Panorama Bar resident and Love On The Rocks label head Paramida joins us for the 92nd edition of the Phonica Mix Series.
Since moving to Berlin in 2010, Paramida has become a key figure in the cities ever-expanding electronic music scene. Her label Love On The Rocks was born in 2014 and has gone on to release music from artists such as Massimiliano Pagliara, Telephones, Fantastic Man, Elles & Violet, Alex Kassian and more, not forgetting her own debut EP ‘Dream Ritual’ which features a heavyweight set of remixes from Eris Drew & Octo Octa and Youandewan.
Hey Paramida, thanks for joining us! Can you tell us about your recording and what the idea was behind it…
The idea was to give a glimpse of what I could possibly play in a DJ set. All the records played in that mix I bought before my last gig at Panorama Bar in December.
Could you tell us a little bit about your background, perhaps where you grew up and what first got you interested in music?
Growing up in many different places, music has always played an important role in my life. As a kid, I was collecting CDs and would hit CD shops in every city. As a teenager, the Frankfurt metropolitan area was a very significant place because of Robert Johnson. Visits to Berlin between 2005 and 2010 and experiencing the crazy nightlife at an early stage also paved my path.
Can you tell us a bit about your label, Love On The Rocks?
LOTR started in 2014 and it’s as an experiment in musical exploration, embracing artists both known and unknown, music both old and new; through re-issues of lesser-known tracks discovered by me, research, digging and exchange of knowledge with friends and peers. It’s an almost forensic retreading of obscure musical paths, tracing connections between artists, tracks, moments and memories and reframing them for today’s audience and the dance floors of tomorrow. It’s also a personal project, characterised by collaboration with friends, the nurturing of relationships and new talent, defined by irreverence and unpredictability, characterised by spiritualism, psychedelia, humanity, humour and an embrace of the unknown.
Are there any exciting new releases coming this year on the label that we can look forward to?
Absolutely. Keep your eyes and ears peeled.
And what about your DJ residency at Berlin’s legendary Panorama Bar, how’s that been going?
It’s going really well with my two cats at home right now.
What’s your preferred method for finding new music – do you still enjoy digging around in dusty crates or do you prefer to buy online?
A combination of both. Whenever I get tired of one way, I can do the other. In fact, I’m coming to London next week for a gig at Fabric and I can’t wait to hit the record stores.
What does the rest of 2022 have in store for you?
I just finished my first remix for Baldo on Physical Education, which I’m really excited about. Then I have a track coming on a compilation from Frankfurt-based radio & party EOS. And then I have another track on Sepehr’s label “Shaytoon” coming out. And then finally my second EP! So music-wise 2022 is going to be really exciting.
Thanks, Paramida!
