ANZ's locals share their favourite mixes of 2025

2025 was, in many ways, the year the DJ mix reached its peak. The success and downfall of dance music broadcasts the world over, the increased attention on different cultural movements and the availability of resources to record and distribute those mixes have all contributed to a year where even albums started to become more like mixes.

But what makes a lasting impression? A big crowd reaction, crazy stage design in the background of a video, or just incredible selections that bypass all of the hype? It all depends on who you ask. So, we did exactly that.

With that in mind, Mixmag ANZ has chosen to contribute to the all-important ‘end of year list’ ecosystem, but with two small changes.

Firstly, these are the favourite mixes of local artists. The people they loved, who they think are worth spotlighting, and who got them through a year plagued with so much to learn from and try to rise above, spoken about in their own voice.

Secondly, this list and those to follow have no order. We’re here to celebrate it all, without rank.

Here are some of 2025’s best mixes (in alphabetical order).

“I couldn't stop listening to Kia's mixes this year, and have been putting them on every time I go for a jog. She always mixes a perfect blend of really satisfying textures whilst also being really approachable rhythmically. It's fun and smart, but not too heady.”

“Back in June, my best mate Nina Las Vegas celebrated a decade of her label NLV Records, and she threw a killer party to celebrate!

All of the mixes from the night are up on Apple Music, and one of my faves is from my New York sis Jubilee.”

“I don't think I've listened to a mix more than NYMPHO co-founder Teddyyy's opening set for Thaiboy Digital and Woesum in Tāmaki Makaurau this year. Genuinely insane blend of genres + artists across so many different plains of the underground.

From weaving original vocals in amongst Charli XCX vocal cuts, to Drain Gang shoutouts in the form of Evian Christ & Bladee's "Yxguden" and Ecco2k's GTR, this mix genuinely turns corners into parts of the unknown that hadn't been invented until Teddyyy forged the path. It's perfect!”

“My favourite mix of 2025 is the Trips Club Dance Mix, featuring all unreleased material. I listened to it every week this year — at the beach, pre-drinks, running, festivals and afterparties. It truly soundtracked my summer.

Every time one of these tracks comes on, I’m taken back to such a beautiful time in my life. The mix is exactly the kind of house I love: bumping, energetic, and summery.”

“This beautiful woman has stacked SO many beautiful tracks into what I think to be her debut set. Repeat repeat repeat.”

“For me, Anna(n) is one of the sharpest and forward-thinking diggers in our local Naarm scene. I was with her at Solace the night she recorded this set, and she was so so locked in!

This mix explores various moods and tempos, though all framed under an elegant and sophisticated deep techno banner.”

“AceMo is one of my favourite DJs to watch. His song selection in this is 2 hours of the good stuff.

Some awesome edits and great mixing.”

“Trippy and a consistently other-worldly groove, Manfredas & Ivan Smagghe surprise, delight, and inspire in this live mix.”

“Rydeen and SOVBLKPSSY are celebrating "Australian" dance music and giving us all a history lesson on the sounds that continue to shape and influence local music.”

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“It has been an honour watching my friends across the world getting the flowers. Kampai is one of the dopest DJs coming out of India, and it has been great seeing him get his time in the sun.”

“I had goosebumps listening to RONA open this set in her language, with sounds of Country calling us in. I love how RONA represents herself and tells a story through her sets.”

“One of many gifts that JD Twitch left us, honouring psychedelic vocal dub royalty Keith Hudson.”

“I discovered Hitech this year after sleeping on them for way too long, and they've pretty much skyrocketed to being my favourite DJs. Their sets are the epitome of energy and chaos.

Track selection is absolutely on point every time, frantic mixes on the fly that aren't always 100% polished, which is the way it should be - nothing pre-planned, just run off vibes. Their own productions are scattered throughout this mix, alongside a whole heap of edits and unreleased gold spanning ghetto tech, juke, jungle and bass. It's just real fkn fun.”

“The most exciting thing happening in Aotearoa/New Zealand is the growing movement of producers and DJs combining bass music with taonga puoro (traditional Māori instruments) and Te Reo Māori (the Māori language).

This mix is about as deep as it gets, from the deep south of Ōtautahi Christchurch, recorded by Kōroto for Matariki (Māori New Years).”

“Pjenne can do no wrong imo, but this one is a particularly special showcase of her deep emotive sensitivity and her exceptional ear for hidden gems. It's restrained in a way only a pro can execute and bright and glittery in all the right places. I had proper fomo not being there to see this live at Pe:rsona this year!”

“Guys!! One thing the world needs to know about me is I am a massive Dancehalll fan, you literally can hear the influence in my music all the time!! I grew up in a household that loves music and luckily for me Dancehall was a massive influence.

When Moliy released ‘shake it to the max’, it went global !! And when I seen my favourite artist like Skillibeng, Shenseea and Vybz Kartel I was like bro this is my fav mix of 2025!!! And I’ll still be jamming to it until 2026 trust me HAaaaa!”

“When a mix can be incredible to dance to, listen to, and entertain, that’s a special mix.

Unpin is one of the best and most criminally underrated selectors on Gadigal Land/Sydney. This set at this year’s Woodburnia was a highlight for everyone in attendance, both in the way that it pushes through some exciting off-kilter selections, and in its sense of humour too.”