San Soda is Nicolas Geysens, an avid record collector with a blossoming reputation in DJ and production circles. The Belgian’s impressive house-leading discography includes one LP, 2010’s Immers & Daarentegen, and various EPs. Given their simplicity, it’s difficult to say why his productions work, but few would deny that they do.

Today, however, he presents his other side: DJing. Those who have seen him will most likely acknowledge the range in his track selections, drifting seamlessly through genres and revealing carefully chosen gems unearthed after years of crate digging around the world. He claims to spend “at least some time every single day searching for records, either online, in shops, at flea markets or by nosing through whole collections,” while harboring a preference for classic house and techno with a rough, Chicago and Detroit bent. He is a gimmick free selector who avoids tricks and effects; rather, he allows the music to play out as it was intended, always with an underlying sense of cohesion.

San Soda will join Call Super, Shanti Celeste, Helena Hauff, and many more exciting names at this year’s Horst Festival, taking place from September 8 to 9 around the castle of Horst Holsbeek, Belgium. More information is available here.

When and where was the mix recorded?

In my home in Berlin on August 22, around 10 p.m.

What setup did you use?

Rodec MX180 MKIII + 2 x Technics SL1200 + 2 x CDJ900 (thanks to Dede letting me use his)

Could you tell us about the idea behind it—was there a clear concept in mind?

There’s never a clear concept. Usually, I just fill a record bag, search a good song to start with and see how it goes from there.

Where is the mix supposed to be listened to?

Anywhere around the equator at dusk with a mango lassi in your left hand.

How does the mix compare to one of your club mixes?

It doesn’t. Playing music in front of people is a whole different story. This is just sharing some nice tracks, a club show is communication with the crowd and matching the energy of the place and time.