STM 072 - Xhin

The author of the mix is Lee Xhin (pronounced “sheen”), a Singaporean electronic music producer, DJ, performer, and sound designer. Xhin has been diligently exploring diverse compositional techniques and colossal rhythmic textures since the late 1990s. He is closely associated with the experimental and inventive side of the techno music scene. By incorporating stylistic fragments from distinct music styles such as IDM, ambient, and bass music, Xhin constructs intensely expanding and shifting architectural sound structures. Since 2003, when he independently released his first production, Xhin has had a very productive and progressive career. Three studio albums and numerous solo and collaborative records have been released by authoritative labels such as Stroboscopic Artefacts, CLR, Token, and others. A key point in his career was joining the Berlin-based label Stroboscopic Artefacts, founded by his good friend and colleague Lucy. Together, they produced critically acclaimed records such as “LX2/LX3” and “LX4/LX5.” Constant support from techno scene legends such as Speedy J, Luke Slater, and Ben Klock strengthened both Xhin's and SA's positions in the alternative music industry. Xhin has also rapidly developed his reputation as a skilled artist by regularly touring across the globe.

“Secret Thirteen Mix 072” is a syncretic and dynamic audio selection that reveals Xhin's past and current favorites. This mix consists of 22 successful and influential records released between 1994 and 2013 that have indirectly shaped Xhin's sound. Original works from respected artists such as Autechre, Nurse With Wound, Venetian Snares, Photek, TM404, Lee Gamble, and The Haxan Cloak mesmerize and capture the listener's imagination right from the first touching organ chords. Xhin also includes several works from Japanese acts such as Mouse On The Keys, RYU, DIR EN GREY, and Tao. This specific selection not only enriches the compilation with music that carries an anime-inspired intention but also creates smooth musical diversity and intrigue. The selection spans ambient, IDM, folk, and breaks music styles but ultimately erases musical boundaries, sounding like a continuous and well-balanced compilation. It is important to mention that the mix contains many pieces with a strong piano influence, possibly reflecting Xhin's childhood love for the piano. The psychological and conceptual development of the mix is carefully measured, temperamental, and evocative. Records with completely different instrumentation, analytical arrangements, and intentions are imperceptibly merged into an entirely satisfying listening experience. This mix holds a wealth of contrasting rhythms ranging from live recordings to sampled, synthesized, or glitched sounds. Each work is accompanied by complex employment of various live and digital instruments, as well as cinematographic and nostalgic atmospheres. Following Xhin's mixes on Resident Advisor and Smoke Machine, Secret Thirteen presents an entirely new and unexplored playlist from the artist's music library, which is much more open, versatile, and geographically diverse than even the most vigilant music lover could imagine.

“Secret Thirteen Mix 072” is like Tony DeLap’s discursive and magnetic modern art sculpture “Untitled.” It embraces principles of limited but subtly expressive color, abstract geometry, accurate craftsmanship, and refined rigor—much like Xhin’s precious selection. When you start gazing into the abyss, those depths penetrate you with all their sophistication, mysteries, fatality, and unearthly intelligence.