SOUND METAPHORS MIX SERIES

Live from Berlin, showcasing recordings, livestreams, and events from the Sound Metaphors community.

SOUND METAPHORS TV

SOUND METAPHORS PRESENT HAVE A NICE DAY MIX SERIES

A slowly growing collection of mixes curated for a number of different musical online platforms.

SOUND METAPHORS DJs (DJ SET)

Sound Metaphors mix series featuring David Fogarty, head honcho of Transmigration - Berlin based label, party and radio show - the techno connoisseur responsible for re-issuing a stellar 90's Ambient Techno focused catalogue of essential releases from around the globe.
@transmigration_records

Sound Metaphors Mix Series 01 : David Fogarty

Yuzo Iwata aka Fabio, 50% Cubano, 50% Japanese, Karate blackbelt and DJ/producer, originally from the Iwata Juku Dojo in Japan and now based in Berlin, Yuzo shares with us his latest fascinations from dancefloor land. A rich and thoughtfully put together excursion throughout breakbeat, synthetic psychedelia, new beat and other stellar four-on-the-floor nuances. From working in some of Berlin's finest record stores (*wink*), Yuzo has clearly developed a relationship well beyond familiar with records in a wide range of genres - let this mix take you where you need to go.
@fabio-konair

Sound Metaphors Mix Series 03 : Yuzo Iwata

Very excited to feature a really special new mix by an old friend from Milan, Gabriele (Sunny Crypt) collects records, occasionally enjoys playing weird music to dancing crowds and also spends some of his happiest days working in a record shop. 
Driven by a strong curiosity towards a wide range of musical genres coming from different eras and different cultural contexts, in a previous life he’s been a resident DJ at Milan’s Dude Club, a true institution for italian clubbing during the last decade. Open you hearts <3

Sound Metaphors Mix Series 05 : Gabriele

A previous guest of honor at H.A.N.D. as we debuted the series with a recording of his first class workings at Have A Nice Day a few years back - Piers Harrison presents us with yet another generous offering to our new mix series. One of the minds at Test pressing and 1/4 of team Soft Rocks, Piers' insightful relationship with music and dance floor culture has clearly led to a discerning understanding in a wide range of genres - kindly displayed in this pleasant excursion - listen carefully :)
@soft-rocks

Sound Metaphors Mix Series 04 : Piers Harrison

Right when you thought the 80's had been mostly dug out, the "Night City Life" compilation hits the shelves. 
Ever since we heard his compilation for Spacetalk we were blown away: one of the best curations of early MIDI dancefloor/radio oriented productions we'd heard in a while. Truly refreshing to the human ear, not to mention the heavy research behind it. As such, we've wanted to book Ilan ever since but then COVID happened. Still a wet dream to see him do his thing live but for now here's this amazing bit of aural goodness to get you in the right mindset. 

Ilan is a London-based record collector. He can often be found posting the artwork of 80s vinyl from his collection on Instagram; a patchwork of nostalgia from musical days gone by.

Check him out on IG and listen carefully - your discogs wantlists will never be the same.

H.A.N.D. MIX 027 - Ilan (Night City Life)

For years now, an old recording of Jeffrey Sfire at Cocktail D'Amore's one and only cosmic hole was one of the highest references for us in terms of downtempo Italo sleaze - an almost 6 hours recording serving more like a PhD aural dissertation specialized in some of the most remarkable dancefloor digs (mainly Europe) had to offer in the 80s at under 115BPM. To be able to share it publicly on the HAND Mix Series as we reach number 50 is a huge honor and we're greatly thankful to Giacomo and Giovanni, the two cuties behind Discodromo that made this possible. We hope you can appreciate it as much as we have over these past years. Here it is HAND #50 featuring the unique sleazy wizardry of Jeffrey Sfire captured in a special moment in time during the moist and lubricated atmospheres of Cocktail, now online - listen carefully! Big thanks to Jeffrey for all the amazing research and excellence in cosmic Jockeymanship ❤️❤️❤️

H.A.N.D. MIX 050 Jeffrey Sfire

Live recording of the Sound Metaphors Boat Party at Love International 2024 with Palms Trax and Castro & Nemo.

