Photo by Lucia Jost
DJ Plead's FADER Mix may be a somewhat surprise for listeners of the Berlin-based producer and DJ: it's all R&B.
DJ Plead tells The FADER that R&B serves as an ongoing inspiration, and even sparked some songs on his latest album, 2026's Please. In general, the Lebanese-Australian producer has a knack for melding sounds together, from percussive house and techno to the beats of Levantine dance, to the sumptuous pad-scapes of '90s R&B. On Please, his production is harmonically shifty, soft to the touch, and a rhythmic lava lamp.
On DJ Plead's FADER Mix, he lets great songs sing, as he provides ample space for classics from Boyz II Men, Nas, Jennifer Lopez, Joe, and more. It's remarkably restrained and a true walk down memory lane for anyone who grew up with MTV or TLR on, or whose iPod was loaded with these masterworks of early aughts and '90s maestros.
Listen to DJ Plead's FADER Mix on Soundcloud, Youtube, and Mixcloud. Below, check out its tracklist and read an interview with DJ Plead.
DJ Plead's FADER Mix tracklist:
Boyz II Men - "Khalil"
Q. Parker - "Summer Nights (Intro)"
Dave Hollister - "Pretty Lady"
Kevon Edmonds - "When I'm With You"
Jesse Powell - "I'd Rather Be Alone"
Deitrick Haddon - "Don't Go"
Avant - "Excited"
Joe - "That's What I Like"
Donell Jones - "Feelin' You"
Nas - "I Already Know"
Brian McKnight - "Used to Be My Girl (Instrumental)"
Bobby Valentino - "Slow Down (Instrumental)"
Hev-D - "Never Did It Before (Main)"
Jennifer Lopez - "One Love"
Mýa - "One Night (Prod. by Tim & Bob)"
Bobby Valentino - "Tell Me"
Joe - "When The Lights Go Off"
Musiq Soulchild - "Now or Later"
The FADER: What led you to start DJing?
DJ Plead: I was DJing with friends back in the day and then I got more into it when I started the DJ Plead project.
What’s the first set you ever played?
I think the first solo set I might have ever played was at Goodgod, a small club in Sydney (RIP). I played a set of Arabic tunes and some of my own edits.
What DJs or artists inspire you?
Lots! I’m constantly being inspired by people around me that I’m seeing play. CCL is a big favourite of mine. A set by Mobilegirl also really inspired me this year. DJ babyleo is also a constant well of inspiration for me.
How has your local scene shaped your mixing and curation?
My local scene when I was young had a lot more of a live music focus. Even live electronic music. I’d say that has made me a bit less of a focused genre DJ and more loose in my selections. For better and for worse.
What’s the most memorable set you’ve ever played?
I’ve been so blessed with so many wonderful DJ sets that felt really special and worth remembering. Probably my most cherished is my Sustain Release set in 2023. Thank you SR. <3
What excites you about the future of nightlife?
The future of nightlife is looking a bit grim with a lot of my favourite spaces shutting down. Corsica, Kwia, Wire. But what has been exciting me is all the young people creating excellent DIY events back home in Australia. I went to a party that D-Grade put on in Sydney and that was exciting.
What DJ trend needs to die?
A lot of them unfortunately. We could start with professionally filmed DJ sets. I guess centering the DJ is becoming old. Let that die.
How would you describe your FADER mix?
Sexy. It's R&B. R&B music thats been very inspirational for me. It's stuff I went back on and was listening to a lot recently. It inspired some songs on my latest album, Please.
Where did you record the mix? Describe your surroundings.
I recorded it in my bedroom in Berlin. It's a modestly sized room with nice large windows that look out onto the courtyard. It's evening now.
Beyond DJing and music, what's an interest you have that may surprise people?
I like watching movies and logging them on Letterboxd. I might even consider myself nerdy in that regard.
