The DJ-Kicks series was born in Berlin in 1995, the first officially licensed DJ mix series available commercially. Over the past 20 years, the series has maintained a steady finger on the pulse of electronic music, earning a reputation as an essential barometer for what´s happening right now in the world of dance music. To celebrate the 50th entry in the series, we´ve brought the series back to Germany with a very special mix from the iconoclastic DJ Koze. Characteristically refusing to hew to any particular genre or style, Koze s mix nonetheless creates a uniform color, incorporating underground hip-hop, melodic techno, indie pop, and vintage songwriting for a selection of tracks that is at once nostalgic and futuristic, melancholy and joyful. In order to incorporate a variety of styles, Koze created a number of custom edits and blends for the set. He also takes a novel approach to the concept of a “mix,” often eschewing long overlays in favor of serendipitous juxtapositions. “During the day I don´t have the requirement of hearing anything mixed in strict time,” he says. “Instead I focus on harmoniousness. The idea is more to create the appearance of a radio show, in the vein of John Peel for example. There is a giant cosmos of music running through my filter.” DJ-Kicks also includes a new DJ Koze original, in the form of the dilla-esque “I Have Not Been Everywhere But It´s On My List.” With its fragile soul samples, pinched, anxious-expressive vocal snippets, and sweet guitar riffs, the track sets a luxurious tone for the mix. The mood is gentle, laid back, extremely open and willingly to take risks. Tracklist: DJ Koze - I Haven´t Been Everywhere But It´s On My List (DJ-Kicks exclusive) Dimlite - Can´t Get Used To Those? (Kosi Edit) cLOUDDEAD - Dead Dogs Two (Boards of Canada Remix) Strong Arm Steady - Best of Times Homeboy Sandman - Holiday (Kosi & Finks Edit) Freddie Gibbs & Madlib - Shame Mndsgn - Camelblues (Kosi Edit) Broadcast - Tears In The Typing Pool Daniel Lanois - Carla Hi Tek & The 2 Bears - Modern Hi Tek Family Bears (Kosi Mashup) William Shatner - It Hasn´t Happened Yet Marker Starling - In Stride Session Victim - Hyuwee (Kosi Remix) Frank & Tony - Bring The Sun feat. Gry (Kosi Edit) Marcel Fengler - Jaz (Kosi Edit) Portable feat. Lcio - Surrender (Kosi Edit) The Gentle People - Superstar