Theo Kottis - The Mirror EP [Shall Not Fade]

From his early days on the Edinburgh music scene, Theo Kottis has built up anticipation as one of the UK’s most exciting DJs. He is also the curator of a unique sound, captured in his *Beautiful Strangers* series, and has garnered recognition from prominent DJs around the world.

*The Mirror* EP is led by an anthemic party track, inspired by Kottis’s lockdown longing for “that type of party where you don’t stop dancing,” perfectly crafted to fulfil just that purpose. The raw energy of breaks and rave-style piano stabs are complemented by Busola’s motivational chatter, setting the listener and dancer up for the summer of release after a year of restrictions. On the B-side, *Onda* takes its name from the Spanish word for "waves". It’s a full relaxation after the intensity of the A-side, a homage to a poolside experience in Ibiza that still keeps a solid groove. Playful pads emerge among sublime strings to create an instantly nostalgic atmosphere.

Theo Kottis on the release:
“Earlier this year, during the strictest winter lockdown, longing for that type of party where you don’t stop dancing, I decided to take matters into my own hands and produce this new single, *The Mirror*, with Busola, who is the life and soul of the party, to bring euphoric sounds to my living room and now to yours.

The idea of the impending ‘Summer of Love’ was what kept me going through lockdown, and I wanted to create something energetic and fun that reflected that excitement. I had seen *Little Gay Brother*, the LGBTQ+ party and community, play at many festivals, and knew that their vibe would be an ideal source for this raw energy. I was introduced to Busola, who delivered the ultimate motivational talk for the summer of self-love, something we all needed to get back on the dancefloor after lockdown.

The second track is a nod to my summer getaway to Ibiza, where I played by the Pikes pool and spent time on the sea watching the waves—*ondas* in Spanish—to reset and relax."