Words, sound and images by Sidy
This article is part of the “Frenquencies” issue
In his mix, Sidy presents a raging dissociative commentary on the ongoing horrors, and the blatant
evils we are experiencing. The world is ending but also, how to look hot when depressed
as a way to overcome state oppression. #NotGonnaGetUs
In two words, how would you describe your sound?
Multidimensional pop! Assigned by fellow DJ and fashion icon mmmalak and I take it at a 100%… I am me ♡ ᥫ᭡❤︎ I know, right?
What is your process like for discovering new music?
I really like a good runway score, some Versace shows have a very eclectic selection. I watch a lot of EURO TRASH archives. I love clubs with strong visual heritage, like all these aspirational Hedkandi illustrated girls. I think I analyze sound through visual aspirational narratives when it comes to music listening ventures.
It is important to mention that I have crafted my persona from 2014, way before the Y2K revival. Perhaps the aspirational aspects of the Y2K era – personalized tiny tech devices, smaller phones, peak fashion – spoke to my generation as the essence of being. This is expressed in both my visual work and music.
Are there any lesser-known artists or labels you think deserve more recognition right now?
Me. I need to start recording ASAP!
What influences your track selection when preparing for a gig?
I like collectives with strong image/sound associations, and location is a major factor. We end up in so many funny or atypical locations when we go to raves, especially when it’s designated as a safe place away from state’s aggressions and crackdowns. And the lineups. I played for a Jellyzone festival once in Hurghada (same hotel where the shark attack happened a year later). Another time, I was on the official lineup of NyegeNyege festival 2020 with collective ‘Egyptian Leather Pavilion’ curated by singer/producer Nadah El Shazly, which was filmed as a small party with friends in the scenic palm groves of Dahshur, Egypt. Locations and line-ups really influence me.
Switching from scenic to non-scenic and flash forward to 2023, I was behind the decks at MNFA. It’s right on the corner of urine and crime spree, a large parking space three stories below a suspicious hotel in Amman (to say the least). I truly enjoyed it there and gave me new perspectives to explore and how sound travels across crowds. It’s a nice way to think about freedom as DJ.
What’s a genre or sound you’d like to experiment with but haven’t explored yet?
I’m really looking forward to my bimbo trance era at the graceful age of 30.
Do you have a favorite track in your collection that you always return to?
Club 69 Featuring Kim Cooper – “Drama.” provides power vocals by Kim Kooper, best track to keep stagnant straight people away from your vision field and air out the dance floor a bit. Only real bitches stay.
Who and what are you listening to these days?
“Chemz” by Burial, which is this insane 12-minute chopped rave track. If I can describe this track it would be like passing through four scenographies in which the track gets rushed, pitched and morphed passing through each. The vocals evoke a nostalgic/euphoric feel of a lot of raves me and my friends were doing pre- and post-covid Cairo.
Additionally, and unlike BRAT album, I listened to Shygirl’s Club Shy album, which felt like a well produced and contemporary ode to the same era of clubbing.
How much of your set is planned versus improvised? Do you let the crowd guide the vibe?
I love clubbing, and I think of the user experience in a way. During raves, I really like to cross a multitude of genres you can dance to. I don’t want to be trapped in an ugly basement with 5 str8 DJs fighting over the decks and on everyone’s last nerve to play edm, ew.
Can you tell us what have you been up to these days?
I am totally based in Marrakech right now, thinking of the city’s camp aesthetics with all the metaphorical allusions to excess and maximalism and its effects on ecology. If you need me, you can find me hand wrestling with the occasional French leprechaun, on a rabid shopping spree in the little shops of ancient medina, playing golf with palm trees with the snowy Atlas Mountain in the back.
Oasis
Xxx
You can listen to another set by Sidy, recorded for Badreya Electroneya’s radio show Ultra HD.