The Pop Corporation

Manchester is known for being a hotbed of music and DJs, but too many fall into the tired tropes of years past, focusing on nostalgia and making sure the same half dozen faces get the same haf dozen gigs time and time again. Not the case with the latest guest for ‘Ten Songs’ – the magical Mystique.

While the death knell for club culture is oft-touted, the underground thrives like it always does – one of the freshest faces is the forward thinking dancefloor powerhouse Romy, who you will see on posters and flyers under the Mystique name. If you’ve been bowled over by the energy coming from the booth at Soup Kitchen, Crop Radio, the DBA, Stage & Radio, chances are, you’ve just been bodied by a Mystique set.

We think and we saw them at White Hotel too, but it was very late and the smoke machine was on full blast.

What’s always evident with a Mystique set is a progressive, inclusive attitude that not only applies to the music, but also the dancefloor itself. A pillar of Shifting Spheres – a Manchester based collective which helps to get women, trans and non-binary DJs into the scene and putting their best foot forward – it’s this kind of inclusivity that sets the new crew against the gatekeepers of the old guard.

More importantly, if you catch a Mystique set, you’ll be treated to one of the most fun track selections anywhere in the world, and countless bangers that’ll have you shaking your wobbliest bits still you can’t take it no more – but still combined with technical chops, alongside a freewheeling spontaneity that really makes the night come alive. There’s real personality in the sets, hopping genres, pushing forward, and touching on bouncy Tech, Latin, big House, and percussive gems for the heads and dancers alike.

Here’s a link to Mystique’s IG page for all future gig information – catch ’em in a small, sweaty space as soon as you can, because all things being fair, they will end up on stages much bigger than the ones they’re at now.

Now, let’s hear Mystique’s ten songs.

Space – Carry On, Turn Me On

“It was 2017, in a sticky, smoky room in Griessmuehle, when I heard this song for the first time. I was immediately taken aback by Space’s unique blend of house, funk, and disco. The futuristic synths, atmospheric build-up and seductive vocals were like nothing I’d heard before, and since then, it’s become a firm disco favourite for me.”

The Smashing Pumpkins – Mayonaise

“I discovered The Smashing Pumpkins in high school, and really fell for their psychedelic, grungy approach to alternative rock.”

“‘Mayonaise’ has to be one of their most beautiful songs. Its dreamy shoegaze sound and harmonic guitar into evoke so much emotion that it feels almost palpable (especially with a good set of speakers.)”

Deftones – 7 Words 

“Choosing a song from my favourite band has been no easy feat, but I still believe in my heart that ‘Adrenaline’ is a criminally underrated album.”

“‘7 words’ really represents their more aggressive, raw, earlier sound, while also featuring politically driven lyrics. And honestly… I would never turn down the opportunity to hear Chino Moreno fry scream EVER.”

Elvis Crespo – Pégate

“Elvis Crespo is a household name when it comes to the rhythmic sound of merengue. ‘Pégate’ is one of his high energy, infectious songs, as well as a true emblem for Latin dance.”

“I listen to this song when I want to be closer to Summer, imaging myself dancing in a sweaty Spanish club.”

N.E.R.D – Lapdance

“N.E.R.D may be one of many for Pharrell, but for me it’s one of his best side projects. I always found the combination of rock and hip-hop so intriguing.”

“‘Lapdance’ delivers all of that and more, with its iconic mix of sexy rawness and that quintessential early 2000s sound.”

Sade – Pearls 

“Sade is one of the best vocalists and songwriters of our time. In truth, you could probably write an entire essay exploring the deeper meaning of ‘Pearls.’ Her stripped back, poignant style makes the words hit even harder.”

““she lives a life she didn’t choose and it hurts like brand new shoes” – an eerily beautiful track.”

Erika De Casier, El Trick, DJ Sports- Intimate – Club Mix

“I remember clearly when my friend introduced to me Essentials, Erika De Casier’s first album. The alternative RnB and soft dreamy vocals really drew me in. At the time I was in the height of my DJ craze, and I loved how the club mix leant into a Drum and Bass and 2 step sound while remaining true to Erika’s intimate style.”

FKA Twigs – home with you 

“To say I was obsessed with FKA Twigs Magdalene would be an understatement. To me, the album along with her performances, were pure art. ‘Home with you’ stuck out to me as truly stunning song; its charged lyrics and vulnerable delivery made it a personal Twigs fave of mine.”

Massive Attack – Unfinished Sympathy 

“The heavenly track ‘Unfinished Sympathy’ is iconically completed by Shara Nelson’s impeccable vocals. Its spectacular strings and soft piano work make it a raw, deeply emotive song that honours heartbreak and pain.”

“I listen to this when I feel like transcending to other plains.”

K-hand – Heaven 

“When I first began DJing, I was hyper-focused on thrifting Detroit Techno. I was in total awe of its futuristic, soulful sound, which felt worlds away from modern Techno.”

“K-hand is the mother of Detroit Techno, and I truly adore her unique stamp on the genre. ‘Heaven’ is a beautiful, dreamy track with stretched out, emotive pads.”