To get you ready for tomorrow’s all local BLISS at U Hall, we’ve got a brand new mix by DC’s Charles Martin. Charles’ all vinyl sets are a real treat, expertly mixed and selected, and this mix follows suit. Have a listen and we’ll see you on the dancefloor tomorrow!

Charles Martin spins at BLISS alongside Jay Simon, Lxsx Frxnk, Mazi and Adam Ross at U Street Music Hall tomorrow (Jan 26). Tickets and info here.

Tracklist:

Unknown Artist – Forever Dancing
Simon Baker – Grey Area (Steve Bug Remix)
Sascha Dive – Move On
Leon – Rain in Rio
Shivers – Love Falls
System of Survival – X-pert
Djebali – Djebali 05
Jozif  - Benny Benjamin (Djebali Remix)
Shonky – Le Velour (Martinez Brothers Cuttin’ Heads Remix)
Bhoo – Elastik Phone (Alex Arnout Remix)
Shenoda – Moments (Huxley Remix)
Dachshund – Jokari

Former U Street Music Hall Guest and shimmery disco mainstay Bit Funk released a new track yesterday. Unlike most of his tracks that sit somewhere in the 125 – 130 bpm range, “The Long Road Ahead” is a laid-back track that would be as much at home in a Euro Lounge as anywhere else. The breakbeat and piano have echoes of old school Bonobo, but make no mistake – Bit Funk’s glittery paws are still all over this thing. You can hear it in the processing of the vocal sample, and the crisp synth making moves in the supporting section.

Bonus? It’s a free download.

And if you like the whole “house producers make trip hop” look, be sure to check out Minus Music’s (side project from Matthew Kelly and Knick from Evol Intent) https://soundcloud.com/minusmusic

We were first introduced to techno newcomer, J. Tijn, by his rollicking addition to Turbo’s superb compilation, New Jack Techno, just this summer. The release was met with great critical claim, even landing the number two spot on RA’s year-end, top compilations list. But the Londoner has kept relatively quiet since, releasing only one track in the meantime: a stadium-sized remix for labelmates Gingy & Bordello.  Yesterday saw the release of a mix curated by J. Tijn on behalf of fledgling label Convex Industries’ new podcast series. The mix is perfect for this time of year, encapsulating the aggressive bleakness of urban winters, the monotony perforated only by brief glimpses of light when the weekend arrives. Driving, jacking, and pumping are all adjectives that apply here, so you’d best lace up your dancing shoes before giving this one a spin.

J. Tijn

soundcloud | facebook | twitter | beatport

Following a positively pumping release on Leftroom Limited, Jack Dixon graced us with a lovely three track EP for free via his soundcloud. A lush, yet irreverent blend of house and UK percussive influence, this release evokes a contemporary urban landscape wrought with emotion. And it confirms what we already knew: if Jack Dixon can give away an EP of this quality on his day off, then the talented young producer has clearly got quite a back catalog of productions at his disposal. The EP’s title, 1, is telling insofar as it evokes simplicity and  signifies a general disdain toward convention. Jack Dixon makes music for your heart and soul. Jack Dixon has no time for genres, and Jack Dixon certainly doesn’t want you to think, he wants you to feel.

Jack Dixon

soundcloud | facebook | twitter | beatport

If you’ve caught on to the wave of deep house tracks for 2012, Him_Self_Her should be a name to add to your list. The rising work from the Midlands, UK act was dropped by Pete Tong’s Radio 1 show last week. Only recently signing onto Cream Coture records, and having released singles onto Bubba’s Running Wild this fall. They’ve risen quickly to becoming one of the labels most played songs on Cream Coture’s Resident Advisor page. The likability of Him_Self_Her comes with bold bass tones and a monotone diegetic, whose demanding presence calls for attention in the most dominatrix-like ways. While the underscores in their name signify an attachment to technology, however, the song’s feeling is anything but robotic, almost a parallel vision to 2011′s Azari & III with r&b-like vocals & rhythms.

Here’s a Him_Self_Her track “Gone Too Long.” Check it.