Neon Ion is the solo project of Norwegian artist Natalie Sandtorv, a multifaceted artist who's also a member of the recently launched trio Orbits alongside Jaga Jazzist's Lars Horntveth and producer Erlend Mokkelbost. Her brilliant third full-length album Laugh Now, Cry Later arrived on January 30th and its thrilling blend of R&B, jazz, psych, and pop has yielded one of the surprise breakout albums of the year.
For her exclusive guest DJ mix for Midnight in a Perfect World, Neon Ion navigates a sweet spot between jazz, R&B, and soul music. Neon Ion had this to share in regards to her picks: “I wanted to bring you along for a ride into my universe and show you what I love to lend my ears to when I need to listen to something good. The mix is jazzy, filled with finesse, soulful, edgy and vocal driven. Spoken word, alternative R&B, and some of my own tunes all woven together. It was a true pleasure to create it and I hope it gives you all some peace in these crazy times.”
| Artist | Title |
|---|---|
| Midnight in a Perfect World | Intro |
| Alice Coltrane | Journey in Satchidananda |
| SZA | Snooze |
| Among Savages | I Say F It |
| Mereba | Phone Me |
| Orbits | Blood Red Sky (OKIOK Remix) |
| Yussef Dayes | Marching Band (feat. Masego) |
| Venna | Twisting (feat. Leon Thomas) |
| Sampha | Spirit 2.0 |
| Khruangbin + Leon Bridges | Mariella |
| H.E.R. | Avenue |
| Hiatus Kaiyote | Get Sun (feat. Arthur Verocai) |
| SOYUZ (СОЮ3) | Spring Has Sprung (feat. Asha Puthli & Sven Wunder) |
| Little Dragon | Right Where You Belong |
| Aja Monet | Give My Regards to Brooklyn |
| Neon Ion | Desert Bloom |
Midnight in a Perfect World, KEXP's weekly hour-long guest DJ show, airs Fridays at midnight. This multi-genre program features eclectic sets by a rotating cast of international and local DJ's, each building upon a party vibe to kick off your weekend. Midnight in a Perfect World is made possible with support from New Belgium Brewing.
Portland-based artist Kennebec shares a blissful and meditative guest DJ mix for Midnight in a Perfect World featuring artists and songs that have influenced his own music creation over the years.
German musician Apparat shares an immersive guest DJ mix that reflects his own adventurous and sophisticated electronic music.
Fresh off the release of their sophomore album, The Olympians share a wonderful collection heavy on '70s-era psychedelic soul, R&B, funk, and folk rock.
