RA.1045 Christian AB

Two sublime hours of house and techno from the Berlin-based DJ and producer, making his long-awaited RA Mix debut. Before COVID-19 shut down clubs in 2020, Christian AB was one of the underground's best-kept secrets. The London-born DJ built a cult following through sets that fused deep house, techno and impossibly rare records, earning a reputation as an IYKYK selector with encyclopedic taste. Now based in Berlin, Christian Browne has stepped into the spotlight, releasing on Francesco Del Garda's Timeless and Ryan Elliott's Faith Beat, while touring alongside Jeff Mills in support of Live at Liquid Room. Browne describes his sound as "dark elegance," and RA.1045 captures it perfectly. Across two hours, driving grooves, acid lines, hazy chords and moments of tension unfold with remarkable patience. The first half-hour drifts through IDM and ambient house before the mix gradually tightens its grip, but every apparent peak is met with an unexpected left turn. It's a masterclass in pacing that rewards repeat listens. Forget the track IDs—just press play. Read the Q&A at ra.co/podcast/1065. @christian_ab