Nosedrip & OKO DJ At Solstice 2024

Command D summons the gods of the deep to have us completely submerged in a world of interdimensional dub techno, traversing us through an hour and a half of infinitely looped reflections and subaquatic soundscapes. 

@commandd

Q. This certainly feels like one of your most immersive mixes to date, deeply contemplative and full of dreamy dub techno atmospherics. What inspiration did you draw upon, and what type of setting or situation could you imagine it being enjoyed in? 

A. I started to get into this sound when I was putting together my mix for the Moonshoe mix series. I didn’t know what to call it at the time but I found all of those tunes and tied them together with a certain feeling that was really inspiring me then, it was very organic and that is still one of my favourite mixes. You can hear dub elements scattered throughout that whole mix.

As I started incorporating more dub elements into my productions I discovered artists like Stephen Hitchell and Rhythm & Sound that had created a kind of music that was really extremely satisfying for me to listen to, especially considering my developing love for hi-fi and larger sound systems. I incorporated those artists into my FHUO mix which was a much more considered exploration of the style. Looking back on the process of making the mixes and how much I enjoyed them really assures me that the deep and contemplative sound is a big part of who I am.

For this mix I’ve taken inspiration from the MDC series itself which I’ve been listening to for years. I wanted to add little hints of deep house sounds as a nod to the mixes of the past. I personally think mixes like this are the best to listen to when you’re travelling and looking out a window, otherwise maybe sitting at a desk on a rainy day doing some work. I’d like people to listen to this in a time where they won't be distracted by something else or feel the need to skip forward, I’d want people to just throw it on and let it play, drifting in and out of the tracks and their own thoughts.

Q. Are there any songs in the mix that are especially close to your heart, and what is it about these tracks that resonate with you so much?

A. My favourite tracks in the mix are Saftig Komposition by Rasmus Hedlund and Sedlec Ossuary by Persuasion. At a base level I love these tracks because they take a more modern approach to a dub techno track with tight production. Going deeper, the thing that really resonates with me is hard to put into words and best left unsaid. I think this kind of music (along with many other kinds) allows the listener to feel emotions that aren't able to be put into words, part of why I love it so much. I find that dub techno specifically can feel sad and happy at the same time like lots of jazz ballads. That to me is a really beautiful sound that kind of encapsulates life in general.

Q. Tell us about the development of your live set, and where things are currently at with it? Do you feel like you’re able to explore different shades of your sound when playing in a live setting?

A. Putting together my first live set was an awesome experience. I got to play it all around Australia from clubs to rainforests. I’ve put the current live set to bed for now and am starting to work on a new one with a slightly different setup. Although it was a challenging experience, I loved making a live set because often when I would dig for tunes to play out I’d think ‘I wish I had a song like this’ and writing a live set meant that I could bring those ideas to life and curate a set exactly how I wanted. I think I’m really starting to settle into ‘my sound’ in production and DJing, but there are creative limitations in both like finding new music or learning new skills. Overcoming technical barriers in production allows me to get closer to my most true form of expression when it comes to what’s coming out the speakers so I’ve been really working on that recently. Hoping the next live set will be bigger and better : )

MDC.302 Command D

Ahhh finally a new Safe Radio episode. 

Safe Radio S07E02 is the longest so far in the series - more specifically 5 hours and 31 minutes. It consists of 78 tracks that i've been listening to and playing out since last episode. As per usual we're riding from ambient over downtempo to club/dance music.

I've been wanting to put some of the tracks from this episode in my other mixes, but somehow couldn't crack the code until now. I'm obviously super excited about finding a way to finally get [ some of ] these tracks into one of my mixes. 

Big shout out to everyone who are sending messages and showing interest in my music and what I do. I hope you like this one too ;-)

Enough yapping.... I guess there's not much more to say than buckle up and let's get stuck in. 

C.K - Safe Radio S07E02

‘For home use only’ is an anti-club social, a chance to get to know someone/something. A series of transmissions purely dedicated to exploring the other side.

