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Biesmans will mix the next volume of Watergate's prestigious mix series, following in the footsteps of Ellen Allien, Solomun, Jimi Jules, and WhoMadeWho. Going above and beyond the standard mix compilation brief, the Belgian artist has produced a work consisting entirely of his own original productions. The project also features collaborations with a diverse range of artists including Dusky, Mathew Jonson, Adana Twins, and Kasper Bjørke, alongside rising talent such as Shubostar and Mala Ika. Following Trains, Planes & Automobiles (WGA 003LP, 2021), his next impressive career stride is Watergate 28, a joyful neon dancefloor trip that takes in synthwave, indie dance, nu disco, and all manner of celestial tracks in the house spectrum. It's also the first Watergate compilation since dOP's in 2012 (WG 006CD) to take on the mammoth challenge of producing all original and exclusive material for the project. When he arrived back in Berlin in mid-February ready to begin studio time, he started completing a sketch on "Smooth Monday", the track that would go onto to be his luminescent collaboration with the Permanent Vacation-backed Zombies In Miami. Two weeks into his studio time, it was clear there was more than enough quality material to not only fulfill, but smash Watergate's original brief. What followed was no less than 17 original tracks and 13 collaborations -- arguably the most ambitious in Watergate's compilation history. Already in touch after releasing on their imprint 17 Steps in 2019, he sent three sketches to Dusky and the nostalgia-soaked "Back in the Daze" was the shimmering result. The vibes flowed like a dream when he linked with Kid Simius for the funky nu disco gem "Me Gusta Acid", even recording Kid's vocals in one take. A visit to his hero Mathew Jonson's studio for the day saw the birth of the pumping piano-laden houser "Quantum Computing", a project highlight. After bonding over their shared love of cosmic synths in Tulum this year, Biesmans invited South Korean artist Shubostar into his studio to create the wavy '80s inspired creation "Across the Universe". Biesmans likewise mined inspiration wherever he went, his track "March for Peace" was created off the back of attending a rally to support Ukraine. Biesmans pieced together each track like a jigsaw puzzle, building up sonic moods throughout. The resulting mix is an exhilarating technicolor journey. From the immense opener "Away" with one half of dOP's Vandesande, to the woozy arpeggiated bliss of "Holiday" with Kasper Bjørke and the synth-drenched breakbeat euphoria of the Biesmans solo cut "All Day Every Day", it's a highlight-heavy 78-minute ride. Also features Jacob Bellens, Alex Medina, Johannes Albert, TomTheBomb, and Joy Adegoke.
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