MARCH 2026 #21
Continuing the worldwide series of Pond Recommends to platform the artists/DJs/creatives involved in Mura Masa's Curve +1 Club tour and share local taste. We invited those we have collaborated and hung out with to contribute to the editorial by giving a list of personal recommendations from their local music/culture scene - record labels/stores, clubs, parties, collectives, indie radio, community spaces, small hangouts, cafes etc. Anti-gatekeeping gatekeeping.
WARSAW
Flyer by Jaaaaaanoooo
daisy cutter is a DJ and art curator based in Warsaw, resident of Jasna 1 club, where she runs Wild at Heart event series, co-creator of first polish community radio, Radio Kapitał, and urban sound school Radio Academy. She’s been active on the polish music scene for almost a decade, organising benefit diy parties supporting refugees with FLAUTA collective. Blending classical music education with a zeal for electronic music, daisy cutter creates genre-defying sets with a good balance between storytelling, sonic curiosity and dancefloor dynamics.
Jasna 1
my home club, where I’ve been a resident DJ since 2023, and my favorite club in Poland - both in terms of the lineup and the community. It’s located in the basement of the historic “House Under the Eagles” building right in the heart of Warsaw
Side One
favorite record store, tucked away in a courtyard on Chmielna Street – small in size but huge in terms of its impact on the Polish electronic music scene and fostering friendships :)
Mastak
still a relatively new venue run by a Ukrainian-Belarusian community – a label, record store, and a small, atmospheric dancefloor with diverse lineups and selections
Vvosk
another community-based record store and studio with top-class audio equipment and intimate in-store events. It's a bit off the beaten path, but definitely worth a visit
K-Bar Powiśle
a small Korean underground club in a bridge span, a sister venue to a Korean restaurant, and a space for more experimental and bass-heavy electronic music
Teatr Komuna Warszawa
one of Poland’s most important independent theaters, known for its experimental and anarchistic approach, has been developing its home base in a former school building in the very heart of Warsaw for several years, sharing the space with various social and cultural initiatives
Bar Pacyfik
a high-quality bar, Mexican food, great place to hang out
Pizzaiolo
truly exquisite Neapolitan pizza and a dedication to the music scene – their second location in Nowy Świat has a basement where they host vinyl record series
Klub SPATiF
it’s more of a place for drinks and live music, but sometimes they also host electronic music parties. It’s a venue with a long history. Jazz jam sessions every Wednesday
Plan B
simply an iconic Warsaw bar
Best kept secret spot: right bank of the Vistula, the river that flows through Warsaw, which is wild and beautiful, I particularly recommend going a little south to the bird sanctuary on the peat bogs
Hi! My name is Jan, a.k.a. Jaaaaaanoooo. I’m a visual artist and graphic designer, born and raised in Warsaw, currently based in Rotterdam :P My practice is mostly focused on analog production and is deeply inspired by archival material and sci-fi. I work mostly within the music industry, creating posters, animations, and identities.
pop up community radio. Currently looking for their own space
sound under 2 meters of concrete
Collectives:
series of club nights curated by @klub2020 @ru.tka
party series curated by @gummi_s_ & @taannatalia
gallery and creative community space
silkscreen printing workshop and gallery
pizza and sometimes music in the basement
great place to go before the party or just to hang out with your friends. With small music events from time to time
very well known bar on Plac Zbawiciela. Especially nice during summer time
record store
compiled and edited by Acid
MARCH 2026 #20
Continuing the worldwide series of Pond Recommends to platform the artists/DJs/creatives involved in Mura Masa's Curve +1 Club tour and share local taste. We invited those we have collaborated and hung out with to contribute to the editorial by giving a list of personal recommendations from their local music/culture scene - record labels/stores, clubs, parties, collectives, indie radio, community spaces, small hangouts, cafes etc. Anti-gatekeeping gatekeeping.
BERLIN
Kean Farrar is a Persian-American artist born and raised in Berlin. By fusing alternative R&B with progressive electronic music, he has surfaced as something of an anomaly on the dance floor. Integrating his club-viable songs into hybrid live/DJ sets, he has brought an unconventional performance to the club landscape. Following acclaimed releases on electronic tastemaker label Public Possession, Kean has gained recognition from influential DJs such as Dixon and &ME (Keinemusik), along with international features on Frank Ocean’s Homer Radio and BBC Radio 6, uniquely positioning him between club culture and pop. He also is a resident at Studio IIII in Berlin and co-founder of Keyhole.
Keyhole
Keyhole is a club night I curate together with my creative director Leo. It’s our take on a more social approach to nightlife in Berlin. Right now we’re preparing the first Keyhole Records release.
Victoria Bar
Great bar for long nights. You might actually meet someone who’s from Berlin here.
Panorama Bar
This one is a given. If you’re in Berlin you have to go to Berghain (or at least try). Some of the best sets you’ll ever hear. And the drinks are great too.
Paris Bar
Classic Berlin restaurant. Have some steak frites and then walk over to Schwarzes Café after.
Veryes
Friends of mine doing some of the best design work out there right now.
Another given, but hard not to mention when talking about Berlin’s music scene. Some great people, sick graphics, and parties. If you get the chance to go to one of their nights, don’t miss it.
Best kept secret spot: Omoni, my favorite sushi spot in Berlin. Sit at the bar and share a glass of wine with the chef while he lets you try some new nigiri creations. I’ve Shazamed a few tracks from their playlist before that later made it into my sets.
Hiii, it’s Mian. You’ll find me at the intersection of music, creative production, design, and hospitality. As part of kwia, I am honoured to curate the programme of Berlin’s cutest ambient lounge, where I also shaped my own sound as a DJ. I co-curate and design our label imprint, aiming to create an archive of the sound and feeling that emerged in the space. In 2025 we took kwia on tour around Asia, nurturing the connections the space has given us. As a producer I most recently worked with Mykki Blanco, Einhundert and Nusaqueer. I also had the pleasure of designing the poster for Mura Masa’s Curve +1 in Berlin.
fun forward, all over the place club romance. In the game since 2015, a game changer ever since
uniting the queer Indonesian diaspora through music, food and community events
music that makes the subs glow. Stacked with local femme and trans talent
Annual festival and regular club nights with Asian artists from all over.
For poets that love music
Gotta have faith in FADE! Black joy and black music.
Proggy, trancy and bassy - energetic, fun and levitating. Love!
is a female collective supporting the Palestinian cause with hand printed t-shirts. From Neukölln with love.
Malaysian / Singaporean food always, music and mahjong occasionally.
Berlin’s cutest radio - with a new space that just opened.
For those who fancy a fancy listening experience.
Amazing concert venue with a pretty garden & great bookings.
Best kept secret spot: it’s gotta be kwia! even though not so secret anymore, kwia has evolved from a small ambient living room to an international hub for music lovers. Come thru before we unfortunately have to close this summer.
compiled and edited by Acid
MARCH 2026 #19
Continuing the worldwide series of Pond Recommends to platform the artists/DJs/creatives involved in Mura Masa's Curve +1 Club tour and share local taste. We invited those we have collaborated and hung out with to contribute to the editorial by giving a list of personal recommendations from their local music/culture scene - record labels/stores, clubs, parties, collectives, indie radio, community spaces, small hangouts, cafes etc. Anti-gatekeeping gatekeeping.
DUBLIN
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When putting this list together, it hit home that a lot of the music and party infrastructure in Dublin exists
between people, collectives, the internet and transient projects that move from place to place. There are
very few brick and mortar spaces for these things to thrive. Like many cities in Europe we’ve been hit hard
by a housing crisis, our cultural spaces have been gutted and cost of living is through the roof. There’s
still so much to love about Dublin, come visit, be mindful…good times guaranteed <3
Mooncup is a DJ, curator and party organiser from Dublin. Blending bass-driven sounds from around the
world, her sets are rooted in rhythm, humour and emotion. She has played regularly at venues, parties
and festivals in Ireland and occasionally across the water. Highlights include warmup sets for Irish Hash
Mafia, support slots for Manuka Honey, Legit Girl DJ and Mura Masa, closing out the Cambium Club at All
Together Now and one special night at the White Hotel. She is the host of Full Frontal, a monthly show on
dublin digital radio., and the co-founder of In Deep Blend, a party series dedicated to the art of the blend.
Cornerstone of artist-led, independent music and art in Ireland. Seb, Paul and Isabella have done the
work to keep the doors open and accessible for the last few years, welcoming in any and all who want to
perform, experiment, jam, vibe, ponder…
~ This one is outside Dublin but the perfect way to see more of Ireland ~
Without fail, the highlight of my year and the kicking off point for what has been a string of delectable Irish
Summers for me and my friends! Literally the best festival in Ireland featuring our most precious local acts
and carefully curated international guests. Autumns and Kahn’s beach set last year was mind
blowing...instant canon event. Shouts out to the organisers and volunteers who have made the festival
what it is over the last 10 years.
Insanely proud to have had a role in setting up our local DIY space and even prouder of the volunteers
keeping it running today. Daylight is the only collectively-owned space of its kind on the island of Ireland.
It hosts artist studios, gigs, local community groups like Food Not Bombs, dance classes, clown nights
and whatever else we as a community of freaky little members want to do. Special mention for Stretch,
one of the best resident parties happening there. Anyone can become a Daylight member on Patreon or
donate - consider it!
If you want to smooch and shake ass with the cutest people in Dublin, get yourself to a yard party my
love!
Lolllll I’m including my bestie in this list because she is the mastermind behind some of the best parties
happening here, plus a legendary producer and beloved my many. If you manage to catch Club Comfort,
Sunburst Sounds or our new party In Deep Blend during a visit to Dublin, you’ll be doing well.
Speaking of these three parties, they couldn’t happen without Tengu. I’ve been dancing here regularly for
over ten years, showing no signs of stopping. Outs to Emma and the team always making sure the bar is
high, the vibes are safe and the plants get shook.
Community funded radio! An integral part of the music community in Ireland with a beautiful new studio in
the centre of the city and a team of legend volunteers managing things day to day. We’re also lucky
enough to have Éist, a new community station broadcasting from Cork. Get locked!
Umm this is just a yummy restaurant with a very special energy!!!
Consistent spot for smaller live acts, local and touring. I think the sound in here is really nice, never feels
too loud.
When I die and go to heaven, the music playing will be from the WTTG expanded universe. Go and
explore on Bandcamp, and maybe you’ll be lucky enough to catch a party… Dean was slinging espressos
at the last one, the room smelled so good. Classy.
Best kept secret spot: The Blue Light Pub. Nice if you can drive up, get the bus, or cycle if you're hard. Perfect for a pint after a big walk up Tiknock. Occasional parties there too!
compiled and edited by Acid
MARCH 2026 #18
Continuing the worldwide series of Pond Recommends to platform the artists/DJs/creatives involved in Mura Masa's Curve +1 Club tour and share local taste. We invited those we have collaborated and hung out with to contribute to the editorial by giving a list of personal recommendations from their local music/culture scene - record labels/stores, clubs, parties, collectives, indie radio, community spaces, small hangouts, cafes etc. Anti-gatekeeping gatekeeping.
AMSTERDAM
Flyer by Marina Rabier
Ambu Bambu is a DJ, producer, and radio programmer from Groningen (The Netherlands) who loves moving people with ambient by day & bass by night. They curate a platform called ‘fruit salad’, releasing listening sets, hosting stages, and organizing multi-sensory ambient / experimental electronica events for fruities and cuties. Their debut EP ‘Amino / Nervous System’ on Intercept Records first saw the light of day in September ‘25. Big feelings, big sounds, and much more music to come in the future.
GRONINGEN:
The best record store in town with both new and second hand inventory. The second hand bins are where I pretty much get all of my records
Super cozy bar/restaurant with crafty DIY vibes. They often show artworks from local artists, host bingo nights, and you can play cool (board) games. Amongst friends we’ll ask “kleintje Kult?” (small one at Kult?) when we want to hang out there
the gem of Groningen. Daytime parties, nighttime parties, and a yearly 2-day outdoor festival with quality line-ups
not unbiased as I work here, but Relate has become such an essential part of the city when it comes to connection between local DJs. Also visited and loved by DJs from the rest of the country and beyond. Love the community that we built here :)
AMSTERDAM:
my queer haven in the form of a club. Lovely sound, lights, line-ups, visitors, and staff (hi Mika <3)
bar, resto, listening space, and parties with superb sound
hybrid radio / club space with hifi listening bar upstairs. Super sweet community surrounding the radio
nne of the most creative and forward thinking collectives I can think of, showcasing and nurturing trans talent. They organize club events but also other types of gatherings focused on community building & education
Best kept secret spot: one of my favorite things to do is visit thrift stores. My personal fave is Fair Back, a little bike ride out of the center of Groningen. I always check out the electronics for any music gear and the clothes section!
BABY GANOUSH
yo yo yo, I'm Aya aka baby ganoush⋆ ͙͘͡★ I'm Lebanese (born and raised in Sweden, now based in Amsterdam), and I'm an Art Director/Designer/DJ + curator of the event initiative b:3tter irl (the realest, check it out, u might love it) and host of ◦key/sync• on Echobox radio. U can mostly find me running around at garage noord, and I recently opened for Mura Masa during the Curve +1 tour. U can listen back to it here :3 follow me on perfectly imperfect to keep up w more recs (tysm prada horse shoe for the pond recommend, it has opened my eyes ♡)
my second home, the best club in Amsterdam, especially for more diverse and experimental music, a hub for queers and bipoc and the reason this city still has me in a chokehold, lol... Come for the next garage fest (a collaboration with Nyege Nyege) and have dinner and a mango sticky rice cocktail at their Sichuan restaurant before the club. Then, come back on a Thursday evening to explore the local microculture.
my extended living room and go-to place when I wanna be lowkey but social. I come here to sip a delicious orange wine (yeahh frr idc!!!) or even a port wine, while immersed in their epic soundsystem by kantarion sound. In the winter i might bring my diary, and in the summer i MIGHT flirt on the terrace. U can also eat here, the menu is currently Lesbian (Lebanese).
a trailblazing collective platforming and nurturing trans talent. one of the most reliable events to go to for top quality music, crowd and a rly good time. run by some of AMS most exciting dj's.
i'll always be a fan. <3
kruispunt & pacific ondergronds
two collectives mainly focused on live music, bridging gaps and bringing more representation into the punk scene. they're working overtime and always got something exciting going on, like their annual halloween party at skatecafe.
an asian/queer-centred playground focused on east and southeast asian diasporic culture. they come together once in a blue moon for a real fun time with tarot readings, boardgames and karaoke <3
zines, books & sound. a cute lil central hotspot run by ppl with amazing taste!!! open thurs-sun, and occasionally hosts pop-up's or and events at different venues
café40 + san fransisco + bar bario + pamela + oedipus brewery + benelux (sanaa's kitchen) + skatecafe
reliable in-between places to go to for a cute time, great drinks and music. oedipus brewery is also the new location for echobox radio, excited to see how that evolves!
chinnamasta, bbbwithluv, noisediva & zohar
rly cool artists to follow for their releases, curations (like roots & riddims, ìpọ̀sìn’s peace by april222. and nothing here now) and some of the most fun DJ sets out there
a club in den haag partly founded by torus, also with a crazy soundsystem by kantarion sound, a restaurant and some of my fav curations.
event initiative spielraum evolved into a queer run cultural space/club. rly chic and beautifully designed club architecture, especially love the lights throughout the building. go there during a weekender to experience it in full bloom
draaimolen / dekmantel / rewire / le guess who / lente kabinet / horst / woodblocks (by kiosk radio)
my fav festivals in amsterdam and close by. draaimolen especially cause they curate lesser known artists at peak timeslots with lots of interesting b2bs that make more sense than u might think at first glance
I'm just gna mention kwia (my home away from home and fav listening bar in berlin) here as well bcs i can....
follow for editorial content and weekly cheat sheets of everything going on
Best kept secret spots!
a passion filled bookshop, cultural space, coffee place and a community hub run by ppl from the Shaam region (Palestine, Syria, Lebanon and Jordan) and curated for ppl who wanna hangout, co-work, or learn more about the region through books, events and conversations. ♡
my fav bread bakery, on my fav street (javastraat), and across from tigris & eufraat where u should get the za'atar n cheese manoushe, the falafel or the chicken shawarma. on this street u can also get rly good baklawa, arabic coffee and knafeh. or have an apple cider in the sun surrounded by greenery at niewue diep distillery
perfect intimate date night spot and best ramen in town (imo). U have to book ahead, and in the evenings they serve a 5-dish tasting menu with a creamy dry ramen (main course) so flavourful that u'll keep thinking about it. 1000000000% plant based
newly discovered authentic Vietnamese restaurant
fav brunch place, especially for their Sunday roast
fav store, they always have new interesting emerging artists from all over the world to discover
MARINA RABIER
Hi, it’s Marina. I’m originally from Murcia, a town in the south of Spain, but I’m currently living in Barcelona. Always eager to learn and curious about the meaning behind artistic expression, a few years ago, I developed a taste for graphic design. More recently, I designed the poster for Mura Masa's Curve Club +1 show in Amsterdam. For me, it’s a beautiful way to turn into something visual the images and textures I carry in my imagination, almost like giving life and shape to something that would be lost or remain intangible. I think the relationship I have with nature (the shifting light, the silence between sounds) plays a big part in how I express myself.