Palms Trax b2b Sound Metaphors DJs at Love International Festival 2024

Sound Metaphors (@sound-metaphors) is Nemo Ripoll and Castro Moore, but it is also the name of their famously well-curated label and record shop in Berlin. As such the pair has been helping to define the sound of the underground on many different fronts - electric DJ sets, cult events and even through the custom-made sound systems built for customers worldwide. With a vast musical knowledge between them and a never-ending supply of their own unreleased edits and DJ tools, they are able to tell musical stories that draw from all across all genres and many different eras.

That plays out in the superb mix they have put together for us this week. It's a full-bodied selection that shows off their love of contrasting styles - loose, percussive house music brushes up with deep and dubby cuts, dark acid grooves sit next to '80s synth sounds before a disco finish goes from stomping to funky. The exuberance of it all is infectious and leaves you wanting more.

Dekmantel Podcast

Dekmantel Podcast 477 - Sound Metaphors DJs

3 track EP with contemporary Cantonese cover version of italo-disco classic "Spacer Woman" by Charlie, with additional "Acid Trip Version" and "Karaoke Version"

A1 宇宙女人 Spacer Woman (Kaona Vocal Version)

New Sound Metaphors DJs promo mix 2025. 
Thanks for your support! ❤️

For bookings (Sound Metaphors DJs):
dominic@thepool-london.com

H.A.N.D. MIX 066 : Sound Metaphors DJs

✨ vinyl only mix✨  

For edition 69 of our guest mix series, we welcome once again London-based record collector Ilan (Night City Life). A true Italo enthusiast, Ilan curated Night City Life (@spacetalkmusic), one of our favourite compilations of 2019. Night City Life II will be dropping this summer (and we can’t wait 🎷)

As a DJ his selections are always rich with nostalgia and emotion, taking us on a journey through time and sound. Here is a recording of his vinyl-only set from Flow Festival last year; an Italo-tinged expedition in the Helsinki sunshine.

H.A.N.D. MIX 069 - Ilan (Night City Life)

👩‍❤️‍💋‍👩👩‍❤️‍💋‍👩👩‍❤️‍💋‍👩👩‍❤️‍💋‍👩👩‍❤️‍💋‍👩
A Cute and Sexy slow jams special! lovers Rock, Digi Dub, etc, etc! Best listened to whilst thinking about someone special!
👩‍❤️‍💋‍👩👩‍❤️‍💋‍👩👩‍❤️‍💋‍👩👩‍❤️‍💋‍👩👩‍❤️‍💋‍👩

H.A.N.D. MIX 067 : DJ Subaru (Valentine's Day Special)

Recorded live at the k hole disco (Lunacy party), Angel Bar, 2025.

Aradea Barandana, widely known as Dea, began his DJ career in high school, spinning records as background music for a breakdance crew. What started as a casual exploration of rhythm soon blossomed into a passion for building community through music. Dea launched his own club night in Jakarta, where his eclectic taste began to take shape.
While studying in London, Dea delved deep into the world of underground and obscure cosmic sounds, honing a style that defies strict categorization. His sets are a rich tapestry of exotic psychedelia, infused with electronic grooves that transcend traditional genre boundaries.
Dea has released numerous records under his own name and as part of projects like Precious Bloom and Zatua. His collaborations span diverse fields, from co-creating a short film soundtrack with DJ Harvey to contributing to albums by A Mountain of One and Ricardo Villalobos. He also made waves with an EP released on Peggy Gou’s Gudu Records.
Looking ahead, Dea is set to release his highly anticipated solo album on Rush Hour Records in summer 2025, a testament to his ever- evolving artistry and deep connection to the global music scene.

