TuneLab
JOAKIM
There's a special kind of nerd panic that sets in when you realize a 'Live Modular Synth & Vinyl Set' is happening, and you're not there to see the cable spaghetti. Joakim's Lab NYC performance is for us, the ones who appreciate the crackle of wax and the fear of a live knob twist gone wrong. The vibe is intimate and cerebral, the low light catching the glint of synth modules, a room held in rapt attention. This is deep, thoughtful house music, clocking a steady 126 BPM average and harmonically anchored in the warm, inviting key of 12A.
The energy is overwhelmingly low-end focused (0.59), creating a lush, sub-aquatic groove that's perfect for head-down immersion. Joakim’s live touch is evident in the subtle modulations and atmospheric washes layered over impeccable vinyl selections, with transitions that feel organic and musical rather than clinical. The tracklist is a historian's dream: the orchestral drama of 2 Unlimited's 'Get Ready (Orchestral Mix)' is a breathtaking left-turn, V.I.M's 'Maggie's Last Party (Oak Lawn Mix)' is a timeless acid house gem, and Jomanda's 'Got a Love for You (Hurley's House Mix)' delivers pure, piano-led euphoria. Omar S's 'Here's Your Trance Now Dance' lives up to its brilliantly literal title.
The journey begins with the serene, Eastern-tinged melodies of Noriko Shakti's 'Shanti Protocol (Mason Yoo Remix)', weaves through the classic Chicago soul of Fingers Inc.'s 'Music Take Me Up', and concludes on the deeply melancholic yet beautiful note of Daniel Kyo & El_Txef_A's 'As Sweet As Last Time (El_Txef_A Remix)'. A masterclass in mood and melody.