One Track Mind: Mike Ladman

What's the song you've listened to most during this isolation period?  

Fairge by Claire M Singer, and Crown by Chika [below], which couldn't be more different yet both so necessary for these times. We all need contemplative quiet and to still have fun and dance.

The idea behind my playlist was to start warm and inviting, gradually turn into a global dance party and finish with an uplifting, meditative comedown. Fairge is a stunning and challenging, 20-minute ambient organ piece that, given the proper space and undivided eyes-closed attention, functions like a guided meditation that will leave you feeling uplifted, full of hope and beauty. Crown is the summer banger by 23-year-old rising star Chika that just hits you on the first listen.    

What track always gets you on the dance floor?

What usually gets me dancing is rarely played at bars, but no one is at bars right now, so the dance party is in my apartment. I'm a sucker for old Afrobeat and Brazilian music. Pat Thomas and Ebo Taylor's No Money, No Love is a jam that always gets me going. The live instrumentation rooted in unique, complex rhythms played effortlessly makes it impossible to not groove to it. 

What's your 'guilty pleasure' track? 

This continually changes for me, but right now it's Dua Lipa's Don't Start Now [below]. It's an extremely well-produced disco dance track. Although Random Access Memories was not my favorite Daft Punk album, the production on that album was incredible, and its influence was massive and feels very present on this track. The live, in-the-pocket bass locked into the drums mixed with the strings and Nile Rodgers–esque guitar flourishes creates a solid warm and infectious, fun pop song. 

What song always makes you turn off  the stereo when it comes on?

I love going to weddings, BUT would immediately turn off anything constantly played at all weddings around the world. You know which mid-2000s songs I'm talking about. 

We can't go out right now, but when we're finally allowed to head out for a night on the town, what track will you listen to while you're getting ready?

Probably a Fugazi [above] record. I recently devoured the book Our Band Could Be Your Life by Michael Azerrad, about American underground and punk from 1981 to 1991, and have been on a big punk kick lately. I also realized I oddly didn't have any Fugazi on vinyl, so I went and bought it all and have been having a blast going back and listening to it all again. So much raw energy and power on those tracks; it makes you want to get up and get out. 

To access Ladman's Isolation Radio Station playlist, click here.