TuneLab
Heléna Star b2b NIKS
DKH x Keep Hush Live London
A back-to-back set should feel like a conversation, not a competition. Heléna Star and NIKS at DKH x Keep Hush Live London demonstrate this with a flowing, funky dialogue in tech-house that’s all about groove and smile-inducing selections. This is the kind of set that makes a packed room move as one, where every classic sample brings a collective grin. The London club vibe is sleek but warm, with lighting that complements the rhythmic pulse rather than overwhelms it. This tech-house journey sits comfortably at an average of 131 BPM, with a tight range of 130 to 133 BPM ensuring a consistent, hypnotic groove.
Harmonically, it pivots between 3B, 12A, and 5A, using these key changes to shift mood from deep and driving to bright and playful. The energy is low-dominant (0.67 low, 0.24 mid, 0.09 high), meaning the foundation is a rock-solid, bass-heavy kick drum, with mid-range occupied by funky basslines, vocal hooks, and percussive textures, while high-end elements are used sparingly for accent. Their mixing is seamless and musical, likely using long blends that lock grooves together rather than abrupt cuts. The crate digging is exceptional. Opening with Dompe’s “Pretty Babe” sets a deep, melodic tone.
Boom!’s “Messed Up” is a percussive workout, while X-Press 2’s “Say What! (London Underground Mix)” is a timeless vocal house anthem that never fails. Paul Johnson’s “A Little Suntin Suntin” is a joyous, piano-driven classic, and Gillette & 20 Fingers’ “Short, Short Man” is a hilarious, sample-heavy curveball. Deeper cuts like MXWLL’s “Free Your Mind” and Clyde P’s “The Gwana March (Darius Syrossian Remix)” show a keen ear for modern funk. The journey begins with the smooth allure of “Pretty Babe,” hits a peak with the undeniable sing-along of “Say What!,” and closes on the pure, unadulterated joy of “A Little Suntin Suntin.” It’s a masterclass in building a party on shared memories and solid grooves.