Darone Sassounian Mixes and Sets

Danilo Plessow AKA Motor City Drum Ensemble is on a constant mission to discover new sounds. This one-man-band(ensemble), hailed for his unique combinations of retro and futuristic German house, draws from an impressive and multi-faceted record collection. The celebrated DJ and producer shares some of the music that inspires him every month here on Worldwide FM. On this edition, Danilo is joined by Darone Sassounian, a DJ, record collector, and producer from Los Angeles. He runs the indie record label, Rocky Hill. Sassounian focuses on bringing an array of sounds into the world - ranging from styles introduced to him at an early age, to sounds he sought after later on. Influenced by music made in the 70’s and 80’s, his goal is to approach contemporary audiences by clashing the old with the new. Styles ranging from disco, soul, jazz, international obscurities and house.

State of Rhythm: Danilo Plessow (MCDE) w/ Darone Sassounian // January 5, 2021

Darone Sassounian is the founder of a record label called Rocky Hill – it has become an outlet for his own music which is rooted in the foundations of Funk, Soul and Jazz. His ethos is based in trying to recreate the emotions and sounds of experiences during these times through new mechanisms – playing with the notion of House music and Broken Beat whilst staying true to the origins of the sound.

Based in Los Angeles he is a keen digger and in 2021, Darone released the celebrated compilation, “Silk Road: Journey of the Armenian Diaspora: 1971 – 1982” on Terrestrial Funk.

His own music is versatile and expressive – not overly tuned but meticulously crafted at the same time.

This mixtape acts similarly – featuring a collection of dancefloor focussed material which is driven and direct yet retains the raw, DIY aesthetic of those early moments in Funk.

Darone Sassounian: The Wednesday Alternative Mix

Los Angeles-based DJ producer Darone Sassounian heads up the Rocky Hill label, taking inspiration from music made in the 70s and 80’s as well as disco, soul, jazz, “international obscurities and vintage house”. After 2021’s highly acclaimed compilation ‘Silk Road: Journey of the Armenian Diaspora: 1971 - 1982’ on Terrestrial Funk, he’s about to drop his debut album Synthetic Instincts – and celebrates its release here with a session behind the Juno Daily decks.

In the Mix: Darone Sassounian

"Day Care" Radio Show w/ DJ Randy Ellis and The Alaia
and special guest: Darone Sassounian
aired on NTS Radio 11/18/24
Tracklist and Original Episode here: https://www.nts.live/shows/day-care/episodes/day-care-18th-november-2024

Day Care on NTS w/ DJ Randy Ellis, The Alaia & Darone Sassounian 11.18.24

Here’s the recording of my set @barparttime back in January 2025. 4 hours of pleasure on one of my favorite systems and venues to play in. BPT is one of those spaces where I feel free to try whatever, whenever. Thanks to Jeremy and the crew. Thanks to the dancers as well.

Darone Sassounian Live @ B.P.T. (01.18.2025) 4hr Set

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