Black Pomade discusses his best tracks of 2024

Italian, NYC based badboy Black Pomade shares his favorite deep, dark and devastating house & techno cuts of 2024 with nightclubber.ro…

Black Pomade is a DJ and producer originally from Milan (Italy), now calling New York home after leaving his mark in Lisbon's growing scene. He’s the mastermind behind the Ruínas collective and the Whoopee party series.

Heavily inspired by the NY Disco scene and the Chicago House pioneers, he's made a name for himself with a melting pot of analog synths, groovy basslines, and syncopated beats. His sets are a proper journey through House, Disco, and Acid records, always leaving the dance floor buzzing with energy and big grins all around.

Vermelho Wonder - Dance Fatal (Zopelar OG Instrumental Remix) [Gop Tun]

‍I heard Barba Boeing and Kamma playing this the other day. It literally just came out, but I wouldn’t be surprised if it starts cropping up everywhere soon. Gop Tun does it again! This one’s definitely going to be one of those tracks that gets rinsed all around.

Erdmann - Synesthesia [TRANCE ATLANTYK]

‍I’m not entirely sure if trance in 2024 is considered cutting-edge cool or tired old nonsense. The good thing is I don’t really give a toss.If something sparks a feeling, I’ll pack it in my bag and share it with whoever’s ready to dance. “Synesthesia” doesn’t rely on the cheesy elements that some recent trance records flaunt. Instead, it’s more straight to the point: a solid groove that still manages to tickle those distant corners of your psyche you never even knew could be awakened.

Elias Sternin - Soneto Dieciocho En Igles [Visolux]

‍‍‍‍Another thing that defined 2024 for me was fully leaning into more club-oriented, rave-friendly sounds. I’ve always loved this sort of vibe, but most of the gigs I was getting booked for demanded a happier disco/funk angle, and gradually people started to pigeonhole me in that corner. I always felt that was limiting. This year, I made a conscious decision to be pickier with bookings, choosing only those where I could play what truly interests me right now. When I last played in Lisbon, at “Just Look Paradise” and later at Lux Frágil, people who knew me from back in the day came out and I could see the surprise on their faces. They were basically thinking, “I don’t know what this is…but I like it!” Some even started calling me “Dark Pomade,” lol.‍

Molen - Suggestion [Spectral Bounce]

‍Here’s another track that’s been shining in my so-called “Dark Pomade” sets. I picked this one up at Carpet & Snares in Lisbon, a small but brilliantly curated record shop. Every time I’m there, I leave with a proper stash of fresh-sounding records. “Suggestion” fits perfectly into that new direction I’ve been pushing.

Midnight Runners - Morning (Raw Mix) [Midnight Runners]

‍I feel a personal attachment to this tune. In 2024, I spent at least half the year touring through Asia, and Midnight Runners is one of those labels that excels at unearthing incredible local sounds, especially from the southern regions, and giving them a new, club-friendly life. “Morning” never disappointed on the dancefloor, not once. It’s a guaranteed win wherever I play it.

Chez Damier, Makèz - Beat Of Life [Adeen]

‍‍‍Another track I hold close: it’s the first thing I danced to after moving to New York. Not many know that I recently relocated here. The first party I went to was at H0L0 in Ridgewood, where Pabels was playing upstairs in the garden. He dropped this track, and it was absolutely ace: organic, housy percussion layered with a bit of acidy flavour, a thoroughly infectious groove that perfectly complemented that cozy outdoor setting.

Carloalberto - Pascià [NPLGD]

‍I met Carloalberto in Milan, and the first thing that struck me was his incredible passion, enthusiasm, and kindness, rare traits in an industry filled with posers and colossal egos. On top of that, he’s genuinely talented, and “Pascià” showcases exactly what he can do. A proper, heartfelt production.

Ko - Sequential (Discovery Vinyl Edit) [Discovery Vinyl]

There’s a definite trend emerging with edits. After years of reworking ’70s and then ’80s sounds, I’m seeing loads of stuff now leaning on ’90s or even early 2000s influences. This particular track comes from a compilation boasting a touch of Valencian disco from the ’90s, and it’s easily one of the most compelling examples I’ve encountered this year.

Maxime Obadia - Lizard [Studio Batsumi]

‍‍I went through a phase this year where I was really diving into slower, downtempo psychedelic jams. (If that’s up your street, have a listen to my mix for Tiella Sound.) “Lizard” was a standout during that period. How could anyone keep still with that dirty, sexy bassline rolling through the speakers?

Schatzi - You’re The One (Vocal Bonus) [Schatzi]

‍Jacques Renault has been one of my key inspirations from day one when it comes to the disco edit sound, and his Schatzi label is always a sure bet. This track is definitely the standout on their latest release. When I played it at “All My Friends” in London, I’m certain at least a few dancers on that floor understood exactly why it’s so special.

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