Fauna & Flora, Garage Noord, Tillatec + Club Raum
for clubbing + parties
spots for listening sessions + laidback music
Bar Theo, Soundgarden, Cafe The Minds, P96, Bar Bario, Pamela, De Nieuwe Anita, Kriterion, Maloe Mello, Cafe De Druif + Boothuis
places to drink
Thais Snackbar Bird, Toko Bersama West, Peps, Tweede Thuys, MKZ + Foodhallen
places to eat
best kept secret spot: I would say Noordspace, a raw, chill spot where music, art, and underground come together
MASHA WORDPRESS
Masha Wordpress is an Amsterdam-based DJ and producer. During her sets, she fills the dancefloor with unrestrained energy, taking listeners on a sonic journey through electro, bass, breaks, and broken rhythms. As a producer, Masha has made her mark with releases on Jade, Ovelha Trax, Native Boundaries, and Felicita Arts. Beyond the decks, she advocates for diversity in electronic music through her project Magenta, dedicated to supporting and amplifying female talent in the club scene.
a very nice music store with a big selection from all possible genres. You can find lots of great vinyl records and CDs here, and they also host listening sessions and live performances by local acts
a cozy bar in the centre of Amsterdam with DJ sets by local artists
cute sound bar with a delicious lunch menu in the neighbourhood of De Pijp
an independent concert venue for underground and alternative music
a creative space and online radio station with a focus on Amsterdam’s underground music scene
a community-based creative space that hosts a variety of events, from listening sessions and club nights to vintage markets and stand-up comedy evenings
independent movie theatre and bar run by students
compiled and edited by Acid
FEBRUARY 2026 #17
Continuing the worldwide series of Pond Recommends to platform the artists/DJs/creatives involved in Mura Masa's Curve +1 Club tour and share local taste. We invited those we have collaborated and hung out with to contribute to the editorial by giving a list of personal recommendations from their local music/culture scene - record labels/stores, clubs, parties, collectives, indie radio, community spaces, small hangouts, cafes etc. Anti-gatekeeping gatekeeping.
MILAN
Flyer by Matteo Tagliabue
Photos by The Reids
LaHasna is an independent Italian-Moroccan singer, songwriter, DJ and producer based in Milan, blending RnB with electronic sounds. she collaborating with international producers like Salam Carther, Mamba UK, Chris Xylo, and Big Joe, she has carved out a unique musical identity. Her debut album Il Nuovo RnB Italiano (2020) gained major recognition on Spotify playlists, and she’s performed at top events like the Montreux Jazz Festival and Reeperbahn Festival. In 2025, she released the Mixtape Remix compilation and the single Narciso su Marte.
is more than just a burger spot – it’s where I hang out with friends after work and just chill. It’s a hub for the skate scene, with Ratz Ratz, the local skate crew, often organizing events there. I’ve also played at Fonzo’s a few times. Right next to it is...
run by Salvo, a really amazing guy. Since it’s so close to Fonzo’s, we often meet up there too, vibing with the skate crew and enjoying the chill atmosphere during both the week and weekends
is a really cozy wine bar where most weeks they organise music events such as jazz jams and music releases. They also sponsor zines and book. It's a cool place if you want to feel calm whilst also discovering local music scenes
it’s an alternative streaming radio station located in the east of Milan, where local and alternative DJs and artists showcase their music. It’s run by my friend Andrea Cippo. If you're visiting Milan and you're an artist, you should definitely reach out to them!
If you're into hip hop, RnB, baile funk, and afrobeat, these are the places for you. Also perfect if you're into fashion and want to meet cool people, have fun and relive your 90s-00s dreams:
The First is an active collective created by Thera P a DJ friend of mine, who organizes events every Thursday at Apollo, a well-known club in Milan.
The Second collective hosts events on Mondays and stays super active, collaborating with cultural events and supporting local artists in the hip hop and rap scene.
The third is a bar where you can either chill during the day or party at night. It's very active in supporting emerging artists, having talks and organizing workshops especially pushing Afro-descendant artists and people with diverse cultural roots
best kept secret spot: Bovisa Urban Garden. If I want to relax, chill, have a good breakfast, and sometimes participate in activities, I go to this bar-hostel on Sundays, after a nice shopping spree at the flea market next to it. :) yes there is a nice flea market in sunday in Bovisa next to the train station
ciao! my name is Matteo Tagliabue, although everyone just knows me as Marte. I’m a Milan based graphic/motion designer and multimedia artist. I mainly work with music, doing design and live visuals. When I’m not doing creative stuff, I organize local events with my lovely friends. we all have weirdly specific interests that somehow found their way together, from cycling to building sound systems, and everything in between.
very cool radio that hosts very cool djs
group of friends that rides together, mainly cycling focused but never lacking sound <3
one of the most frequent hangout spots for lots of people in Milan
literally translates to “fat man dumplings”. cheap, greasy and super good chinese takeaway that got me through university. highly recommend the baos
large park in the west area of the city. there’s lots of hidden gems and spots to chill, play, ride, run and do whatever you want. there’s always lots of people practicing instruments, and I find it really cool! I once saw a guy playing sax at 1am when getting home from a night out
best kept secret spot: Via Brisa. a very unique hangout place in Milan. not popular anymore like it was a few years ago, but I always find it really fascinating!
compiled and edited by Acid
FEBRUARY 2026 #16
Continuing the worldwide series of Pond Recommends to platform the artists/DJs/creatives involved in Mura Masa's Curve +1 Club tour and share local taste. We invited those we have collaborated and hung out with to contribute to the editorial by giving a list of personal recommendations from their local music/culture scene - record labels/stores, clubs, parties, collectives, indie radio, community spaces, small hangouts, cafes etc. Anti-gatekeeping gatekeeping.
BARCELONA
Flyer by Maria Perez Trillo
Photos + videos by The Reids
Julio Sosa is an artist from the Dominican Republic. Since 2016, he has developed his work as a music producer and DJ under the DJ SOSA RD alias and with his side project “Negro Dinero”. He began his career in the early 2000s in the Santo Domingo techno circuit and relocated to Spain in 2013 to pursue a master's degree in Visual Arts and Multimedia. Through his music, he fuses rave and subversive culture with the political dimension of techno and Caribbean rhythms, creating a unique context of irony, harmony, and cultural diversity. His music has been released on labels such as TraTraTrax, Chrome International, and Promesses. He also co-manages the label Club Romántico alongside its founder, Florentino.
club night run by Eyra and Cal Muck, two of the sweetest people I know. They’re dedicated to bringing together DJs from all styles whilst weaving a tight-knit community in the local Barcelona circuit
boutique jazz and jazz-adjacent record store with the finest selection
used bookstore with a changing selection of novels and different oddities in many languages
small, intimate spot with natural wines and seasonal tapas. Loveliest staff in Barcelona
a local institution: a private association that functions as a club, live music venue, and bar. Known for hosting experimental and alternative events, mostly focused on queer proposals and electronic music, with a very punk and DIY attitude
record store located in Madrid, run by the legendary Spanish industrial band Esplendor Geométrico. Expect a curated selection of electronic music from the fringes and the finest in IDM, electroacoustic, techno, noise, and beyond
queer bar serving natural wine and cocktails
tasty Gambian/Senegalese eats in the city centre
Hi ☺︎ My name is María and I’m from Spain, based in Madrid. I work as an independent freelancer in the intersection of creative direction, art direction and graphic design. I’m especially passionate about editorial design and typography, particularly in printed formats. I have a strong interest in working for cultural projects linked to music, for me they are the perfect ground to experiment with visual language and strategic creativity. One of the projects I’ve been working for some years now with friends is in Observatorio an independent music festival that is celebrated in the amazing village of Balboa (El Bierzo). In my free time, you can usually find me at a concert, eating somewhere nice, or scouting cool dogs on the streets.
Disclaimer: I feel it’s impossible to speak about Barcelona without acknowledging the challenges the city is facing. Rising and abusive rent prices have transformed it into a place that often feels disconnected from its locals, slowly eroding the identity of its neighborhoods and its cultural and musical scene. For this reason, I believe it’s important to visit the city consciously not to consume it, but to respect and support what makes it alive <3.
Music Collectives:
Me Siento Extraña (MSE)
a collective focused on building safer, inclusive environments for FLINTA identities through music, art, and community engagement. Their programming features compelling musical projects, events and a strong sense of collective support
barcelona-based musical artistic collective that explores and disseminate the most contemporary electronic sound and the avant-garde scene from the African continent and its diaspora
a multidisciplinary music collective. Everything happening around mainline.co is definitely worth keeping an eye on. And as an extra I would make sure to not miss the opportunity to experience a Mainline Magic Orchestra or a Ciutat show <3
Lagrima collective is a collective that organise events that bring together experimental and electronic music, live performance, and visual experiences. They usually do their events in Madrid (Replika Teatro) but visit Barcelona too
Music Spaces:
Cultural spaces like Sala Vol and Paral·lel 62
that are musically curated by L'Afluent, a Barcelona-based cultural collective rooted in self-management, collective work, and inclusivity. With a wide range of different types of interesting music proposals
they host a great diversity of artists. If you want to get to know the local Barcelona scene, local DJs often take care of opening or ending the night
a very nice record shop with a great local selection that gives voice to the local scene
i feel a special connection to this vinyl shop. It was the first I discovered through a friend when I arrived in Barcelona. Great music selection
Radio:
an independent online community radio station and community meeting point from Barcelona. They give space to divergent voices, sharing values with local and national talent
online audiovisual archive with a diverse lineup of artists
Other:
natural wine and nice music
book and magazine shop: I really love the magazine and publication selection in music, art and culture
Best kept secret spot: Bar jai-ca, I dream of their yummy “Braves del Jai-ca”
Note from The Pond: María designed the Barcelona Club night flyer (pictured top centre). We give a very simple brief to each designer to allow space for their own interpretation. We loved María's response and wanted to include this excerpt of an email where she talks about her process:
"I’m attaching the poster design file for the Barcelona show. I wanted to tell you a bit about the concept behind it. These past few days while I’ve been working on the poster, I’ve had Mura Masa’s latest songs on loop, and I also read an interview with him. Sometimes, not having any kind of briefing can make you fall into a black hole (though I was happy to fall into it :) ).
One phrase that really caught my attention was when he was talking about “Curve” he said: “But the thrust of it is that it's designed for nights out, afters, to be heard in clubs… to be listened to in the dark.” That really resonated with me, and as I kept thinking about it, I thought it could be interesting to use a cave as that space. That club where you enter and go through a kind of magical experience.
The image of the cave also reminded me a bit of Plato’s Allegory of the Cave, the prisoners chained inside who can only see shadows projected on the wall and believe that’s the only reality. Going back to the interview, I found it very interesting how he spoke about becoming independent again, returning to the beginning, trusting yourself, and following your own path. So in this case, it would be like coming out of the cave, but the idea of a “rave cave,” the opposite of that, where people enjoy music and dance, felt like a perfect fit."
compiled and edited by Acid
FEBRUARY 2026 #15
Continuing the worldwide series of Pond Recommends to platform the artists/DJs/creatives involved in Mura Masa's Curve +1 Club tour and share local taste. We invited those we have collaborated and hung out with to contribute to the editorial by giving a list of personal recommendations from their local music/culture scene - record labels/stores, clubs, parties, collectives, indie radio, community spaces, small hangouts, cafes etc. Anti-gatekeeping gatekeeping.
ANTWERP
Flyer by Circular World
DJ KIT
DJ Kit is a producer and DJ from Brussels. He was 1/3 of the band Planet 1999 on PC Music and recently started a new club pop duo called Lipstick Music, releasing music independently, with three singles already out and a fourth one’s coming early December. He’s also the co-founder of City Links Recordings, where he put out his first solo club project as DJ Kit last year. These recommendations are from DJ Kit's local scene in Brussels, an hour's drive away.
Located in Parc Royal, Kiosk is a cool place to hang and listen to music outdoors. The curation is super wide, and they’re always open to new DJs. They also run Woodblock, a great festival every end of summer
One of the best venues in Brussels for experimental sounds, from noise to alternative pop. It’s been a landmark for twenty years and has an amazing atmosphere
A label and party series run by Otis, with cool lineups between experimental pop and dance music. Always great energy.
Another artist collective and label throwing some of the best parties, bringing their own crazy sound system and impressive scenography every time. Also always great energy.
Cool club with a good sound system and a big outdoor space to hang during the night. Often hosting Slagwerk or Isengard parties.
A cool new record shop in the city center that sometimes hosts events and readings.
best kept secret spot: during the summer, take an ice cream at Bargello and enjoy the sunset from here
O’SIMMIE
O’SIMMIE is a Brussels based producer, DJ, and co-founder of a nightlife platform called Gloom Club. Intrigued by everything melancholic, his sound can be described as a playful marriage between rhythmic bass music and trance-like.
Very fun record store with an online radio that regularly hosts in-store events and ‘window sessions’. They also run an online radio with residencies by dj’s from all over. A must-visit when in Antwerp!
Traum is the reincarnation of one of Antwerp’s most legendary nightclubs, ‘Café d’Anvers’ which closed it’s doors in 2019. Traum overtook the building early 2025 and has been smashing it ever since, with clubnights featuring a broad spectrum of (underground) DJ’s. My first time there was also the memorable night I got to close after Mura Masa
WAV (We Are Various) is an online community radio broadcasting from Het Bos & De Studio, hosting talks, organising expos & all sorts of musical events throughout the year
Het Bos (dutch for ‘the forest’) is a concert venue and cultural hub that is known for it’s rich, open minded and sometimes very underground programmation. If you’re looking for niche electronics in Antwerp, this is definitely a spot to check out
Beautiful Roman style amphitheater in the middle of the Revierenhof park. Best time to visit is during summer, when the sun sets around 21:00 and the arena is covered in a red glow
Decibel A Records is a newfound record label by BAVR and DC Noises, two of Antwerp’s most in demand DJ’s who also run a successful event series called ‘Love On Top Club’
Livestream DJ concept by my friend and dj colleague Yunobi. He streams every other sunday through twitch. The general vibe is more hip hop oriented but he loves to invite guests who broaden the genrespectrum of the channel
compiled and edited by Acid
JANUARY 2026 #14
To start the year we return with the worldwide series of Pond Recommends to platform the artists/DJs/creatives involved in Mura Masa's Curve +1 Club tour and share local taste. We invited those we have collaborated and hung out with to contribute to the editorial by giving a list of personal recommendations from their local music/culture scene - record labels/stores, clubs, parties, collectives, indie radio, community spaces, small hangouts, cafes etc. Anti-gatekeeping gatekeeping.
