Shadi's originated in Aleppo. is the Co-founder of Zuflucht Solidarity Festival Series and a well-known figure inthe Mainz scene
His sonic journey encompasses a broad spectrum from experimental, ambient, dub, and IDM to dancefloor-ready house and deep house, breakbeat, electro, and both old school & modern trance, among other genres.
His 72 minute vinyl mix for DR is deep, emotive and dreamy - an immersive escapist journey.
Hi there Shadi, how’s things? Can you introduce yourself briefly to our listeners?
My name is Shadi and I am Syrian born, residing in Germany since 2016 - I fell in love with electronic music almost as I arrived in Germany, and continued to shape and re-shape my taste and style with the inspiration of a lot of great people and friends around me.
Currentöy busy with trying to keep things balanced between work, hobbies and education.
Do you have any fond musical memories from your childhood?
Great question, yes I do. I grew up watching a cartoon channel which streams western and japanese anime (cartoons) with orchestrated intros that are re-made in Arabic.
There was a Syrian musician/ composer who made the intro music for all of the cartoons streamed back then, his name is Tareq Turgane.
And this was my favourite track of his.
I remember from a very young age, being really attracted to the music he created and listening carefully whenever an intro played, I guess that’s where it all started for me to be into sound in general.
What drove you to electronic music in the first place?
The internet helped me a lot discovering (obviously), but a very dear friend of mine called Fabrice, whom I had met shortly after I moved to Wiesbaden, was collecting records and play for some years already, and when I used to hangout there was a lot of music being played and I started asking, and he loved sharing. So hugs to Fabrice :)
What about DJ’ing, and how did you get started?
Even though I had been listening to electronic music for many years now, I only started learning how to DJ in 2020. I borrowed a Traktor controller and started learning how to mix - then bought my own equipment and started collecting records.
Name a few records or songs that had a big impact on you in your early days and why?
It’s actually Metal music that I listened to more than 10 years ago that got me into looking beyond commercial and mainstream music.
You are an avid vinyl fan and record collector. Tell us a little about your collection and how you go about finding records to buy?
I shop a lot in record stores around Europe because luckily my job allows me to travel a lot.
As a DJ, you’re known for your extensive knowledge of music - ranging from Jazz to techno to trance and everything in between. How has your collection expanded over the years - is your approach systematic or organic?
It’s definitely Organic. Every period of time I am geeking out on a certain style/ genre and trying to discover important artists in this style/ genre and digging down the rabbit hole. Love this about digging!
When you select records for your sets, what’s your approach like?
It depends if it’s for dancing or radio-shows and more slower things. I feel like my slower and more ambient collection is getting bigger than the dance collection.
Do you have any good stories to share about the live shows or DJ’ing?
I played a set at our previous event series Zuflucht after working and being awake for many hours and I started panicking before playing - it was my first time playing in front of a big(er) crowd!
Name three to five secret weapons that you almost every time carry in your bag?
Do you have a comfort record, one you can put on that makes you feel good no matter what?
S.A.M. - Dream State of a Bellmaker
Skee Mask - Compro
Skee Mask - Shed
Andrea - Due in Color
I just need to ask, how’s your vinyl record collection organised?
At the moment it is not organised at all - haha. Usually it’s organised per style and if it’s club suitable for home-listening suitable
Who are the artists and DJ’s you think deserve more attention than they get currently?
Entire Regelbau crew!
Let’s talk about Mainz. What’s the scene like today?
Very small, it’s a student city and people are generally kind and polite, yet there are not so many nerd-heads who are really into night life or electronic music in general, such a pity.
Can you name a few local acts, events or locations that should be on people’s radar?
Obviously Buerro - but another great club in the area called Robert Johnson. Which is around 40 min away from Mainz. Had amazing nights there.
On a more global level, what’s your take on the current state of electronic music?
There is a lot of good music coming out in many different styles, which is an amazing thing. but on the other hand many things are commercialised and made to be a good fit for consumerism.
So the mix, can you tell us a little something about that?
I just dusted off my records shelf, and went through it to put out my favourite dance yet home-listenig friendly records.
Expect a journey from house to dub to simple and deeper groove :))
Many thanks, anything else?
Appreciate it a lot for thinking of asking me to make a set for you. I hope you enjoy it!
Hugs x
Shadi
DJ profile
Shadi
Location: Mainz, DE
Instagram | Soundcloud
Co-founder of Zuflucht Solidarity Festival Series and a resident/crew member of the Mainz scene, originated in Aleppo but finding expression in Mainz.
Shadi's sonic journey encompasses a broad spectrum from experimental, ambient, dub, and IDM to dancefloor-ready house and deep house, breakbeat, electro, and both old school & modern trance, among other genres.
Shows on Refuge Worldwide and EOS Radio.
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