‍

‍

“Just one of those things, man.” That’s how Gerardo opens this second set, part two of the Open Format session. Where part one found balance in warmth and groove, this half leans into instinct. No pre-plan, no structure, just a sonic flow that starts with movement and lands somewhere near introspection. Vic’s sitting back again, ready to be surprised, and Gerardo’s already queuing up the first track. “We’re gonna turn it up a little bit… then slow it back down,” he says. It’s the classic party formula, the hype before the comedown, and somewhere between both, the heart of this set reveals itself.

‍

Top Picks

Perfection — Senpu × Ronderful
A collab straight out of France and Canada, this track blends lush electronic tones with understated soul. Gerardo lights up describing how Ronderful handled the entire production while Senpu carried the vocals, “one of those duo records you hope Soulection finds.” Vic catches that vibe instantly, comparing it to Kaytranada or Esta-type grooves. It’s bright, clean, and effortlessly smooth, the kind of joint that makes you feel good about life. “He’s vibin’ with a chick on the dance floor, for sure,” Vic jokes — and he’s right. This one radiates lightness, the sonic equivalent of a good summer finally slowing into night.

‍

Big Head — 8RO8
“Bro-eight? Brob? Whatever it is, they went crazy.” The guys crack up trying to say the artist’s name, but once the beat drops, the confusion stops. Born out of Hawaii’s underground scene, Big Head is everything SoundCloud used to be, raw, playful, packed with unexpected bars. “I got a big head and she knows it,” Vic repeats, laughing at the confidence. They point out the collective’s chemistry, how each verse hands off to the next like relay runners. No pretension, just energy. “Sometimes that’s the best kind of record,” Gerardo says. “No label, no PR, just vibes.”

‍

Aura Blu — Flower Child ft. Elu Jay
This one slows the tempo and deepens the mood. Gerardo calls Flower Child “the best artist I’ve found out of all 16,” and it’s easy to hear why. With a vocal tone reminiscent of Brent Faiyaz, but “a little less sad,” Vic adds — Aura Blu floats somewhere between chill R&B and dreamlike soul. Elu Jay’s verse adds that Bay-area warmth, tying the sound back to the show’s roots. The conversation turns reflective; both hosts admit they’re drawn to consistency and craft, the type of artist who grows quietly in the background until the world finally catches on.

‍

By the time Aura Blu fades, the whole studio feels softer. The pace slows, laughter mellows, and Gerardo signs off the same way he began, casually, almost like he’s mid-conversation. “That concludes episode six, part two,” he says. Vic chimes in, “Kudos to him for this list.” What started as an experiment ends up one of the most balanced sessions of the season, equal parts party and reflection. No genre needed. Just two curators trusting the moment, reminding everyone that sometimes, the best sets are the ones you never plan.

‍