PARIS
Flyer by Paul Moullievois
Born in Maldova, living in Paris - Fetva is spiritually living in the club.
the club night and record label ran by Bamao and Antoine
my friend with who I organize Daddy Issues with and some fundraisers, she is an absolute queen who is doing party Filles de bledard and Fauvettes - both are to support the migrant community, children and parents who live in Fauvettes.
amazing events run by my friend Pam who also has her own label
White Garden
record label and events, always nice program and always supportive to the new emerging artists
very nice events very community music oriented mindset run by my friend Lois who's a programmer /curator
my very good friend we organise Daddy issues and Sumer/winter jams together, amazing dj and graphic designer
another one from the Daddy Issues crew, he's a very big part of the music community in Paris, amazing, dj, producer, graphic designer
arist-run space co-run by Anna Dotigny: very important lady in music scene in Paris, from super wild raves in forests to huge raves for fashion week. Always supportive and always amazing events
Lisa More is the programmer and also a very good dj. she's super supportive towards everyone in alternative community
artist-run space, a big building with studios, concert space, galleries, an amazing paradise of a space. one of my favourite spots in Paris
artist run space, one of the best soundsystems in paris, amazing real underground place with extremely amazing lineup
niche music label and events
party night very fun very hot very cute
artist-run space huge building, concerts and studios, very nice and peaceful place with very cute events
radio and events, very community, nice soundsystem, very real true to the core collective
there are several soundsystems in Paris, we all work with them in the music community and they are very devoted to music collectives. Tweak is one I've played a lot of times
label and party run by women - very community-focused, very ethical and devoted to their values. more hardcore with some ambient too
Best kept secret spot: Place de Fete/ Pizzeria Santa Monica is my favourite place in the world. big space where you can eat cheap oysters on Sundays directly from ocean, super cute old school pizzeria is there too. one of the most peaceful places for me where i spend a lot of time chilling with my friends
You can check out all things Fetva here
Hi, I’m Paul, from France. I work with sound, images, and objects. I’m originally an industrial designer. Today I try to build most of my projects around music, in one way or another. I produce music as part of Studio Milton, a collective of musicians from all over the world. I design and produce furniture for musicians, and more broadly for music lovers who want everyday objects connected to music - but in a more desirable, thoughtful way. I craft props for music videos and photo shoots. I also work on visuals: music videos, covers, flyers, and overall art direction for different artists and events. Whatever the field - audio, visual, or objects - I always focus on materiality, on understanding the tools, and on bending or misusing them to transform what they’re made for.
my close friends run this event/booking agency, they do club parties on Friday nights and good shows on Saturday afternoons, a nice moment to chill from Friday hangover or to ramp up for Saturday’s night! Gooood curation. (I also design the flyers for Faether)
a collective of musicians from all over the world, even if it’s a sleeping project for now, you should listen to ‘RARES’ and ‘HUMIDE’, two mixtape from the studio, waiting for the next one to come, with its special release party!
where there are concerts commissioned by Stephen O’Malley & Hampus Lindwall
vinyl digger place with beautiful speakers
fun place where you have enough room to dance!
art and cultural space / shared art studio and good place to visit
best bar
just cozy for a Sunday afternoon
best kurdish restaurant in town, best combo is : peas soup + ayran (or a tea) + lahmachun if you’re by yourself (or potatoes pide to share with someone)
best shop to get electronic components for personal geek creations
go check out Mica Levi's first painting exhibition. (I designed and build the walls on wheel of this gallery, a system that provide four surfaces to expose the art!)
And yes, also Bourse De Commerce (always a really good show curation, but a bit too fancy now), Station Gare des Mines, Corcoran’s lilas, etc…
You can check out Paul's work here
compiled and edited by Acid
DECEMBER 2025 #13
a monthly archive of cultural recommendations, original works and contributions from members of The Pond community. Anti-gatekeeping gatekeeping.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Here's what we’re feeling rn 🌀:
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Boards of Canada "Olson" on a 1959 PDP-1 Computer
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The Goon Squad: Loneliness, porn's next frontier, and the dream of endless masturbation
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Pauline Oliveros - "I of IV" (1966) - Performance by RISD Class on May 9, 2025
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The Gilda Stories - Jewelle Gomez
Stargirrl
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He's Like a Swallow - Stina Nordenstam
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Experiences in Groups: Should left movements use group relations?
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Phil Kieran - Find Love (Andrew Weatherall Remix)
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Something to Hold Onto - Ms* Gloom
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Kerry James Marshall: The Histories at The Royal Academy
Emma Korantema
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MADE BY THE POND
Original works and achievements by us. 🏆 :
George Riley released EP More is More
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Alexia Marmara is hosting her first Amurmur event at Horse Hospital, London
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Mura Masa released EP Curve +1
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Nathan Evans interviewed Blawan for Crack Magazine
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Witch Trials released EP Return To Nothing
The Reids directed and shot the video for Mura Masa's Handsup
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Caroline Whiteley wrote piece 'Inside Horst Club's Living Design'
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Mietze Conte has been touring
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DJ Kit released single Just Like A Drug with his band Lipstick Music
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KAVARI released their winter clothing drop
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Jak Ritger was interviewed for Do Not Research, 'An Interview with the Infamous DNR Meme Account Admin'
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Umru did a mix for Elevator Music
LISTEN
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Phil produced album fingers crossed for kwes e
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Emmeline released single RODEO
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Megra released single Drifting
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Karma Kid produced single Enemy for Sassy009
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Shaad D’Souza profiled Skepta for the cover of GQ Magazine
READ
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Ultra Caro released mixtape Moonlight Diaries
LISTEN
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Otis released album Christmas Rush by Money Lang on his label Slagwerk
LISTEN
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Acid captured Mura Masa's +1 tour
LOOK
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Alexis released EP Path
LISTEN
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Ruthlss supported Daniel Avery at the Barbican
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Loukeman played alongside Fred Again.. in Toronto
LOOK
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Jan Wojda designed the flyer for Mura Masa's Curve +1 show in Warsaw
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Emma Korantema released album The Complete Works 001 - Egya
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Nelya Rosa is hosting the next edition of Presentation Club at Lark, Berlin
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Boo hosted a Gh3tec party with The Pond at Cu, Dalston
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Salute released a compilation album for Fabric
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LSDXOXO contributed a mix + was interviewed for Resident Advisor's podcast
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Underscores is supporting Danny Brown on his US tour
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DJH released EP Nine Shells High with Helica
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Jake Allen photographed a Club Pantheon night
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Melissa Gardner won the Abbey Road Studios Music Photographer award
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Shy Bairns are hosting a downtempo party at Cobalt Studios
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Angela Steps played the Mura Masa Curve +1 London show at the Roundhouse
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Mia Lily and Cameo Blush played the Night Maneouvers party at Fabric
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Bby Eco released single (i)
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Willem Feltzer played in Brussels for the first time at FUSE for a Slagwerk party
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Romain Ruiz was interviewed by Overstandard, 'Roman Ruiz's France Fantasia'
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Prada Horseshoe was interviewed by Clocked Out Magazine, 'Land Among the Stars: an Interview with Prada Horseshoe'
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Madam X has been touring the US + Canada
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Lloyd Fears played a Tendersesh Party at Giri, Berlin
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Seren 4 Ever released a remix EP
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Jean Pierre Consuegra designed the billboard poster for Lorde's takeover at All Points East
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Fetva played the Mura Masa Curve +1 Paris show at Trabendo
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compiled and edited by Acid
SEPTEMBER 2025 #12
a monthly archive of cultural recommendations, original works and contributions from members of The Pond community and Discord. Anti-gatekeeping gatekeeping.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Here's what we’re feeling rn 🌀:
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Our Lady of the Flowers - Gene Genet
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Americanah - Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
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Tough Breaks: The story of Baltimore Club Music - Al Shipley
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Dilla Time: The life and afterlife of J Dilla
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Original Ravers: Portraits from The Haçienda
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Kerry James Marshall: The Histories
Emma Korantema
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Women's History Museum: Grisette á l'enfer
Jak Ritger
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Cosha
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MADE BY THE POND
Original works and achievements by us. 🏆 :
Mia Lily released EP Hydrated but Drunk
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Cosha released single Sun Back Dj Lycox Remix
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Louis Grace his band Legss released single See No Evil
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Sam Wachs photographed Fakemink
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Hometones released album Shift
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Romain Ruiz photographed the 2025 Prix de Diane Concours d’Elegance
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Stargirll released single Black Hankerchief
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Rifke Sadlier wrote piece 'Live, Love, Laugh, LLM' for AND ORS
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Umru released single 1-800-FUCKOFF with Underscores
LISTEN
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Phil produced track sos for Jim Legxacy
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The Lizard Queen released a mix on Room 303 Radio
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Yeule did a cover feature for Shadowplay Magazine
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Mura Masa released single I'm Really Hot (For Myself)
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Karma Kid worked on production for Transition and Baby Blue on SG Lewis' album Anoemia
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Shaad D’Souza interviewed Jerry Saltz for Shaad Magazine
READ
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Ultra Caro released single Ride or Die
LISTEN
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Otis hosted a Slagwerk party at Post Bar, Helsinki
LOOK
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Megra released single All Night
LISTEN
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Ruthlss released single Feel Good
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Loukeman is playing at Elsewhere, New York on 31st October
LOOK
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Cameo Blush released EP Grace in Motion
LISTEN
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Nathan Evans wrote piece Scouse Rap: Inside Liverpool's raw, rowdy underground scene for Dazed
READ
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Jake Allen photographed a night at Club Pantheon
LOOK
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Lloyd Fears released single Hope Trilogy with Low End Activist
LISTEN
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Jak Ritger Wrote piece, Fom Dunes to DIY Rooms: A Flying Tour of New England’s Buoyant Art Scene for Ocula
READ
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Cold wrote the music for Conner Ives SS 2026 show
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KAVARI released mixtape Lost Cuts Vol.3 (The Trinity)
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Mietze Conte is touring Europe
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Melissa Gardner has been nominated for the Abbey Road Studios Music Photographer Award
LOOK
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Boo is throwing a Halloween party for her label + community Gh3tec at Cu, Dalston on 31st October
LOOK
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Emma Korantema has released new merch
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The Reids directed the music video for Raye's WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!
WATCH
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compiled and edited by Acid
JUNE 2025 #11
we return to our OG format of Pond Recommends with a monthly archive of cultural recommendations, original works and contributions from members of The Pond community and Discord. Anti-gatekeeping gatekeeping.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Here's what we’re feeling rn 🌀:
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Boo
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Cara Dillon vs. 2Devine - Black Is The Colour (Coco & Green Remix)
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Ruthlss
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NTS x JET SET Radio: Bae Bae live from Brain Dead Studios
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Utopian Shimmers: Hannah Baer on Raving and the Limits of Liberation Share
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Rinse FM 100.3 - UK Garage and Early Grime - Pirate Radio Archives
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Connector Fuck Man - Texas 3000
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The Apple in the Dark - Clarice Lispector
Leo Bhanji
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Handwriting Practice No.1 - Operelly
Imagiro
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Hilma af Klint
Mura Masa
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Cadillac - Colin Miller
Shaad D’Souza
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Panorama... [CINK23] - Rakim & Ken Wilde
Nathan Evans
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Kill Everything - fakemink
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Pierre Huyge’s exhibition at the Marian Goodman Gallery
Prada Horseshoe
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Mind Games (2001 film)
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Jak Ritger
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118 - d’on
Ultra Caro
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Michael B. Tretow and the Roland TB-303
Megra
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Blue and Silver Cortex - Greg Dunn
Ruthlss
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The Body Keeps the Score - Bessel van der Kolk
Louis Grace
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tiny-inter.net
Lexi Radkiewicz
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super - Lauren Duffus
Boo
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All the samples from Mars
Mura Masa
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Top Hits, Ballads, etc... - AMORE
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Cameron Winter - Heavy Metal
Jacob Ray
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Cosha
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German shepherd dog sadie on wheels
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Listen (escucha) - Murray Schafer
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MADE BY THE POND
Original works and achievements by us. 🏆 :
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Emma Korantema released single Surveillance (Gluttony)
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Starrgirl released single Safe Spaces
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Sam Wachs published a collection of his photographs A Twin is just a really good friend
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Eddington Again released single Instill
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LSDXOXO released EP DGTL ANML and was profiled for Perfectly Imperfect
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Nelya Rosa curated SYMPOSIUM as part of Presentation Club at Ballhaus Ost, a night of experimental lecture-performance repurposing the slideshow as a medium — to share a niche interest, to seduce their crush, to dance with knowledge, to invent a new persona, to lose the plot, to move to tears, or to make something up
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Rifke Sadlier hosted a Roundtable with SOFTER, sharing some of her favourite projects, inspirations, her love of trinkets and how her playful perspectives shape the way she designs for the web
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Umru released EP Matter of Time
LISTEN
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Phil worked on production for PinkPantheress’ 4th album Fancy That, YT’S Make It + Pa Salieu’s Round and Round
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Yeule released their 4th studio album Evangelic Girl is a Gun
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Mura Masa released single Forever with George Riley
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Willem Feltzer released album Awake
LISTEN
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Shaad D’Souza profiled Cameron Winter for I-D
READ
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Prada Horseshoe curated FULLSCREEN, a music video showcase at Roxy Cinema NYC
WATCH
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Ultra Caro released single Counting Sheep
LISTEN
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Otis released Music for Your Plants’ EP Aeolian Software on his label Slagwerk
LISTEN
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Megra released a remix for ATRIP’s Rainbow
READ
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Loukeman released a remix of Vegyn's Last Night I Dreamt I Was Alone
LOOK
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Boo + Mia Lily collaborated with Mura Masa on his LOCAL tour, they curated and played nights in Stockton-on-Tees and Blackpool to support local subcultural scenes from overlooked areas in the UK
LOOK
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Cameo Blush released single Here
LISTEN
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Angela Steps joined Shygirl supporting Charli XCX on the SWEAT tour
LOOK
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Ruthlss released EP Northern Lights
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Karma Kid produced Obongjayar’s Not In Surrender, Kean Kavanagh’s The County Star, Towards Horses, Wild Sign I Choose You and Shulgin from Real Lies We Will Annihilate Our Enemies + LSDXOXO’s DGTL ANML
LISTEN / LISTEN / LISTEN / LISTEN
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Salute released single gbesoke with Peter Xan
LISTEN
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Underscores released single Poplife with Umru
LISTEN
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Kogane released single wait4me with Thomas White
LOOK
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DJ Heroin produced tracks POP OUT, MUNYUN, WALK and SOUTH ATLANTA BABY on Playboi Carti’s album MUSIC
LISTEN
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Cosha played her first show in Brazil with Lucia Leonce
LOOK
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Jak Ritger did an artist talk for his Summer 2024 exhibition Another Dimension at the Fall River Museum of Contemporary Art
LOOK
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Roman Ruiz put together a collection of his photographs from travelling fairs across France
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KAVARI did the artwork + photography for KOPI O’s EP WORSHIP
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Mietze Conte released single Knows
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Melissa Gardner shot the Burberry LFW afterparty
LOOK
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Cold was chosen to represent London in the Original Sounds campaign by NTS and Adidas, spotlighting 16 homegrown artists across London, Manchester, Glasgow and Newcastle who are redefining the sounds of their cities
LISTEN
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Louis Grace his band Legss released single Gloss
LISTEN
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Günseli wrote The Internet Enters it’s Age of Aquarius for Spike Magazine
READ
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Jacob Ray shot the cover art for Legss new single Gloss
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Zack Sekoff did the artwork + photography for KOPI O’s EP WORSHIP
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The Reids produced, shot, directed + edited the music video for Mura Masa’s Jump, featuring Showdem Movement Foundation
WATCH
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Lloyd Wayne released sample pack Rare Candy, a Lloyd Wayne Moment
LISTEN
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Witch Trials released collaboration project, More Water with Sub Basics
LISTEN
compiled and edited by Acid
APRIL 2025 #10
This is the final part of a special worldwide series of Pond Recommends to platform the artists/DJs/creatives involved in Mura Masa's Curve Club tour and share local taste. We invited those we have collaborated and hung out with to contribute to the editorial by giving a small list of personal recommendations from their local music/culture scene - record labels/stores, clubs, club nights, radio, community spaces, small hangouts, cafes etc. Anti-gatekeeping gatekeeping.
BROOKLYN
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Photos by Sam Wachs
Flyer by Jean Pierre Consuegra
Hi, I'm Certified Jesus Freak - a Southern-raised, East Coast-residing DJ/producer. I live in New Jersey but everyone associates me with NYC, which is fair lowkey. I'm in there pretty often, whether it's clubbing or just hanging out, and I like witnessing the diversity of the subcultures that thrive in the dance music scenes and having that influence my sets/music.
really cozy queer bar/party spot in Bushwick, beautiful drink combos and a very fun/lovely rotation of bartenders and patrons
incredible institution dedicated to teaching dj fundamentals from a beginner level to a pro, including beatmatching, phrasing, and scratching. co-founded by Jam Master Jay of Run-DMC, upheld by incredible DJs including Marvelito, Flwrshrk, DJ-Sun and El Blanco Nino
down the street from scratch academy, internet radio 8 am - 12 am 7 days a week. some interesting shows/residencies that i've tuned in for/spun!
Rock and Soul DJ Equipment and Records
my go-to for in-person music shopping, this is where i got a lot of my DJ supplies when i was starting out
really sick vinyl store with a lot of superbly crazy dance music records for cheap
DIY label based in Brooklyn putting out any kind of dance music they want. My fav releases so far are Meilgaarden's Not Giving Up and Seimei's Tokyo Funky Breaks
seminal Jersey Club record label with aforementoned artists Marvelito/Flwrshrk/El Blanco Nino, as well as Ase Manual, dream beach, Hellotones, Millz, SJAYY, and so many other connections across club music
party series in NYC spearheaded by Umru + his amazing friends. Played the January 2024 show at Elsewhere last year, had the time of my life, and each lineup just gets better and better. Bonus points for the B2Birthday scheme where he goes b2b with a different DJ every hour at his birthday party. It's truly one of the most insane and creative things I've been blessed to see since I moved to the Northeast
Japanese listening bar in Chelsea Market with addictively well-crafted drinks and delectable food next door
as an American, I'm very passionate about the existence of a good old-fashioned burger. Moonburger is simply delicious, amazing combos, crispy and hot fries, and a burger that makes you briefly nationalistic until you finish it
rounding out my picks is a relatively new party series in NYC called Astroturf. It's spearheaded by my friends over in the collectives Touch Grass and Plastic Pain Club, and their proto-debut show was a big bash in Trans-Pecos called the Northeast Regional, taking a duo/group from almost every stop on the Northeast Regional (Connecticut/NYC/NJ/Boston/Philadelphia/Maryland) and, to put it simply: we packed that hoe out. Blew the roof off. Shit was crazy. They have a new show coming up, with Oak City Slums, Nishévitha, JESSXO, Ghozt, and b2b duo RUSHHOUR. I'm very excited to see what future installments have in store
Best kept secret spot:
El Regalo de Juquila is all I'm willing to say.
