Beautiful home listening material and steamy dance-floor grooves curated by hometown favourite Elias Mazian.
Elias Mazian is one of the undisputed tastemakers of Amsterdam’s underground scene. Weaponed with a vast musical knowledge, the colourful figure is equally at home playing soul, R&B as he is laying down deep and captivating house grooves at local spots like De School and Shelter. Furthermore, the ever versatile artist showcased yet another talent with last year’s release of his heartfelt Dutch pop album, titled ‘Vrij Van Dromen’. Over the last year, he’s kept busy with his weekly ‘Private Hearts’ show at Radio Radio, which we highly recommend you go check out, and producing new music in his studio, including a commission for a Porsche commercial and a recent EP for DGTL Records.
We, for one, cannot wait to see this guy vibing behind the decks again. With restrictions soon to be lifted in Holland, it seems it won’t be long now. In the meantime, enjoy a deep dive into his carefully selected current favs from Bandcamp.
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Words and curation by Elias Mazian.
Arooj Aftab – Mohabbat (New Amsterdam)
Let’s start with a song by Pakistan-born New York-based singer Arooj Aftab. It absolutely blew me away and spoke right into my soul. Her voice is so dreamy and imaginative, floating around the harmonium and tabla. Right into bliss.
Reymour – De Ma Tour (Knekelhuis)
Summer finally arrived in Amsterdam and this one has been on repeat for days now. I feel like I’ve known this song all my life. That is usually a good sign. For everyone that is driving to the French sun this coming weeks. This one’s for you.
Don Melody Club – Veranderd (Bongo Joe)
Pure Donzin is the solo project of Amsterdam artist Donald Madjid (member of The Mauscovic Dance Band). Armed with some synths and a Rhythm King Maestro drum machine he came up with some great Dutch songs that are right in my alley. Veranderd is my favourite! The bassline!
Fatima Al Qadiri – Medieval Femme (Hyperdub)
It feels like a musical reimagining of Arab folklore with a touch of prime Angelo Badalementi. Perfect for melancholic bike rides through the night.
Mndsgn – Hope You’re Doin’ Better (Stones Throw Records)
I think this album is Mndsgn best work. There’s some very beautiful heartfelt songwriting in there. I’m a big fan of the lush and breezy production too (Innervisions Stevie Wonder?). If your heart is broken try healing it with these songs.
CV Vision – In Time (South of North)
CV Vision is a project by Dennis Schulze. Tipped to me by the lovely Monty and it was released on South Of North, a favorite label of mine. In Time is a great song to dream away to during the carefree days we all deserve.
Chaos In The CBD – Coral Castle (In Dust We Trust)
This one is for early mornings. The dubby chords, the tight percussion and the vocal drifting in and out of the track. I can’t wait to play this one out. The whole EP is great by the way. TIP!
Bambounou – Cascade (Bambe)
The impeccable Bambounou on his own imprint Bambe with an EP filled with goodness. Cascade is a trip!
ItaloJohnson – 14b2 (Diamonds & Pearls)
These guys are masters of keeping it SIMPLE. And on this EP this is exactly what they do. 14B2 is a bomb. Minimum use of elements, maximum effect.
Evil Fred – The Evil Dance (Unknown To The Unknown)
There’s nothing evil about this one. René Pawlowitz with another of his never-ending monikers providing us with some well needed euphoria. This one is for the open airs.
Check out the list on Buy Music Club HERE.
Photo credit: Lucas van der Rhee.
