Dar Disku’s funky nostalgic journey with Middle East remixes

Local music scene has been crying out for Bahraini vinyl and tape duo

Growing up less than a mile apart in Bahrain with a shared fascination for discovering new music, the Dar Disku duo, a name which literally translates to the ‘House of Disco’, look to provide familiar sounds of the Middle East paired with a dichotomous retro yet modern feel. The pair, Mazen Almaskati and Vish Mhatre, took their moniker from an independent ‘70s Egyptian pop culture magazine and that should tell you all you need to know about what to expect from their output.

Having started a label and set up an art collective dedicated to MENA music, the two perform as DJs and have recently brought out their fourth installment of Middle Eastern records flipped for the dancefloor called DD004. Composed of two club-ready edits of popular music from the region, the mixers are building even more steam after their release of the Egyptian classic Sahrany (Tjade Edit) which appeared on Dar Disku 003.

Side ‘A’ features Dar Disku’s very own edit of a regional classic Abdel Kader. Made famous by Rai superstars Khaled, Faudel and the late Rachid Taha, this version features an alternate cover release by the North African superstar Cheb Mimoun. Taking inspirations from South African bubblegum and Egyptian G Funk, the duo’s edit layers the tympanic thump of a Yamaha DX 7 bassline with a seductive ‘quarter tone scale’ Roland synthesiser. The track captures a yesteryear soundscape, one that decorated the childhoods of many who grew up in the Arab region and yet manages to paint this treasured classic with a fresh sonic palette.

Side ‘B’ features a collaboration of two long-standing Dar Disku favourites: Moving Still and Tjade from the Netherlands. Equally responsible for some of the biggest hits across the dance music scene they have created an Italian-esque edit of Egyptian pop star Azza Kamal’s Maadna Bukra.

The importance of togetherness, equality and diversity are more important than ever in these times. Music is one of the tools that makes this possible and Dar Disku will be donating 50 per cent of profits from the latest release directly to Middle East based charities. We managed to speak with them about their interesting work

You create new music from old Middle East samples, have you had any of the original artists get in touch, do you know how the reaction has been?

Mazen: The reaction has been overwhelmingly positive, with artists and listeners alike being drawn in and intrigued by the possibilities when tracks and samples are pushed and pulled to the extremes and manipulated to shape new soundscapes. We have adapted our approach to the tracks depending on how they speak to our ears. At times we have tried to recontextualise Arabic samples and sounds into a thumping bass and at other times we have stay true to the authentic sonic signature of the original track and adding to the arrangement using sounds and instruments which were true to the time. An example of this was using the sounds of the Yamaha DX7 and Roland TR808 in our edit of Abdel Kader by Cheb Mimoun. This helped solidify the edit within the sounds of its time whilst breathing into it a new life and carrying it to new listeners.

As dance music producers, you’ve been especially hard hit this year with no gigs, how have you coped, how have you been getting your adrenaline rush from DJ-ing instead?

Mazen: The year has been a difficult one for everyone across the board in a variety of industries and circumstances. It has been, however, inspiring to see people come together to support each other, whether it be to help sustain our beloved music venues, promoting new music or simply offering a helping hand. This year has forced people to adapt and has truly highlighted just how adaptable and resilient people in general can be and it has really been awe inspiring to watch. Similarly we’ve dedicated our time this year to sharing our music through our radio residencies on Radio Alhara, Worldwide FM and Noods Radio, as well as writing and recording new music with particular focus on our latest release DD004. This release features two nostalgic and dreamy dance floor numbers by Cheb Mimoun and Azza Kamal, edited by ourselves as well as our talented good friends Moving Still and Tjade.

Vish: Nothing beats the rush of a room that is emotionally connected with you. The ability to take a crowd on a journey and see the smiles of the dancers is certainly missed but we have found different avenues to harness this. It’s a more personal connection sometimes as you can chat directly with those listening. I’ve done lots of running and exercise also!

Where are the best places to hunt for samples? Where are your record hot spots in the Middle East?

Mazen: First and foremost I would have to say, local markets can be treasure troves for records and tapes with some of the rarest gems to find. We’ve found some of our favourite tapes in Manama Souq in Bahrain and continually go back there to flick through tapes and records whenever we’re back. As for some of the incredible record stores in the region: The Flip Side in Dubai, Chico records and Darkso in Beirut, Vinyl Destination and Nawader in Kuwait.

Vish: For vinyl it has to be The Flip Side in Dubai. Shadi (the owner) is an incredible person. For tapes, most of our digging is done in various cassette shops in Bahrain and at a number of antique stores.

You’ve won over some big fans this year, do you have to pinch yourself when you hear the news?

Vish: Yes it’s always a bit of a surreal feeling seeing your favourite DJs play your music. Having support from the likes of Palms Trax, Hunee, David Vunk is very humbling.

What are your hopes for 2021, is there a way back to festivals and clubs?

Mazen: Hoping for a year of good vibes, good health and togetherness and to eventually make it back to the dancefloor! Festivals and clubs will open up when the time is right and it’s safe to do so. Until then hug your loved ones, keep each other safe and sway to some good tunes at home.