The Guest List

The Guest List: John Beltran selects 10 soul-soothing jams for summertime dreaming

The Detroit icon digs deep to serve a seductive set of organically charmed grooves

Patrizio Cavaliere
22 November 2022

Detroit artist John Beltran is rightfully revered as one of the most consistently engaging artists of the past 30 years.

Having emerged from the Motor City’s techno scene back in the ‘90s with releases on Carl Craig’s respected Retroactive label, his production sound has steadily morphed through various stylistic parameters, helping to ensure his work is as refreshingly challenging to categorise as it is compelling. Surfing through ambient, techno, jazz, Latin and beyond, he’s composed timeless and ground-breaking music that continues to find its way into the set lists of some of the world’s most discerning selectors. He’s released on the likes of Delsin, Ubiquity, Peacefrog, Styrax, Oath and All Good Music, maintaining a busy schedule throughout his decades long career. His most recent ‘Ola De Novo’ album recorded under the Sol Set moniker saw him join forces with an ensemble cast of Detroit-based musicians to serve a gorgeously sun-soaked collection of Latin fusion cuts. A remixed version of ‘Ola De Novo’ arrived last month, and next up for John is an album recorded live at Dekmantel entitled ‘Ten Days Of Blue’. Despite his breathless itinerary, John took time out to furnish Mixmag Asia with a hand-picked selection of the soul-flecked sound of last summer. “My gigs were mainly patio parties and summer market vibes,” says John. “These tunes brought joy to the passing faces throughout the summer months.”

The weather may be turning chilly, depending, of course, on where you call home, but this list is guaranteed to transport listeners to the carefree warmth of the milder months. Without further ado, press play and read on to lose yourselves in the seductive sounds of a true underground icon.