As we bring Staff Picks home for the year I’d like to thank the team for their contributions, the creators who lovingly crafted the mixes and all the many hundreds, if not thousands, of musicians and producers who made it all possible. It’s a true pleasure to put this playlist together and celebrate creators you might easily miss. Below, you can unwrap a lot of December goodness. An eclectic Christmas, some French techno, a bit of Naughty 140 or some dreamy remixes of 50 Cent. Enjoy…Happy Holidays!
Isle of Lucy – Christmas Mix 2025
To quote a gang of wizards: “It’s Christmas!!!”. Obligatory Christmas mix inbound. But don’t be fooled, this decade-spanning mix will make you seem like the coolest person at the dinner table this December. Frontend Engineer Neil caught this one fresh, mentioning: “Isle of Lucy has been meticulously curating the best rare and underground deep-cut Christmas music mixes on the internet for 20 years. She can broaden the festive musical horizons of any holiday party this December.”
Family Music UK – The Lost Hour #88
Family Music UK has been dropping gems on Mixcloud for 14 years. Calum in Support selected this one. “My pick for December is an awesome mix which covers multiple genres and the globe,” he said. “Coincidentally, it feels like a bright winter’s day – a musical sunrise and sunset in a short space of time.” Which is as poetic as the mix itself.
Mobilegirl – Music For The Club (For Once)
Our blog writer Yemi has created a brand new series exclusively for Mixcloud listeners to showcase some of the most talented DJs from around the world. “Mobilegirl is an amazing DJ and producer based in Berlin with an NTS show who in equal parts can evoke cosiness and utter dancefloor bliss!” he said. “She’s done an exclusive mix for Mixcloud and it ticks all the boxes for a big night out: tunes to move every part of your body. Edits, flips and remixes for days.”
The Herbster’s Vibes Connection Show 1st December
Around this time of year I want candles, baths and soulful harmonies of Gospel to warm my soul from the cold English rain. The Herbster’s Connection show has all that and bags of joy. The man goes live right here on Mixcloud on Mondays and Fridays most weeks.
Fejka on Radio Campus France
Radio Campus France is a national, non-profit radio broadcasting network grouping 29 community radios located in some of France’s biggest cities. Julian from the mobile team said he “wanted something a bit melodic, a bit Techno and remembered enjoying everything I’d heard by Fejka. Found this guest mix on Radio Campus, who have a massive library of content across genres”.
Hargarino – Americana Episode 9
Lead Designer Ricky found Hagarino, a UK-based radio host who “puts out a really passionate show about all things Americana for a station in of all places, Milton Keynes! When you get someone who has in-depth knowledge, natural presenting skills and a great interviewer it’s hard not to come back for more. Can’t wait to be turned on to lots of different corners of Americana music that I’d never have come across before. Especially the UK Americana scene that seems really strong.”
Horse Vision – Midnight in a Perfect World on KEXP
“POV: It’s raining, you hear 50 Cent x Alex G’s ‘In Da Club Forever’ mix into William Basinski’s ‘Disintegration Loops…’ it stops raining.” Reading this by Senior Designer Sally gave me chills of excitement. Hearing this mix from Horse Vision gave me goosebumps. This might be the second mix from KEXP’s Midnight series in a row but when they’re so good, it’s hard not to include it.
Winter Essentials Mix From Splitney Spears on Gluey Porch Treatments
Gluey Porch Treatments run heavy music nights in London and Bristol here in the UK. Product Manager Laurie pulled this one out the depths of the Black Metal hole. “I discovered this great mix from a creator who recently uploaded after a year’s hiatus (!!),” she shares. “It’s described as a mix inspired by the brutal weather, but I’d listen to this any time of the year. Featuring a range that captures all of my interests including Death Metal, Memphis Rap, Punk, Indie, Doom and more.”
Delokhead – SELECTS #001
Covered in cool tattoos, Delokhead from London makes their Mixcloud return after a THREE year hiatus with a brand new, all vinyl mix series. Caroline from Marketing found this one, saying: “This is everything I love about 140 and the blurred lines between Dub, Techno, Breaks and everything in between. Expect music from originators in this scene: Mala, Appleblim & Peverelist, El-B, Al Wootton, plus a slew of new producers rising up: Beatrice M, Mia Koden, re:ni & Carré. Strictly vinyl only, too! I’m excited to see the different avenues this mix series takes….”
Photay – Music from Paul Thomas Anderson Films on Crack Magazine
Every mix and production I’ve come across from Photay are both magically light and infinitely deep. Our designer Chris plucked this gem out from the Crack archive from seven years ago, saying: “music’s a huge part of Paul Thomas Anderson’s films. This great selection features some of Johnny Greenwood’s amazing original soundtracks mixed with some classic records.”
Check out the full Staff Picks playlist to hear them one after the other.