Ricardo Acosta put on a great set at this year’s University of Oregon Campus Oktoberfest. Although the minimal tech house music he spun attracted a fervent group of followers, many audience members expecting the deep house and trap styles currently in vogue were disillusioned. In a prior interview, Acosta told me:
“There needs to be a way for people to be introduced to just how big the cave of electronic music is. I feel like people are right at the door, but it goes so much deeper, and I feel like people are going to open up – just give it time.”
This playlist, assembled by Acosta himself, should be the best conduit. Here are ten key cuts that represent to Acosta the vast and varied world of electronic music.
Dominik Eulberg – “Der Tanz der Gluehwuermchen (Kollektiv Turmstrasse Dirt Glow Remix)”
“This is my favorite song from the German producer Dominik Eulberg. He’s one of the few producers that can master a slow, trancy techno vibe and still rock the dance floor.”
Heartthrob – “Baby Kate (Original Mix)”
“Nothing screams minimal more than the legendary record label Minus. Any song that comes out of this label is sure to be a bomb on the dance floor.”
The Japanese Popstars – “Out Of Nowhere (The Japanese Popstars Remix)”
“To get a release on Bedrock Records is not an easy task, but when you put out a song like this you are bound to crush the techno charts.”
Ambassador – “The Fade (Guy J Remix)”
“I saw Guy J perform in L.A. and I had an almost spiritual trip. It is too hard to explain – you have to listen for yourself.”
Mladen Tomic – “True Story (Original Mix)”
“This is my favorite song from the Suara record label. This song is a quick fix of pure tech-house energy that can get any crowd moving thanks to its contagious drums.”
Harvey Mckay – “Slip (Original Mix)”
“This is my favorite song at the moment, so just listen to it.”
Maxi Madrid – “Cacula (Original Mix)”
“I saw Reset Robot perform this song in my hometown two years ago, and the catchy synth line has been stuck in my head ever since.”
Luis Flores – “Program (Original Mix)”
“This one’s for those techno heads out there. Mexico’s leading techno artist and the forefather of the techno scene in my hometown Guadalajara delivers a killer tune.”
Daniel Maloso – “Boney (Original Mix)”
“Whenever I listen to this song it reminds me of jumping.”
Nic Fanciulli – “Cat out of the Bag (Original Mix)”
“This track is really special to me. A friend gave me a CD from the once-existing record label Renaissance. The first time I heard this track I experienced my first escape while listening to electronic music. This song just hypnotizes you into a state of trance like no other.”