This latest entry in Explorations might as well be a kickoff for a new series called Legends, centering on the widely-varied palette and rich history of Andy Holt, better-known as Redanka. This mix covers over ten years of material ranging from Andy’s formative years on Whoop! Records and Hooj Choons right up to his latest peak time thrillers of pop music’s hottest names. While initially known to pair up with studio partner Chris Bourne, a.k.a. Tarrentella, Holt has gone on to remix such names as Way Out West, Above & Beyond, Delerium, Fatboy Slim and even U2, who loved his work so much they invited him back for more. During all this he still found time for additional collaborations (Denny Tenaglia, Lee Burridge, Satoshi Tomiie, Sander Kleinenberg) and production projects (Steve Lawler, Mick Parks, Girl Nobody). With a resumé like this, wouldn’t it be prudent to assume Redanka’s fabled history speaks for itself, making an exploration an exercise in redundancy?

As a matter of fact, no. Within the industry Andy Holt is the producer’s producer, valued for his sturdy, consistent and innovative approach. Beyond that, however, he is easily passed over in favor of more extroverted DJ personalities. Having produced only a handful of original releases and no full-length album or mix series, Redanka’s magic is scattered across a smattering of releases via 12″ promos, CD singles and digital exclusives. His name is the ultimate reward to diligent trainspotters, providing a fresh journey even in the most unlikely of material.

This mix began with over thirty potential tracks, each bringing something irresistible to the table. Over the last few weeks it was meticulously whittled down to the final 11 tracks in order to accommodate the 80-minute mix limit, and what a chore that was. There was enough proper material to do this three times over, but the end result is as diverse as the man himself. From Jimpy’s Talkin’ (one of Redanka’s first) to the textbook flawless reworking of U2′s Vertigo, to his very own unsung anthem In A State, it’s all here. Redanka has emboldened progressive house within the scene and provided avenues of exposure outside of it. And for that, he deserves the hat tip.

Running Time: 1:19:12
File Size: 182 MB @ 320 kbps

Tracklisting:

1. Atlas – Compass Error (Tarrentella & Redanka Remake) [Plastica RED]
2. Datar – B (Tarrentella & Redanka NYSC Mix) [Hooj]
3. Tilt – Seduction of Orpheus (Tarrentella & Redanka Remix) [Hooj]
4. Jimpy – Talkin’ (Tarrentella & Redanka Remix) [Whoop!]
5. INXS – Afterglow (Redanka’s Afterdark Remix) [Epic]
6. Snow Patrol – Open Your Eyes (Redanka Remix) [CDR]
7. Above & Beyond – Good For Me (Redanka Vocal Mix) [Anjunabeats]
8. The Spoons – Nova Heart (Redanka Plugged Mix) [Release]
9. Suicide Sports Club – Last Ghost In Town (Redanka Mix) [B_Rock]
10. U2 – Vertigo (Redanka Power Mix) [Universal]
11. Redanka – In A State (Vocal Mix) [RIP]