A decade on from his debut release, one of Romania’s finest cultural exports returns to his favourite stomping ground with a trans- mission that showcases variety, technical skill and an intimate understanding of the dynamics of the floor. The stripped-down, moody menace of ‘The Swindle’ kicks things off, dancing semi- quavers panning left and right, a mysterious male voice incanting. A bass synth motif carries the tune to a climax before its buoyant, trancey conclusion. At all times, elements unfold organically, carrying the listener away. ‘Rotate’ casts a busier, jacking vibe, its analogue synth cycles pinging against each other. Glimmering layers of sound create an endlessly immersive, deadly deep groove. ‘Feed Me’ is slower, slinkier and rougher in equal measure. The sustained synths create a gliding sensation, the male vocal first mellifluous and sung then husky and spoken. ‘Chance’ is a shuffling, fizzing deep house groove, precision-tooled for the dance- floor. “Let it take control” urges a male voice. Sound advice for this deliciously hypnotic groove.
mihai popoviciu
Hipodrome playlist for 716 Music
Hipodrome’s 2013 Review (Part 1 of 3)
This post is about the followers of my blog and the most successful posts, the releases that gathered the most likes and clicks in 2013 from my visitors.
Mihai Popoviciu – Sortable EP [PR005]
Mihai Popoviciu joined the team for the fifth vinyl release of the Popcorn Records’ fabric. The record starts with Sortable, evolving with a deep vibe around a subtle patch that conveys you in weightlessness. The whole theme is sprinkled with a synth that unconsciously reminds you the cue of a famous pink comic of your childhood. D’Julz made a rework using all the elements in a total different way, focusing on the drum’s effects. On the B face, Blur close this records with melodic patches and slight strings flying around a deep bass for a perfect summer result.
Mihai Popoviciu – Running In Circles [DES114]
Dessous Recordings, home of all things deep and contemporary, return with more exceptional House sounds from the hand of Mihai Popoviciu. The young Romanian has been making great waves in the electronic scenes of late, particularly with releases on top-flight labels like Poker Flat and Highgrade. Here, Dessous treats us to something special – 4 tracks of grooving, cutting edge dance music sure to set crowds alight this summer.
Lose Control #3 @ Mai Caffee Lounge (Sibiu) 26.04.2013
Mihai Popoviciu – Decimals [HIGHGRADE128]
The German label Highgrade Records presents its new release Decimals, that comes from the hands of one of it’s most loyal fighters, the Romanian DJ and producer Mihai Popoviciu. The EP includes four tech house tracks, with elegance and dancing reunited in this new release of one of the most powerful labels from the tech house scene.
Hipodrome’s 2012 Review (Part II)
The second part of my review of 2012 is dedicated to the best events and performances I attended this year. Part I was published some weeks ago and includes the preferences of our followers.
Mihai Popoviciu – The Point [CYC004]
Cyclic Records stands for groove. Born in Romania in 2012 and run by Mihai Popoviciu, the label is focused on high quality dancefloor music, mostly ranging from house to techno. Mihai had an intense career as a dj and producer before taking the challenge of creating an outlet for the music that he likes and for his own productions.
Weekend in Paris
France is the country providing one of the highest number of users to my blog, second only to Germany. Taking this into consideration, I’ve made this post. I’m traveling this weekend to Paris, for some “sightseeing” and of course for some parties. If you are following The Hipodrome Of Music and you what to meet for a beer, chat or for some partying, let me know. Send me an email at hipodrome.blog@gmail.com or just leave a comment here on this page.
Signals @ KulturCafe Sigi (Sibiu) 09.03.2012
VA – No Control [EB001]
This was supposed to be the first release on the sub-label Exposed Black, from the parent net label Exposed Audio, but was never released. Tracks from Das Komitee, Masstyk, Mihai Popoviciu, The Model and Toygun. This was compiled by Jay Bliss in 2006.
Exposed @ Kultur Cafe (Sibiu) 07.05.2011
Signals @ Kultur Cafe (Sibiu) 22.04.2011
Hermannstadt Collective Feat. Markus Homm – Midnight Fun [3120015]

Thirtyonetwenty welcomes on the 15th release the Romanian duo Hermannstadt Collective, aka Mihai Popoviciu and Jay Bliss, and this time Markus Homm joins them. “Midnight Fun” is a homage to classic Detroit dance tracks with an up-to-date feel. The original comes along with a dub version and a remix from Olderic & Alex Piccini.
Mihai’s 30th & Bye Bye Tinis @ UNIT (Sibiu) 02.04.2011
Sambata, pe 2 Aprilie, la UNIT, aniversam 30 de ani de Mihai Popoviciu si totodata ne vom lua, din nou, ramas bun de la dragul nostru Tinis. Veniti alaturi de noi sa le uram “La multi ani!” sau drum bun, dupa caz.
De muzica se vor ocupa Mihai Popoviciu, Das Komitee, Jay Bliss, Toygun si Ciprian Popa.
Signals @ Oldies Pub Strand (Sibiu) 25.03.2011
Popoviciu, Leader & ToyGun – Front Groove [HUDD033]
New release on the English label Hudd Traxx, featuring two groovy house cuts from label boss Eddie Leader and the Romanians Mihai Popoviciu and ToyGun.
Mihai Popoviciu – Trapped in Brakets [HIGHGRADE087]
New release from the Romanian Mihai Popoviciu on Berliner label Highgrade Records with three tech-house tracks, dance floor oriented . “Trapped in Brakets” has deep chords with a detroit influence. “Second Scale” is a modern cut firecracker in the production. Closing the EP is “Advice”, a cut with a vintage flavor.