You can check out all things CJF here
Hi! My name is Jean Pierre Consuegra, a lot of people know me as JP! Im designer here in Brooklyn NY that mainly works in the music industry. I got started designing by having to make assets for a record label that I used to run called somersault records. I also run a design studio out here called working title studios (the name is actually a working title and will change, soon, I think) lol. But yeah thats pretty much it!
a record label here in NY Ran by my good friend Nick Boyd. imo opinion the most NYC dance music label that there is
created by Bossy Boots, this weekly party platforms fem queer and trans dj’s from all around NY. Started at the legendary Bossa Nova Civic Club and moved over to moodring after the Bossa fire™. The party has been running weekly for over like 3 year now and has platformed countless of incredible DJ’s from the underground dance scene out here. Will never not give Bossy boots her flowers for what she does for the community
a new clothing store opened in Carrol gardens with the best curation of clothes in the city imo. Not sure what it is but the older I get the more im starting to appreciate great quality clothing, whenever I feel like getting myself a gift this is the first place I go to lol
leos is a great and fairly casual spot in Williamsburg off of grand, great burger, great pizza, great roasted chicken. I feel like with how crazy the restaurant ‘scene’ in ny has gotten because of tik Tok I kinda just gravitate to places that I know aren’t a massive pain in the ass to get a seat in and Leos is usually one of those places. Oh also, it has like the best tiramisu in the world, like ive looked around to see if a place has it beat and Ive yet to find one better. Plz send tiramisu recs my way!
i was honestly going back & forth on wether I should add this spot because its so slept on and I know all its gonna take is one tik Tok for it to blow up but this is THAT spot. BBQ in NY sucks, like a lot. Even the places you see go viral online suck. This place fucking rocks, no frills, great bang for you buck kinda deal. Insanely good ribs and cornbread. Also they have a soda fountain that you can get free refills, a lost art in the city some would say
yea idk it’s like legendary at this point right?? For good reason tbh. Great lineups, cheap drinks, open every night till 4 still (I think) They give so many DJ’s a chance to throw a solid party. Lots of seating if you aren’t trying to dance. Just a great spot. Oh also, one of the last places that proves that you don’t need a fancy design direction to run a great club lol
created and hosted by ‘one of the last rockstar DJ’s in NY™’ Purp. The idea is pretty straight forward, its a banging party and the cover is a dollar, they’ll even accept 100 pennies if thats the vibe you’re on
Best kept secret spot:
my house. I really don’t be going out much anymore tbh, ive been sober for like 2 years now and being inside and in bed by like 10pm is cooler than Id like to admit. I used to hate being alone but now I find a nice comfort in chillin by myself in the mornings with my dog and making some coffee and getting some work done. The 30 year old in me is jumping out with this last one but it is what it is I guess lol
You can check out JP's work here
Jen Sillen aka DJ Trick is the founder and director of Rash in New York City. She’s curated programming for institutions like MoMA PS1, Times Square Arts, The Guggenheim Museum, Red Bull Music and The New Museum. She founded the avant-club-theatre-collective Club Cringe in 2019, AV-incubator Diskokina in 2023 with Sam Rolfes, and glam-revival club night Fame Kills in 2025. She’s produced and developed projects independently and through her production house Psyconic for clients like 100 Gecs, Anna Bolina, Dorian Electra, Charli XCX, Club Eat and Surf Gang. She’s a regular contributor on the podcast Seeking Derangements, and is known to be New York’s preeminent Lento Violento enthusiast.
the most amazing racks of clothing in the city are hidden away on the third floor of an office building in Chinatown. Amanda and Mattie don’t only curate the best collection of hidden designer gems you can find, but their runway looks are just stunning and timeless
this is the best neighbourhood spot that only locals know about. You can grab a quick coffee and a snack when you’re in a rush and live your full Carrie and Miranda fantasy
The Frost Childrens’ Living Room
if you’re looking for the real new york ki, skip the club and snag an invite to the only afters that matters
the perfect spot to sit and unwind, this little known stoop is actually the stoop of Carrie’s iconic brownstone. It serves as that rare “third space” that is becoming harder and harder to find in New York
a quick ferry ride (the same one Carrie and the girls took to the FDNY party) and two bus transfers are all you need to get from Manhattan to the only tourist attraction that matters in the city. Right outside The Funky Monkey, the bar owned by the one and only Big Ang is a mural where you can pay your respects to the queen of New York
if you’re blessed enough to be in town at the same time as one of GODDESS’ rare live sets, you’ll know why they’re the best band in New York
Many in the city have lost the classic New York art of finding activities and classes across the island of Manhattan. On Pier 40, you can still swing on a trapeze over the Hudson River like Carrie did after Harry and Charlotte’s wedding
the best label in New York is actually in Long Island
beyond the amazing food and interior, on the right night you can go upstairs to the event floor and find yourself in anything from a figure painting class, vodka tasting, formal reception or techno night. If you come after midnight, you can recreate the classic scene where Carrie and Petrovsky had their first dinner before they went to catch Marina Abromovich sneaking a cheeseburger
nobody likes this tip, but the best coworking space in New York is the sightseeing buses. You can haggle your way onto a Manhattan tour bus for as low as $10 if you’ve got the right juice. They run all day with no time limit, and they’ve got outlets and bathrooms. That means you can sit up top in the open air, pull out a laptop and a sandwich and spend up to 10 hours with the whole city as your office
there’s nowhere better to end a day in Manhattan than at the very dock where Carrie and Big took a plunge in Season 3 Episode 18
You can check out all things Jen here
Prada Horse Shoe is a NYC-based writer, promoter and DJ who has played at Elsewhere, Public Records, Rash, Home Sweet Home, Baby’s Allright, Gonzo’s Studios and many other venues and parties in New York. She runs the Russian Cosmism Circle of New York, a reading group and discussion series. She also manages the artist Ev Christensen, whose debut album drops this year.
indie music show paper that will hook you up with dope shows to see each month. They have a fire Spotify, too
hard to describe as they are always shifting and evolving. But the vibe is really good music, interesting people and chess. Founded by AL Bahta aka Quiet Luke and Corrine Ciani
they list DIY shows. Punk shows. Shows in spaces you shouldn’t be in type beat
a sick community art space in Bushwick that hosts movie screenings, live music, readings and art shows
Blade Study is an independent downtown gallery run by Ian Glover and Brooke Nicholas. They consistently show cutting edge art by emerging artists
is a space that hosts eclectic live performances you won’t find anywhere else. Curated by art critic Dean Kissick and friends
if you’re in NYC, go listen to live music at Baby’s Allright or, their downtown Manhattan off-shoot, Nightclub 101. They are the two most important venues in New York right now, providing a platform for upcoming artists
my fave bar in the city. Meet ur friends and make new ones. Then go dance at Rash across the street. A perfect night if you ask me
I love KGB bar. It’s a perfect OG spot to grab a drink. Their open mic night every Monday is fun. A timeless spot
You Missed It & Perfectly Imperfect
You Missed It - started by Joe and Jack Kerwin - consistently organize the best live shows in New York, together with frequent their collaborators, Perfectly Imperfect, who are famously God-tier goated. Shoutout to Drink More Water, who throw great events too
Go see live music:
Holidays In United States, Quiet Light, Mgna Crrrta, Izzy Camina, Evil Giane, Harto Falion, MODEL/ACTRIZ, Ev Christensen, Not Enemies, John Roseboro, GRBGE_GRL, Superfan, Suzy Sheer, The Dallas Cowboys, May Rio and Cooper B Handy are among my favorite artists playing in the city right now.
You can check out all things Prada here
Sam Wachs is a New York based photographer who takes photos of music and his friends. The work he makes focuses on the connections formed through daily life and documenting whatever comes with it.
probably one of the best venues I’ve ever been to, great music + great people + great food. seen of the greatest sets of my life here
i just watched Hospital by Fredrick Wiseman here, one of my new favorite theaters
great Photo/Art book selection, great place to pick up a random book and flip through
Zines from your neighbors and friends - they also host events!
nice ambience nice food what more to say
cheap yet amazing breakfast
some of the best moments in my life involve me biking down this path in late spring listening to music with my friends .. its a very long trail so start at the beginning
Best kept secret spot:
40°46’33”N 73°58’29”W this is where I like to sit in central park - there’s a great rock that’s remarkably comfortable
You can check out Sam's work here
Hey, I’m umru, I’m a producer and DJ from NY (the state) and have lived in NY (the city) for about 8 years. I’m a member of PC Music and just released a new EP on LUCKYME. I’ve produced for Charli XCX, Tommy Cash, Empress Of, Cortisa Star and run a party series called Capacity here in NYC.
wonderful used bookstore in Ridgewood, I can’t set foot in here without finding some gorgeous cover I’ve never seen before
one of New York’s best parties/soundsystems, legendary for their free parties and great lineups for hardcore & beyond
cafe in Bushwick run that’s always hosting community events like xxhardbit3s’s Wake and Bake morning DJ set series
party series, mix series, and platform always on the forefront of pushing for more inclusive, diverse lineups across dance music
party series that tirelessly raises funds every event for the trans and POC community, always including workshops, screenings, harm reduction alongside the great lineups
Best kept secret spot:
Cafe Buunni up in Washington Heights, I lived around there for a few years when I went to City College and that’s probably the best coffee I’ve had in the city
You can check out Umru's shows and releases here
compiled and edited by Acid
MARCH 2025 #10
This is part 6 of a special worldwide series of Pond Recommends to platform the artists/DJs/creatives involved in Mura Masa's Curve Club tour and share local taste. We invited those we have collaborated and hung out with to contribute to the editorial by giving a small list of personal recommendations from their local music/culture scene - record labels/stores, clubs, club nights, radio, community spaces, small hangouts, cafes etc. Anti-gatekeeping gatekeeping.
BARCELONA
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Elena Barker is a DJ and promoter with over three years of experience in the national electronic music scene. She is part of the queer electronic music collective Mixthetika, which has organized more than 40 events in the Basque Country and other cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Berlin, and Seoul. Through collaborations with promoters and artists, the collective focuses on creating safe and inclusive spaces within the scene. Her recommendations are from her scene in the Basque country and Barcelona.
in San Sebastián, a record shop and art gallery where you can enjoy music and art in the same space. They also organise various events, making it a great spot to spend an afternoon.
Discos Paradiso & Rhythm Control
great record stores in Barcelona
right next to Rhythm Control, a small record shop with some hidden gems
is my favorite club, both as a DJ and as part of the crowd. If you’re in the Basque Country, spending a night here is a must. They have a great mix of music, supporting local collectives and artists while also bringing in international acts, often sharing lineup with talent from the scene
a 24/7 streaming radio station in Iruña (Pamplona) that not only showcases the local scene through DJ sets but also hosts interviews and conversations among artists.
another great independent radio station is , which was recently launched in Barcelona. I follow it closely from Bilbao, as it has a fluid approach to music genres and always introduces me to incredible new artists.
some truly exciting projects have emerged across the country recently, both of these are based in Madrid
Golpe de Amistad, Cadera, & Me Siento Extraña
are making waves in Barcelona
they organise events both in Barcelona and in Amsterdam. All of these collectives listed above bring their own unique sound, but they all share a common goal: to build a community where music and respect come first.
is a monthly magazine that reflects the current scene in the Basque Country, giving local and emerging artists a platform to showcase their influences and careers. It also features fascinating interviews with artists from abroad.
i also want to mention this venue in Bilbao that’s a great option if you prefer going out in the early evening. They host all kinds of events, and on Friday and Saturday afternoons, you’ll often find artists from the local scene or collectives curating interesting lineups and projects
You can listen to some of Elena's mixes here
Hey, it's Elena :) Born in Italy, based in Barcelona for almost four years and deeply in love with the city and its people. I am part of the programming team at Nitsa club and Primavera Sound during the day & turn into an artist liaison on the weekend. Also - a tireless techno fan throughout it all.
a cozy cultural café with the sweetest staff and tastiest food to have some proper me-time. Could not recommend more their tomatoes with a garlic mousse and their sahlab.
more than a clothing store! A gallery and overall cool place with a lively community around it. Bonus points for the dj sets they host too
a community radio streaming every Sunday afternoon, a go-to place to slow it down during the weekend while discovering your new favourite artist
a feminist bookstore with delicious vegan food and the most welcoming vibes.
a listening bar with natural wines, great cocktails. Love the atmosphere with the dimmed lights.
cultural space where experimental cinema, concerts, panels and more all meet. A fairly new venue which has already become an essential and vibrant part of the city
a friendly queer bar where talks, DJ sets and even bingo nights are often hosted
a multifaceted place where music and food lovers can all come together. It's run by a group of friends - and I promise you'll feel it the moment you walk through their door
You can follow Elena here
GGT
Gina Guasch Team is a queer creative and design studio founded in 2019 in Barcelona by Gina Guasch. The mission behind the studio is to bring a feminist, inclusive and ethical vision to all the projects that we work in. Specialised within the music, art, design, culture and fashion industry, GGT will always deliver oddness with their analog, experimental, playful and rebellious approach to design. We have also co-founded the queer electronic music collective MARICAS, which has gained worldwide recognition due to its innovative focus on clubbing. Our structure is an open and transversal work space, which facilitates the participation of artists and external collaborators according to the particularities of each project. We are inspired by the constant change, emotions and underground movements. Here are recs from Elo Blitzer and Gina Guasch:
we love this book store and editorial because its curatorship is focused on photo books and art books of up and coming contemporary artists. They also run a lot of events we like to go to
this bookshop is on our list because it’s a specialized one of queer and feminist theory books. They also run weekly workshops for the community
a self done and self run space for concerts in Barcelona - inclusive, queer and with very interesting and underground proposals.
space run by Jokkko Collective, POC focused and run, with several proposals from exhibitions, events, radio and parties
great new live venue concert, sounds amazing and is brining a lot of small and up and coming international acts
Los lunes de MSE en el Candy Darling
mondays in a bar run by me siento extraña for lesbians and other dissidences, every Monday a different proposal, games, talks, markets, tattoos, an so on
fun bizarre bar in the middle of Raval, the bar Sara Montiel, where during the weekends the latines take over for some fun classic dj sessions.
our must go natural wine bar, we are there every weekend, nice food, better wine. A great place to have a first date
our favorite food place atm, perfect for a date, or to indulge in some delicious Mediterranean food. Also has great natural wine selection
how can we not recommend our own FLINTA party and record label :)
You can check out the work from GGT Studio here
Xula is an Argentinian non binary trans masc artist living in Barcelona, PR & Booker for Nitsa, Sentimental Voices & Vampire Studio during the day & photographer/writer during the night :)
queer bar in the heart of Barcelona, the people that work there and the vibes are always welcoming
very cute and chill queer bar, located in the gay neighbourhood surrounded by a lot of queer bars, coffee’s etc.
on a normal day this is a usual gay bar but MONDAYS is for lesbians, organised by two cuties who also have a lesbian party called Me Siento Extraña
super cool and chill wine bar, the food is amazing and the vibes are friendly
lesbian party
one of the first and biggest queer party in Barcelona organized by 3 amazing lesbians
queer latin party organized by 3 Chilenians, this is a must
it’s an Argentinian project based in Barcelona, where they offer daytime plans like movies, poetry and debates inspired on lesbian issues. They mostly prioritize daytime and weekly events where people can enjoy non alcoholic drinks while enjoying some important community projects.
amazing Argentine food, this is the real shit. The owners are 3 old ladies full of life and great cooks, you need to try this!
fave arepa place
Venezuelan tequeños and empanadas
best pizza in barcelona
Couleur Cafe Barcelona, Sweet Lima & ÖSS Kaffe Barcelona
the coffee spots
You can check out Xula's work here
compiled and edited by Acid
MARCH 2025 #9
This is part 5 of a special worldwide series of Pond Recommends to platform the artists/DJs/creatives involved in Mura Masa's Curve Club tour and share local taste. We invited those we have collaborated and hung out with to contribute to the editorial by giving a small list of personal recommendations from their local music/culture scene - record labels/stores, clubs, club nights, radio, community spaces, small hangouts, cafes etc. Anti-gatekeeping gatekeeping.
