Photography POONEH GHANA
Khruangbin has always had a strong connection to DJ culture, from the Thai-funk nod in their name to their string of releases on the largely mix-led UK label LateNightTales.
With that in mind, it’s merely been a matter of time before the Houston-based trio would devote an entire record to hand-selected remixes. According to a press release, Mordechai Remixes has one guiding light goal in mind — to “deconstruct, recontextualize, or simply extend a good time.”
“A good remix is when the remixer’s sonic fingerprint is present without sounding forced,” explains bassist Laura Lee, guitarist Mark Speer, and drummer. “It should feel like its own story, with at least some of the same characters as the original.”
To turn the pages back a bit, we asked the band to break down their favorite tracks from each Mordechai remixer, along with a DJ set diversion from Natasha Diggs. Check out the complete breakdown below, and a tidy Spotify take here….
KADHJA BONET – MOTHER MAYBE
We love every single track by Kadhja, but this one really sticks out from her catalogue because it’s so upbeat and seriously funky. Which is in contrast to the lyrics that question whether or not the narrator is about to become a mother, seemingly for the first time.
QUANTIC – HOTLINE BLING
Did you know that Quantic is a bangin’ accordion player? Not everyday you hear a cumbia version of a Drake song on accordion by one of your favorite DJs. Just another reason why Quantic is a bad ass.
GINGER ROOT – LORETTA
First off, go check out this video. It encapsulates just how incredibly awesome and talented Cameron is. Not only is he an incredibly skilled multi-instrumentalist, but he’s also a skilled videographer. A true creative in every sense, we are giant fans of his production, songwriting, aesthetic, and personality.
KNXWLEDGE – SO[RT]
Wow. He took a sample from Lalah Hathaway’s “On Your Own” that was in a completely different time signature and gave it an entirely different mood. That’s the brilliance of the Knxwledge universe.
FUNKADELIC & SOUL CLAP – PEEP THIS
This song is in regular rotation over here. It’s super hooky and gets deep in the ear worms. Plus it’s a collab with Funkadelic! Super referential to “Atomic Dog.” Love it.
KING SPORTY & THE EX TRAS – DO YOU WANNA DANCE (FELIX DICKINSON DISCOMIX)
A week doesn’t go by without this getting spun. Dug deep to find this on vinyl too. King Sporty came on our radar a few years back, and we are really into his production. Then you add Felix Dickinson to the mix, and you’ve got serious dance floor heat.
HARVEY SUTHERLAND – SOMETHING IN THE WATER
This song is pure nostalgia for us. We went on tour with Harvey in Australia, and that song featured in his set at the time. We’d always be dancing side stage or in the dressing room, and the track immediately transports us to that time.
SOMA WORLD – WANT THIS (RAY MANG REMIX)
We found this track over COVID and it kept us good company. Highly recommend a long country drive with this one; it keeps you moving, grooving, and dancing in your ride.
RON TRENT & CHEZ DAMIER – MORNING FACTORY
The intro feels like you’re walking through a forest but you know the sun is approaching, and when you finally get there, it’s a PARTY. The drum pattern is seriously bad ass.
NATASHA DIGGS – VINYL FUNK & DISCO SET AT THE LAB NYC
This is one of many amazing sets by Natasha. Her selections are choice, and the accompanying horn section can be heard playing along in this mix. The live experience is truly something to behold.
FURTHER LISTENING
