TuneLab
Novak
Mixmag Lab Hyderabad
Novak's session for the Mixmag Lab Hyderabad is a delightful reminder that tech house doesn't have to be a monotonous loop of snare rolls and generic basslines—it can be funky, global, and irresistibly danceable. Opening with The Loop Brothers' 'Frequency', he immediately establishes a groove-centric ethos, all swung percussion and warm bass that feels tailor-made for a humid Hyderabad night. The vibe is vibrant and inclusive, with that Lab setting allowing the intricate details of each track to shine through the speakers. Technically, this is a tight, focused set locked at a steady 125 BPM, perfect for building a deep, hypnotic momentum.
The key framework leans heavily on 12A and 3B, creating a minor, percussive soundscape that's both dark and inviting. With an energy profile of 0.64 low and 0.33 mid, the emphasis is squarely on the low-end thump and mid-range rhythmic elements, keeping the high-end crisp but restrained for maximum head-nodding effect. Novak's mixing is fluid and unhurried, letting tracks like Yaans' 'Mfeh Avu' and Tangan Tribe's 'Sadde Te'—both gems infused with ethnic vocals and rhythms—unfold naturally. The selection of Charlie Jones' 'Akaie' adds a minimal, tool-like depth, while his own original, 'El Verano' with WUULA, brings a sunny, melodic contrast.
The surprise drop of Non Grata's '97 Till Infinity' is a cheeky nod to hip-hop samples in dance music, and even DVBBS & Borgeous' 'Tsunami' gets a rework that strips it back to its essential groove. The journey from the funky opener through the ethnic deep house explorations to the closing bounce of DJ Spencer's 'Kala Kala' is a masterclass in tech house with character, proving that Novak knows how to dig for tracks that tell a story beyond the kick drum.