I’m not a big sports fan. I like rugby because it’s basically a bunch of hunky men prone to lying down suddenly on their stomachs and slowly but forcefully humping each other. Basketball is fun because the men are like giant, sweaty ballerinas, and I like watching diving for obvious reasons.
I am a fan of exercise, though! That’s a sport, right? One thing that makes working out impossible, however, is a lack of music. If I don’t have music blasting into my ears while I’m jogging or lifting soup cans, then it’s not happening.

A good friend of mine tells me Whitney Houston’s “Star-Spangled Banner” is the song that really makes him sweat. I need a bit more of a beat, so at right is a list of songs that make me pump. It. Up.

Nicki Minaj, "Pound the Alarm"
Yes, the album is kind of a big, loud dud, but this track is absolute rocket fuel.

Jupiter, "One O Six"
This highly addictive and super-chunky song from French-English duo Jupiter is a piece of electro-funk disco that might have you jumping off the treadmill.

Scissor Sisters, "Only the Horses (Calvin Harris Extended Mix)"
This song could seriously last for 20 minutes
and you wouldn’t hear me complaining.

Martin Solveig, "The Night Out (Madeon Remix)"
Madonna’s latest producer just released an EP with this track on it; you’ll be lifting double when it comes on.

Azealia Banks, "Fuck Up the Fun"
A new Diplo-produced, funked-up dance track from the loudmouth MC who brought us “212.” Sit-ups suddenly become easy with this.

Tristan Ledingham
Tristan Ledingham’s music won’t help you sweat physically — but maybe emotionally. The cute-as-a-button Toronto singer/songwriter and 2012 Queer Idol finalist loves sweeping, Alanis-style pop numbers and over-the-top lyrical statements like “I declare a war on the human psyche” in “Crash Into Me.” His debut of the same name is dramatic stuff. The boy has got a lot of angst, but if you need a record to work out your tear ducts, this could be the ticket.

Working on being hip

One man who is always able to give my music library a good workout is Toronto publicist, DJ and gorgeous-fellow-about-town Max Mohenu. Just back from a trip to New York, he recommends a few cute bands to check out, and I approve of each one. Highly recommended freshness!

AlunaGeorge A London duo that defies genres. Layers of blippy dance-pop swirl with smooth and soulful Santigold-ish oddity.

Selebrities Brooklyn summer pop with goth twists.

Mister Lies Chicago’s Nick Zanca makes wonderfully woozy,
soul-injected dance music.
—Phil Villeneuve

Check out Max Mohenu’s Diamond Atlas music nights for
new and exciting artists. facebook.com/diamondatlas