Backwards Looking Forwards is a monthly radio program dedicated to exploring the interconnected histories of global dance music. Host Danny Goliger selects tunes that showcase the futuristic sounds of today, and provides context by examining their roots in musical traditions stretching back into the past. Listeners are invited on a journey of discovery that will include the freshest new releases, and builds links to the undiscovered gems of yesteryear. Expect to hear music that ranges from modern rave stylings like house, techno, electro, jungle, and juke, and traces the roots back to funk, soul, dub reggae, new wave, synth pop, EBM, and early electronica.

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This month’s mix is a “best of” 2023, looking back on some of my favorite music released in the last 12 months. There was so much amazing music released this year, I was only able to include a small fraction of my “favorites.” To be fair, it was hard to even define a “favorite,” so I leaned into songs that I played the most, songs that challenged or interested me as listener, and songs that showcased the most exciting dance music trends (for me).

The mix starts with some UK Club/World Club influence, moves into that border zone between Bass & Techno, then into some straighter techno and Hard Groove sounds. I was so excited this year about the resurgence of Hard Groove; I have such a soft spot for that style of techno, I might do a whole mix next year focusing on that ;)

From there I played some new stuff that reminds me of old French Touch filter house (see Fireground – Spice Up and Hudmo/Nikki Nair – Demuro), and then into some of the wonky fast side of Techo / Tech House. 140 bass, dubstep, electro, & percussive club tunes round out the rest of the mix (with a cute lil nod to UK heroes Overmono to close it out).

Picking favorites might be a fools errand. I can think of sooo many tunes (and entire styles of music) that I had to leave out of this mix. But hopefully it gives y’all a taste of my year as a DJ. Excited to hear all the new music everyone is gonna drop next year <3