After a short hiatus to focus on our 20 Years Of Phonica celebrations the Off The Record mix series is now back! Stepping up for our 44th mix in the series and closing it out for the year is a selector, event runner and radio-host that has been making scenes in the celebrated European capital of clubbing; Berlin for years now. Maryama Luccioni aka Maryisonacid is recognised for pushing her event series and label African Acid Is The Future(alongside long time partner in crime Dauwd) as well as hosting her show Comme à la Radio on Berlin’s Refuge radio! For this mix Maryama takes us on a in dept look into her selections from mellow to driving club sounds. Think of it as an all night long set summarised in the best way over an hour and a half!
Hey Maryiama, thanks for joining us! Can you tell us about your mix and what the idea behind it was?
Thanks a lot for inviting me. I hope many people will enjoy it. The idea was pretty simple; I wanted to bring together the best moments from my club experiences this year, highlighting the memorable and surprising moments
Can you tell us a bit about how you usually approach recording a mix or a set?
Lately, I’ve been more open to releasing my mixes. It felt important, post-pandemic hiatus, to be a little less discreet and share more of my work. I am a very “go with the flow” person and do not like to plan too much ahead. It is a more challenging exercise for me to ensure I maintain the same touch of spontaneity when recording a mix. I try to gather a variety of tracks and sound layers that can add density or a sense of humor to the mix experience. As a DJ, I love drawing inspiration from others and not just staying in my sonic periphery. I appreciate DJ mates or friends sharing their favorites with me, allowing me to include them in my work. I usually take it to the studio and then record when I feel like I have enough. This year has been the year of more club-oriented mixes; I feel like, after a few years, people realized I could do that too.
What are your preferred methods for finding new music—do you still enjoy digging around in dusty crates, or do you prefer to buy online?
I will always buy records, sometimes more sporadically than others. I systematically check record shops during my travels, which is obviously a privilege and a chance to broaden my experience and come across treasures. I equally spend the same amount of time digging online, especially for club assets. I buy records with a focus on collecting music that is timeless and part of my daily life.
What advice would you give to any DJ’s or Producers just starting out?
For the past two years, I have been hosting workshops in association with Refuge Worldwide radio and ‘Roots’ in Berlin, who trusted me to introduce my work to a younger generation of DJs and producers, with a priority for BIPOC participants. This has been very fulfilling for me to connect with the youth and reflect with them on my past or ongoing experiences as a mixed-race woman living in Berlin for 13 years and growing as a touring DJ worldwide. I always tell them not to be obsessed with their image or getting all the expensive gear. Stay focused on the music, take small gigs even if you don’t feel ready, trust your own taste and sound; we all evolve, right? Most of all, have a sense of humor in your work. It humbles you and carries you through the difficulties of existing in a crowded field. Making and playing music should be fun for you and the ones receiving it. Final advice: Listen and share always.
What is your dream setting for a DJ set?
A good, appropriate sound system, no high stage, no stupid lights, no barriers, minimal security…
What do you have up your sleeve for 2024?
African Acid Is The Future, my night and label, will be 10 years old in 2024. I am so humbled and happy about this journey. There will be plenty to share with the world —new releases, touring to new areas of the globe, a garment line started in Ivory Coast, some surprises, a residency in Tresor Berlin. Maybe we can talk about it again next year?