H.A.N.D. MIX 068 : Dea Barandana

Marsha Stern, the gift that keeps on giving <3 another generous offering from her sacred Roy Thode vault of recordings from a very golden age of dance floor culture. It’s a tremendous honour to be able to house this recording on our Soundcloud page, an untouched time capsule from almost half a century ago, allowing us the luxury of re-living that moment in that room with Roy Thode holding court behind the booth, providing the soundtrack to what would have been a wonderful night in a very special place. 1980, no smart phones, no discogs, no social media, CDJS or sync/loop buttons, the profession of DJing was still in its early beginnings of being defined and Roy’s dedication to the craft certainly helped define it. 
In a time where it’s not always so easy to feel proud of being “a DJ”, it’s inspiring to look back at the origins of dance floor culture, one of them being extremely dedicated, self-educated and oppressed homosexuals in New York who took it upon themselves to explore the aesthetics of music on the dance floor to extreme levels. This recording should give you a glimpse into what that might have sounded like. Please take a moment to listen carefully and allow yourself to understand the genius of Roy Thode’s craft as a DJ. We hope it inspires you as much as it inspired us. On this day, Roy would have become 76 years of age, long live his memory, thank you for the music and inspiring dedication to the craft. Happy Birthday Roy!

Roy Thode recorded at the Ice Palace, Fire Island May 17, 1980

Born in Bandung, Kimoji's journey began with Club Dansla and 'Rhythm Shower' on Norrm Radio before joining ZODIAC Jakarta in 2021 as a resident and music programmer. Known for his eclectic blend of disco, house, and leftfield sounds.
In 2025, he entered a new chapter by moving to Melbourne, continuing to make memories on dancefloors and establishing himself as one to watch.
Kimoji lives by one rule: humblin' mumblin'
', gooin'.

Sound Metaphors Mix Series 41 : Kimoji

3 hours of me spinning 100% vinyl ~ some pop, some club, Italo, easy blends,

Captured on the 22.03.25 at Doka (Amstersdam), which has a very DJ comfortable booth. Play time was from around 3am-6ish.

This live recording is my first in at least 5 years - I’ve always struggled with the concept of DJing without a crowd/dance-floor so for my usual mix output I “record” in Ableton. I also enjoy “mixing” on the sofa as horizontal as possible so go figure.

H.A.N.D. MIX 073 : Bell Towers

Tosi is a Tokyo-based DJ known for energetic, genre-blending sets that weave together house, disco, cosmic, balearic, italo disco, synth pop, and all-mix styles. In 2005, he co-founded the collective and label Timothy Really, becoming an integral part of the local scene. More recently, he’s been releasing hidden gem Re-Edits under the name C.O.M.P.A.S. alongside fellow collective member Sisi that have been championed by DJs across Japan and beyond.

Tosiは東京出身のDJ 。90年代後半から都内クラブシーンでキャリアを積み、ハウス、ディスコ、コズミック、バレアリック、イタロ・ディスコ、シンセポップを縦横無尽に織り交ぜる独自のグルーヴでフロアを魅了してきた。2005年にはコレクティブ兼レーベル「Timothy Really」を共同設立し、シーンの中核に関わる。近年は同郷のSisiとともにC.O.M.P.A.S.名義でリエディットトラックをリリースし、国内外のDJからサポートを受けている。

H.A.N.D. MIX 076 - Tosi

"Over dinner, the promoter mentioned how hard it was to play disco at the club, which made me smile, given the party was called “Bye Bye Disco.” She asked if I could play something that would help people understand and appreciate disco in a fresh, modern way, so that’s exactly what I set out to do. "

Recorded live at Bye Bye Disco in Beijing.

H.A.N.D. MIX 075  - Trent

Recorded at Radio Relativa Studio on 21.07.2025


Sound Metaphors Djs @ Radio Relativa (Madrid), 21.07.2025

The Grouch DJ is a record dealer, digger and DJ originally from the San Francisco area. Currently based in São Paulo, Brazil, when he is not at home, he is on the road DJing, and digging for records around the world.

