DT963 – Life on Planets

Life on Planets steps into the Data Transmission Podcast this week with a bag full of soul, groove and proper late-night movement.

Baltimore-bred singer, songwriter, guitarist and dance music wanderer Phill Celeste has carved out his own lane as Life on Planets, moving between house, R&B, funk, soul, reggae and live performance without losing sight of the dancefloor. His music has found homes on Wolf + Lamb, Soul Clap Records, Classic, Defected, Tuskegee, No Art and more, with his roots stretching back through the warehouses of Baltimore and the underground scenes that shaped him.

His latest move lands him in the Desert Hearts universe, teaming up with the collective on their new single ‘This Is The Place’, out now via Desert Hearts Records. Built around a deep, melodic tech house groove, Life on Planets brings the human touch with rhythmic vocals, funky guitar work and that loose, communal energy that has always sat at the heart of Desert Hearts.

It is a fitting link-up. Desert Hearts have spent over a decade building a label, festival and global community around freedom, connection and dancefloor togetherness, while Life on Planets has long carried that same spirit through his own records and performances.

For his Data Transmission Podcast, he keeps that feeling moving. Across the mix, he rolls through warm house pressure, classic vocal touches, bumping basslines and soulful cuts from Nick Holder, Tom Flynn, Todd Terry, Moodymann, Detroit Rising, Elements of Life, Paul Johnson, Octave One and more. There are basement moments, rooftop lifts and enough swing in the drums to keep things loose.

There is also a nod to the new single, with Desert Hearts and Life on Planets’ ‘This Is The Place’ sitting right where it should, in the middle of a set built on groove, connection and records that still feel alive.

Lock in and let Life on Planets take control.

Sum up this podcast in 10 words…

Deep classic funky nighttime sun. Acceptance, freedom, self-realisation. Spirit. 

What’s your personal favourite track on it?

The Way U Love Me by Marc Evans as remixed by DJ Spen. Timeless.

What’s the special ingredient in this mix?

Baltimore vibes courtesy of James Nasty and Mateyo just in time for Black Music Month! Check out Wave with a reminder for who we have to thank for dance music today.

Tell us about your next release?

New new in the mix with Desert Hearts, This is The Place. Its about how safe spaces can allow us to express our true selves. That freedom can allow us to hold space for others to do the same. Much love to Mikey and Marbs for the opportunity.

What have you got coming up?

Dirtybird x Northern Nights in California. Will be a fun time in the woods with old homies. Also remixes of my joint I Do What I Do with Guri are coming out six years after we released the optimistic jam during pandemic.

And finally, do you have a special message for our readers?

Remind the people you love that they’re not alone. Very thankful for my friends and family for helping me stay hopeful during these strange times. May all find joy and peace!

Tracklist

Nick Holder – The Message Is Love
Tom Flynn – Do You Like Bass
Lidell Townsell – Nu Nu (Todd Terry Club Mix)
Desert Hearts & Life on Planets – This Is The Place
Detroit Rising – Don’t Stop the Feeling (Jimpster Dub)
Dave Aju & Rodney – We Still Dancin (OG Vocal Mix)
Elements of Life feat. Josh Milan – Live Your Life for Today (Sean Mccabe Dub Remix Mix)
Guri & Life On Planets – I Do What I Do (Guri & Eider Remix)
Moodymann – I Can’t Kick This Feeling (Homero Espinosa Tuff Mix)
Darryl D’Bonneau – It’s the Spirit (83 West Vocal Remix)
Life on Planets, James Nasty & Mateyo – WAVE (We Up)
Ben Sims – Love
Tiga – Always
Paul Johnson – Dance With Me (Patrick Topping Remix)
Octave One feat. Random Noise Generation – Whatever She Wants (The ReDub)
Marc Evans – The Way U Love Me (DJ Spen’s Killer Klub Mix)