SFMix 005: Der Opium Queen
The Berlin-based selector and producer helms this celestial mix.
Der Opium Queen is somewhat of an enigma. His quiet demeanour is contrasted by his zestful and contorted approach to DJing and producing. But an unassuming aura emanates at all times.
Both solo and alongside George Earnest as Time Heals All Wounds, the Berlin-via-Dublin artist instils “a strong emphasis on having fun and keeping your feet on the ground” with his productions. This was mostly evident on 2017’s In The Clouds EP via First Second Label.
The past year has forced Der Opium Queen to remain grounded, but he’s taken the time to look internally instead of venting externally.
“When things are out of your control you just have to take stock and look at the things you can do, and there has been enough to keep me getting by,” he says. “Walking, reading, cooking, music, music, music, studying and relaxing. It could be a lot worse, when you finally have the time to learn that skill that you have been putting off for so long, then there’s always that to be happy about.”
In music, and in life, Der Opium Queen looks to “always keep it interesting and never predictable,” a broader feeling that he manages to encapsulate in this hour-long mix.
As he puts it, expect “loud, round, twisted, funk, swing, scatter, bass blort” – each sensation only propping up after you’ve been sufficiently submerged in the one that preceded.
Listen below.
Tracklist:
1. Simo Cell & Abdullah Miniawy - Weed in The Freezer [BFDM]
2. Guver Ryberg - Shapeshifter [Kulor]
3. Seekers Internation - Furdamurda [Love International]
4. Gilbert Cohen & Ariel - Tu ne Peux Pas Saviour [Versatile Records]
5. Al Wootton - Levi [Trule]
6. Groove Chronicles - Blakjak [DPR Recordings]
7. Major Problems - The Effects Can Last Forever [Nu-Groove]
8. ANF - ANF Dub (D.Tiffany Remix) [ANF]
9. DJ Sotofett - Do-Sho-Luv [Wania]
10. Identified Patient - Sifron Affair [Common Thread]
11. El-B - Serious (Zed Bias Mix) |Locked On]
12. Pilgrims Of The Mind - My Baby Likes Rum [Map Music]
13. Timenet - On The Move (Stripped Down) [Frame Of Mind]
14. Ballet Mechanique - Evolutionary Entities [Eevo Lute Muzique]
15. Schacke - Dissanont Child [Instruments Of Discipline]
16. ???? - ?????
17. Privacy - Make Your Transition [Klasse Wrecks]
