A special guest-mix series where DJs are invited to create a soundtrack for tomorrow's days. Next up: Amsterdam-based producer & DJ LAZA.
Every Mixed Feelings podcast is accompanied by a few questions that provide a little insight into the DJ and the mix they've prepared for us and for you.
Which feelings do we find bottled in this mix?
It's a very joyous mix which I guess really reflects the last couple of months where things have finally opened up again (at least on this side of the world), and it's been fruitful. You can taste the possibility in the air and feel it in the energy of the people. You're basically listening to the last couple of years' melancholy's sweet aftertaste if that makes any sense. It's a celebration of life. Also, it's a celebration of my newest release "Elements" EP on INI Movement (June 10th). I've incorporated both tracks of this two-tracker in the mix as well. "Ferrum" is a track from before covid whereas "Sunburst" is a track that I've made in the midst of the pandemic. The music I've made in these couple of years along with the music I've found and played throughout are the glue between the cracks of these crazy times. It keeps it all together and really it keeps me busy and sane.
What message does the music you play convey?
To come back to the previous question I guess the tracks I select oftentimes carry a sense of joy, warmth, hope and a positive and forceful energy of endless possibility. I hope this mix puts a smile on your face and gives you the energy to do whatever it is you do. Music has always been that for me throughout the course of my life and I wish to carry that out whenever I can.
How is the mix reflecting your current music taste?
This mix ranges from anything between more soulful/jazzy to the more housey/electronic styles. Be it more soft/deep or more on the forceful side, whatever it is I'm listening to you, I guess you'll always be able to hear some some of that soul, jazz or funk. You'll hear lots of grooves, breaks, synths. Soothing, uplifting or triggering sounds that invite you to pay attention or to dance of course. There's always a certain sincereness to it I feel.
Who should release a new album/EP already?
This is a very tough one but if can quickly name a few, I'm always curious to see what Hiatus Kaiyote or Thundercat will release next. The creativity and musicality found there is ridiculous. On the more electronic side I really like what Space Ghost has been releasing, Javonntte's recent release was dope as well and Byron the Aquarius always comes through. I recommend everyone to check out Aleq's Notal his work for sure. Also curious to hear what Chaos In The CBD are cooking up next. There are too many great names out there though, hard to say!
What's magical about music?
Words can't describe what music can. It tells a story that can't be told. It can set you in the mood like nothing else. It's the soundtrack to our daily life that connects us and enables us to build bridges. A deeper energy that brings people together. If that's not magical then I don't know what is.
What is your main source for finding new music?
Streaming services, Bandcamp, Social Media, 🏴☠️ *Pirate noises* 🏴☠️, Record Stores
If the mix would be a soundtrack, what (kind of) movie/video/audio-visual content would support it best?
Though one! Let's say that If the summer could be captured in a movie then this mix could definitely be an accompanying soundtrack.
Tracklist:
Zeitgeist Freedom Energy Exchange - Rendezvous (Close Counters Lazer Tag Flip)
Raf Reza - Why You Gotta?
Funkineven & Fatima - West 2 East
The Sunburst Band - Trust Me ft Vivienne McKone (DJ Spinna Nostalgic Future Vocal)
Chez Damier - Sometimes I Feel Like ft Ron Trent
Just 4 Groovers - I Got Jazz In My Soul
Vick Lavender - Cosmic Love (Ft. Angel A.)
Zeitgeist Freedom Energy Exchange - Still Swag (Swag On ‘Em Byron The Aquarius Deep Dub Mix)
LAZA - Sunburst
Charles Dockins - Our Day (Doug Gomez and CDock Infusion Vocal Mix)
Steffi - Yours
LAZA - Ferrum
Louie Vega - Seven Mile (Ft. Moodymann)
Szajna - Szajna Is Sweeter
Kush Jones - DREAM OF GROOVE
Dutchie - Look Down