As the days stretch longer and dancefloors begin to spill out into sun-drenched mornings, basic chanel arrives on Off The Record with a mix built for motion, release, and pure emotional lift. Known for her deep-drifting excursions through psychedelic dub, hypnotic techno, and dreamlike bass pressure, Chanel trades the foggier corners of her sound palette here for something glowing with warmth and momentum — a joyful ride packed with treasured classics, festival-ready energy, and the tracks that have been soundtracking her recent dancefloor moments. It’s a mix that mirrors her world entirely: emotionally rich, intuitively curated, and rooted in connection. Across the accompanying interview, she reflects on formative records, treasured friendships, healing rituals, and the euphoric chaos of stepping into her first full festival season — offering a glimpse into the person behind one of London’s most quietly distinctive underground voices.
Hey Chanel, thanks so much for joining us! Can you tell us about your mix and what the idea behind it was?
I wanted to make a mix that just exudes joy and fun as we head into the warmer months. It’s filled with classics and many of my favourite tracks that I’ve enjoyed playing out at recent gigs. I prepped this with some of the festivals I’m most excited about playing at or returning to this summer and the energy I would like to bring with me <3
What are your preferred methods for finding new music—do you still enjoy digging around in dusty crates, or do you prefer to buy online?
I’ve never really had as much time to go into record stores and dig through crates, but I try to visit my favourite local store, Jelly Records, at least once a month. Now that I have more time on my hands, I’m trying to get out into the stores more. I’m just always scared about how much money I’ll spend because I have zero restraint. I also love building my Bandcamp collection, it’s my favourite platform to buy music on. I tend to dig through Discogs first and then Bandcamp later as the algorithm/search function on the latter sucks.
What are five records you couldn’t live without?
Ronan Keating – Life Is A Rollercoaster
My best friend Léa unearthed a 7-inch vinyl edition of this single for my 30th birthday making it one of my most treasured records I have in my collection. It’s our anthem. No matter the mood, whether it’s choas, unhinged, joyful, excitement, this is a track we will either sing or send to each other.
Jump Source – Fold
Ok I know this has just come out and I did work on the PR campaign for this album but as soon as I was sent the music I just knew it was going to be an instant classic. I haven’t fallen in love with a dance music record like this in a while. Francis & Patrick are two of my favourite producers right now and I think this album is an excellent portrayal of how incredibly talented they both are – bringing elements from pop and club culture together to create something very unique. It’s so good! It’s so fun! I’m so excited to see their live show this Summer.
james K – Friend
This leads me nicely into james K’s friend as Francis and Patrick have production credits on the album. The first time I listened to this all the way through was on the way home from a really nice weekend with friends at Draaimolen festival. It was the soundtrack to my plane journey and it like the dreamiest, most soothing grounding session after a full weekend of stimulation. It’s so beautiful and earnest. Another album that I will always come back to.
Placid Angles – The Cry
Very tender, soft, and so beautiful. Anything by Placid Angles is a record I can’t live without to be honest. John Beltran really knows how to pull on your heartstrings.
Andrea – Ritorno
This is another tearjerker for me. I worked on this record and it came out during the first few months of lockdown plus my first heartbreak so this record was a form of solace, and still is to be honest.
What has been one of your most memorable sets over your career?
It will always be the first set I played at Corsica Studios in 2024 for the Floorless crew. It was my birthday weekend, I had just returned from an Ayahuasca retreat, all of my closest friends were in the crowd and the energy in that room was really special. It was so busy, yet I felt completely comfortable behind the booth—more so than I ever imagined—and it felt like I was stepping onto the right path. I couldn’t stop laughing after my set from adrealine and shock that I spent an hour in the green room to decompress before deciding it might be best to ground myself at home, probably some medicine still in my system too. Thank you Cam & Matt for the trust with this booking <3
What do you have up your sleeve for 2026?
It will be my first proper festival season as a DJ which I’m equally terrified and excited for. I’ve never been to this many festivals in one season so I can’t wait to discover new places, meet new people and immerse myself in the music. I’ve spent the last few months getting into a healthy routine and grounding wellness techinques so I’m heading into the season the best I’ve ever felt and can bring these rituals with me. I’m also organising my first ever Untitled 909 party at Ormside Projects in September which will be a collaboration with a promoter I adore and a lineup filled with lots of my favourite artists – it’s been so fun working with him so far and can’t wait to reveal what we have planned!
Thanks Chanel 🙂
