Studio Barnhus' Esther Silex Picks Her Favorite Records to Play at 4AM

Esther Silex first came to our attention towards the end of last year, via Kornel Kovac's fantastic addition to the Feel my Bicep mix series. His hour or so of rolled gold kicked off one of those tunes that leaves you dumbstruck and picking your jaw off the floor. As thunderous kick womped over and over again, a vocal wibbled in and out of focus, backed with a Radio 2 friendly piano line. For months we had no idea what the song actually was despite singing it over and over in the shower. Then, like the first morning of spring after a dismal, grinding winter, everything shone for us and we reached enlightenment. That song we'd been singing ("It's four o'clock in the morning/and it's starting to get light") for so long was another blast of total brilliance from one of our favourite labels—Studio Barnhus—and was by an up and coming producer called Esther Silex. "Oskar" which you can hear below, is about as perfect as a club record can get. Who knew that "Promise Me" by Beverley Craven would turn out to be the basis of one of the biggest end of the night house records ever committed to wax?

Based in Cologne, Silex's first EP for the label, Pachamama, was a three track sensation that we've not stopped rinsing ever since it dropped into our inbox earlier this year. What we've got for your pleasure is Esther Silex's guide to the best records to play at 4AM. Because her song "Oskar" mentions it being "four in the morning." We're clever like that. Take it away, Esther!

1. Madbeat - Love Don't Live Here

Esther Silex: I recently discovered this edit and it's on repeat 24/7. What an amazing use of the Rose Royce sample!

2. Art of Noise - Moments in Love

An absolute classic. The energy in the club always heats up whilst mixing in the first beats of this one.

3. Breakbot - Baby I'm Yours (Siriuso Remix)

This bloghouse gem keeps my set groovy and the crowd in a good mood. Which is always handy.

4. Gary Byrd - The Crown

Thanks to my parents and their eclectic taste in music, I got to listen to all the old disco classics at a very early age. "The Crown" by Gary Byrd is definitely a must play!

5. Kariya - Let Me Love You For Tonight

The lyrics speak for themselves at four in the morning...

6. Romanthony - Hold On

My favorite track of all time. I can't imagine a set without it.

7. Sabo - Mogo Te Disco

It's an edit of an Oumou Sangaré Song. She's a Wassoulou singer from Mali with one of the most touching voices around.

8. Cologne Megamix - Ariola

This is my secret weapon - it's a collaboration between David Hasert, Job Jobse and Barnt

9. Bicep - Just

This song truly deserves its acclaim as best song of 2015. It's got everything a smashing club track should have. The build up makes for a perfect 4am track in a club without an early curfew!

10. Basement Jaxx - Fly Life Xtra

It needs the right environment to unfold it's full potential - but once it's there, there's no turning back.

Pachamama is out now on Studio Barnhus

Follow Esther Silex on Facebook // SoundCloud