PARIS
Photos by Roman Ruiz
Flyer by C'estainsi
Bamao Yendé is embracing an emotional, R&B side to his sound. On Polizia Romantico the Paris-based musician, DJ and Boukan Records label owner blends heartfelt R&B romanticism with the bass, garage and afrobeat influences present in his work to craft five slick, rich tracks of intricate, intimate and joyous sonic expression. Polizia Romantico also sees Bamao bring his own vocals into the mix, playing around with his voice as a versatile instrument to create the choruses and experimenting with vox to add different levels of deepness.
An integral and prolific figure within Paris’ underground scene, Bamao Yendé – who is also one third of Nyoko Bokbae – has collaborated with the likes of Le Diouck and lux18 and last March played InfiniteFX’s Boiler Room takeover. Through his Boukan Records imprint he’s released work from artists including Amor Satyr, Dadifox, Mixbwé and Tatyana Jane. With Internazionalé EP, Bamao Yendé returns to where it all began: the dancefloor. Two vibrant tracks, crafted to captivate the clubs, blending raw energy with a timeless signature. These are the first creations to emerge from his brand-new studio, nestled in the heart of Paris, marking a pivotal moment. New surroundings, a fresh team, and bold horizons: Bamao Yendé is turning the page on a new chapter, driven by a desire to challenge formats and push the boundaries of his map. Internazionalé EP is the soundtrack to a daring and dynamic new season—an electrifying return to the discoteca.
La Chope des Artistes
the ultimate vibe spot in Paris, with a selection of superb natural wines and great cocktails paired with a selection of top chefs
CHOP CHOP
the little sister of La Chope des Artistes, 100% Quality
Haikara Izakaya
japanese bistro atmosphere, the food is of the highest standard and the drinks are top-quality
CBC Entertainment
new party in Paris, held roughly once a month in the heart of Paris. A mix of Global Club Music, electronic music, and vibes. Very hot, very chatty
Fawa
under the ring road at Porte de la Villette, a high-quality artisanal sound system (entrance gate), sound judges, and a quality team for after-parties in Paris and, from time to time, wild nights
Rinse France
hehe, the radio station that connects all the underground electronic, hip-hop, and other players in Paris. Their parties in the capital are legendary and have been for a while. With Boukan Records, we're lucky enough to have been residents there since almost the very beginning, and it's not going to stop anytime soon. Long live Rinse France <3
Station Gare des Mines
one of the only places I go quite often to club, many collectives I respect a lot run nights there (hello Filles de Bledardes, the evenings programmed by Fetva). We're curating a party there on April 26th to celebrate the label's upcoming release. It's going to be a blast :)
La Bourse du Commerce
a place where art and music collide, with super interesting and super eclectic programming. Lots of fun shows to see there.
Les Chichas de la Pensée
a cultural collective that invites established philosophers and writers, as well as a new generation of artists, to ask questions about everyday life, the past, and the future, in order to open dialogues on things that are too little covered in the French media. They have different types of event formats, all of which are excellent :)
Boukan Records
My music label is undergoing a complete overhaul, but a new era is beginning with the series of parties we're going to organize to celebrate the label's seventh anniversary. A major compilation is in the works.
Listen to Bamao Yendé here and check out Boukan Records here
C’estainsi is an art direction and production studio founded in 2018 by Pierre-Jean Bocquel, Baptiste Bernazeau and Viktor Fenard. Based in Paris, our work extends worldwide, across many industries : Music, Luxury, Live Entertainment, Digital, Fashion and beyond… Through our optimistic and generous vision, we aspire to work and collaborate with you in shaping a brighter world, one impactful project at a time. With a strong desire for solid craftsmanship, we focus on making bespoke identities and building fictional worlds. Our maximalist and eclectic approach makes sure we come up with a lively and thrilling outcome.
curated books about fashion and design to do some research, run by good people and I think they also do some workshops and talks from time to time.
a small boutique run by passionate and super-friendly owners. Specialized in all kinds of illustrations book, with lots of original versions, very rare editions, etc.
an erratic and messy (with all due respect) bookshop. You can talk for hours with the owner as he is very knowledgeable and passionate. Many hardcovers Bande Dessinées of various editions, many art books.
formerly known as “Chez Colette”, a little lunch canteen with delicious sandwiches, fresh salads and warm soups depending on the season, all of which change super frequently. Possibility of making half-sandwiches to vary the pleasures. To take away or eat on the terrasse when the weather's fine.
insanely good cocktails and intimate vibe. Very good from time to time when you’re tired of stacking pints :p Preferably on a date..
huge Irish pub in the east of the city where some labels and artists throw loud concerts and parties. The whole space is very peculiar and is certainly not your usual bar in Paris !
La Station, Trabendo, Bellevilloise, Maroquinerie
very good classics for clubs
sweet record shop with tons of beautiful classics, a really nice owner to discuss with, really well curated and some occasional evening listening sessions.
Shout out to our musical friends:
huge love to our brothers Rallye. Fantastic rock band, huge prods, very promising, we just love them. Huge Love to Pleur as well, a new project from Rallye’s singer and AamourOcean (Casual Gabberz) with blasting prods and again Baptiste beautiful voice. And Shoutouts to all the fantaaaaaaastic and talented artists & DJs from Paris and beyond also - Jazz Lambaux, Timothée Joly, Simili Gum, LaVie, Fetva, Kurama, Kimberlaid, Geagea, Chad delaCour, 33 and everybody we’re working with !!!!
You can check out C'estainsi's work here
Romain Ruiz is a french photographer born in 1994. He lives and works in Paris. He produces portraits, commissions and documents in a variety of medias, and works on behalf of companies and various musicians. His practice is twofold: In the context of commercial collaborations, he puts his savoir-faire at the service of ambitious artistic
directions. Through his personal visual writing, he documents the contemporary folklore of the French territory in a long- running series: France Parallax.
very nice vibe, techno & experimental music
summer concert space in a unique setting beneath the Fort d'Aubervilliers. A place where big techno events are often held
multidisciplinary cultural venue in a disused building. It's a great canal-side venue that I really appreciate. Even if drinks aren't cheap and there's quite a queue to get your drink, it's still a great place to see emerging photographers exhibited and great concerts. It's also a great place for pre-parties, as the atmosphere can already be very good and danceable by midnight
a great cultural spot, one of my favourites in Paris. It's a place where you can sit back, relax, watch people dance, and above all there are superb exhibitions and contemporary dance performances. It's also the venue for Circulation(s), a major event for emerging European photography
a relatively well-known place, but it's hard for me to talk about my favourite places in Paris without mentioning this museum, which is one of my favourites in the world. In the centre of the Marais, in a magnificent, typically Parisian building, it's one of the most prestigious photographic institutions in Europe
Best kept secret spot:
no particular spot but let me know if you're looking for parties and explorations in the catacombs
Check out Romain's work here
Uncontrollable, radical, and intense, Timothée Joly is pure distortion. As skilled at electrifying crowds as he is at bending reality, anyone trying to pin down his music is bound to lose their way. An ambitious self-taught artist, a restless introvert, an anxious poet—his journey is anything but a straight line.
club with cool music hot people and AIR
fun bar in the centre of Paris, there’s a piano too !!
good friends of mine and good music, they have a label and they are doing parties too, always cool
cool cinema with great sound system M8 : super fun billard in Belleville
Best kept secret spot:
I don’t have a particular spot to hangout but I like to walk around the city there’s always surprises
You can listen to Timothée here
compiled and edited by Acid
FEBRUARY 2025 #8
This is part 4 of a special worldwide series of Pond Recommends to platform the artists/DJs/creatives involved in Mura Masa's Curve Club tour and share local taste. We invited those we have collaborated and hung out with to contribute to the editorial by giving a small list of personal recommendations from their local music/culture scene - record labels/stores, clubs, club nights, radio, community spaces, small hangouts, cafes etc. Anti-gatekeeping gatekeeping.
LONDON
Cosha is an Irish singer-songwriter-producer who’s collaborated with the likes of Shygirl, Coby Sey and Koreless and lent her pop pen to artists such as Charli XCX and Mura Masa, as well as releasing her critically-acclaimed debut solo record Mt. Pleasant in 2021, produced with Rostam Batmangalij (Solange, Frank Ocean) and Emile Haynie (SZA, Lana Del Rey, FKA Twigs). She’s had featured write ups in the likes of Vogue, i-D, Interlope Magazine, The Guardian, Billboard, Dazed, Crack and The Sunday Times, while also collecting co-signs from Bjork, Arca, Clairo & Pa Salieu to name a few. “Cosha paints a picture characterised as much by unflinching vulnerability
as by soulful optimism, with the rawness of the emotional insights it provides accentuated by the
potent frankness of her voice”- i-D
a bi-monthly club night founded by two of London’s best Dj’s Hasani & Miss Jason. Best for lovers of top shelf dance music & a safe queer space. Jason showed me Ceechynaa’s first song ‘legal baby’ when it only had 2000 views- these two & the lineups they curate trawl through soundcloud like nobodies business, giving them all a cunning eye for what’s current but also classic. Follow their ig for updates @Nuisance419
in Newington Green, my favourite brunch spot in east London with a new Italian inspired menu every day. It’s always tasty, the decor autumnal & warm, and the trees framed above the window’s half curtain are always there to take you away from the city for a moment
in Stoke Newington, a must for every Londoner who needs a quick reset and a reminder to breath into the space between their shoulder blades. I recommend a Deep Tissue with Lila but also all their masseuses are spectacular, you’re quite literally in good hands with any of them. Go for 90 minutes for £80, it’s worth it, you will leave a new person
a late night Columbian pool bar/ dancehall that is so predominately Columbian inhabited it’s best to order your drinks in Spanish. My first night there some of the crowd even brought their own cowbells to play along to the more traditional music sections. It’s tiny and neon and perfect, try it on a weekend & bring cash for the door fee
a beautifully curated cultural beacon whose program is definitely worth keeping an eye on. Look in advance & book tickets to avoid disappointment, if you miss out on a show you can always visit their cinema or just walk around the brilliant brutalist buildings
a basement bar in Soho recently beautifully redecorated by interior designer Jermaine Gallacher. The high muraled cracked paint walls mixed with the live music makes for an atmosphere similar to how one might envision Hay Day Paris
best in the summer when the public ponds are open and you can go for a swim, but wonderful at any time. Get a lime bike, cycle through and pick from a multitude of gorgeous spots void of any signs of the city. For the ladies I’d recommend the women’s pond, if you’re into a garden of Eden-esque topless while eating grapes kind of vibe
there are many of them around London (my favs are Princess May Road & Battersea) and they’re just good fun on a weekend. You never know what trinket or item of clothing will serendipitously find its way to you (my last hot find was a gorgeous set of silver cutlery)
Best kept secret spot:
Toconoco, a wholesome little Japanese cafe tucked between Haggerston canals. Their specials change everyday so follow their ig for updates on that & on when they sell their divine teapots & mugs! I like to sit by the window with my matcha & watch the ducks float past on the water
Listen to Cosha's latest EP here
hey, I’m Emma Korantema – a south-London born and based DJ, producer, model, former doctor, strategist / everything in existence. I’ve lived in south London for most of my life and have seen it grow and shrink in so many ways. One thing I love about this city is its ability to maintain its unwavering core identity despite the changes. A city where polarity, grit, gore, and summertime softness all coexist. You can go anywhere in the world and still never find a place like London. Although its spark is dwindling, I believe this moment is temporary and I pray she never loses it.
Throughout my life’s journey, London’s music scene has been constant and I’ve seen venues come, go and return, as well as new types of spaces to enjoy music and connect with others. Here’s my snapshot of the city that shaped me:
choosing the best clubs in London is hard as so many come and go but one that has endured since this new post-covid era of clubbing is the only large black-owned club in London, where we definitely need more on this scale
in Peckham is joint first for its smaller scale, insane sound system, layout and lineups
been going to this night for 15 years strong and undoubtedly one of South London’s best exports. You can’t talk about Global Club without mentioning their influence. Not much more to say about this label other than it’s run by club legend DJ Bok Bok – check them out!
in Brixton, founded and run by a black woman, Claudia Wilson. Hands down the best record store in London
another hard one to choose my fav radio, as London is the home of pirate radio beginnings so I won’t name the obvious, but aside from that Foundation FM is a women-led station that stays doing the thing for everyone. Their new studio in Netil House also doubles as a community space
Jamz Supernova’s ‘No Edits’ at Carpet Shop
is a midweek early evening night where people can go and share their demos and hear talks from industry faves, so naturally a great place to hangout and connect
Best kept secret spot:
Strelitzia in Dalston is a lovely quiet moment in the chaos but please don’t tell too many people… there’s next to no seats inside!
Discover all the strings to Emma's bow here
Hamgal also known as Hamda-Sagal Ibrahim-Mahamoud is a photographer, filmmaker and amateur selector. She thrives in the music scene and shooting in various club-scenes. From capturing nights like Recess and TRAMA (Baile Funk) to shooting Kerri Chandler’s 8 Hour set, Hamgal seeks to experiment and create a playful element around her shots with every party, exhibition and press shots she does. Always trying to top off my photography skills. Only last year she started to get hired for her photography style for brands like Topicals and New Balance activations was amazing how she can be versatile in other areas of the industry. Being in London, gives you possibilities on wherever you want your career to take off too. Being able to mingle with all sorts of walks of life. There is always something to do when you are bored.
Adonis
adonis is the most iconic cult queer rave here in london if you want to get your hair loose, move your body and stand on the podium like there is no tomorrow - this is the place for you. Hawt people & vibes left and right. The talented DJs you will see and hear are top tier! Josh Caffe, Hannah Holland, Grace Sands, Michelle Manetti and many more!
Recess / No Signal
recess has had massive impact to the black community in music and connects everyone with Country to your classic RnB tunes. No Signal Radio was birthed during covid to connect everyone listening into nicely curated music. But the one programme that made everyone go crazy was 10v10 - playing two different artists music and leaving to the audience to decide who wins. Now that covid is out of the way they had the opportunity to do live shows. I shot for them in the Tate Britain Tate Late which was lively! Recess and No Signal organised by the same crew dem! This one tune will get everyone dancing in unison. Ya get mee! Fling Yuh Shoulda by Ding Dong
Al Kahf
the most banging Somali restaurant. I come here when I feel a bit homesick. But the best dish to get is lamb and rice, it comes with salad. The lamb is so tender it falls of the bone nicely!
The Grapes
this is my local pub. It's small but has lovely community vibe. Mondays pub quiz night! It's owned by a famous actor Ian McKellen. The staff are lovely including the ‘Gandalf’ character behind the bar who letting people know “you shall not pass”. Ian is a local as well you never know if you walk past him
Hampstead Heath
i love Hampstead Heath because how vast this park is. You can feel disconnected from the city. This creates a nice atmosphere. Reminds me how it felt chilling in the fields in Bristol with the cows.
Colour Factory
this venue is iconic bringing all sorts of life into the area. There's always a good night to go to!
record label and promotor, MetalHeadz, never disappoint. The same people that started it from the 90s are still going strong and playing their eclectic and innovative sounds of Drum & Bass. Founded by legend Kemistry(RIP) & DJs Storm and Goldie, they revolutionised the music scene in the 90s and had a massive influence on fashion. Their events are like family affair, everyone enjoying each other's company and their fans bringing their own kids to experience how fun it was back in the 90s.
creatures does amazing underground parties. It's for people who really love their music and come to be at one with the tunezz. Me and my housemate went last year. We loved it so much we created a review of the party on our collaborative platform Steppin’ Out Zine:
On The Ground with @hamgal_ & @zineabdi at Creatures 24/11/24:
We headed out into the freezing depths of East London around 2am on a spontaneous one, with no intentions of exactly how the night would turn out. I always feel a bit like a pirate when navigating unlicensed parties, reading maps and keeping an ear on the ground for any intel to compass you right where X marks the spot. There is something magical in following the yellow brick road. In our case our treasure was in the form of an abandoned aquatics centre. As we lined up in pairs along a narrow dark corridor stretched with lockers where punters with mixed emotions (similarly to those you might have felt if you ever did swimming lessons) were stowing away their belongings.
After wobbling through a dark labyrinth of changing rooms, cleaning cupboards and showers we then floated into a luminous passage to an empty pool now only filled with smoke, lights and creatures plotted around.
A harsh mix of chlorine and icy cold air filled our noses as we took in the space. “This is bare fancy!?” said Hamda as two saucer eyed people ran across the space hand in hand with red balloons. We sat down with our feet dangling at the edge of the pool in awe of a vast projected life-like work with an AI ambiance. People coddled up in plush sofas laid in the empty pool with conversations swishing around. Just a paddle across led into the “fun pool”. A blue lazer lair with an alien beacon hologram in the distance filled with sweaty bodies. Georgia Girl had a grasp over the crowd, a perfect sound into the pool - techy, spacey electro beats that seamlessly glided into hard house later in the set.