Well, it’s been a little while (350,400 minutes to be exact) since we last caught up. Life has its way of throwing curveballs, but here we are. And today, we’re diving into the musical world of Marli—Melbourne-born, Paris-based, feet-stomper, head-bopper, and all-around magical force who’s perfected the art of the irresistible thump.

Over the past few years, Marli’s star has undoubtedly risen, and it’s been an absolute joy to witness. Her journey is nothing short of inspiring, earned through sheer hard work and dedication.

Now, let’s talk about this mix. Marli has absolutely crushed it. She’s given us a glimpse into the creative depths of her mind, stepping away from the typical dancefloor energy and exploring the broader spectrum of sound. The mix is a quixotic, romantic fever dream, woven together with off-kilter rhythms, ethereal alt-R’n’B, mind-bending ambience, and world-spanning soundscapes. Every twist and turn is soft and inviting, wrapping you in a warm embrace you won’t want to escape from.

Enjoy.

Much love,

her sounds >>>>> https://soundcloud.com/marlimusicau
              
                   >>>>> https://marlimusicau.bandcamp.com/

FHUO # 95 // Marli

The first entry in this year’s Virtual Utopia program comes from the Australian-born, Berlin-based duo, Daisy Records (@daisyrecordsmelbourne). Mitch and Obelix have crafted an entrancing 2.5-hour journey that weaves through downtempo, house, ambient techno, and trance -all infused with a shimmering ambiance that radiates warmth and positivity. Each track carries an ethereal beauty, enveloping the listener in a calming softness that invites them to close their eyes and drift peacefully through the inner, and outer reaches of their minds. 

Daisy Records are true masters at capturing a sense of ethereal spaciousness, delivering a sonic palette that soothes the mind and cleanses the spirit. This mix offers listeners the space to let their thoughts flow gently downstream, while their atoms dissipate, floating aimlessly yet never lost, free from the need for a destination.

Every sense is blissfully engaged here—vibrant colors, cooling winds, the fresh scent of life, and the harmonious soundscape of a flourishing Earth. A temporary window into the unspoiled nature it once was.

Through the spectrum of euphonic sound, resonating souls merge and dissipate like distant murmurations. Although for some, however much their distance may change, through the phenomena of love, they will remain forever bound.

Thank you, Mitch and Obi, for this beauty <3

Virtual Utopia 11: Daisy Records

The Inner Sound 038: Dream Software

For our 38th instalment of ‘The Inner Sound’, we invite Bristol-based multidisciplinary artist + musical platform: @dreamsoftwarecorp.

From the depths of the ethernet, Dream Software presents a utopian vision in every facet of his outputs. From releasing music that sounds far ahead of our time from up-and-coming artists such as Jon Jones, Wigs, Beltrac & a recent reissue of 90s works from Alien Signal, to collating his own vast collection and showcasing it through his many sets, online mixes, and radio guest spots.

Tap in (or out) to this 2-hour and 40-minute time frame of sonic reveries, where you’ll be taken to an oasis of mind-melting and nurturing rhythms, getting lost and far from your physical being, only to return with an expansive breath of new life.

www.daisyrecords.com.au

The Inner Sound 038: Dream Software

An episode that feels well overdue yet thoroughly worth the wait! A titan of the Naarm underground music scene, Pjenné has been a kindred spirit and longtime pal since the early days of MDC, and it's no surprise that her contribution is packed full of gloriously deep and immersive feels, bassy and driving in parts and light as a feather in others, speaking to a palette that has been meticulously explored and continues to evolve along with her incredible weekly radio show on PBS, Passing Notes. 

@pjenne

Q. What sounds of feelings did you draw upon when gathering inspiration for this mix, and what listening environments could you imagine it being best enjoyed in?

