Varda Hayes Mixx
Hailing from East London, DJ/Producer Varda Hayes is behind the newly launched, Vinyl Only imprint Intamissions. Kicking off the first 12” with a 4 track EP. Each track encapsulates the darker side of breaks, further merging elements of trance, acid and jungle.
Tracklist
The Eternals - Alone
Furry Phreaks - Cyanide Ride
Addis Possee - Warrior Workout Mix
Stasis - Once Around The Mood
Aquatrax - Flash
Dub Collective - The Light
AEK - Lick It
Powerplant - Peters Beats Tool
White label - Unknown
Freewheelin Franklin - Rabid Punk (Urban DK Mix)
Instant Whip - Terminalhead Remix
White label - Unkown
Phantom beats - Stealth
Hey mate, absolutely loving this mix! Thanks for putting it together, can you tell me a bit about your fav tracks from the mix?
Hi Ali! The second track of the mix “Furry Phreaks - Soothe - (Cyanide Ride) released on Open in 1994. Back in 1997 Sasha & John Digweed compiled a mixtape album called “Northern Exposure 2”. This Album was full of trancy/breaky gems which is right up my street and “Soothe” was the third track on this album. I think the vocals are by Terra Deva McNair.
Freewheelin Franklin - Rabid Punk (Urban DK Mix) released in 1997 on Bolshi Records as part of the Donuts VA. A trip-hop breaks track with an electro break in the middle.
Pink Mist is such a great record. I’ve seen you’ve got a dutty MPC2000XL, I’ve always wanted to play with one of these (my production days are sadly behind me). What else are you using to write tunes?
The MPC is the centerpiece of my studio alongside my record collection. It takes a long time to find og breaks and samples but I'm a digger at heart before being a producer and this process is the only way for me that works naturally. For making my acid lines I use the Cyclone 303 which IMO is the closest brother of the OG Roland 303. You can hear me use this on B1 track “8888”. I use the Korg triton a lot for pads and textures with the tank that is the Sherman filter bank. Everything gets mixed on a Mackie CR1604-VLZ.
We started a label a couple of years ago for Origins, we’ve only put out two tracks so far and it’s definitely a great experience but lots to learn in doing so! Can you tell me a bit about your label Intamissions, how did it come about and how did you find putting out your own tunes?
Intamissions is a London-based independent vinyl only record label run purely by myself. The idea behind the label is to release limited runs of hand stamped white labels pushing breakbeat, acid and trance. The production, mix and mastering for the label is all done using analog equipment with the final cut mastered to tape. I’m a big fan of tape hiss and analog saturation.
The first release did very well. I sold 300 copies out of my flat within the first 2 months. Supporting lots of small indie record shops. I think record shops are still a very important part of the music scene and I want to support the small shops as much as possible. Big shout to Nothing Ventured Vinyl in Portsmouth and Hidden Sounds in London. Also, Equal People Records helped me massively with this release and just life in general.
Your bio says you’re from East London, what sort of places did you used to start going out around there? Any favourite venues? We grew our party in London around the area at a couple of different venues there. So many great places to party!
Queer parties at the arches in Vauxhall are probably my oldest memories of London. The TRC in Dalston was always fun. I’ve always had a soft spot for Fabric.
Optimum dish to eat before attending the rave..?
Doner Kebab !!!
Optimum record to hear at the rave (if the rave was this weekend and we were allowed to dance at it...FFS why can’t we dance yet!!)…?
Human Imagination – Do You Love Me?
Best club/party you’ve ever played…?
A big open-air illegal rave in North London!
The first time I played Pink Mist before releasing. Shivers up the back of my spine seeing people dance to my track for the first time.
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Interview by @armand.origins