It's easy to become accustomed to the creature comforts of guestlist, fully stocked bars and a Funktion 1 sound system. But once in a while I urge you to step outside of the grid and remind yourself why you're doing this. Long live DIY culture and all the creatures, cool cats and swimmers that dare to take the plunge!
Check out Hamda's work here
I have a company called Acid. We design and produce cultural narratives, connecting digital and physical worlds to inspire people to move in more ways than one. My passion lies in understanding how people, culture and media intertwine - I am motivated by an urge to understand people, inherit their diverse perspectives of the world and understand what moves them, inspires them, what intrigues them. This presents itself as a continuous path of cultural research which supports my expertise in cultivating community and storytelling within music and beyond. I like to write about it sometimes on the Notes on Acid Substack. Acid also runs The Pond with Mura Masa.
a lovely space to work in alongside a group of people who are all doing really cool things inside and outside of music. Maf and Nancy are the resident chef huns who cook up an absolute storm everyday for lunch, the menu lands in my inbox each morning and is definitely a key motivation to go into work lol. Young are often hosting some great events too so keep an eye on their insta
best place to dance in London imo. Not ashamed to say that it’s the kinda the only club I go to here. Unfold on a Sunday midday-midnight is one of the greatest parties there is, regulars call it Sunday Service ✝ also props to Lion Sauterleute who designs the flyers, each and every one is a work of art
started by the indomitable Tasha back in 2010 as a night in Plastic People when small techno parties didn't really exist and London really needed it. Now it's gotta be the best techno party in London! Don't miss their 15th birthday party at Fold on 5th April with Alienata, Ben Sims, Deetron, DJ Pete, Josey Rebelle and more
they do great parties with great lineups, often 24h at Fold with an afters at Starlane Pizza Bar from 11am onwards
run by the amazing artist (and Pond member) Boo. Split between Newcastle and London she throws an impeccable party and also does more community-led events like open decks for new DJs to get more experience and connect with other people in the same boat
some lovely friends run these parties and their festival is back this summer so definitely cop a ticket if you’re after an unpretentious rave in a field run by people who really care about fostering an intimate community energy and great sound
a community based out of their space in Shoreditch that discover, incubate and release projects that align with their ‘good growth’ values. I subscribe to their monthly Protein Supplement which ruminates on controversial, hopeful or silly themes that always feel current. They do great forums too where a discussion happens on Zoom with a curated bunch of people that have interesting cultural perspectives
my housemate runs these inclusive singles events with some friends, from speed dating to dating discos in fun bars and even festivals with a pop up last summer at none other than Field Maneuvers - single ppl get urselves down to Pears, even if you don’t find your match you’re in for a good time
my amazing friend/one of the hottest chefs in London rn’s restaurant in Hackney. Abby Lee go gurl ! Her tagline is Malaysian heat & juicy wines - couldn’t put it better myself <3
obsessed with this Japanese cafe, go for the honey matcha latte and stay for the serene atmos. They also have a super cute stall of handmade ceramics
i love this Ethiopian place, they dish out these incredible vegan platters in the cosiest spot in Dalston
a true community of traders specialising in all sorts, the place to come for quality papayas and avocados. The stalls snake around the back into a maze of textiles, spice merchants and tonnes of other worldwide delicacies. Stay in there long enough and you’ll find a psychic behind a red velvet curtain. But the best thing about this place is the mini Palestinian restaurant Falafel Point, drop in for unreal falafel and perhaps a free gunpowder tea if you make friends with the wonderful owner
Best kept secret spot:
Rewild Sauna. Not in London but get urself on a train to Chichester and head to The Witterings on the coast. Go for a walk on nature reserve East Head then hop around the corner to Bracklesham Bay for a sauna on the beach and cold sea dips with the most incredible view. Go at sunrise/sunset, the sky does some crazy things down there. It’s beautiful
Check out Acid here
Hi – we’re The Reids, a directing duo made up of actual sibling brothers, Will & Ed. We’ve been hoping to do a Pond Recs for a minute now - it’s a platform close to our heart and we’re really proud of what this community is becoming. London has been our home since birth and our boots are caked with years of dirt dragged from Peckham Rye to the coffee shops, restaurants, pubs, clubs, and venues that have given our professional and personal lives a vivid syncopation over the past decade.
Like anything you love dearly, there’s a constant push and pull with our feelings towards this city: utter adoration one moment, utter frustration the next. It always looks most beautiful after we’ve been away for a while, but we never fully tire of it (which, incidentally, is how we gauge how tired of life we are to paraphrase an old adage).
Here’s a selection of spots we love to bang on about - some timeless classics, some recent discoveries. And since talking about clubs without real recent insight felt a bit like reviewing a restaurant based on other google reviews, we’ve brought in our friend Sidonié. She’s been conducting some big research on spatial dynamics and how they shape the experience of freedom in club spaces - which has meant she’s been going out a lot professionally which is a much more interesting thread to explore here than just waxing lyrical about how much we love a good night at Venue MOT. We’ve kept these local to us as Peckham & nearby is home and somewhere we do really love with plenty of gems.
a lovely spot in nearby Camberwell, DTH is a great record shop / listening space and gig venue where several of our nearest and dearest have played over the last couple of years. It’s also opposite The Old Dispensary - one of the best pubs in Camberwell (and also a great little venue) - and they’ve opened BAR HENGE next door for a cocktail in between sets
SET SOCIAL is an arts space and pool club and cocktail bar and pub run by a very dedicated team of very hard working people. There is always something interesting happening here in the weeknights - there is an increasingly famous pool tournament here every year now and a film festival - and on the weekends it is a vibe for a drink
a really really good coffee in Peckham. Most of our days have started here for the last 4 years since they opened. Very good batch brew
a hidden local gem in East Dulwich, Blue Brick is a veggie caff doing antipodean brunches like marmite on toast with poached eggs (a dish I think about often) and good coffee. If it’s quiet and a sunny morning there are fewer nice places to be. It’s in the old shop front of a dairy so there is a farmhouse charm to it too - very cozy
best Guinness in South East London courtesy of local legend Rob the Gaffer who used to run Skehans. Go in for a proper old school London pub that now does pizza
an institution in Camberwell that recently got slightly revamped from it’s sprawling canteen style beginnings that saw the waiting staff weaving in and out of benches stuffed 3 too deep with hungry people leaning over steaming serving trays of black fungus and homestyle aubergine and TEP noodles and red snapper skewers sipping Tsingtao - but it’s still banging and somehow better every time we go
Best kept secret spot:
It’s not really that secret but Peckhamplex still feels like a hack when you can see a film in London at the cinema for 5.99. Makes splurging £15-20 for the pleasure of a slightly bigger chair at a Curzon or Picturehouse seem even more nauseating.
Check out The Reids works here
Sidonié here - performance student, unprofessional dancer, lover of the night. As mentioned, I’m currently researching how rave spaces create sites of temporary freedom and collective transformation, with a focus on squat, underground and liminal spaces; their spatial design and how these environments shape movement, connection, and resistance. It’s so great to be able to share a snippet with Pond and its community - one that knows freedom isn’t about escape, but about the spaces we share and create together.
We all search for those perfect nights out. Where morning after you ask - was that a taste of freedom? That question has fuelled me, through the dancefloor and now into my academic explorations. What renders these spaces we love so distinct from everyday life? Whatever space is it, each transforms through a beat, a crowd, and a tacit pact that, for a moment in time, whether you’re on or off your face, conventional rules fade away. Time, control, structure; say goodbye. They melt under the spell of strobes and sweat. But freedom, albeit temporary, need not be exclusive to the illicit, the undercover. Even within commercial venues, with every corner designed to shape an experience, it is those who inhabit it who truly determine its power, its boundaries, its possibility for transcendence. The right crowd, the right movement, the right sound – suddenly, a space meant for profit becomes something more. This spark doesn’t only ignite in the illegal or underground. It sparks just as easily as someone else’s lighter in smokers, under the sweat soaked ceilings of a small venue, or a night that simply feels just right.
There are some spaces and nights in London that, imo, do a good job of harnessing this sense of freedom – offering something that, if only for a little while, feels like it belongs to us.
a rave, a ritual. New season is in swing, and while most raves demand commitment to the early hours, UNFOLD shrugs. It’s a Sunday; maybe you have a shift later, a family dinner, a romantic evening planned, a night in with the Sunday scaries. No excuse. Doors open at 2pm, so wrap up your errands, shake off that hangover, and get there early. Spatially designed for flow, no dead zones where energy fizzles out, only fluctuates. The space breathes, no harsh divisions
london’s socialist sound system. You want that real moment of release? Call the party line when they tell you. No fixed spaces. Stripped back and honouring wildness, the spaces vary, sometimes familiar, sometimes unexpected. A more clandestine form of spatial practice, where walls don’t contain but amplify, and movement is discovered. Once you’re in, dancers (that includes you) will move in ways that defy conventional spatial order. No front, no back. Just bodies and bass. Beyond the politics, the history, the resistance - it’s always a bloody good time. To dance. And to be free
small-ish venue, but neat in its spatial design. Once down the stairs, you’re met with the dancefloor while the bar fades into the background; a second thought, not the main event. It understands what matters…sound, movement, immersion. Hosting numerous nights, each one shaped by the curation of sound and of course, the crowd (if you see a Clubhardcuore night on, go). Find the night for you, and you’ll see how much freedom can exist within four walls.
It’s not the size of a space, but how you use it ;)
Follow Sidoné here
compiled and edited by Acid
FEBRUARY 2025 #7
This is part 3 of a special worldwide series of Pond Recommends to platform the artists/DJs/creatives involved in Mura Masa's Curve Club tour and share local taste. We invited those we have collaborated and hung out with to contribute to the editorial by giving a small list of personal recommendations from their local music/culture scene - record labels/stores, clubs, club nights, radio, community spaces, small hangouts, cafes etc. Anti-gatekeeping gatekeeping.
BRUSSELS
Videos by Acid
Flyer by Saskia Smith
is an online community radio and streaming platform broadcasting 24/7 from a wooden kiosk in the heart of Brussels’ historic 'Parc Royal'. The radio was founded in 2017 and broadcasts a wide range of music genres, from jazz to experimental, from rock to electronic music. The station’s programme features a mix of live DJ sets, pre-recorded mixes and interviews by both local and international artists. One of the unique features of Kiosk Radio is its emphasis on Brussels’ local community. The station regularly hosts and supports a diverse array of local artists, musicians, collectives and cultural organisations to showcase the vibrant music scene in Brussels.
in the middle of Matonge, the Congolese neighborhood in Brussels, if you want to block an artery with one last meal I would recommend a Philly Cheese Steak at the best US Diner in town. Music is on point, the owner is still behind the counter and the Arnold Palmer (Lemonade/Iced Tea mix) can cure whatever you’re going through
from its front, the Nova Cinema sets the tone with a joyful bric-a-brac spiced up with boldness and colour. Far from commercial screens, this unique cinema advocates an alternative and eclectic approach, a singular and unconventional spirit which has made its reputation well beyond borders. Remaining in its original state, the large room displays a singular charm with its decrepit walls, its balcony, its small orchestra pit and an incredible ceiling. On the programming side, Nova broadcasts both feature-length and medium-length or short films, sometimes experimental and often rare. It’s the ideal place to enjoy a different type of audio-visual experience in a unique setting!
a new space for performers, dancers, creators and organisers in Brussels. Residency studios, shared and private ateliers and event and presentation 'Spaces To be Continued'
a cultural beauty centre run by Cayo van Breugel & Matthieu Ha, where you can make and repair flower petals, enjoy little concerts and performances in the city centre of Brussels
an associative artistic project created in 2013 based in Brussels in a place called Sterput. The non-profit organisation E² organises exhibitions, creative workshops, a focus on micro-publishing, and other cultural events throughout the year. It's space for meeting and disseminating emerging and established artists from all backgrounds, Sterput promotes alternative and extraordinary contemporary art. The E² project offers a different vision of art, raw and sharp, but also popular and accessible, aiming for access to culture for all. Non-conforming and singular figurative art, Sterput believes in the emotional power of images
Listen to Kiosk Radio here
Liyo is a DJ and runs HE4RTBROKEN with Stephenie Kevers, a Belgian collective bringing unapologetically emotional music into the club. Not shying away from the melodramatic tone of its name, the HE4RTBROKEN nights offer a safe haven to the lone souls longing for a dance floor to cry on. Running since 2015, they’ve done parties in Brussels, Paris, London, Berlin and Shanghai and have their own NTS residency. Liyo also edits films, check out a curation of her favourite scores for 254 Forest.
an online radio run from a wooden cabin in the middle of the Royal Park. Lovely hang out and great music from the local scene and international guests alike, and they really managed to create a strong community around them
art centre with a strong focus on videos and installations, not so many people know that they also have a public library with a lot of art books and archives, and they host a bookshop called Rile with a great curation
iconic venue for concerts and sometimes club nights. It’s in the old botanical garden of Brussels
a multidisciplinary creative space where you can find sound studios, offices and a gallery
a cosy family-run Palestinian restaurant in Saint Gilles which aims at educating about Gaza’s culture through food
Carré de Moscou square (Saint Gilles)
jamaican Food every Thursday - nice chicken, cheap cocktails and they usually have a dj providing the soundtrack
favourite pool place
one of the oldest and biggest cinémathèque in Europe, created in the 60s by Jacques Ledoux, close to the French New Wave. They play movies daily, often on film, including silent old classics accompanied by live piano
Best kept secret spot:
Bargello. My favourite ice cream place!!! They are Sicilian and have special flavours like dark chocolate sorbet, Tuscan cream (pistachio + almonds), Vespucci (ricotta + honey + fig), close to the European headquarters where all the picky Italian Eurocrats work so it’s 100% Italian approved
Listen Liyo's mixes here and the HE4RTBROKEN NTS show here
Otis is the founder of Slagwerk, a Brussels-based label notorious for their parties, bringing together the ever-surprising stretches of contemporary music – its history includes James Ferraro, Amnesia Scanner, Crystallmess, Oli XL, Varg2TM, Sky h1 and Vegyn – and delight to the many faces of club, never disconnected from the families it fosters. This partying is not something one should take lightly, Slagwerk understands that like no other, with its experimental and dynamic embrace one can escape both nightlife’s over-intellectualising and over-trivialising impulses. At Slagwerk, and so too in Otis’ continuous escapades as a DJ, the trivial is never just banal, the pop never just popular, but the cutting-edge never turns pose either. In Otis’ sets, rigid conceptions of music are left aside, cul-de-sacs explored conditionally through humor, affect and instinct alike. Staying true to the thrill and shuffled spirit of online musical discovery, sound and songs connect and disconnect, flow and disrupt, genres are exploited and transgressed, melody seduced and swept.
I happily refer to Liyo's list - it holds some of my faves as well but to avoid doubles, here's a few more:
in front of my house there's a small hidden gem. A tiny café accompanied by a garden to escape the rush that is the St Marie square
located in Schaarbeek as well, a 20 hectares park that is my go to place for running, picknicking in basically hangin out all summer
a solidarity and participatory restaurant in the heart of Molenbeek. You're free to contribute whatever you want and so providing a meal for the next person so to speak. They are currently in a temporary location due to renovations
home to Belgium's greatest football team
shared plates and wine, you know the vibe
a recently opened radio in The Marolles with a very cosy bar and indoor space, perfect to spend an afternoon during the cold winter in Belgium
Best kept secret spot:
Tonton Garby, a sandwich place that specialises in cheese. Owned by two brothers they will make you a sandwich from scratch based on your cheese preferences. You can easily spend 1h in line as they spend quite some time with each client, but trust me it's worth it
Watch Otis' Boiler Room here
Saskia Smith works both in- and behind-the-scenes of Brussels’ art world, contributing through writing, research and graphic design. She co-directs Medusa Offspace, a curatorial project, and serves as a writer-in-residence in Brussels’ freshest residency space Terms & Conditions. Here, she leverages insights gained from her additional studies in anthropology, to wonder how systems of culture can be phrased in such a way that (courting neither hope nor despair) artistic niches draw beyond their own purpose and devises.
is a classic choice for drinks
Café des Minimes or Café l’Athénée
if you’re after a good outdoor vibe
has less locals passing by but offers a quirky setting
occasionally, you might catch a cool concert
an unbeatable hangout spot, pair it with takeout from Pure Veg India
every morning this place buzzes with an energy that epitomises Brussels' social & material chaos
is a small nightshop with a single table plopped right in its center. It serves cheap Indian cuisine under the aesthetic glow of LED lights and a backdrop of the nightshop’s passing interactions
do not go unless you’re seeing something in the Grand Eldorado room — a massive Art Deco cinema space
Damien & The Love Guru, Etablissement d’en Face, Super Dakota & Stems Gallery
the best art galleries
sometimes stirs to life with an event you don’t want to miss
Follow Saskia here
compiled and edited by Acid
JANUARY 2025 #6
This is part 2 of a special worldwide series of Pond Recommends to platform the artists/DJs/creatives involved in Mura Masa's Curve Club tour and share local taste. We invited those we have collaborated and hung out with to contribute to the editorial by giving a small list of personal recommendations from their local music/culture scene - record labels/stores, clubs, club nights, radio, community spaces, small hangouts, cafes etc. Anti-gatekeeping gatekeeping.
