Autumn has arrived in the northern hemisphere, and with it the need for darker tones, punchy drums, and soaring melodies; we’re happy to oblige! Darksidevinyl has established a sterling reputation for powerful afro-house, releasing on the likes of Connected Frontline, Deepalma, and MoBlack. His TOR debut alongside Ucha, Zaiana, has become an instant classic with its jazz-funk-infused percussive flavor. The Egyptian returns to TOR for his first solo project on the imprint – the Ulu EP.

Ulu opens with punchy drum offerings, kicking us right into the groove. Rhythmic percussion and throbbing touches of bass set the stage for a dramatic rise alongside afro-tinged callings. A huge synthetic hook pops into action at the peak, bringing tremendous power with its spatial movement. Simply put, Darksidevinyl’s A-side is the dancefloor bomb we all needed as we enter the long winter.

Kizza builds towards a crescendo with serene guitar licks, as soft psychedelic vocal chops capture attention. The irresistible groove greets synth stabs to elevate energy, as character from across the musical spectrum ebbs throughout this sensational B-side.

We caught up with Mido to touch base on the very fruitful period he’s had as a producer, and what we can look forward to in the coming months.

WWD: Mido, thanks so much for joining us! How’s your summer been?

My summer was great! A lot of upcoming music and was great gigs around Europe.

WWD: Seems like you’ve been on the road a bit! Whats been your best show of the summer?

My best show for the summer was in Madrid, Spain.

WWD: What does a normal day look like for you at the moment – lots of time in the studio by the look of it!

A normal day starts at 6 am! Studio at 10, and finish at 7 pm… a lot of fun 🙂

WWD: We’re absolutely loving the Ulu EP. We feel it continues to cement a stellar sound build on afro with a touch of funk and instrumental flair. Where do you find sounds that aren’t so often heard in typical forms of house & techno, such as the guitar on Kizza?

Thanks a lot, I’m really stoked with how the new EP came together! Actually, I recorded all the instruments by myself in my studio : bass, synths, guitars, etc… it’s a lot of fun to do your own original sounds, and express the feelings in your sound so naturally.

WWD: What stands out about these two tracks in comparison to your previous projects such as Zaiana?

These 2 tracks are something different for me. I introduce new instruments and new feelings in my music. Also the tools are different, and groove sound guitar is emotional and smooth.

WWD: What’s your most useful tool in the studio?

Moog Sub 37, Native instrument Komplete keyboard, Machine Mk3.

WWD: Which producers & labels do you most look up to at the moment?

In the music market a lot of great producers at the moment like Super Flu, Stereo Mc’s, D-Formation, Kellerkind , Tomy Wahl and more. For labels, I’m always keeping an eye on Connected Frontline, Beatfreaks, Selador, Moblack, Stil Vor Talent…

WWD: What’s on the calendar for the next couple of months?

End of November I have a show in Madrid, Spain. NYE I’ll perform in Bahrain!

WWD: Mido, thanks again for joining us and for the stellar music. See you soon!

Thanks so much for the great work.

Darksidevinyl – Ulu EP [TOR026]
Release Date – 10.22.2021
Stream & Buy – https://xyzlabel.lnk.to/Ulu

Follow Darksidevinyl
Soundcloud – https://soundcloud.com/darksidevinyl_official
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/darksidevinyl/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/ahmed.maher.58