DJ Carl Michaels Presents: 10 Songs to Get You Through This Winter Stretch


Have the winter blues? It's nothing a little music from Kelly Ann, Kylie and JHud can't fix.

Have the winter blues? It’s nothing a little music from Kim Ann, Kylie and JHud can’t fix.

I know I always crow about the weather, but this winter thing is for the birds. Every winter I do the same thing to myself: fall into a funk and then scramble to find ways to push through it without hiding under my covers for three months. This year’s formula is plenty of vitamin D, the occasional trip to the tanning bed, working out (sort of), and the healing power of music.

So today I bring to you a list of tunes that are helping me kick up a spark through these last few weeks of winter—a healthy dose of underground house and dance pop featuring folks like Kylie, Jennifer Hudson and up-and-comer Kim Ann Foxman.

Check out the playlist in the videos below, and follow it on Spotify so you can blast it while you’re working out or bopping around the city. Find that here.

“Creature (Faze Action Remix)” by Kim Ann Foxman

This track defines sexy house music. Sultry vocals with a definite erotic edge are layered over space synths for a remix with a ton of sexual energy. Keep your eye on Kim Ann Foxman (formerly of Hercules & Love Affair); she is brilliant.

“Zero (Dave Aude Remix)” by Nikkole

Fun club pop with dumb lyrics but a catchy hook. Sometimes that’s all you need! Check the Spotify list for the Dave Aude Mix, which turns up the heat to scorching. You’ll forget how bad the lyrics are!

“Future (Bit Funk Remix)” by Golf Clap

Deep house with sexy undertones and a huge old-school rave piano and timeless sample. Remixers Bit Funk have taken this Detroit house tune and turned it into primetime deep house.

“Comeback” by Ella Eyre

This British singer-songwriter is all edge and she turns out this huge pop hit to release the angst of being cheated on. “They always come back …” They do, don’t they? Watch the video for the satisfaction of watching Ella and her crew trash the ex’s house. It’s cathartic.

“Elastic Heart” by Sia

Her album 1,000 Forms of Fear is hands-down one of the most brilliant, listenable pop albums to hit the streets in a long time time. Her songs can be slow and deliberate, but never sacrifice energy.

“Go All Night (Freemasons Remix)” by Gorgon City feat. Jennifer Hudson

J Hud belts on this huge club track from U.K. garage duo Gorgon City. Not leaving well enough alone, someone ordered a Freemasons remix, which sends this already amazing track into dance music orbit.

“Whenever (James Curd Remix)” by Hotlane

Formerly one-half of powerhouse indie-dance group Greenskeepers, James Curd has been churning out some of seriously sublime house music. This time he remixes some German indie business to create a perfect track for your lazy beach days (they’ll be here soon, promise).

“All Night” by Parov Stelar

Chances are you haven’t heard music like this before. A surprisingly refreshing combo of swing, jazz, house and electro, this Austrian producer brings you some of the coolest beats to get you bouncing around with abandon. Think Mardi Gras meets Miami.

“Right Here, Right Now” by Giorgio Moroder feat. Kylie Minogue

This is a match made in club heaven. The pioneer of modern dance music teamed with true pop royalty. This one mixes Moroder’s signature ethereal soundscape with a classic Kylie europop vocal. Sultry, sophisticated perfection.

“Ghost” by Mystery Skulls

Brilliant electronica pop that always makes its way into my DJ set. Good music for when you just want to be left alone—like on a miserable winter’s day. This track carries enough energy and angst to keep you energized in that “fuck everything” kind of way. Watch the video for some Scooby Doo realness.