After a 3-year hiatus due to the pandemic, Balance Music’s legendary main compilation series returns for its 31st volume with an absolute stunner courtesy of UK DJ and producer, Tim Green.
Following in the footsteps of epic contributions from the likes of James Holden, Joris Voorn and Agoria, the celebrated artist of labels such as All Day I Dream, TRYBESof, Cocoon, Siamese and many other acclaimed imprints creates a truly beautiful story on this 2.5-hour mix. From Panorama Bar to fabric to Burning Man and Amnesia, Green’s classy, melodic take on house and deeper techno has been taking him across the world for a good decade-and-a-half now, and it’s the sound of his sets that he has sought to capture on this mix-albeit with concessions to a slightly wider range of sounds to suit.
“Some of the songs are definitely more “outside” of the world and genre I am currently operating in” he explains, “but they are equally songs that I love and which I think have a certain crossover into my world and sound. The musicality and musical intent from each song is what’s most important. So, this time I haven’t tried to find and include all the latest unreleased and unheard forthcoming songs from artists, for the sake of being super fresh as this can be achieved easily in online mixes. Rather I’ve focused more on the songs I feel represent my sound, even if they are older perhaps, lesser known or slightly alternative.” – Tim Green
As well as some quite remarkable exclusive original productions, he also includes eight of his own EDITs in this expansive mix.
From the blissful opening of Tim’s own ‘Time Doesn’t Have to Heal’, this is a deeply sensual mix. From pared-back, ethereal, slow-moving beginnings, the mix picks up emotional pace with the delicate guitar arpeggios of Ranta’s ‘Valor’, and a tribal lilt in the groove creates urgency in Travertia’s ‘Auwald’. His EDIT of Serious Dancers ‘Callahan’ injects heavenly optimism with its deft piano lines. The playful, mystical, swung melodies of Obbie’s ‘Synesthesia’ segue perfectly into the gently spine-tingling ‘Playces’ by mredrollo, shifting the gears up once again around the 45-minute mark as the mix begins its “come-up” phase. His own ‘Eteri’ is one of the mix’s true highlights; a brooding, chugging stunner led by a driving bassline and the beautifully melancholic sequence a chime melody. Slang & Technodreamer’s ‘Pad Destroyer (mredrollo Remix)’ lays on a stirring string arrangement and brings levity with it, bringing disc one to a magical close (in the physical version).
More Tim Green exclusives form standout moments in the second half: ‘It’s Only Lightning’; is a rush- inducing whirl of tingly synth melody, and the dark driving trance-tinge of ‘Monster It’. His EDIT of J’EAN’s ‘STAAHP’ seethes with dubby techno energy, urging us towards his sumptuous collaboration with Sebastien Leger, ‘Duel’ to begin the killer crescendo that rounds this mix off. His new remix of Underworld’s classic’ ‘Two Months Off’ is a tremendous and respectful rework, the lilting guitars, and soft tones of his EDIT of Axel Boman’s ‘Chestunt Heartsprite’ are a pure delight, and the sumptuous piano chords of his EDIT of Deividas Bagdanov’s ‘Champagne’ is a fittingly beautiful ending.
“I think this mix is perfect for long journeys” he says. “It works especially well in scenic locations, anywhere that you can sit for a long time and savour your environment. Just breathe, relax, and take in the music alongside your surroundings.” – Tim Green
We had the chance to talk with him about the compilation and his plan for this summer. Enjoy!
WWD: Hey Tim, thanks for speaking with When We Dip! How are things with you?
Things are great thanks! A little time constricted nowadays, due to being a father to 2-year old girl and 1-year old new born baby! So, it’s a constant goal to strike the perfect balance between home life and work / travelling on the road life. But Ive never been happier to be honest. So, the sleep deprivation is worth it, haha.
WWD: Congratulations on being chosen to compile the next Balance compilation! How did you feel to be chosen for such an iconic series, returning after a 3-year absence?
Thanks very much! Feeling honoured doesn’t do it justice to be honest. It’s such a prestigious compilation series, with an overly impressive roster of previous artists. So, when I got asked, I really thought scared haha, but super happy and excited to be given this lovely platform to do a mix CD how I like.
WWD: Which has been your favourite Balance compilation to date?
I have many actually. Agoria’s, Jame Zabelia’s, Lee Burridge’s, Max Coopers, Hernan’s also!
WWD: Your remix of Underworld’s classic ’Two Months Off’ was also released as a download and we hear has been getting a fantastic reaction when played in DJ sets. How did the remix come about?
Yeah, crazy reaction from people everywhere. Which is just a testament to how timeless Underworld’s music is. My remix was initially just for myself and my DJ sets. I finished it just before the All Day I Dream festival in California and played it there for the first time. A lot of people asked me for it, including Lee Burridge. And I share all my music with Lee, so gave him a copy. So, for all of last year, it was just me and him playing it in our sets. I honestly could go on to remix about 20 other Underworld songs, because they are such a huge influence, and I love all their music. But ‘Two Months Off’ is just such an anthem, and a song I have so many early clubbing memories associated with. So, I always wanted to create a remix more in my vein for this song, mainly something with a slower bpm. As the original is quite a lot faster!
WWD: Have you heard Underworld’s reaction to the remix?
Well thanks must go to Balance and the team for getting it officially released. They were the ones talking to Underworld and their camp. So, I havn’t spoken directly to Underworld, or heard from them. I’ve been told they are into it, and I guess them allowing it to happen must mean they like it. It would mean the world to me if they genuinely like it! But equally, like I said before, I didn’t set out to release this officially – so I’m just happy it’s coming out and being released!
WWD: Any other track(s) you would love to remix?
Every other track on the Underworld ‘A Hundred Days Off’ album haha. Honestly, I love this album so much. It’s my favourite album by them from an album start to finish point of view. As I think the selection of songs and diversity on there is so cool.
WWD: What are your plans for the summer, in terms of festivals and Ibiza?
Yes, super busy touring schedule again already. I have shows coming up in Ibiza, London, Santiago Chile, Buenos Aires Argentina, Berlin, Marbella, Hungry, Zurich, Miami, Washington DC, Pittsburg, Amsterdam. That’s up until end of June I think. I can’t remember the other shows after then haha.
But for the rest of summer regarding Ibiza – I’m mainly playing with All Day I Dream at Cova Santa. I have 3 shows there over the summer. Plus, possibly doing some more shows with Akasha, which is such a great club that I love playing! Fantastic crowd and crew who work there.
WWD: What do you have planned for the rest of 2023?
I just plan to survive haha. Yeah, in-between touring and home family life, I try to get into the studio as much as possible. As writing more music is still the ever-chased dream!
WWD: When not in the studio or on tour, how do you like to unwind?
Honestly playing with the children and doing stuff with them when I have time off, is so much fun! Makes all the hard work worth it! There isn’t much time to unwind nowadays, but like I said, I’ve never been happier.
Tim Green – Balance 31 is out now. Buy / Stream here