This mix is compiled of some of the favorite digs from the DJs last year on the road, including records from all over Brazil, Peru, Washington State, Portland, Argentina, New York and beyond.

LINKS: 
souncloud https://soundcloud.com/user-564909028 
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thegrouchdj/

H.A.N.D. MIX 077 - The Grouch DJ

Benji became a key figure in Berlin’s early ’90s club scene with residencies at Tresor, Bunker’s Red Hot Chill Out Club, and the first SNAX parties. From 1999, he pioneered the fusion of Italo-Disco, synth/wave, and obscure disco in Berlin, hosting the Italo-only show Radio Tenax on Twen FM (2003–2011). With 30+ years behind the decks, Benji keeps pushing boundaries with genre-blending sets across Europe.

Sound Metaphors Mix Series 38 : BenjiDF

Recorded at Wicked’s 4th Anniversary, celebrating 10 years of Sound Metaphors Saturday, 11 October 2025 – Womb, Tokyo

@monkey-timers

Sound Metaphors Mix Series 39 : Monkey Timers

H.A.N.D. MIX 078 - Bell Towers (Halloween Special)

Named one of The New York Times’ “5 Artists to Watch” in 2025, Boys’ Shorts are a Greek DJ and production duo made up of Vangelis (LAGASTA) and electronic recording artist Tareq. Blending house, slow techno, disco, and acid, their sound reflects everything they love to play in their DJ sets. In their own words: “We make people dance!”

They’ve released music on influential labels including HE.SHE.THEY., Polari Records, Permanent Vacation, Future Disco, Iptamenos Discos, Live at Robert Johnson, and most recently, Correspondant.

Boys’ Shorts have delivered remixes for a diverse and high-profile list of artists including Alison Goldfrapp, Poolside, Yuksek x Polo & Pan, Kasper Bjørke, Woolfy, Boy George, Local Suicide x Lena Platonos, Daddy Squad x Zoot Woman, Casey Spooner, Joe Goddard and more. 

Touring extensively across Europe and the US, they’ve played iconic venues such as Berghain/Panorama Bar, London’s E1, Le Bain, Basement, Good Room, House of YES, and festivals like Lost Village and WECANDANCE. They’ve also opened for Hot Chip at the Knockdown Center in NYC and supported Alison Goldfrapp on the UK leg of her Love Invention tour.

Sound Metaphors Mix Series 40 : Boys' Shorts

Joshua Cordova is DJ/musician. With sets that effortlessly balance early experimental electronics, psychedelia, disco, Italo and beyond he has toured extensively through Europe, North, South and Central America. As producer and collaborator with Zoya Zerkalski, Sneaker DJ, and Led Er Est's Sam De La Rosa, Cordova has released on the Detroit-born FIT Sound, Parisian label PSR, Warsaw's Syntetik, LUX REC sub-label MRT, and Rompe Hechizo. He holds a residency with Tblisi/Belrin based Mutant Radio.

H.A.N.D. MIX 079 - Joshua Cordova

Audrey Danza | Sound Metaphors TV - November 25 / 2025

Richii | Sound Metaphors TV - November 26 / 2025

Liàng | Sound Metaphors TV - November 27 / 2025

Bair | Sound Metaphors TV - November 28 / 2025

Temple Rat | Sound Metaphors TV - December 1 / 2025

Live from Sound Metaphors in Berlin.

DJ Aficionado is a Berlin-based DJ and one of the brains behind Orbita, as well as a resident of Refuge Worldwide. Born in Barcelona and schooled by many blissful summers in Ibiza. His sets are easy-going, yet heady, happily unpredictable, and always engineered for maximum good times. He’s played far and wide, and while he’s definitely made a lot of people dance, he may—or may not—have moved someone to tears at the one and only Love International Festival (his best gig and favourite place in the world so far).

DJ Aficionado | Sound Metaphors TV - December 2 / 2025

Alison Swing | Sound Metaphors TV - December 4 / 2025

MLiR blend organic and analog sounds, samples and field recordings into a universe that’s impossible to pin to one genre. Breaking through via releases on Studio Barnhus, MLiR craft rich, story-driven musical narratives that unfold across formats and contexts.

