ābnamā: The ‘Wednesday Alternative’ Mix

5 Minute Read

Music

An emerging DJ from Berlin delivers two hours of power recorded live at Body Language.

Berlin can be a little crowded – that’s why it’s always exciting to see a DJ move through the ranks and cement their place amidst the melting pot.

ābnamā has been building a reputation – playing at parties around the city, some well known and others for those in the know.

Appearances at the likes of Buttons, Cocktail d’Amore and Body Language have helped to cement an identity as a fierce, fast paced selector with a unique style. It was at Body Language that this mix was recorded, a wild two hours of vinyl only madness which we can only imagine blew the roof off.

ābnamā is also involved in the running of queer party DUMP and formerly Climax. Originally from Tehran and now based in the German capital – we anticipate that you might be seeing a lot more from ābnamā over the coming years and judging by this mixtape… if you do you better dress to sweat.

Listen and read the interview below:

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

My name is ruze and I DJ as ābnamā. I live in Berlin via Tehran.

What does your music sound like? Can you draw what you think it sounds like for us (an image from the old internet is acceptable)?

Hmm like well maintained machines found in a tropical wasteland, which still work but whose function is either long forgotten or entirely irrelevant.

Can I send a pic of my favourite plant instead? it’s definitely had quite a bit of influence on my sound.

Where was the mix recorded?

It was recorded live at Body Language, a wonderful queer night in Berlin run by three amazing women.

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

The dancefloor at Body Language would’ve been ideal but second best would be on a long bike ride

What should we be wearing?

A one piece swimsuit should be appropriate.

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

For dance music I prefer live recordings or at least b2bs so there’s something of the playful give and take in the recording process

Which track in the mix is your current favourite?

Hell – This Is For You (Decksharks Mix)

What’s your favourite recorded mix of all time?

Ooh that’s too hard, lately I’ve been listening a lot to Carlos Souffront. Also hearing anything from OKO DJ is always a delight.

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

Ron Like Hell, he’s been a big inspiration the past couple of years and we share a lot musically. Also Kiernan Laveaux even though she’s happily crossed off my b2b bucket list.

What was your first DJ set up at home and what is it now?

A Traktor of course! Now it’s a pair of 1210s, XDJ 700s and a XONE 62.

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

Probably one somewhere in the last 30-40 min, “everything leading up to the last track” is a narrative arch I’ve been trying to free myself from.

What were the first and last records you bought?

First was Miss Nicky Trax – Sweet Sensation, last one Mike Dreben/ D. Knox – Untitled

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

Feijoa, bitter mints and licorice or maybe an inadvertent sip of sea water.

If it was an animal what would it be?

A badger.

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

K.A. POSSE – Our Love Stops and Goes

Upcoming in the world of…

I’m headed to Whole Festival later this month alongside DIRTY DADDY DON, where we’ll represent our collective DUMP which will also be hosting a night in Berlin at our favourite basement, Untertage on August 19th.

After that in September, dearest friend Jacka/Rrrkrta of Brutaz and I will have the first edition of a night we’ve been fantasizing about called ‘Trivial Pursuits’ where we’ll freely tend to only the most urgent of trivial matters…