FADER Mix: DJ Haram

In an unpredictable mix, the Philadelphia artist blends Middle Eastern rhythms with Jersey club.

August 31, 2016
FADER Mix: DJ Haram

DJ Haram is one quarter of the forward-thinking crew that runs Philly's ATM night, alongside performance and sound artist Marcelline Mandeng and abrasive art and music duo SCRAAATCH. Her music shares a confrontational, extreme quality with SCRAAATCH (listen to their FADER Mix here), as well as a tongue-in-cheek sense of fun that you might pick up on from her choice of DJ name — haram is the Arabic word for acts that are forbidden in Islam.

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Her broad-spanning productions and DJ sets also take a huge deal of inspiration from her Middle Eastern heritage, as well as cutthroat Jersey club, and hands-in-the-air diva pop classics. In preparation for the Philadelphia artist's London debut on September 2, get swept up in her unique sonic whirlwind via the player below.

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Where are you right now? Please describe your surroundings.

I'm in my temporary apartment in Berlin. I'm on a six week tour, and based here between gigs. I share a room with Bearcat, who I'm also playing a bunch of gigs with in Europe. The block is pretty beige.

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Tell us a bit about this mix — what do you imagine people doing while listening to it?

If we are using our imaginations, I would like to imagine a mosh pit in the club.

What did you open and close this mix with and why?

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I opened with a segment of an instrumental I made for an upcoming collaborative release with Moor Mother. I closed with a $JAYY track. The tamborines and keys are emotionally supportive right now.

How would you describe an ATM party to someone who has never been?

A party for the good people of Philadelphia, club music lovers, abrasive noise heads. Worth the $5. Literally not what you would expect. Unwelcome to fakes and vampires. #ATMdata.

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What are you working on right now?

Killing everything at each gig. Consuming fresh fruit. Tracks.

What's the last book you read that had a big impact on you and why?

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Black Quantum Futurism. It's the truth.

And finally, what's your favorite dish to cook and how do you make it?

Anything I cook with or for the crew is my new favorite dish. Made with cayenne and paprika, probably.

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See DJ Haram live at The Yard in east London on September 2.

From The Collection:

FADER Mix
FADER Mix: DJ Haram