✹ Tell us more about the scene you feel a part of.
I wouldn’t say that I’m part of the scene back in Baku, simply because I’m not there as much. The nature of the scene is also quite fractured, broken into different groups that each prefer certain events. I think that is largely based on the fact that it is a developing scene and there is not much opportunity for a wide variety of events that would cater to everyone’s tastes and curiosities. But it is the lack of unity in the community that doesn’t make me feel as part of the scene, just that we are all from the same city. I’m really glad that the scene has been developing and there has been much more stuff taking place in Azerbaijan in the past years.
✹ In your opinion, how inclusive is the local scene? Is it possible for new people to become a part of it? How diverse is it in terms of participation of different minorities?
I think our community needs more diversity in sounds. And this is taking off, as there have been more events playing out different genres, and judging by the interest of the crowd, I would say that people enjoy and also want more diversity. I have been seeing many new faces entering the scene, so I wouldn’t say there’s any issues with that. Lately I have been noticing many more female DJs in lineups, which is great to see. I think more female representation is the first step towards inclusivity, but there is still a long way to go for minorities to have more representation in the scene.
✹ Does the electronic / club music scene have an impact on politics in your context? Are there any connections between activist and music scenes?
As the scene is still developing, the nature of clubbing hasn’t yet developed any other purpose. Activism in the Azerbaijani political climate can be quite dangerous, so many people refrain from it. I would say that our politics have a negative impact on the development of the clubbing scene or other sub-cultures, it is quite difficult to make it into a sustainable business in our country, but I love that despite this people are still pulling through and organising things.
✹ In the last decade, Georgia became a techno destination. Does it have any impact on your scene and on the visibility of the artists from the Caucasus region?
Our scene has been heavily influenced by Georgian clubbing, as it is the closest destination to travel to for great events. Because of this we frequently have Georgian artists in our line-ups. However, I wouldn’t say that the Georgian techno boom has heavily influenced Caucasian visibility, as I have only observed more Georgian artists on the rise.
Tracklist:
The Threshold HouseBoys Choir – A Time of Happening
NIWA – Vai Se Tratar
José Manuel – Janara
Badawi – False Dub
Toulouse Low Trax – Rushing Into Water
Muslimgauze – I Shall Sing Until My Land Is Free
Anunaku & Dj Plead – Wheele
Ah Cama-Sotz – Isfahan
Ninja Exotic Machine ft. Yeho – Explore My Crack
RAMZi – coucou mon ami ft. Dj Python
Sassy 009 – Mystery Boy
Ezra Collective x Swindle x JME – Quest For Coin II
Against All Logic feat. Lydia Lunch – Illusions of Shameless Abundance
Kasra V – Bloom
RAST – Kashki Mən Dəniz Olaydım
Dimlite / Efdemin – Can’t Get Used To Those (Kosi Edit) / Ohara
