Androshina: The ‘Wednesday Alternative’ Mix

 
Music

Like some of its neighbouring countries, Russia’s outdated views and discriminatory policies have long alienated LGBTQ+ communities across the country. But similarly to Poland’s underground music scene, which we reported on last year, there are plenty of artists, collectives and parties in Russai who are challenging this unjustifiable narrative and seeking to create safer spaces.

Lisa Androshina is one of them. She is one of the minds behind the LVBZ collective who, through regular parties, mixes and collaborations with like-minded organisations, embody a message of love, diversity and freedom.

Ahead of Lisa penning a feature for us that paints a wider picture of the queer scene within the country and those at the forefront of the fight for equality, we invited her to give us a taste of the musical glue that connects the LVBZ parties and their wider mission…

Please introduce yourself… Who are you, where are you and what are you

My name is Lisa Androshina, and I’m a member of LVBZ queer collective, based in Russia. We do parties and play music, trying to make our world a better place to be. 

What does your music sound like? Can you draw what you think it sounds like for us (an image from the old internet is acceptable)?

I see it as a collage of dark and happy, old and new, bitter and sweet.

Where was the mix recorded?

This mix was recorded at Red Eyes, rehearsal and recording studio in some industrial district in Moscow. This is how my set up looked.

What would be the ideal setting to listen to the mix?

Anywhere where you can dance or imagine yourself dancing.

What should we be wearing?

Anything which makes you feel happy, cool and free.

What would be your dream setting to record a mix: Location/system/format?

Some wide sandy area illuminated by the red sun at twilight going into dark.

Which track in the mix is your current favourite?

Kalipo & Local Suicide – Wunderbar.

What’s your favourite recorded mix of all time?

Hadi Zeidan’s mix at the Boiler Room in Beirut. Just because I was there and it was a mind-changing experience for me.

If you could go back to back with any DJ from throughout history, who would it be and why?

It’s hard to choose one, but someone from the 80s Italo Disco scene would be nice just because I love mixing italo with some dark electronic tunes these days.

What was your first DJ set up at home and what is it now?

Some old cheap Pioneer controller, which is still with me.

What’s more important, the track you start on or the track you end on?

If I have to choose between the start and the end, I’d go for the end. I’m finishing it with some peaceful and smooth tunes, which is like a sunrise after dark.

What were the first and last records you bought?

Oh, that was long time ago… But speaking about my last records – Italo Moderni on digital, and Biokonstuctktor on vinyl (soviet electronic band from 1986), check it out.

If this mix was an edible thing, what would it taste like?

A mix of spices.

If it was an animal what would it be?

A pride of some wild, fast and colourful cats, leopards may be?

One record in your collection that is impossible to mix into anything?

For me it’s more a vibe question, rather than a technical thing. Technically you can mix anything, but vibe speaking it’s really hard to add some old soviet electronic stuff onto a mix of loud, high quality remastered tracks.

Upcoming in the world of … 

I’m just at the beginning, so hopefully more mixes and live shows to come. My next big thing is our LVBZ party on July 10th in Moscow and some collabs with artists from Central Asia. 

Anything else we need to discuss?

Thanks for having me! Like I said, I’m still in the beginning of my way and it’s important for me to find like-minded people and support especially in the Covid times. I really hope that we’ll get back to normal soon, we’ll be able to do cross-cultural collabs and bring great artists to Russia and represent ourselves abroad. So don’t be strangers, find me and our party on Soundcloud and Instagram and reach out if you have any ideas!

Follow Androshina and LVBZ.