Zaida: The ‘Wednesday Alternative’ Mix

We know Atlanta’s underground dance music scene is thriving; besides the DIY spaces and the freedom and energy on the dance floors, there’s are diverse pool of creatives at the forefront who are steering the scene out of relative obscurity and onto the global map.

While putting a lens on the movements in the city last year, through the eyes of Ryan Parks AKA Fit Of Body and Gabby Afable, we were tipped off on another new name — producer and DJ Zaida. 

After combing her soundcloud and rinsing her mixes, which include an instalment for Discwoman that celebrated the collective identity of both Atlanta’s scene and her contemporarys in Nashville and Knoxville, we wanted to hear more of Zaida’s sonic storytelling.

This resounds through her mix for us which, as well as featuring her own productions – some that were finished especially for this mix, captures the way that she’d conduct the dance floor and has us pining for the clubs to return…

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

I’m a producer and DJ based in Atlanta, GA, USA. I’ve worn a lot of nightlife hats over the years but this is my calling now. 

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)? 

My music is, if anything, just an illustration of what I would like a dance floor and vibe to be. I like anything that sounds feminine, sexy, and a little dramatic.  

Where was the mix recorded?

In my bedroom studio! It’s a headphone recording for sure.

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

Honestly? On a night time drive, this would bang. Or even in your room with one window open, taking in the night breeze. It’s versatile but it’s definitely grown.

What should we be wearing?

I’d say dress comfortably – a solid pair of sweats or anything with movement is ideal. I recorded this in a pair of mom jeans though.

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

My dream setting would be at a gig! I miss the club as much as anyone else, but there is nothing quite like the rush of conducting a dance floor.

Which track in the mix is your current favourite?

The opener – that’s an unreleased track by me – and the closer – it’s called ‘Ripping Apart’ by Tomu DJ, a dear friend and honestly a talent that everyone should be watching. Her quarantine catalogue is crazy iconic.

What’s your favourite recorded mix of all time?

Lucas Rodenbush at Osaka – you’ll hear the influences in this one fr.

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

It would have to be a joyful occasion cause I’m not a douche. It would be nice to DJ a VMA after party, back when things like that were exciting!

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

A single two channel mixer that I broke, one CDJ-1000 that was barely working, a serato box, and a super fucking old macbook. I now use a Pioneer XDJ-RX2 and its all I’ll ever need. It’s like playing on CDJ 2000s at a discounted rate!

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

Always the start — if the lift off ain’t good, the flight is bound to be bumpy.

What were the first and last records you bought?

The first record I bought was Fever to Tell by Yeah Yeah Yeahs. The last record I bought was Lost Tape EP by XDB

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

That really good coconut juice in the green and white can.

If it was an animal what would it be?

A tiny horse.

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

Anything by Nicholas Brittell, because it’s mainly film scores. I listen to film scores more than anything really. 

Upcoming in the world of … 

I’m working on an EP, no idea when it will be done but it will be my dance music debut. I can’t wait to share it with the world and hopefully, people fuck with it.

Anything else we need to discuss?

Thanks for doing this with me 🙂

Tracklist
Dance Break (unreleased) – Zaida
Gabrielle OG mix – DJ Spen
About Time – Tomu DJ
Java – Jeff Mills
Acid Wave – Fabrice Lig
Steam Room (The Way I Move) – Leonce x Neana
5/6 Drums – Eternal Sun
Jennie – Essentials
Powertool – Nikki Nair
Gotta Man? – Doctor and Davinche
Outsiders – Jeff Mills
Spiritual Encounter – DMX Krew
Gate Output – DMX Krew
Pure Shores (OG Mix) – Bok Bok
Official Girl – Cassie
Herbal Essences – Leonce x Neana
Bet You (unreleased) – Zaida
Amnezia – Helix
Unreleased – Zaida
Ripping Apart – Tomu DJ

Follow Zaida.