With support from artists such as DJ Harvey, Hunee, Antal, Axel Boman, Gilles Peterson and DJ Koze, MLiR have also delivered mixes for Dekmantel, NTS, Kiosk Radio and Worldwide FM. Their debut double LP landed in 2024 on Studio Barnhus, with a second album for Stratasonic Records due in 2025 and more releases to follow.

H.A.N.D. MIX 080 - MLiR

Live from Sound Metaphors in Berlin.

Llupe, also known as Vibe Operator, has been in the game since his early days as an electronic music head, growing into a dedicated record collector and DJ. 
Now co-running Orbita Berlin and hosting on Refuge Worldwide, he’s a steady presence in Berlin’s underground scene. With a deep love for digging and a decade of experience, his sets span genres and tempos, from slow-burners to cosmic grooves and high-energy rhythms, so-called "Adult Dance Music".

Llupe | Sound Metaphors TV - December 10 / 2025

Richard Sen All Night Long @ Lunacy Melbourne 27th Sept 2025

Richard Sen, former London graffiti artist and 30-year dance-music maverick, has played everywhere from fetish clubs to festivals worldwide. His genre-fluid sets blend disco, Italo, house, electro, breakbeat and deep techno with unmatched depth and storytelling.
Known for Bronx Dogs and Padded Cell, his music has featured in GTA IV, HBO, and remixes for LCD Soundsystem and Bryan Ferry. His compilations This Ain’t Chicago and Dream The Dream earned major acclaim, the latter winning DJ Mag’s Best British Compilation of 2023.
With a weekly show on Do!! You!!! and his 2024 album India Man, Richard continues to push culture with taste and passion.

Sound Metaphors Mix Series 42 : Richard Sen

Live from Sound Metaphors in Berlin.

Joan Bernat, aka Exotika, is a Barcelona-born, Berlin-based DJ who took his first steps in Madrid before moving to Berlin 13 years ago. He is known for his vinyl sets, where he blends house, balearic, disco, new beat, world music, and a wide range of electronic sounds.
A dedicated collector and digger of vintage and rare records, he uncovers hidden gems that shape his eclectic, warm-spirited, and often long sessions. His honest selections and unexpected finds give each set a personal touch that reflects his musical identity. 
https://soundcloud.com/joan-bernat 
@e_x_0_t_i_k_a

Exotika | Sound Metaphors TV - December 16 / 2025

Live from Sound Metaphors in Berlin.

Italian DJ, radio host, and curator based in Berlin, Luca Carluccio (aka Luca Elsi) is known for his ability to blend Italo, Disco, and House into sets that transform dancefloors into timeless sonic journeys.

Through ELSI, his project that functions both as a record label and party series, Luca celebrates and reinterprets the Italian sound within Berlin’s electronic scene, building a living bridge between his Mediterranean roots and the city’s vibrant international energy.

With years of experience in the music business, first as a booking agent and later as a licensing manager for the legendary DJ-Kicks series, Luca combines refined taste and deep musical knowledge with a forward-thinking, contemporary vision. The result is a constantly evolving sonic universe, where respect for nightlife history and the future meet on the dancefloor, driven by authentic rhythms and the pure essence of club culture.

Luca Elsi | Sound Metaphors TV - December 18 / 2025

Live from Sound Metaphors in Berlin.

Kinzua acts as spirit guide for the mind expansion of the next generation of trippers, with effortlessly oily grooves and keen attention to detail that suspends a sense of disbelief and mesmerism to their method. The duo is formed by Lucas Brell (Berlin) and Marvin Uhde (Leipzig).

Kinzua | Sound Metaphors TV - December 19 / 2025

Off The Grid - Mayo : Goth House (OTG006) / Instore Release Party

Live from Sound Metaphors in Berlin.

