Yes… you read that correctly! Laidback Luke drops a world exclusive techno mix for Flow Techno under his new moniker, ‘Dark Chanell’

This 90’s inspired techno mix has classic tracks like “Recreate” by Hertz along with the anthemic “The Bells” by Jeff Mills. The tracklist also includes artists ranging from UMEK to Rødhåd, and shows that Laidback Luke is something of a connoisseur when it comes to techno.

Laidback Luke is an incredibly talented producer whose skills in the studio have earned him world-renowned fame, and headline bookings at festivals and stadium-sized events across the globe.

Based in Holland, Laidback Luke started his DJ career as a resident for the Dutch festival Awakenings, and has always had techno as one of his main influences, as it was the first genre that got him into electronic music.

Little do people know that before his Laidback Luke alias, he released some music under the alias of BOOM! which was supported by DJs like Ryan Elliot, Gerd Janson, Ricardo Villalobos, and Zip.

Now returning to the underground, Dark Chanell is a project that really does deserve respect. This podcast is also a prime example of why you should also check out his new release, which can be purchased HERE.

1. Thanks for recording us a podcast, could you describe the vibe/energy were you trying to capture with your track selection?

The vibe and energy that I try to capture is the end of the 90s type of energy and vibe. It’s a driving and energetic type of vibe. Nothing too much to do with the goa trance acid style that’s popular right now. At that time, we were far removed from everything trancey and at the end of the 90s there was actually a big tribal trend in techno. The sounds were more in the organ type of realm and more abstract and warmer. This is the vibe I hold dear, that old Purpose Maker/Surgeon/The Advent type of style.

2. What’s your favourite track in the mix, and did you play any of your own music?

I played the whole DARK CHANELL No 1 EP in the mix! My favorite track in the mix is an old one, the Luke Slater Remix of JB3 (Joey Beltram) – Forklift. It’s a classic to me! But then there’s my own Traitor track as well, which is very personal and written from the soul.

3. Talking of your own tracks, what’s new in your release schedule, as we would love to know more about your new music?

My debut EP as DARK CHANELL just came out last week! And there’s much more music on the way. I’m excited for you to hear it as we have officially launched DARK CHANELL to the world.

4. What do you think would be the perfect setting for someone to listen to your mix, and why do you think that would be the best place?

I personally love listening to it in the car and just zoning out. Thinking of the old warehouse days and festivals even. I like just putting this on and getting energy from that techno train that is going on. I love it because it’s one big vibe. Like almost one big track I’m listening to.

5. Who is your personal favourite DJ, and how have they influenced your own style?

In techno, that might be Jeff Mills. Although I’ve always loved Dave Clarke’s sets too. His tricks and technique was always mesmerizing for me. Jeff Mills too, with the 3x SL1200 players and the 909. I need to mention Frankie Bones as well. These people were real technicians and I try to incorporate those old school DJ tricks in my sets.

6. Do you have a message for your fans or anything else you want to add?

I’m excited to bring this out of the pandemic and play this in front of you. Bringing back that nostalgia that has been timeless for me and holds a special place in my heart.

Tracklist:
1 Drop-E – Desidia
2 Grindvik, Pfirter – Eye Glare
3 Anfisa Letyago – I’d Rather B (Mark Broom Mix 2)
4 Episode1 – Panique (Original Mix)
5 Jay Lumen – Maori
6 Dark Chanell – Trommel
7 Shlomi Aber – Tilim At Night STABBIE
8 Eskapist – Platform (Original Mix)
9 Dark Chanell – PURPUR
10 Madben, ZPKF – Chased WEIRD
11 Goncalo M – Complex Pro
12 Union Jack – Red Herring (UMEK Remix)
13 Dark Chanell – OCTAGON
14 Hertz – Recreate (Slam Rework)
15 Planetary Assault Systems – Raww
16 Coyu – Contraindication
17 Jeff Mills – The Bells (Original Mix)
18 D-Unity, Juli Aristy – Illegal
19 Celene – No Gravity
20 Dark Chanell – TRAITOR
21 Jeff Mills – The Dancer
22 DJ Pierre Acid Trax (Dark Chanell Remix)
23 Alignment Future Dancefloor
24 Rene Wise, Rodhad 190209.1
25 Fenrick PUSH
26 JB3 Forklift (Luke Slater’s Filtered Remix)