moktar Mix
Up next for Tapes #99 is moktar, a DJ and producer effortlessly combining club and techno with traditional Arabic instrumentation, sampling and production. A hybrid style, moktar’s music is new to the clubs of Australia and is itching to make its way across dancefloors.
moktar’s heritage has always been at the forefront of his identity. Navigating racism and abuse was an everyday reality growing up in the Shire, especially in the years surrounding the Cronulla riots. Regardless, Moktar’s Middle-Eastern background found its way to become a source of pride: and with that pride comes the inspiration to share the sounds of his culture through his own music.
Although he plans to split his years between London and Melbourne in the future, for now moktar is resigned to Australian shores to share his signature sound. Signed to Mall Grab’s label Steel City Dance Discs, moktars double EP output is expansive and explores techno and IDM through the lens of Arabic percussion and instrumentation.
TRACKLIST
الحي (المتميز)
Caïn و Muchi - Warda وردة
Swimful - Translation to Heaven
Kamoun - Baraka
Cheikha Rimitti - (Mohammed Ay Sidi) + Roska-Squark
sobolik - exigence
Mutable Mercury - Termites Talk
Jaguar Quimbaya - JAGUAR DEL VIENTO
Amor Satyr - Quer Dançar
Dashiell - Going Nowhere Fast (Rudolf C Remix)
blu-e - AmaTek
BURNA - Vitals
Zaltsman - Tambalea
Syz - Mindforms (Tammo Hesselink Remix)
Deena Abdelwahed - El Bortou9ala
Hey moktar! Great to have you on the series - why don’t you start by introducing yourself?
My name is moktar and I'm Egyptian but born and raised in Sydney, Australia!
Tell us a bit about this mix - Where was it recorded? Favourite track inside?
I recorded this mix in Hobart in my hotel just before my set for DARK MOFO. This might have to be (Cheikha Rimitti) - (Mohammed Ay Sidi) + Roska-Squark because of the unique way it gets me moving.
The ideal setting to listen to it?
This mix definitely goes up in tempo throughout, so anywhere you’re able to get the body moving.
You’ve become known for a unique style that brings together traditional Arabic instrumentation with breaks/techno - which is showcased particularly in your new single on Steel City Dance Discs. Talk to us about the track and the inspiration behind it?
I've always been such a big fan of the UK sound and it’s always felt natural to me using those sounds but adding my own flavor. On top of this, I've always been inspired by the UK grime rappers, so having the vocal sample I used to push throughout the track was a lot of fun to do.
How did your hybrid style that fuses traditional against modern come about?
I've always been someone that loved to blend genres together, reminds me of upbringing in a way. I've had both the Western and Middle Eastern influences on either side, so blending them has come very naturally to me.
You’ve pretty much exclusively released on Steel City Dance Discs, tell us more about your relationship with the label and how you got involved?
Yes, it's been such a journey with those guys, i've loved every second of it and it feels so strange to think of releasing anywhere else. A lot of the guys are from Australia so we have loads in common - when I came down to London Jarred pretty much took me in as his own and looked after me which I'm forever grateful for.
What 3 words would you use to describe your sound?
Tasty egyptian meal
Lastly, where can we expect to see you next?
You can find me in Europe this summer - dates to come soon!