Like many other DJs and producers from the Western world, Elia Nafzger chose to relocate to Bucharest, just to be closer to that special Romanian vibe that has reshaped the electronic undeground as we know it. Mapping his London roots with the Bucharest thriving scene was something that came up naturally for Elia and maybe this is the thing that sets him apart when playing music in venues like Guesthouse or Platforma Wollf, all the way to Fabric London or Berlin’s undergrounds. Elia Nafzger is a pure record selector, something you rarely meet these days. And it’s his flair that has helped him dig out long forgotten records while exploring new sound frontiers.
We invited Elia to reveal his Vinyl Alter Ego and we were granted with this amazing selection of records. Dive in!
A second hand dig I’m most proud of
Basic Information – Be Your Friend (My Blue Room Mix)
I found this record super randomly in a market in London. Camden market to be specific. It wasn’t even a record store. Just an OG selling records from a small stall. somehow this record always makes its way into my bag. Love that rolling deep house chord.
A record I would love to see repressed:
Steve Bug – Spastic Dreams Part 1
Been a fan of this record for some time and I used to have a copy of it. Unfortunately it somehow got lost along the way. Sometimes it happens in this party scene :)
The label I’d buy all their releases without even listening to them:
Surreal or Svek: Kind of a tricky question as I’m super picky. But yeah these labels have pretty consistent quality throughout their releases.
The record artwork that blows my mind every time I look at it
Miles Davis – Bitches Brew
I’m totally in love with this artwork. I even have a poster of it at home :)
The record that triggers childhood memories
Gemini – We Are The Future.
I was always listening to house music with my mother since I was born. This track is definitely close to what we were listening to in those days. So it certainly sparks an intense emotion for me. Will forever remain a favourite of mine.
The record shop I would spend my whole savings in
Super hard question as usually the most I find is in private digs. But if I had to answer I guess it would be DJ jus ed’s new spot UQ vault. If not that then Seawolf Records.
The record that never leaves my DJ bag
Well to be honest I’m constantly shifting my bag. And there hasn’t been one record that hasn’t left since the start of my dj career. But there are some that remain for quite some time. And recently one of them has been this one
One record that sounded way ahead of its time when it was released.
The Blunted Boy Wonder – Darkside I would say is a good pick. Although there are many, this one came to mind first. Sounds super fresh to this day.
Last record I bought for my home listening pleasure
Well the latest home listening record I got I didn’t buy the record. It was given to me by my dear friend Lenny. It’s the last release on his label called The Yellow Zone. Super cool downtempo release. Perfect for home listening.
The non dancefloor record that proved to be perfect for clubs, also!
DJ Q – The Underground Calling
This record sounds great on the dance floor pitched up. Certainly a good tool to include in a set.
The record that perfectly captures the Detroit vibe
Detroit in effect – Laid back frequency
This is classic Detroit electro break shiz. but as with most of these questions it’s been so hard to answer. I wouldn’t be able to answer with just one record per question as there are so many that represent the vibe of a place or that resonate with me and my understanding of what the track gives off.
The record closest to my heart from my entire collection
Underworld – River Of Bass
This record has a lot of meaning to me. underworld being such a huge inspiration to me and also the impact they have had on electronic music. It has been one of my favourites for a long time and will forever remain that way.