & Jo Ke – Who Loves the Sun
When you’ve had too much joyful tears & it’s time to get deeper & moody with one another in the moonlight.
9. Baikal – Why Don’t Ya (Ripperton Remix & Dixon Edit)
When we’re deep in the night up north on the Hudson & no one is looking around anymore, only inside the dancefloor & the boats rocking from side to side slowly.
10. Peter Joseph & Alex Barck – Re-set
Like a strong & long hug coming back into the dock smoothly.
