MDC.328 Mandel

Berlin house music authority Mandel lifts the lid on some scrumptious recent digs, blending up a delightfully groovin' 90 minutes of deep n dusty goodies to keep your spirits well and truly elevated!

@mandel

Q: What sounds, places, or feelings did you draw upon when gathering inspiration for this mix, and what listening environments could you imagine it being thoroughly enjoyed in?

A: I went for a deeper sound, whichI think is always representative of me. I wanted to explore different shades of "deep" that I've enjoyed over the years, as well as e reminiscing about the first MDC mixes I discovered back in '09–'12. I could picture people listening to this at night while biking, walking, or driving through the city. That's one of my favourite ways to experience music. There's just something special about the depth of the night and the city.

Q: Are there any special records or recent digs in the mix that you were especially excited to share, and what is it about these songs that resonate with you so much?

A: I’ve been collecting Pete Moss for a while, and lately, I’ve been obsessively trying to finalize collecting the last pieces of his discography. I included his track "Changing Wave," which perfectly defines my idea of a deep sound. The second Loop Stew, is by my homie Snad, from his latest release on his own imprint, Spandrel (04). When he sent me the files last year, I told him we had to cut a couple of dubplates because I needed to play them at Panorama Bar. I’ve been spinning them every chance I get. The whole release is great!

Q: I’ve loved getting some insight into your digging methods around Berlin with your ‘hunting for records cheaper than your snack’ series on IG! What have you enjoyed about the process of making that little series, and what potential strategies or tips have you picked up along the way while digging for these slept-on house burners?

A: I started the series because I kept hearing people say they'd love to buy vinyl but found it too expensive. While it can be, there’s also so much great, affordable music out there. My budget limit is 7 euros, the average price of a döner in Berlin. You can either get a snack or a record, depends on your priorities. A record is much healthier.

I love sharing my weekly routine of biking to different shops, alongside tips on labels and producers for anyone just starting out. If I've learned anything over the years, it's that consistency is key. Sometimes you find a a lot of gems, sometimes nothing, and you never know which shop will deliver. The positive feedback from people definitely keeps me doing them.