For our first mix of 2025, we are joined by Berlin based, Creole Reunionese DJ/Producer SXCL, highly subversive in their sets from their extensive music knowledge, reflecting their instrumental background and influences from all over. We have a very special mix from them, different from their usual sound that is homage to someone special - their mama.
First and foremost thank you so much for taking the time to put this mix together, can you tell us a little bit about the energy behind this mix, is there anything you would prescribe doing while listening?
My pleasure. The night before recording this set, I went to Panorama Bar and heard OK Williams for the first time. I remember feeling deeply inspired, which led me to select records I had either never played before or only one side of. I recorded it at dawn on a winter morning—a soft, hypnotic way to lull myself to sleep. This mix is meant to guide you gently into Morpheus’ arms.
You span such a diverse and wide range of genres in your mixing, from 90s house and techno to breaks, what (or who or where) are some of your biggest influences on your mixing and how would you best describe your sound?
The people I meet, both DJs and musicians, are my biggest influences—those I’ve connected with intimately or played alongside. My environment also plays a huge role in shaping my selections and approach to mixing. I’d describe my sound as healing and transcendental, with a strong spiritual dimension.
You were producing a podcast series last year “Gadiamb” that explores the intersection between electronic and traditional music - can you tell us a little bit how your interest in this as a theme for a series came about and will it be continued?
For years, I’ve been applying to music residencies with a project blending electronic music and traditional sounds from Réunion Island, where I’m from. I wanted to bring my culture and identity into what I’ve experienced in Europe.
One day, while sharing music with a Venezuelan friend, I was struck by the rhythmic and vocal similarities between maloya (Réunion) and Venezuelan tambores. That moment sparked my desire to explore Afro-diasporic music worldwide and uncover its deep connections to spirituality. I’m currently preparing a new episode focused on one of the pioneers of the electro-maloya movement happening in Réunion today.
How was playing Electropicales last year on your home island?
It was grounding to return home, and I feel deeply grateful to have played there. The whole trip was intense and surreal—I cried a lot. But seeing my aunt dance, reconnecting with old friends, making new ones, swimming in the ocean every morning, and watching the sunset every evening was incredibly healing.
“Seeing my aunt dance, reconnecting with old friends, making new ones, swimming in the ocean every morning, and watching the sunset every evening was incredibly healing.”
Last and not least, what’s next for SXCL?
Next up, I’ll be playing at Tresor on March 12th as part of the New Faces residency with the Scheißemukke collective. I’m also set to release my first EP and some other projects. Hopefully, I’ll land music residencies in Detroit, Kampala, and Salvador—fingers crossed!
Stay up to date with SXCL here!