AMSTERDAM
Photos by Nikola Lamburov
Flyer by Mehdi-J
Ever since releasing his debut record Grow! (2021), Bby Eco has paved the skies with a blissful and emotive "eco-pop" sound — manifesting oneness with transformation & giving voice to a generation that seeks to re-connect with nature in a highly digitised world. Venturing into electronic sounds, his music uncovers a vibrant portrayal of a world that symbolises inner- and ecological metamorphosis. His latest record O2O (2023) — follows up this transformative outlet and shifts pace into energising and fluorescent production, aiming to bend time from an otherworldly place — with an ever so sentient touch. Following the footsteps of a so called earth-spirit, Bby Eco aims to synthesise nature into a utopian, playful & vivid display — making up a world wherein dreams are immortalised.
small local community of table tennis players, some are really good but I can still join in.
one of the best nightclubs and now a physical and digital space dedicated to “micropopculture”
is a really nice hangout spot too
club with really diverse programming, they’re open to new ideas without worrying about being commercial
a record label that throw really good parties
great events in great spaces - an art and music platform devoted to emerging artists and a curious audience, also a community where you can become a member and free access to their events
indie radio i listen to a lot
Best kept secret spot:
Hortus Botanicus and Vereniging van Horen Zeggen @ Salon de Ijzerstaven
Listen to Bby Eco tracks and mixes here
I am Willem Feltzer, a producer and DJ from The Hague, currently working in Amsterdam designing for Dekmantel and kanaal40.
THE HAGUE:
in The Hague we have a new club that is run by cool people. I feel they are relevant/renovating regarding their line-ups and visual output. They also have a great restaurant/bar with cozy vibes.
is one of the things that makes me really proud of The Hague. They book the most exciting and upcoming experimental artists, as well as older rare acts.
is a lovely restaurant bar in the city center with a cute and romantic vibe both inside and outside in the summer.
new modern Japanese restaurant from the brother of Remy Unger, an important electronic music figure from The Hague. With great dishes/sake and not too expensive.
traditional Japanese restaurant from 1992 with insanely fresh ingredients, sushi, tempura, etc.
a hidden gem in a park, to have drinks and relax in the sun during summer. You can also rent a small boat and go through the canals.
cozy and tasteful sourdough bakery and coffee place.
AMSTERDAM:
really no one does it like this club in Amsterdam; booking upcoming talented artists and giving them the deserved push to grow. Their team is amazing and they have a real quality-over-quantity mentality.
Best kept secret spot:
Moktar Nabil (one of the founders of Garage Noord and kanaal40) is currently developing a new social app focussed on creatives worldwide. I’m glad to be part of the development by creating the visual side for it. I think updates on this will come through the kanaal40 Instagram, if you want to follow.
Listen to Willem's latest single here
Seedlink⁺is an Amsterdam-based record label founded by ity, Go Me and Yoong in 2019. Their current discography counts 24 releases, of which a number has been released on CD as well as digitally. The artists on the label all explore their own distinct sound, but share an interest in the more contemplative side of electronic music, favoring off-kilter rhythms and complex melodic structures over harder dance music styles. Even though much of the music released on the label is clearly indebted to the online, Seedlink⁺’s main focus is on the offline and the physical, giving rise to events at Amsterdam clubs kanaal40 and Garage Noord as well as a recent merchandise collaboration with Baby Reni.
fun parties
interesting exhibitions
good bookes
delicious food
cool sounds
Best kept secret spot:
Listen to music from Seedlink+ here
Mehdi-J is a Breda based audiovisual artist whose style feels as self-explanatory as totally uncommon. Styles run parallel as well as perpendicular to each other, creating alienation that eventually will make it feel like it’s supposed to be this way, causing the little voice in your head to say that it’s not time to go home yet and you should stay a little longer for another “brabants kwartiertje”. Mehdi designed the flyer for Curve Club Amsterdam (pictured above).
best club in Amsterdam no doubt. The club that keeps surprising me, letting me discover new music + styles and giving local talent a platform (Noord)
experimental events and boundary pushing art (West)
cozy bar with vinyl DJ sets and a great view (Nieuw-West)
super diverse radio station (Noord)
community-driven space promoting sustainability and social gatherings (West)
Roopram Roti
best Surinamese food in the city (de Pijp)
stylish industrial setting offering inventive modern cuisine (Noord)
wine bar + restaurant, really intimate with a great variety of really good wines (West)
best sandwiches for the most reasonable price + staff is great (West)
iconic cafe with a classic Amsterdam atmosphere (Centre)
delicious Taco Spot (Noord)
best lahmacun in town (Centre)
authentic Italian Restaurant (West)
try the pekingduck pancakes (West)
authentic brown cafe, not pretentious and not fancy ;) (Centre)
traditional Indonesian cuisine (Noord)
Best kept secret spot:
Saarhair always hooks me up with the best cuts and colours & Foos1e, amazing and super talented hair stylist.
You can check out Mehdi's work here and listen to his mixes here
compiled and edited by Acid
JANUARY 2025 #5
Pond Recommends had a brief hiatus whilst The Pond has been growing the community overseas via Mura Masa's Curve Club tour. We've been to Berlin, Amsterdam, Brussels, London, Paris, Barcelona and New York. We wanted to use these parties as an opportunity to learn more about the local scenes in each city and sourced local creatives to be a part of the events. We worked with local designers to make commissioned flyers, of course local DJs to play, local photographers to document the night and local tastemakers to attend. The parties have been an attempt to bring some of the values and aims of The Pond into the club space, as well as a good reason to expand our community and invite new and interesting people we met along the way.
This is a special edition of Pond Recs to platform the artists/DJs/creatives involved in the parties in each city and share local taste. We invited those we have collaborated and hung out with to contribute to the editorial by giving a small list of personal recommendations from their local music/culture scene - record labels/stores, clubs, club nights, radio, community spaces, small hangouts, cafes etc. Anti-gatekeeping gatekeeping.
BERLIN
Photos by Emma Depres
Flyer by Annika Bohn
Daphne is a visual artist/tastemaker and Eddington is a musician - I feel like we kinda follow our friends who are DJs, promoters, artists, creatives, you know, and we stay within our community, and that's it. Just so it feels, like, fun, exciting, safe. It's also a great overlap of communities. What makes it so interesting is that it's affordable for artists to live here. Berlin is still poor and sexy - you can't really make money with any of the events you put on but it really feels like a community project. Now with all the censorship on government funding everybody's finding ways to do things themselves. Most of our friends are running collectives, we just take over places. The parties we organise depend on what places we can afford because we need to keep the tickets cheap.
a really great club that does really great parties.
the new hot spot. It’s a space financed by an artist/painter so they are independent from the trends and the art scene, which is not the case for a lot of German institutions in Berlin. So they are free to show really alternative and underground events - they have the best parties and art shows. Feels like a family reunion every time. In the winter the organiser goes to Ghana but in the Summer it starts again and people return to Berlin from all over - London, New York - so many people stay here for summer and Trauma Bar is where everyone comes back together.
an independent art studio in Wedding that hosts lots of cool events. Very DIY, run by 4 artists/creatives who did a really good job - they built it out with a great sound system and high spec AV tech.
is hosting fashion events that we've been to last year in our messy era. This year too, but less messy. They have, like, all these big celebrities and then smaller artists too. They take over venues, random places and abandoned spaces too.
good clubs.
one of our favourite venues in Mitte, very leftist.
do really nice parties, we feel safe there.
Check out Daphne's work here and listen to Eddington here
I am a multimedia artist, genre-fluid DJ, curator and dancer. Many of my gigs in Berlin are on different occasions, from clubs to to corporate events, exhibitions, radio stations and the ballroom scene. It's very refreshing that I can explore my versatility in new settings, a lot of event productions in the city often surprise me with exciting, new locations. What I love the most about Berlin is that you can find a niche for everything, and that the city is full of adventures and amazing people from all over the world. A place that never sleeps, with a lot of possibilities.
the program is exciting for people with an open minded music taste and a bit different than the usual 4/4 techno vibe in the city, I am personally a fan of small clubs like these. Also the sound system is amazing.
immediately fell in love with this place when I played there once for Kilowatt, most of the time there are concerts but sometimes special little parties or exhibitions.
a beautiful curated secondhand store with a lot of fab stuff in the heart of Kreuzkölln, lovely staff and it's also not too overpriced.
lovely cozy listening bar with a great program, if you just wanna hang out with your friends and enjoy music it's a great spot.
Best kept secret spot:
Personally its Tibet Haus for me, my favourite restaurant for over a decade now lol.
Listen to Jada's mixes here
I am the DJ/Producer LACATY. I focus on playing 90s punchy house tracks intertwined with modern edits, deep YouTube finds and white label vinyl releases. I produce music that gets people up and moving, that aims to fill the room with energy and get the party going. Berlin is a hedonistic paradise of idea swapping and mind melding. I honed my skills here and I’ll always be comfortable playing and working here, wherever I end up.
Community radio station, fundraising platform and also a great hangout spot @ Oona Bar
house music club with good vibes
flinta focused collective throwing the cutest UKG parties in Berlin
beautiful lake outside of Berlin
hangout spot in Summer
Best kept secret spot:
No particular spot, but if you are in Berlin over summer the best you can do is just be out and about, there are lots of secret raves going on, so keep your eye out!
Listen to Lacaty's EP here
What's up my frogs? This is Ry: Owner and operator of ye ol' Tennis Bar in Neukölln, Berlin. I am currently operating a small bar, venue, and art space; a cosy dive where people from across the micro-scenes of Berlin can come together for an affordable sip. I am also a Country music DJ under the moniker Grounded Beef, a graphic designer, and avid Magic The Gathering player. There are lots of places I could recommend to you or talk trash about (sorry, I actually think Berghain is dog-shit) but here is my list of places and parties that truly capture our lil slice of hell on earth.
Germany is not a country renowned for it's cuisine... or its sense of humor or general prioritization of happiness. Neukölln however is home to some of the best Arabic restaurants in Europe. There are may worth shouting out: Aldimashqi, Alfaisal, Assam, Jemenitisches Restaurant... these are all perfect 10s. But if you're looking for an 11 out of 10 dining experience, you gotta talk to dat Boi. Omar runs a little hole in the wall shop just down the street from Tennis. I assume that before he opened his shop he was just strumming a harp, 'cause this man is a literal angel from heaven. He takes time to talk to every person he serves and what he's serving is worth the wait. I recommend the falafel aubergine wrap and tell him Ry sent you for an extra thick portion ;).
Gotta blow the lid off this one: A toilet themed bar filled with animatronics and hydraulic pranks. You can order a sausage and it come's covered in brown sauce served in a bed pan. There's an MC in a cage whose just there to talk shit (pun intended) about people as you walk by. He's been locked in that thing for at least 20 years and so most of his roasting isn't exactly "PC". It's every good and bad stereotype about Germany in one place. Chef's kiss!
1 of the 2 unmissable club-nights in Berlin. Huge shout out to my friend CCL for this one. I've never met a single person in berlin who isn't a DJ, so it's truly a blessing to know one of the greatest this town has to offer. Not only do they make the speakers go boom, but they always put together a lineup that prioritizes sound over clout. Rare in this town. OHM can be a bit packed, so I recommend going from 4:00 AM til closing when only the heads are left.
Unmissable party 2 of 2. Heavy heaters and bass being served from start to finish. Show up. Become turnt. Thank me later.
As a jewish person, I never thought I would be labeled an anti-semite (lol) or have the shit beat out of me by the German police for attending a peaceful demonstration. But over the last year and a half Germany has become notorious for it's violent and authoritarian suppression of people standing in solidarity with Palestine. 3ezwa helps raise money for those facing legal troubles as a result of their solidarity, but beyond that have really drawn a connection between Berlin's club scene and other grassroots movements. Support them! And check out the DJ's who stand with them because they're usually playing the best parties in town.
Best kept secret spot:
Jorg's Pinball Hall 10 bucks entry for unlimited free pinball. Plus 2€ beers you can take out of the fridge and pay with an honor system. Jorg has some classic tables here and the vibe is immaculate. Plus I think pinball helps keep a great perspective: Even the best game ends in a drain, so enjoy the moment and don't over tilt.
Thank you for reading and please consider coming to Tennis Bar every single day. Open every day 18:00 til late.
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compiled and edited by Acid
SEPTEMBER 2024 #4
Anti-gatekeeping gatekeeping, brought to you by a fresh member of the pond every other month. Here’s why we think they’re cool, and what they think is cool.
POND PEOPLE: MURA MASA
This month we spoke with Pond founder Mura Masa for a flavour of his flavour. The Pond asks for five recommendations and one anti-rec ;) before diving into a deeper conversation about everything in and around Mura Masa in the wake of Curve 1, his first offering as an independent artist through his own record label, Pond Recordings.
"I'm trying to make something that lasts or is timeless or is classic or something like that. And then maybe you get over that and you transition into something else. I wanna make stuff that's unignorable, you know, because of its quality. And then you kind of feel like you've done that or you just move on from that thought. I think at a certain point, the ambition gets so lofty, but it's like you lose track of why you're even doing it in the first place, and you have to return to that point of just - I'm doing this because I'm compelled to - and the rest of it is kind of bullshit or relies on other people or comparison. You just have to do it because it's like a compulsion almost. And that can be very freeing because it frees up a lot of motivation to just make room for play and fun. Experimentation. I'd say that's kind of where I'm at. Just doing it for its own sake in a really, like, wholesome way rather than a depressing one.
I've made enough work now that you can kind of hear very clearly the evolution, the subject matter, the motivations, the inspirations, so there definitely is a link, but I'm not the type of person who's gonna go ahead and draw that link. You know? It's that David Lynch thing of, you spend 2 years making the movie and then they want you to talk about the movie, but the movie is the talking. Yeah. That's where that's where I'm at.
But Curve 1 is ultimately a love letter to club spaces and club music, and a manifestation of an attitude I’ve been cultivating in my personal life; ignore everything. All the content, all of the attention economy, all of it. In doing that, the really meaningful and vital parts of what’s around you make themselves known and un-ignorable, demanding your energy. Don’t sweat about what they’re doing, we’re doing this over here."
REC 1: Disco Elysium
A lot’s been written about this so I’ll keep my recommendation brief, but this is just a true work of art. Something like 1 and a half million words of amazingly written dialogue, endless replay potential. It’s really bent my mind playing through it, so perfectly written. And surprisingly politically ruthless for a video game. Currently embarking on a play through as a completely useless and sorry piece of shit. Great fun.
"I don't think there's any way of talking about this without sounding completely dweeby and kind of millennial and loser-ish, but video games are important to me. Why? Just because it's a very complete art form in the way that film is, in that it marries a lot of disciplines. There's the visual side, the audio side, the curation of the casting. But video games have this other dimension, which is the play part of it and, like, how you curate an experience for someone to play with, you know? And I've been feeling that way about club music recently where it's like a big facet of it is like how do you make something that someone can play with in the context of a DJ set. I mean I could talk about this forever. There's narrative in video games sometimes but equally it's like it's a unique art form in that it can be without narrative as well. It can just be a fucking game for its own purpose. So I've been trying to think in those kinds of terms about club music."
REC 2: trickpony - Pillow Talk
Really been enjoying this trickpony EP, part of a general attraction of mine towards music that really creates mood and setting. Also scratching my current trip-hop addiction.
"These days, I think what inspires me is people who are doing stuff that's unrelated to anyone else. When the work just kind of is its own thing, doesn't have many collaborations on it, if any. Like, just kind of seems like it appeared out of nowhere and just has its own universe. You have to uncover it. I just really like - it feels banal to say - but I just really like music for its own thing. Whereas in the past, I would've been attracted to music that fit into a somewhat sort of cultural puzzle. I’m trying to be inspired by those kinds of characters. I guess what I'm attracted to is people who can't help but inject their own views, ideologies and ideas into their conversations. And, people who are just relentlessly themselves. I think it's better to be a beginner, to be honest. Because I started so young, I think I've been through most iterations of this thought of, “what am I doing?” And at first you're like - I'm trying to break into that group of people who are making stuff that matters and that is relevant. And then if you're lucky, you kind of get to that point and then you realise actually that's bullshit. The important thing is to show yourself and provide your ideas. That's what's attractive to me."
