Lovers Audio Mix: Dar Disku

Few artists blend heritage and pure dancefloor energy like Dar Disku. Founded by Bahraini duo Mazen Almaskati and Vish Mhatre, Dar Disku (meaning "home of the disco") has become a powerful force in the global music scene. Since launching their label in 2018, they've carved out a unique sonic space that fuses SWANA (South-West Asian and North African) sounds with contemporary club culture. Their DJ sets and productions combine the rich musical traditions Bahrain with sounds from their adopted home in the UK, resulting in an infectious blend of disco, funk, and Arabic music. Their stunning self-titled debut album made out 50 Best Albums of 2024. It's clear Dar Disku are ready to become a massive influence on contemporary dance music.

In this interview, we catch up with Mazen and Vish as they prepare to embark on an exciting year filled with new music, a debut live show, and a globe-trotting tour. They share insights into their creative process, the inspirations behind their debut album, and their vision for the perfect club night.

While you read please enjoy an absolutely rippin' mix from some of the most exciting DJs in the world right now:

Lovers Audio: Mazen, Vish, how are you? Where are you? What is Dar Disku up to?
Vish: Hi! We’re doing good! Currently enjoying the first rays of spring sunshine here in Bristol and working on getting our live show together for some very special dates over the coming months. Other than that, I’m doing the usual… going to down YouTube wormholes trying to discover new music from the gulf, playing tennis and spending questionable amounts of money on my new drums.
Maz: We’re super excited for the rest of 2025! We’re adding the finishing touches to our live show and working on some new and exciting edits + original tunes the dancefloor! Been getting into better understanding the concepts and arrangements in Ragas and Sufi music and borrowing from some of these melodies, something I’ve always wanted to explore and apply to dance music!

Lovers Audio: Currently there is no English translation of your lyrics online, would you be willing to explain some of the lyrics themes from your album for our readers?
Maz: They’re all so varied and capture a range of stories and emotions, some like Alsutur are about overcoming hardship through singing and dancing, whilst some like Dbayli are about family and a longing kind of love, others like Galbi and Sabir are about finding yourself after heartbreak whilst others like Baar Baar are about pure enjoyment and losing your self in music

Lovers Audio: In the past you’ve mentioned the concept of the ‘utopian club’. Here at Lovers Audio we’ve been trying to raise awareness around club culture by asking artists what makes a great club and makes a good party-goer. What’s Dar Disku’s opinion on how to make the perfect club night?
Vish: Ooooh that’s a tough one. First of all, the physical space. You need something intimate and not too overwhelming. Lots of care needs to go into the things that we experience as dancers: lights sound and comfort. Is it immersive and is it special? These are the questions I’d ask myself. As a dancer, I always love to feel like I melt into the club and the surroundings. You’d need extremely friendly staff, an open minded and progressive booking team, great light and sound technicians etc. A place that you feel welcome and a part of. I’d also want a great bar - lots of variety, not overpriced, no claustrophobic ques etc. I love the idea of a room 1 and room 2 situation in a club - always giving the listener the choice to go experience something different and new - perhaps a little ambient space also? Saftey and wellbeing should always be at the top of the list so that people don’t have to worry about each other. I think a careful door policy is essential - making sure that only respectful, safe people are let in and also ensuring that everyone feels represented. Other than that it also needs to be open late and located near some good food!

 
Lovers Audio: You’ve been friends for over a decade, could you each tell us your favorite record the other has introduced to you?
Maz: Hard to pick one! But I’d have to say it’s got to be Taxi by Leroy Brown. I remember Vish first played it to me on his turntable at his place, it was peak summer and we were getting ready to tour abroad and there’s just something about that track that makes it feel like the sun is shining on your face.
Vish: Maz introduced me to a lot of great Bahraini artists. I remember being particularly young when he showed me Ali Baher a Bahraini reggae and soul artist. His music had a lot of emotion and drew me in from the start.

Lovers Audio: Lately more and more software developers have started supporting microtones which is a big step forward for making electronic music with eastern melodies. Have you encountered any of these plugins that you’re fond of?
Maz: There’s quite a few but I need to shout out Taqsim Solo who introduced us to some early versions of their microtonal synth plugins which we use up until today! Ableton and other DAWs also now have customizable tunings and scales that can be easily used with midi instruments so it’s a game changer for sure!

Lovers Audio: Your album is flush with top-notch collaborations. Do you have any dream collaborators for the next record?
Vish: Too many! We’d love to work with our friends badbadnotgood, Khruangbin, Glass Beams . In a fantasy world we’d also love to produce for a lot of pop artists. I’d love a Khaleeji club record with AG Cook and Nancy Ajram or maybe even a rap tune with future and Al Nather.

Lovers Audio: Which of your contemporaries are you most excited to watch?
Vish: a lot - Cheb Mimo, Flanah, Billur Battal, Moktar, Muskila, Anish Kumar, Wallace, Moving Still, Retro Casetta, Toumba. Many many more. 

Lovers Audio: What’s next for Dar Disku?
Vish: we’re off on a big live and DJ tour around the world with some dates including We Out Here, Boiler Room Istanbul, Boiler Room London, SXSW, Gala Festival, Polifonic Festival in Italy, and Electric Castle in Romania! Who knows.. maybe Australia??

Dar Disku's self-titled debut is available now on Bandcamp

Dar Disku Tracklist:

1. Leil
2. Alsutur ft. FLANAH
3. Sabir ft. Billur Battal
4. Dbayli ft. Yacine El Khaldi
5. Baar Baar ft. Asha Puthli
6. Ya Nas
7. Galbi ft. Aymen Attia
8. Fajr