Egypt’s Adham Zahran has been quietly shaping his corner of the house music universe for years — the kind of producer whose sound you recognize before you see his name. Rooted in deep, soulful grooves and that unmistakable Detroit influence, Zahran’s music carries the warmth of old-school spirit with the finesse of a modern craftsman.

With releases on the likes of Galaktika, Moodmusic, Oh! Records, and Neovinyl, his catalogue already reads like a tour through the underground’s finest corners. Now, he’s back with ‘Lunar City,’ a stunning new EP on Dealt With Recordas that feels both nostalgic and forward-facing — a shimmering fusion of ‘80s synth textures, warm analog tones, and the deep pulse that’s become his signature.

We caught up with Adham to dive into the story behind ‘Lunar City,’ how Egypt shaped his journey, what keeps his sound so distinct in the ever-evolving world of house music, and more!

WWD: You grew up in Alexandria surrounded by minimal and house music. How did that early environment shape your sound?

Well in the early days it was all about discovering and listening to new music.. At that time I was really interested and enveloped in minimal, electro and early 2000’s house.

In Alexandria that kind of music never existed because raves and clubbing were just very rare so you had to reach out to the outside world and listen and discover the kind of music that was good at that time.

WWD: Coming from Egypt, how do you think your geographical and cultural background influences your approach to house music?

It’s always good to learn and respect the house music culture that really just inspired me in the first place.. The early Detroit, Chicago and New York house that has paved the way to all upcoming artists. In Egypt it was really difficult so you had to reach out to outside of Egypt to learn and discover new music.

WWD: From Galaktika to Moodmusic to now Dealt With Records — how would you describe the arc of your musical journey so far?

Galaktia was the first label that I released on my first LP ‘Dark Matter’ at that time it was just the beginning of how you can tell a story as an album and for it to be a timeless work of how I can express myself in a unique way.. So that was the beginning also for moodmusic. A few eps were just the roots of where I can develop musically.. And now for Dealt With i tried to keep things as deep and raw as possible so i crafted something that’s both unique and dancefloor friendly as possible.

WWD: Let’s talk about ‘Lunar City.’ What was the initial spark behind this EP — a mood, a place, a concept?

Yes, well ‘Lunar City’ the title track was just me trying to make things simple.. Deep, analogue and raw as possible.. Perfectly crafted for the afterhours or long dj sets. Just a mood and concept of how futurism can be really important in today’s DJ sets and music listening  in general.   

WWD: You’ve mentioned using the Nord Lead A1, Novation Launchpad, and XL controller. What role did each play in shaping the EP’s sound?

I love the nord and i used it heavily in leads and basslines especially.. The launchpad was also essential as it gave me a real view on how the arrangements and ideas would be.. As for the xl I used it to automate the filters and arrangement concepts as well. 

WWD: Your sound seems to channel Detroit house through an ‘80s electronica filter. How intentional is that blend of eras?

It’s always great to pay respect to Detroit culture and 80’s electronica.. So I always like to integrate those sounds and culture in my music and the outcome is usually very satisfying cause it’s always original.

WWD: Do you start building tracks from rhythm, melody, or mood? Has that process changed over time?

Usually when I’m starting a new project I begin laying down some chords.. Then I begin programming some drums and patterns and then lay down the bass, melodies and rhythm.

That’s how the process usually is.. At some time I can also start with the drums first and build up an idea with stabs and chord hits and after that basslines of melodies.. It’s always fun to experiment.

WWD: Detroit pioneers like Theo Parrish and Kyle Hall clearly mean a lot to you. What have you learned from their music?

Theo and Kyle are always deep.. And that’s something that really resonates with me as an artist..

I like deep chords and basslines that just touch your soul and give you meaning and clarity in each track. So yeah Detroit is such a big influence to me and I always try to respect and contribute as much as i can.

WWD: How do you balance honoring those influences while carving your own sonic identity?

Well yeah as i said it’s always about the culture and to try and add your own influence and style while keeping things in the right direction as those influences and respecting the sonic identity and heritage of that culture.

WWD: Does being part of both North African and European dance music scenes give you a unique perspective when producing or performing?

It’s always good to go out and be inspired and listen to new and good music. But in Egypt it’s very difficult because there’s no diversity or culture whatsoever.. Everyone’s imitating everyone and there’s no room for creativity whatsoever unlike Europe where people are always pushing the boundaries and music spectrum and that’s what I aspire to do while producing and performing, always pushing the boundaries and raising the bar as much as I could.

WWD: How did your connection with Dealt With Records come about?

Dealt With is such a great label and Donald and Susan have such a great ear for music.. So when I finished this EP I sent them an email and after a few weeks luckily they responded back and were interested in making this project come to life so I was very grateful for this opportunity. 

WWD: What stood out about the label’s vision that made it the right home for ‘Lunar City?’

When i sent them this EP they were already releasing some Detroit stuff as well so my initial thought was why not try and send them and see what happens.

WWD: ‘Lunar City’ feels like both a refinement and an expansion of your sound. What’s next for you creatively?

Well so far I might be taking a break for a while from producing since I have so much music coming out. So that gives me some time to work more on my DJ gigs and Livesets.

WWD: Are there any upcoming collaborations, remixes, or live sets you’re excited about?

So far I have 2 LP’s and 1 EP coming out.. One of the LP’s is signed to Russian label DOBRO MUSIC and the other is coming out on cassette early or mid next year on Rewind LTD.. And the last EP for me this year is coming out on Turbojazz’s Last Forever Records.. It’s all very exciting music and I can’t wait to share it with everyone.

Quickfire Round – 

WWD: One piece of gear you always travel with?

Nord Lead A1.

WWD: Dream artist or label to collaborate with?

Galaxy 2 Galaxy and Sound Signature. 

WWD: Favorite place you’ve played a set?

Outside Cairo with Dekmantel Soundsystem.

WWD: The last track you heard that gave you goosebumps?

Red Racke’m – In Love Again

WWD: Studio ritual or habit that gets you in the zone?

Not much, just creative flow.

WWD: Excellent round! Thanks for the chat 🙂 

The ‘Lunar City’ EP is available here