POST DATE : 26 February 2026
IMAGE BY : Farry D
WRITTEN BY : Hemant Khatri
Kaamin Selects returns with another chapter of underground music made for the floor. For this edition, i was very pleased to invite one of the finest selectors around right now, Caim. I first came across Caim warming up the dancefloor at Breakfast Club in Amsterdam in 2024, and I was immediately struck, not just by his selections, but by the way he built his set. The way he paced it, flowing effortlessly from house to progressive with a touch of nostalgia, weaving in tracks from the 90s and early 2000s, was something else entirely. A great DJ isn’t only defined by what they play, but by how well they know their collection and, more importantly, when to reach for it. Caim is a master at this. The first five tunes of this edition have been selected by him, and the next five by me.
Riccardo Rizza – Red Voyage
Selected by Caim
Released in December 2025 on Italian-based record label Clut Communications, Red Voyage delivers a sneaky, acid-tinged 90s trance vibe. The track opens with a minimalistic foundation, letting the groove breathe over an atmospheric pad, before unfolding slowly through subtle shifts that keep things interesting over time. As Caim puts it, “I love using this track for building up a set or taking a deeper dive. It will definitely stay in my record bag for a long time.”
Purchase on Bandcamp.
Dylan Forbes – Searching
Selected by Caim
Released in 2022 on Haŵs, a UK-based progressive house label, this one is a proper dancefloor weapon. As Caim puts it, “I really love this producer from Ireland. He knows exactly how to use dreamy pads and lush synths in his tracks. Perfect for lifting your set to a higher level.” The groove is infectious and driving, with the bassline, synths and fx elements constantly evolving throughout, keeping the listener drawn in.
Purchase on Bandcamp.
Gabriola – Ultravision Eclipse Mix
Selected by Caim
From the get-go, the tune feels like an ode to classic goa trance, encapsulated in a more modern look and feel. As Caim mentions, “This trippy tribal track on Magicwire has a beautiful journey of its own. I never mix it too fast because I really enjoy the long space it creates.” Gabriola is also co-head of the label Magicwire, who have put out some real gems within the trance and progressive space.
Purchase on Bandcamp.
Francesco Carvetta – Supaline
Selected by Caim
The second release from the Lirica White Series is a floor-ready EP from Italian producer and DJ Francesco Carvetta. It effortlessly flirts between house and techno with an interesting approach to sound design that feels nostalgic yet carries the polish of a modern production. As Caim puts it, “I already played this a few times in my sets. A great groover with a dirty acid bassline that keeps you moving. There is even more good acid on the vinyl EP. Definitely check it out.”
Purchase on Bandcamp.
Dragoș Ilici – Chaga (Trance Mix)
Selected by Caim
Released on Romania-based Tonomat Records, this one sees the talented producer bring Romanian rhythms together with strong trancy vibes. As the label describes, the tune is a meditative blend of trance-laced techno. The tune carries haunting soundscapes effortlessly over a Romanian-inspired house/techno rhythm. As Caim says, “Very cool drop at the climax when things start to get really interesting.” The entire EP presents a fascinating take on techno and trance alike, and Caim agrees: “Also check the A2 side of the EP. I honestly cannot choose.”
Purchase on Bandcamp.
Katai – Turn of Time (Dub Mix)
Selected by Kaamin
Released in 2002 on Australian-based progressive house and trance label Vapour Recordings, this one has been a part of my playlists for a while. The tune takes you into a forest with its haunting soundscapes, while the intricate percussion and groove make it a proper dancefloor weapon. The beauty of the track lies in its minimalism and how well all the elements communicate with each other.
Purchase on Beatport.
DJ Dakar – Music Is My Playground
Selected by Kaamin
Released in 2006 on Shotgun Recordings, this one is a testament to how well a tech house tune can work a crowd. The track weaves dark elements over a funky rhythm, and if you’re familiar with the works of Eden Burns, it sits right along those lines. The highlight is the acid riff that enters around the three and a half minute mark — it instantly catches your attention and refuses to let go. A great tune for warming up a crowd before things get darker.
Purchase on Discogs.
Steve Dragon – Nag Champa
Selected by Kaamin
Part of a 10-track compilation released in 2006, the record pays homage to an integral part of dance music culture, Goa. The first release on Avatar Spirit, a sublabel of Avatar Records, packs tunes that beautifully capture the spirit of the place. A standout pick for me was Steve Dragon’s Nag Champa. The tune opens with a hypnotic tabla groove, soon joined by a gritty bassline and ethereal melodies, before the breakbeat rhythm pulls things into a more electro-forward direction. A great option to close out a late night set as the sun begins to rise.
Purchase on Bandcamp.
The Holy Ghost – Heavy Water
Selected by Kaamin
First introduced by a friend, Kid Who, this one has stuck with me for a long time. I keep finding myself returning to it every now and then. Released on January 1, 1994 on Island Records, the track still finds its place in sets to this day. It opens with the sound of a horse before organic percussion joins in to lay the foundation of the groove. The highlight for me is the bassline and the way it’s introduced — sudden and surprising in the best way. The entire track almost feels like riding on a horse. The artwork, too, is worth a mention — it suits the track perfectly. The rest of the EP is well worth exploring.
Purchase on Discogs.
Mix of the Month: ELVT In The Mix #033 – Caim
Caim weaves together decades of dance music in a way that feels like following a storyline. During a recent trip to India, he played a vinyl-only set in Bangalore that stands as an apt representation of just how good a DJ he is. The set moves fluidly across the boundaries of house, techno and progressive, and beyond. The two-and-a-half hour journey takes you through decades of dance music with real mastery and intention. There were more than a few moments where I found myself completely lost in the mix, absorbed by the sounds some of these tunes carry within them.
Kaamin Selects moves beyond algorithm-fed discovery to spotlight music shaped by purpose, not popularity. The artists featured often work under the radar, focused on craft rather than visibility, yet their releases merit real attention. If a track connects with you, consider supporting it directly by buying the music or following the artists on Bandcamp, Beatport, SoundCloud, and their social channels.