Episode 89: Epic Maui Journey 2023 #5

Mixed Emotions by Brian Norwood

This segment of the day is always one of my very favorite parts of the Epic Maui Journey day. It's the Golden Hour when the beach is awash in that mystical golden light that is nearly impossible to describe. Because the natural beauty that surrounds us is so mighty and powerful....I believe that this is the hour that it's most important to nail the music selection. This is the hour where our emotions can be catapulted into rare territory if the soundtrack is perfectly tailored to meet the moment. Based on what I watched transpire I think I hit that nail on the head.
I started the set off with Seal "Killer". I've always been such a big fan of his. This remix by by Pete Tong & the Heritage Orchestra is rich, warm and familiar. Perfect. From there I work my way into "Gratitude" by Above & Beyond feating Marty Longstaff which has turned into one of the biggest deep house anthems of recent. It could be said that GRATITUDE was one of the themes of our Epic Maui Journey weekend. Knowing that people have a special love and appreciation for things that they know...this year I decided to do something a little different as we worked our way towards sunset. Usually I zero in on playing music that I know will send people into emotional overdrive through the beauty of the music and I don't particularly worry about people knowing my songs. I allow the beauty of the songs to do the heavy lifting to transport my crowds (instead of song familiarity). However, this year the Spirit told me to take a trip down memory lane -- and so I did. As the Sun was beginning to put on a majestic show as it worked it's way to the horizon of the Pacific I slipped into some familiar favorites including "Sweet Child 'O Mine", "Life In A Northern Town", "It's My Life" , "Love Is In The Air" and "Don't You Worry Child". One particularly powerful moment was when "Life In A Northern Town" came on. As soon as everyone realized what it was....a swarm of arms went high to the heavens....and the entire beach was united in love, singing at tops of lungs. Blissful hysteria ensued. I'll never forget the moment.
The song that played as the sun slowly descended below horizon was Shallou and Sultan & Shepard "Raye". I very nearly cried (and I AM crying right now as I type this) as I looked around and watched the crowed linked arm in arm swaying to the music and clapping & cheering as we witnessed the breathtaking sun set. I couldn't have been a happier man as I watched this happen. And I couldn't be happier to share the soundtrack with you. PS: LISTEN TO THIS VERSION OF THE SONG. It is...EPIC.
As always, this mix came from my heat and soul. I hope you enjoy hearing it as much as I did making it.
From my heart...to your ears....
#/Artist/Title/Remix
01. Seal/Killer/The Heritage Orchestra
02. Meines/Ajuti/Paradise Beach Extended
03. Marty Longstaff/Gratitude/Sebastien Leger Remix
04. Nora En Pure/Altered Destiny/Extended Club Mix
05. London Grammar/Strong/Judah Remix
06. Melonia/Sweet Child O' Mine/Extended Mix
07. Ross Alexander/Life In A Northern Town/7th Heaven Extended Remix
08. Talk Talk/It's My Life/The Reflex Revision
09. John Paul Young/Love Is In The Air/Milk & Sugar Vocal Is In The Air Mix
10. Beth/Don't You Worry Child/Charming Horses Extended
11. Shallou/Raye/Sultan & Shepard Extended Mix
12. Xavier Rudd/Follow The Sun/Western Disco Remix