Elias Mazian: The Ransom Note Mix

Based in Amsterdam Elias Mazian is a well known face. He has released an eclectic series of forward thinking house and electronics and has become a keen member of the Red Light Radio family. We had the pleasure of hosting him on the beach at The Crave festival in The Hague a few weeks back and were wholeheartedly impressed with his eclectic portrayal of wandering hip hop, funk, soul, disco and house. A talented disc jockey and a charming man. 

This month marked the release of a new EP from Elias on Mitchell Street Records – the imprint based in Glasgow run by Jasper James. It showcased a moody take on deep house and electro and followed on from previous appearances on Voyage Direct. It was a thoughtful reflection on the present state of modern electronics and marked a left of centre approach to the dancefloor – yet with distinctive drive. 

We asked Elias to record a mix as part of our main series and we are delighted with what's shown up…

Listen and read the interview below: 

Please introduce yourself… Who are you, where are you and what are you?

Hello there, I'm Elias Mazian from Amsterdam. I am a resident DJ at De School , make music throughout the week and I host a morning radioshow called Private Hearts on Red Light Radio where I focus on music I want to hear when I wake up (I am NOT a morning person).

What does your music sound like? 

I try to go for the right emotion at the right time. 

Where was the mix recorded?

At the Amsterdam club Claire while we had the highest temperatures ever recorded in the Netherlands. 39.4 degrees to be exact. I am happy the airco was working. 

What would be the ideal setting to listen to the mix?

At the end of a hot summer day with a long night ahead of you.

What should we be wearing?

Whatever suits you best. 

What would be your dream setting to record a mix: Location/system/format?

On top of the Eiffel Tower during sunset. (Yes I saw that PNL video)

Which track in the mix is your current favourite?

There are a lot of favourites in there. Tom Trago's 'Saudade' really hits the me in an emotional way. I also love everything K-Lone is doing lately, especially his fresh approach to dub music. The Samo DJ mix of my own track is also very dope. There is also a tune in there by my good friend Philou Louzolo from Rotterdam. It's the upcoming release from his new imprint Wokoundou and it's SICK! 

If you could go back to back with any DJ from throughout history, who would it be and why?

I don't think I could add anything to their greatness so let's just skip that back to back and join the dancefloor.

What’s more important, the track you start on or the track you end on?

Both of them are important cause they need each other.

What were the first and last records you bought?

My first record was the album 'Baby, One More Time' by an artist called Britney Spears. The last record I bought was "Sinner' by Moodymann.

If this mix was an edible thing, what would it taste like?

A meze filled with delicious bites. 

If it was an animal what would it be?

A manatee, just floating around. Satisfied and happy.

One record in your collection that is impossible to mix into anything?

Dinosaur L – Go Bang. That drummer was onto something. You should still mix it though, it's great! 

Upcoming in the world of… 

A special pop project coming at the end of the year and another EP. I'm playing Panorama Bar for the first time august 23 and a week later I'm travelling to India for a tour! I never would have dreamed that music would take me to these places.

Buy the new EP HERE and follow Elias on Facebook HERE.