Zaltsman: The ‘Shine A Light On’ Mix

Over the last few years his music has been getting props left, right and centre, becoming a staple in the sets of DJs like Midland, Ben UFO and Moxie, and we imagine it’ll be no different for his next release, You Fly, So Do We.

The EP inaugurates the brand new label arm of his long running party series Emergency Room. Since 2017 they’ve been throwing events across London, Bristol and Brighton, inviting artists like Overmono, Call Super, Leon Vynehall and Eliza Rose to join them.

He takes care of this week’s Shine A Light On mix with a blend of shuffling, percussive, rhythmic delights that would set the off the dance.

Please introduce yourself… 

I’m Zaltsman, a DJ, producer and promoter living in East London. I run a party called Emergency Room with some mates, and we’ve just launched the label with my new EP ‘You Fly, So Do We’.

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)?

Where was the mix recorded?

It was recorded in my living room, on a fairly sunny early evening!

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

I’d say the ideal setting would be in a club. I recorded this with the intention of trying to showcase some stuff that I’ve not only been playing of late, but also stuff that’s gone down well for me over the last few years in clubs.

What should we be wearing?

Comfy shoes.

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

As much as I feel I should say a super picture-esque mountain or something, I think for me it would have to be Phonox. I’m very much reliant on crowds when I play, and I think I play at my best when I have people to feed off. The Phonox dancefloor, for me, has always felt like where I feel most connected to the DJ. I’d love to play in that booth and see what came from a recording.

Which track in the mix is your current favourite?

I think Desert Sound Colony – Too Hard. I’ve been playing it sped up for a few years now, and it’s always worked a treat. Wouldn’t dare play it at it’s normal speed now as it sounds weird to me.

What’s your favourite recorded mix of all time?

RA Live – 2016.08.10 – Midland, Macarena In Residence, Barcelona – it’s super long and touches on so many things in such an amazing way. For me, nothing better than this. Have listened to it countless times.

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

It would be between Ben UFO and Zip for me. I think Ben has been there since I started DJing, and I’ve always looked at him to influence what I do and how I play. Ben and I get on and I think we’re definitely into similar stuff (largely because I exclusively listened to his mixes for quite a long time..). I think Zip would probably make me realise I wasn’t actually very good, to play with someone so illusive and such a digger as he is, I think it’d be a big learning experience.

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

Traktor S2 controller and an Asus mini laptop (I was 12!). I’m now rocking 2x XDJ1000, a Xone 96 and two 1210’s (courtesy of my generous housemate – Primrose).

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

I think it depends a lot on the context, but I’m a big believer in finishing on something that leaves the crowd with a taste of that night. Most of my amazing club memories are closing tunes, so I’d argue closing.

What were the first and last records you bought?

The first record I bought was Leon Vynehall – House of Dupree. The last one I bought was actually given to me by Tommy Wallwork who runs Nervous Horizons. It’s DJ Plead’s Pleats EP.

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

Probably a bit sour at the start (sorry about that) but a nice after taste – hopefully a little moreish.

If it was an animal what would it be?

Maybe a squirrel I think, quite fast and chaotic, little bit annoying, but I quite like squirrels.

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

I have a white label grime / dubby edit of the James Bond theme. It’s a bit silly really but it is actually really good, wouldn’t dare pull it out unless I’d had too many drinks though.

Upcoming in the world of …

I’m playing Queen’s Yard Summer Party again this year, alongside some wicked names. I’m also doing a couple of shows in Scotland (Glasgow and Edinburgh). My first time in Scotland so I’m super excited for those. I’m also playing with Stenny, re:ni, Identified Patient, i-sha and a few more at Corsica Studios in June, and of course a return to Westival. I’ve just had an EP out, but I have a few more bits trickling out over the next few months, one of which is a track which people always ask me when will get released. Keep your eyes peeled for that!

Anything else we need to discuss?

I think it’s always good to discuss people who are inspiring me. Quick outs to Tech Support, who quickly brings me down to earth by churning out like 10 tracks a day, Amaliah, who’s been on a meteoric rise and is thoroughly deserving of it. Also, the guys who run Emergency Room with me, who I’ve been consistently grateful to have on the ride for the last six years, and Leon Vynehall & Moxie, who’ve both been really supportive of me and what I’m doing. They also just tied the knot, so, big ups.