Late Summer Vibes by Stefan Drake

Stefan Drake is a DJ who was born and raised near Dracula’s Castle in Brasov, Romania. His musical journey began in high school when he was enrolled in a professional choir that led to travelling all over the world and winning several international prizes. After this, he learnt acoustic/electric guitar and began DJing. He has since moved to the UK to follow his dream of being a professional DJ and rates Zedd, Bonobo and Carl Cox amongst his inspirations.

This mixset, Late Summer Vibes, is a 70 minute mix of house, EDM and big beat that showcases Stefan’s ability to put together a well structured set with a seamless flow between tracks and a good sense of momentum.

In the first half, there is a good blend of crowd pleasers like remixes of Coldplay’s A Sky Full of Stars and Disclosure’s Latch feat. Sam Smith, as well as upbeat EDM anthems like Helium by Chris Lake ft. Jarith, We’re Forever by Laidback Luke & Marc Benjamin and Young Again by Hardwell feat. Chris Jones.

The second half of the set has a high energy level and contains some lesser known, more expansive tracks that work well. Highlights of the set for me included remixes of Knock You Out by Bingo Players, Miami 82 by Syn Cole, the hugely anthemic Wasted by Tiesto and the set finale Left Behinds by Paris Blohm and Taylr Renee.

Overall, this is an enjoyable and well paced mixset that contains all the necessary elements that please a dance crowd – tracks that most will know and love, dynamic contrasts to give a sense of ebb and flow and a seamless continuity that maintains the energy and excitement from track to track. This set definitely achieves this and will be a guaranteed crowd pleaser. It will also help Stefan on his way to becoming a well-known DJ.

By Alex Faulkner

I’m 34 and a freelance music journalist, as well as a composer and producer. I’ve written reviews for UK newspapers and music websites. I run my own blog, reviewing the best new bands and artists . I’m very passionate and knowledgeable about music and that shows in my writing.

Radio Play via Exposed Vocals Broadcast Partners.