Music
The 10 best makina tracks, curated by Schak
Schak picks out his favourite hard and fast makina anthems
If you like your music fast and euphoric then you’ll love makina. The dance music style, which originated in Spain and became a youth culture phenomenon in Scotland and the North East of England, is built on sounds that send you loopy. From the adrenaline-charged pace of hardcore techno to the delirious bounce of trance and the unabashed ecstasy of Eurodance, it’s pure mania on a dancefloor.
It’s also a sound that epitomises Schak: the North Shields DJ and producer has been on an absolute tear since his breakthrough release ‘Moving All Around (Jumpin') (feat. Kim English)’ in late 2022, igniting clubs and festivals worldwide with high-energy sounds. With releases coming via Trick and Ministry Of Sound and sets everywhere from Sydney to San Diego, including the likes of Creamfields, The Warehouse Project, SWG3, NX Newcastle and The Lab LDN in the UK, there was no debating his inclusion in our breakthrough DJs of the year rundown of 2023.
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His latest release ‘Got No Money Ft. Vula’ carries plenty of influence from Schak’s time spent raving in the North East, showcasing a hard and thumping take on house music, powered by robust kicks, jubilant melodies and radiant vocals from Vula Malinga.
To celebrate the release, we asked Schak to pick out his 10 favourite makina anthems and tell us about why they made such an impression on his music taste. Check them out alongside his new single below.
Schak’s 10 favourite makina tracks:
1 Le Marrant 'Voulez Vous Un Rendez Vous (Happy Mix)'
"What I love about this track is it’s different from other makina tunes. The style of the melody and the French vocals makes it very unique."
2 Virthu 'All 'Rainbow'
"This was the first makina tune I ever heard back in 2003 and I’ve been in love with it ever since."
3 Network 'Prohibit Land'
"I remember when my best friend at the time got this on vinyl and we used to MC to this on repeat. Summer 2006 was one of the best summers I had."
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4 Network 'Summer Dreams Of Love (Konik & Maxter Remix)'
"This tune needs no introduction!"
5 Virthu-All 'Rainbow II'
"One of my favourite makina tunes because it has so much energy & zeal!"
6 Pastis & Buenri 'Full Effect'
"I’ve picked this because it reminds me so much of The New Monkey days! All the tapes I listened to always had this tune played."
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7 Game Over, Pastis, Buenri, Ruboy 'Start (Short Edit)'
"Great tune with high, euphoric energy!"
8 Game Over 'Vibrations'
"I love how this one starts out. The drop is super heavy!"
9 Analogic 'Back To Roots'
"One of my all-time favourites, the melody is so good! I love it so much I’ve tried to rework it a few times but as the saying goes “if it ain't broke, don’t fix it”."
10 Two Good 'Evolution'
"This one was always a good one to MC to! Really love the samples used in it as well."
‘Got No Money Ft. Vula’ is out now via Trick and Minsitry Of Sound, buy/stream it here