REC 3: Tuna Rice Cakes
Been eating a lot of this for lunches, its so quick and simple that it suits a nice middle of the day meal that isn’t disruptive to studio time and gives you some protein. I’m pretty useless at remembering to feed myself so this has been a good solution.
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Can of tuna, I like Rio but anything works. Preferably in oil rather than brine.
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Combine in a bowl with some mayonnaise or a vegan alt, little bit of Thai sweet chilli sauce and maybe some hot sauce if you’re into that. I like the Caribbean El Yucateco with the scotch bonnets in it.
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Liberal salt and pepper
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The important part is to press the whole mix together with a fork, make sure and do it for a while to break through the tuna chunks and make sure you’re coating all the bits of fish with the mix.
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One can nets about 4 rice cakes worth of mix, 3 if you’re heaping the tuna on. I like to use unsalted rice cakes.
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Finish with an xtra sprinkle of salt to taste, maybe some chopped spring onion if you wanna put the time in, drizzle of truffle oil if you’re feeling fancy or wanna mix it up. The washing up amounts to rinsing the can out, cleaning the fork, and a small plate to eat off.
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Devour and feel good that you fed yourself some protein. Back to work.
"I just really like people. But the duality of really liking people, wanting to be close to people, to be able to relate - mixed with when you observe big groups of people very closely, you realise how, like, fallible we are. How disappointing people can be, that sort of thing. So it's like this real duality between misanthropy and just love. That's the main thing that is emergent, I think, for me. That's gonna be my bugbear my whole life. It's just like, I love people. Why are we so fucking stupid? I love that."
REC 4: Cinema
I claim to be a fan of film but have recently realised how little I make the effort to go and see things in the cinema given how convenient the streaming age has become. I think the trick is to just treat it as a trip to the cinema, rather than waiting for something you wanna see to come up. Just see what’s on, pick something. No harm in seeing something shit, it’s good fun. I think in my disillusionment with the current trends of mainstream cinema I had begun to avoid supporting the industry altogether, but in can be a good evening out to go laugh along to the latest reboot schlock with some friends, as well as finding some littler indie gems you wouldn’t have otherwise seen.
"I think a good community is like equal parts comfort and discomfort. It's the comfort of gathering around shared ideas or taste or whatever it is and then the discomfort of having to be challenged on those things or introduced to new things that you don't understand. Fandom is an interesting one because it's mollycoddled, you're gathered around this basic idea which is we all like this thing. That's so changeable and kind of weak. But if a community is based around a debate about something or the sharing of things, it's something a bit more juicy I guess. Then it becomes really interesting to me because I like the initial feeling of discovering a community that is based around a thing that you know nothing about, but that quickly wears off as you get to know about the thing. So there has to be some longevity in that challenging aspect of there needs to constantly be ideas injected into the group and talked about and kind of lived in, you know. It's not enough to just, like, be a fan of something. That's just, like, comfort food, I think."
REC 5: Anysia Kim - Truest
Big fan of this. It’s become a nice refrain in my daily listening. Soulful, ethereal, patchworked, modernist. Nods to rave and dance culture but from an oblique angle. Really just special work.
"I guess one of the big reasons I started the Pond community is what I was just talking about, which is music groups within music tend to centre around fandom. And, like, that's been really working out for a couple of decades because I guess consumption has been very much at the centre of what the music industry is about. You know, post piracy and post internet becoming a thing, things like that - it's very much about how we foster and create a community that will basically lead to someone buying a shirt or a ticket or whatever. That felt interesting for a second but I think that's very much wearing off. I'm interested in exploring what it looks like when you create a community around creative work or music that is motivated by something that isn't consumptive or based around “opportunity”. That's why the Pond is still closed. I'm just excited to grow it in an organic way and it's been fun seeing it slowly kind of gain more people and interaction and facets to it."
ANTI REC: Twitter/X
Maybe we already know this but this is your sign to act on it ; you’ve gotta get off twitter if you’re still on there. The model now is basically just ; blue tick account says something to upset/anger you, you look at it and people interact with it which directly generates them ad revenue. The incentive for anybody to be on there now is just all based around baiting you into feeling bad haha. Let’s trash it. Go on are.na and find some cool pictures instead.
"And we’re about to start the parties. Curve Club will also take the form of club parties across Europe and America, with scope to hopefully bring its attitude elsewhere in the world. What I feel often gets lost in the digital age of music consumption is the community that music can foster, and the shared values that people can gather around as campfires and create things more interesting and lasting than simple fandom. It’s in these real spaces that we can really utilise music as common ground, a shared thrill and a means of nurturing spaces of acceptance and joy. It’s been super fun curating the lineups and figuring out as we go what exactly Curve is. When you create a DJ lineup, you really dictate who's gonna be there, what kind of audience, those sorts of things. So it's been fun to zero in on what exactly it is that I'm looking for out of these parties and what abstract quality all the music has to it. It's just about translating those ephemeral internet things into some real life equivalents.
Also work is starting on the physical Pond Studios in Peckham. I really want it to be a jam space. An ideas jam. I'm starting to sound like a Silicon Valley person. Maybe it's overly simple, but I'm excited to just have a third space. Where it's like - oh, we were gonna hang out somewhere. Let's go hang out at the Pond."
compiled and edited by Acid
AUGUST 2024 #3
a monthly archive of cultural recommendations, original works and contributions from members of The Pond community and Discord. Anti-gatekeeping gatekeeping.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Here's what we’re feeling rn 🌀:
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Woman Photographer of the Year - Emmeline
Boo
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Start - Bill Frisell, Arild Anderson
Mura Masa
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Some Say I So I Say Light - Ghostpoet
Phil
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君島大空
Kogane
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Dark Blue - Caroline
Imagiro
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Day Out - Spresso Music Video
Mura Masa
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Dubplate 07 - Lauren Duffus
Phil
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Tia Radkiewicz
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I Have A Special Plan For This World’ - Current 93
Leo Bhanji
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Mura Masa
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no mans land - Chino Amobi
Jak Ritger
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Gabba-17’ - Buttechno (aka Pavel Milyakov)
Witch Trials
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Cleveland - Eev Frances
Mura Masa
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Common Loon - Xiu Xiu
Jak Ritger
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Jealous of your industry - Saint Abdullah, Eomac
Witch Trials
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Excalibur - Molly Nilsson
Shaad D'Souza
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Owed2Me - Anysia Kim
Mura Masa
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dj lukinhas & the dream police - NAÇÃOREBOLATION69
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As Long As - Bassvictim
Mura Masa
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MADE BY THE POND
Original works and achievements by us. 🏆 :
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Günseli wrote an Unreality Report for Dazed
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Angela Steps played with Shy Girl for Club Shy Glastonbury & Ibiza
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Yeule is DJing at Margins United by Eastern Margins
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Boo won the BBC Introducing DJ search and played at Radio 1 Dance Ibiza
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Nelya Rosa put together the features for Buffalo Zine No. 19
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DJH produced on Bitch I'm Packin' for Ice Spice
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Umru released single Records with Chase Icon
LISTEN
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Caroline Whiteley interviewed A Song For You for The Wire
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LISTEN
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Salute released album True Magic
LISTEN
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Karma Kid collaborated with Salute on True Magic
LISTEN
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The Reids directed the music video for Thrown Around (James Blake)
LOOK
and Horseblinders for Cam Hicks
LOOK
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Mura Masa released single FLY ft Cherish
LISTEN
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Shaad D’Souza wrote about how the music industry is engineering artist popularity for the Guardian Magazine
READ
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Rifke Sadleir designed and built code for OffChance Magazine
LOOK
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LSDXOXO released single GHOST
LISTEN
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Cameo Blush released a 100% production mix on Rinse.FM
LISTEN
and single Art of Worry was featured on DJ BORING’S DJ-Kicks compilation
LISTEN
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Umru is touring the US and Europe
LOOK
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Witch Trials threw the fourth Revolver party
and did a mix for Brixton Radio
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Denial (run by Jo Taylor) made merch
LOOK
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RESOURCE SWAPPING
Resources and tools shared by Pond members in our private Discord.
Mura Masa shared the BBC Sound Effects Archive
Imagiro shared a plugin he made
Lloyd Wayne shared a sample pack
compiled and edited by Lexi and Xander
JULY 2024 #2
Anti-gatekeeping gatekeeping, brought to you by a fresh member of the pond every other month. Here’s why we think they’re cool, and what they think is cool.
POND PEOPLE: STEPPIN' OUT
This month we spoke with Pond member Jake Allen, founder of Steppin' Out, for a flavour of his flavour. The Pond asks for five recommendations and one anti-rec ;) before diving into the story of Steppin' Out and what it stands for. Featuring photos from Callie Gregory, Courteney Frisby, Dearbhla Gorham, Elise Shauna, Hamda Sagal Ibrahim Mahamoud, Jake Allen, Karla Lizethe-Hunter, and Taja Lewis Bodie.
Steppin' Out is an underground club culture print magazine, on their third issue with two years and three-hundred pages of cultural archive and insight from the heart of the underground. Connecting the dots from all corners of the club spectrum, their publication features honest conversations with past, present and future underground icons accompanied with editorial images captured by an eclectic group of photographers and friends. Jake founded Steppin’ Out as a platform to showcase his nearest and dearest, something that belonged to their scene, a time capsule of their hard work (and hard play). Steppin' Out are hosting their two year anniversary at Jumbi with selected work on show from their photographers and vinyl all night from the S/O residents.
“we’re doing it from a perspective where we’re all planted within these clubs, these parties. We’re not bystanders, we’ve been invited to a couple of places and we go but we go to dance. I wanted it to be real. A lot of publications have lost their edge - there’s so many paid ads, none of the writing has any grit to it - I wanna hear about the drugs, I wanna hear about the dirt. That’s what it is, that’s what nightlife is. We need independent publications like this to keep the underground going. None of the stuff we platform has been paid for.”
REC 1: Record shop bargain ‘bins’ - The greatest club classics and B side remixes of R&B hits for a fiver or less, trust me. Flashback on Bethnal Green Road, Reckless Records (Soho), Palace Vinyl (Crystal Palace), Notting Hill Music & Video exchange & the record stand at the front of Brick Lane vintage market are always good bets.
“I’ve always wanted Steppin Out to be in print because there’s something really beautiful about holding something real. Feeling the texture of the paper. Even the colours in printed magazines are totally different, they’re more vibrant. I think we’re so used to seeing screens that I wanted this to exist outside of the digital realm. You're touching something that’s real, real time has gone into that. It’s taking the time to sit with something and not have 5 apps open in the background, take a minute to breathe, have a moment with it.”
REC 2: Lahore Kebab House on Umberston Street, the best curry, best prices this side of the Thames!
"with Steppin Out, I really wanted to look at the different areas of club land within London post pandemic. Because when you observe too broadly you kinda loose the depth of it. Looking within London specifically you’ve got the House scene, Jungle, Soul, Garage - they’re all quite specific but they all cross paths. I wanted to get someone from each of those scenes, I guess to be able to document them in a more personal way. It’s nice when I flick through the pages of Steppin Out there’s a big range of parties and you see the same people in the pictures - and if you looked broader you wouldn’t get that. It’s become quite London-centric but I wanted to look at our cities club culture and how much is happening - a lot of things are grim but there are parts flourishing in their own way."
REC 3: If you need a PROPER party, Shortlist & Folly never disappoint (find them at various spots around town), Adonis because well, we don’t need to say much there, Heart Of Soul for the soul boys/girls (Lewisham) and Jumbi (any night) for a more chilled vibe/listening bar.
“It’s really lovely to see people that you’re just having fun and partying with actually making careers out of this - it makes you go oh shit yeah you kind of can. Even though you may be working two or three jobs at the same time. Steppin’ Out wants to know why people make it work, what they did to get there. I’m really hustling to keep this going. There’s no funding, it’s chaotic and it’s messy but that’s what dance music is. There’s such a disconnect now, especially with big labels about what this culture is and what it’s built on. It’s built off of struggle and DIY - so much of it is so clean cut, like an advert - we’re not. Most of us that work on it are working three jobs, we’re in it, we’re just normal twenty-something year olds. Steppin Out feels real. It’s made up of hustlers who are trying to make something work.”
REC 4: An exhibtion I went to recently - 'Beyond The Bassline: 500 years of Black British music' at the British Library.
"I mean fucking hell this is funded completely from my own pocket. It’s hustling and trying to pull it together. I want to do it for the love of it. I like to think all of the photographers and the artists we have involved see/feel that to and have gotten involved for the same reasons, the love of it. I wanted this to be a platform who actually give a fuck about what they’re doing. It’s been amazing to see these people who are involved progress in their own ways."
REC 5: Final rec is a bit more abstract, but this is our motto, don’t try to be anyone else, fit your own mould, you don’t need to impress. Authenticity and realness will always shine through, so keep on trucking and stay true to you xx
"I feel like even in Issue 3, there’s more that we could’ve talked about and each article could have been greatly expanded - I started to realise that we have a really unique point of view here where we can actually say and talk about whatever we want, but we're learning, I am learning and with each issue we can build on the last. "
ANTI REC: DJ Mag’s top 100 clubs. In what universe are Fabric & Ministry London’s best raving spots? Wonder how much they charge for a spot on the list? If you need a proper big club minus the tourists check out The Cause and more intimate spots like Corsica Studios, MOT & Colour Factory!
"It's a family affair and most of the team/contributors/writers/photographers have all been met with some connection to clubbing/raving/being out. I met Meg our Graphic Designer at one our now resident's (Liz-zie) (and long time friend) first events, I met Zine (and then Courteney later) at The Cause's now infamous Seaside Beano, Hamda at a Bikini State exhib, met Jeet at The Cause, Shauna & Georgie are friends from school, Maka & Liv at Folly, Taja at Ella Knight's first house party event, Elise & Leah are long time friends of mine, Derv, Callie, Karla, Maddy & James all through mutuals connected by nightlife."
"Being as independent as possible will always be the priority for us. We need to maintain control."
compiled and edited by Lexi and Xander
JUNE 2024 #1
a monthly archive of cultural recommendations, original works and contributions from members of The Pond community and Discord. Anti-gatekeeping gatekeeping.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Here's what we’re feeling rn 🌀:
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Montagem phone brasileiro - dj arana
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Poor Things score - Jerkin Fendrix
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Offline matters - Jess Henderson
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Linear S Decoded - SHXCXCHCXSH
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The Commercials of David Lynch
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Patchwork of unresolved feelings - 𐎫𐎨𐎦𐎧𐏂
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It’s Not What the World Needs Right Now - Andrew Norman Wilson
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Cobalt Studios, Newcastle
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Give It To Me (Dance Mania) - Stacy Kidd
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Vampyroteuthis Infernalis, Villem Flusser
MADE BY THE POND
Original works and achievements by us. 🏆 :
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Daniela Lalita featured in new TRISTÁN! single Pinky Ring
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Rifke Sadleir spoke at INTERFACE a discussion on digital space making
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KAVARI released CULT TAPE 001 - SELECTED NOISE WORKS
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Lloyd Wayne released Bird Beyond
and an NTS show
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Denial (run by Joe Taylor) held a party
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Revolver (run by Witch Trials) parties are back!
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Jam City released deluxe record Jam City Presents EFM
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Salute released singles system and saving flowers
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LSDXOXO released single BLOODLUST
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Umru released single soulbreakcore
and is touring (UK/EU)
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Zack Sekoff played the Mk.gee show at Earth Hackney and is currently touring alongside him
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Cold co-produced Dance2, It’s Cold Out, Redstripe, Wind, Westfield & 265 on new Jawnino album 40
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Karma Kidd collaborated, wrote and produced with Shy Girl on album Club Shy
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Jak Ritger edited Issue III of PARADIGM Magazine
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Mietze Conte released single Secret
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Shy Bairns label released debut single Get Nowt
LISTEN
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Boo released debut single Kama Sutra
LISTEN
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Shaad D'Souza wrote an article for the New York Times
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Mura Masa produced and mixed new PinkPantheress single Turn It Up
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Steppin' Out launched Issue 3 of their underground club culture magazine
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RESOURCE SWAPPING
Resources and tools shared by Pond members in our private Discord.
Karma Kid shared 100s of samples
Umru added a bunch of edits
Jam City shared their stems
Leo Bhanji shared his favourite drum packs
Mura Masa shared some exclusive edits, breaks and recorded samples
Yeule shared some sounds she made and hoarded with her OP-1
compiled and edited by Lexi and Xander