Theo Scuera is a Paris-born DJ, producer, FVTVR resident and co-founder of the party series GUSH. His music pulls from acid, deep house and early tech house: raw, bassline-driven club tracks with a wicked twist. You can hear one of those tracks, 'Groove Mechanics', on SEVEN's VA03, and now you can hear him behind the decks in Mix 084.
Tell us about this mix: what mood or journey were you going for?
I hadn't recorded a mix in a while, so I really wanted to build a set that captures where my taste is right now, while keeping some restraint on the energy, to play a bit deeper than usual.
It starts deep and minimal-ish and slowly builds into more driving territory. I also slipped in a few productions of mine that might be coming out later this year... (guess the label)
Where and how did you put it together?
I usually love improvising and playing spontaneously, but I was so tense about being filmed that I ended up roughing out the set beforehand.
I'm a filmmaker, so I'm more used to being behind the camera than in front of it, haha. That said, once I relaxed a bit mid-recording I let myself go off-plan again and had so much fun!
Pick one track in here you cannot stop playing right now, and why.
'Mud Substance' by Inland Knights.
It's got everything I'm into right now: a wonky bassline, drums and above all a shaker loop that really drives the track, an intriguing, hypnotic synth loop and a catchy vocal sample. It does a lot with very little and just works so well on the dancefloor.
When and where should people listen to this?
Honestly I feel like it's an easy listen. But put it on when you're trying to get yourself going for something, not when you're trying to calm down before bed, lol.
What is your connection to SEVEN or to Berlin?
I discovered the label through Tal Fussman's No Disco EP, which I loved and rinsed for months. I sent over a pack of demos to CRYME and 'Groove Mechanics' ended up on SEVEN's latest VA.
- A1No DiscoTal Fussmann8A · A min128 BPM6:000:006:00
- A2ReleaseTal Fussmann6A · G min134 BPM6:180:006:18
- A3Release (Deetron Remix)Deetron10A · B min134 BPM5:500:005:50
- B1Sunset Falling DownTal Fussmann2A · E♭ min133 BPM5:490:005:49
- B2Is It Real?Tal Fussmann6A · G min130 BPM6:020:006:02
I really admire what Lucas, Glenn and the team are doing: the art direction, their amazing new record shop, the way they treat and value their artists, even the newcomers. It just feels really good to have my music out on SEVEN.
What is on your turntable at home right now?
Ambrosia's eponymous album, but especially 'Holdin' on to Yesterday'.
A hidden gem from your collection most people have not heard?
The Teleleu EP by Marcman, a Romanian artist, on Savor Music. All four tracks are bombs in their own way, but 'O Decizie' steals the show for me: it's driving, with its haunting synth atmosphere and incredible vocals. One of my favourite records in my whole collection, so versatile.
A guilty pleasure track you secretly love?
'Party All the Time' by Eddie Murphy. It just bangs, but honestly I'm not even sure there's anything to feel guilty about, hahaha.
Mix 084 is up now. Give it the volume it deserves. You can stream it on SoundCloud, follow Theo on Instagram and find his full DJ profile over on Resident Advisor.
- A1BlurredGround168A · A min127 BPM6:330:006:33
- A2sighlimbic sis9A · E min122 BPM5:440:005:44
- B19.55am at PANOLUMBAGO4A · F min125 BPM5:000:005:00
- B2Danca RitmoMARGO (ft. BRUNA)3A · B♭ min121 BPM6:500:006:50
- C1Boundless ImaginationNesa Azadikhah7B · F maj127 BPM4:310:004:31
- C2Groove MechanicsTheo Scuera4A · F min133 BPM6:320:006:32
- D1Take 5YNNY2A · E♭ min142 BPM5:280:005:28