A. For this mix, I wanted to channel the energy and sounds that I associate with Melbourne Deepcast rather than drawing on the darker side of my sound palette that has been at the fore of my radio and club sets of late. MDC means so many things to me, but there’s definitely an energetic, grooviness that comes to mind and this is what inspired the mix. Although the mix does showcase parts of me (heavily atmospheric, emotive and a few downtempo tracks for good measure), I’d say this is more of a mix for you. :) I imagine this mix being listened to outside, on a sunny day, but when you might also need a little extra pep in your step. 

Q. Are there any songs in the mix that are especially close to your heart, and what is it about these tracks that resonate with you so much?

A. The first that came to mind is a track by Sean Cusick and Medway (Jesse Skeens) - It is an incredibly beautiful and emotive breakbeat track from 2002 on Saw recordings, there’s just something about how the vocals and the pads wash over you - although its upbeat there's also a sombreness to it and I just think its the whole package. 

Towards the end of the mix there’s also a very very classic ambient trance number, Lazer Worshippers by Damon Wild & Tim Taylor from 1993 - Not the most deeply dug track but it's a classic for a reason.

Q. You have been lovingly broadcasting your weekly radio show Passing Notes on PBS for six years running, which is a serious achievement! Tell us what you did for your sixth anniversary on International Women's Day, and what keeps you inspired to broadcast the show week in week out?

A. It’s been a wild ride that’s for sure! I really appreciate that International Women’s Day marks each yearly anniversary of Passing Notes - it reminds me to stop and reflect on each year as an achievement that I would probably otherwise forget in the chaos of life. This year I enlisted the help of Syrian DJ and Harmony Rec affiliate Zeynep, who provided an excellent, playful and sassy celebratory guest mix. 

As for my inspiration to keep going, I’d say that I draw from the collective power of electronic artists locally as well as internationally. There’s just so much good music to share, and Passing Notes enables me to provide a crucial connection between ‘underground’ electronic music and the wider music community. I'm also inspired by live radio as a format - it provides a sanctuary for me from the highly curated nature of music today and allows me to be more playful in the way that I explore different sounds. To me it is a place free of judgement.

MDC.308 Pjenné

A mix from extended naff family members Command D and Peanut

In the words of Command D :

Carrying on from some legendary parties before it, the next generation of ravers held 'plur' true to it's og meaning. Young Harry (Peanut) and I had been mixing together and talking about tunes we loved for months leading up to the event. We played in the side room while the morning light slowly poured in, all the homies in the front and gun fingers to the back. Big party mode with some blissy ones, freedom while it lasted, and a fun one to listen back to. Big thanks to everyone who hosted and the dancers!

Recorded on Wangal land.

@commandd @harrisonross

Art by Jesse Osborne-Lanthier as always

naffcast006 ⦾ Command D and Peanut at plur ⋆｡˚ ☁︎ ˚｡⋆｡˚☽˚｡⋆ ⋆｡˚ ☽ ˚｡⋆｡˚☁︎˚｡⋆

Australian producer Cousin warms up for his performance at Horst Festival's Moon Ra stage.

Cousin @ Kiosk Radio 29.04.2025

Granite

An insatiable digger and producer driven by a taste for experimentation, 440 Hz is back with a brand new EP featuring his signature bass, deviant rhythms and meticulous spatialisation. The release also marks the launch of Mandem, Dans La Zone's sub-label dedicated to bass music, breaks and UK sounds, with percussive rhythms and free structures.

With Transient, 440 Hz once again explores the boundaries between ambient and bass, bringing together airy melodies and dense bass, carried by a taut, organic rhythm. A kind of nostalgia runs through the whole, between childhood memories and sonic roughness. To extend this dynamic, two remixes by Neida and Portway add their own textures.

DANS LA ZONE socials:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/wearedanslazone/
SC: @danslazone

Artist: @440hzrennes
Remixers: @portway-portway-portway @neidadn
Mastering: @ced-sheva
Covert Art: @sebkan

MDC.308 Pjenné

Melbourne Deepcast

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