Djoser: The Ransom Note Mix

5 Minute Read

Music

An innovative DC based producer blurs the lines between styles with a killer mixtape.

Djoser is the moniker of Egyptian-born producer Shady Daoud. Now based in Washington DC he has risen to prominence through his singular approach to sound design which draws upon influences from Bass and Dubstep alongside his studies of Nubian music. As such, the end result is often fascinating and frantic, his sound unique and unnerving on the dancefloor in the best way.

His last release came out on the prominent record label 3024, the imprint run by Martyn. This in and of itself demonstrates the pedigree of his sound and his careful attention to detail having garnered the respect of a figurehead of the local scene and a renowned musician on the global circuit.

More recently we received a promo copy of his new EP on Loosee which has been on heavy rotation and picked up by a number of DJ’s in the know ever since.

All of this bodes very promisingly for an artist we expect is destined for big things – this mixtape is a statement of intent and we are delighted to welcome him to the series. Watch out..

Who are you, where are you and what are you?

My name is Shady Daoud and I go by Djoser. I’m a DJ/producer based just outside of Washington DC, in Alexandria, Virginia.

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)?

I tend to steer more towards low ends and percussive elements with my sound and I think this painting by Rabat Tantawy is what I think my music sound like.

“Collision” A Collaboration with Artist Fink.22

By Rabat Tantawy

Where was the mix recorded?

At home in my living room where I have my decks and my records.

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

Pregaming for a party or on your commute back home from work. I wouldn’t listen to this mix at home while I’m trying to unwind lol.

What should we be wearing?

Wear whatever makes you feel comfortable.

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

I prefer to record mixes alone with just the right amount of volume. I enjoy that because I can really get in the groove of things. But I would also be open to the idea of recording a long-extended set at an outdoor festival somewhere cool (weather wise). Nice balanced sound system would be nice.

Which track in the mix is your current favourite?

Pleading the fifth.

What’s your favourite recorded mix of all time?

Kowton’s Fact Mix 515. I’ve listened to that mix numerous amounts of times and If I’m traveling somewhere in the car, I would always put that mix in my road trip playlist. Phenomenal mix from beginning to end.

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

I can’t think of one DJ from the past but I’d pick a current DJ like Simo Cell. I love his music and his mixes. His style is very eclectic, and his range is pretty large so I think going back to back with him would be super fun.

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

My first DJ set up at home was a cracked copy of Traktor on my old HP laptop and a small Vestax controller that had these odd EQ slide faders (instead of knobs).

Right now I have two Pioneer XDJ 700s, Stanton 2 channel mixer, one turntable and KRK monitors (recently demoted from production monitors to DJ monitors).

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

I think they’re equally important, but I find that I spend longer time searching for the track to end on.

What were the first and last records you bought?

First record was really cool Dub record by Paul St. Hilaire called Drifting Along. Found it at a local used record shop while browsing through their reggae/dancehall section. Sadly that record store is no longer there but I heard that they moved to North Carolina before the pandemic. Last record I bought was Ecko Bazz latest LP title “Mmaso” which is such a sick record.

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

Salt and vinegar chips.

If it was an animal what would it be?

A Hyena

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

I think there is always a way to mix any record into anything you just gotta find that way.

Upcoming in the world of…

New EP “Expand” is out now and I have a few remixes and other projects in the works right now so stay tuned. Upcoming gigs I usually post those on my socials so follow me @djoserdc (IG/twitter)

Anything else we need to discuss?

Don’t think so. Thanks for having me…