✹ Tell us more about the scene you feel a part of.
Naturally, I am quite curious about any sort of music initiatives ever raised here in Azerbaijan. That is concerning any music compases ranging from jazz, rock & metal, hip hop & electronic dance scene & even mugham (traditional & folk) .Lets call it personal research & participation in the development of the scene. Such a spirit of inquiry & observation led me to a strong sense of support to a number of venues, promoters & artists, becoming an insider of some sort.. However on a personal musical level/journey I feel like a total outsider. But to be quite frank I feel very comfortable in both of those skins. Kinda surfing joyfully & independently between the two conditions both insider & outsider) So i would not necessarily attach myself to any scene. I am everywhere & nowhere at once.
✹ 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?
When I started djing in 2015 I felt a huge gap in the rising electronic scene between a number of male dj artists and absolutely none female representatives among them. Only a few girls and quite underestimated. Such observation motivated me to bring up, organize and promote a female djs only series of events called 'Electric Ladies’. The aim was to give a chance to any willing girl to perform and share her musical vision, regardless of the level of her professionalism. An underground bar run by a woman was very supportive of such initiative & keen to provide a venue & everything needed at the early stages. Later we got invited to other venues and the pool of girls was getting bigger. The gap started to shift. And Baku in 2023 there I can proudly say that we have a sufficient amount of quite interesting and talented female dj artists and producers slaying the big stages locally. Now most of the venues are very supportive and I see absolutely no problems entering a scene. Active promoters & venues provide 'open deck’ days where any one can contribute & share. Communities are getting bigger too. I feel like the scene is more and more welcoming rather than at early stages.
✹ Does the electronic / club music scene have an impact on politics in your context? Are there any connections between activist and music scenes?
As to my personal observations I see no impact on the politics coming from the clubbing scene whatsoever, apart from generating of „safe-space” facilities for free spirited youths. . However the politics have a non supportive impact on the clubbing scene and non-formal youth. Best venues with very giving and hardworking teams were shut down by officials, time after time.. However the guys are warriors and they continue being active & dedicated to their objectives as well as to a community they have compiled around them. I respect that.
✹ 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?
That is definitely a YES- georgian scene is a role model for tons here. Few of the local promoters and Dj artists have acquired warm and strong supportive relationships with the Georgian side of the same business. And this comes both ways. Exchanging visiting artists and so on.
Tracklist:
Katya Yonder Spinning Olimpia
Burial – Exokind
AYAZ – Baku 913
Abdullah Miniawy – Caged in Aly’s Body
Simo Cell – Whispers
Ido Plums – Albeit
Hekkla – Democles
Wordcolour – Breathless
Soso Tharpa – Milo is Back
Djrum – Creature, Pt. 2 (feat. Zosia Jagodzinska)
Azu Tiwaline – Nissa
Enginitionific – Зеркало