Born into an Italian family, Onirik has spent most of his life in Brussels, London and now Berlin. This mix of identities also translates into the multiple musical influences and directions he tries to incorporate into his musical endeavours, never following the linearity of a single genre, but rather trying to convey a vibe that spans multiple musical vessels, from abstract leftfield to EBM, via house, techno or electro. With more than 15 years of experience as a DJ, label manager and producer, Onirik's attention is focused on his own label Garage Hermétique, on which he has released music, as well as the collaborative project Oni-Ki; running Off The Grid, one of the most innovative underground music hubs, in the form of a boutique distribution, shop and label; and the Karnak On Acid project. 

Onirik | Sound Metaphors TV - December 20 / 2025

Off The Grid - Mayo : Goth House (OTG006) / Instore Release Party
Live from Sound Metaphors in Berlin.

Mayo is a project shaped by the sounds I grew up with and the music I listen to today, connecting past influences with a forward-looking approach to sound. Raised in a house filled with disco, funk, jazz, house, and electronic music, I was constantly surrounded by records, radio, and long listening sessions. Learning drums, piano, and sax at a young age sparked my desire to create, and by 13 I was producing my own music. A few years later, I began DJing at local parties and gatherings, and I haven’t stopped since.

Mayo | Sound Metaphors TV - December 20 / 2025

Off The Grid - Mayo : Goth House (OTG006) / Instore Release Party

Live from Sound Metaphors in Berlin.

Benedikt Frey is a composer, DJ, and live act whose work moves fluidly across house, techno, downbeat, ambient, and experimental electronics. Based in Berlin, his sound has evolved beyond its early house roots into an open, forward-looking musical language.
Active for over a decade, he releases music on his own labels R.i.O. and Serious Trouble, as well as on imprints like ESP Institute, Hivern Discs, Malka Tuti, and Emotional Response, performing everywhere from intimate spaces to major clubs and festivals.

Benedikt Frey | Sound Metaphors TV - December 20 / 2025

Sound Metaphors podcast 05 – Castro Moore

http://testpressing.org/2018/11/mix-475-sound-metaphors-longitudinal-fermented/

TESTPRESSING MIX #475 - Castro & Nemo - Longitudinal Fermented

COCKTAIL D'AMORE COSMIC HOLE - Sound Metaphors DJs (Nemo&Castro) - August 6th 2018

Live recording from the Have A Nice Day Party in Berlin, with Piers Harrison from Soft Rocks.

H.A.N.D. MIX 001 - Piers Harrison

Live recording from the Have A Nice Day Party in Berlin, with Dea Barandana from Bali, Indonesia.

H.A.N.D. MIX 002 -  Dea Barandana

Live recording from the Have A Nice Day Party in Berlin, with Emil Doesn't Drive.

H.A.N.D. MIX 003 - Emil Doesn't Drive

Mark Grusane mix for H.A.N.D. recorded on Reichenberger Str, Berlin Dec 6, 2018

H.A.N.D. MIX 004 - Mark Grusane

Live recording from the Have A Nice Day Party in Berlin, with Castro & Nemo
For booking request : booking@soundmetaphors.com

H.A.N.D. MIX 005 - Sound Metaphors DJs

A Simone - Mabsota

Recorded live from Cocktail D'Amore's winter garden on October 6th 2019.

COCKTAIL D'AMORE GARDEN Sound Metaphors DJs (Nemo&Castro) - October 6th 2019

Little intro needed here - one of the resident wizards behind the cocktail d'amore curtains - Juan Ramos puts together a beautiful excursion taking one's psyche to novel degrees of darkness, a true expression of musical research and knowledge, Mr. Ramos goes deep in the archives and continues to surprise. This time in a completely new direction - take a trip!

Sound Metaphors Mix Series 02 : Juan Ramos

For DJ bookings:  Sound Metaphors DJs
booking@soundmetaphors.com

Sound Metaphors Store
Weichselstraße 22
12045 Berlin

Sound Metaphors

Pinned to spotlight

Popular tracks