With a deep commitment to vinyl culture and a sharp ear for hypnotic, atmospheric techno, Mary Yuzovskaya has carved out a distinct space in the electronic music scene. Currently touring in the US, we seized the opportunity to ask her a few questions ahead of her upcoming gig in our beloved Los Angeles.
With a career that stands as a testament to her dedication, she is not only a renowned DJ but also the founder of Monday Off, a vinyl-only label showcasing deep and immersive techno.
Dirty Epic: As a vinyl-only DJ, you are part of a long-standing tradition in techno. What inspired you to embrace this approach in your DJing, and what does that format represent for you beyond just the music?
Mary Yusovskaya: When I was starting out a thousand millions years ago, the clubs only had turntables and every DJ was a vinyl-only DJ. Basically, at that time, the decision was made for me. A few years later, Serato/Tractor Scratch Duo started to take over. Many of my colleagues tried those out… I wasn’t an exception, but I didn’t like it at all.
Later on, CDJs became popular. To me, it seemed even less appealing than Tractor, as the turntables were now completely out of the picture. There was that one show at which I had to play CDJs, and I genuinely hated the experience. It became crystal clear… digital DJing is not for me as it takes away all the fun.
There’s no profound philosophy behind my choice – I play vinyl because I love it, and I don’t play CDJs because I don’t like it. What’s the point in forcing myself to do something I dislike?
I never judge people that chose to play digitally. Everyone should go with the options that work best for them. My personal experience with any digital format was so uninspiring and disappointing, that it made up my mind. I‘ll carry my record bag through thick and thin, and that’s what makes me happy.
Dirty Epic: We see more and more DJs going with that medium, how do you see the role of vinyl in techno culture evolving in the coming years?
It will have it‘s ups and downs, like always, but given how much fun this media is and how much pleasure it brings to many people, it’s never going to disappear.
Dirty Epic: What do you think are misconceptions about vinyl DJing in today’s digital age ?
The first misconception is that learning to beat match is so difficult, it can be considered impossible. That is not true. All you need is practice and consistency. One day, you will notice that it’s already a muscle memory, and you don’t even need to think about it.
The second misconception that I’ve been hearing a lot lately is that the vinyl-only DJs generate loops while playing. We don’t. The turntables, as opposed to CDJs, don’t have such a function. Of course, we can’t dismiss the records with locked groves, but those are uncommon and rarely used.
Dirty Epic: You’ve performed at all the best clubs around the world with sets known for their precision. How do you approach crafting a set, and what elements are essential for you?
I think I’m no different from any other DJ in this regard. We all want to tell a story. Of course, every artist has their own way of storytelling, but the goal is always the same – to take a listener on a trip. When I prepare, it’s helpful to know what time I’m playing, who’s playing before and after me, and how big the venue is.
However, lately I learned that while preparing is mandatory, one must make sure to not over-do it. It’s crucial to leave some space for improvisation, spontaneous decisions, and cues from the crowd. Otherwise, there comes a moment when too much preparation blocks my intuition and makes me stiff. Things on stage will never go the way you imagine it while at home (or in the studio), so I make sure to give myself some space to breathe and decide on the go.
Dirty Epic: Having worked as a vinyl distribution manager at Brooklyn’s Halcyon record shop, how do you perceive the current state of vinyl culture in techno?
I haven’t worked in distribution for quite some time, so without the actual current numbers it’s difficult for me to give an accurate answer to this question. The feedback from many labels, artists, and records shops that I speak to vary. From my subjective experience, the sales of Monday Off releases went up significantly since the beginning of the pandemic and almost doubled compared to what they were the first three years of the label’s existence. I see more and more people playing records and more and more digital only imprints considering to release at least some of their upcoming EPs on vinyl. But I also know that some established labels see drops in sales. I think a lot of factors play a role here. But overall I’m seeing a lot of positives.
Dirty Epic: Regarding Monday Off, which is known as a vinyl-only label with a distinct deep and hypnotic aesthetic, what was the original idea and concept behind launching it and how has that vision evolved over time? Can you explain the name and the mosquito too? What motivated you to start your own imprint?
Running my own label was something I dreamed of since I started record shopping and before I even started DJing in clubs. For years, I was setting some money aside and collecting information. At some point I felt ready and I went ahead with the first release. The original idea and vision hasn’t changed throughout the years – Monday Off was created as a platform where I can be myself, do what I like, and disregard the “rules“. – do things my way and not owe any specific results to anyone. Today, just like 8 years ago, Monday Off is my refuge, my space, and my happy place. Here I can try things out, learn something new, sometimes fail, sometimes succeed, have fun, and do it all over again.
The name represents exactly what you think it represents – the idea is that the people that enjoy this kind of music and everything that comes with it, will also appreciate to be off on a Monday. Here’s how the name came to my mind. I was at a Sunday daytime party at some Brooklyn warehouse. I stood in the line to the bathroom and overheard two girls in front of me chatting. One of them said: “Thanks god I have Monday off!“ and it all came together in my head. The story behind the mosquito is not for the print. But I will definitely tell you next time I see you in person 🙂
Dirty Epic: How do you select artists and tracks for Monday Off? Are there specific qualities or sounds you seek ?
I need to love the track and feel the urge to play it. I need to feel excitement when listening to it… like “I like this track so much, I’ll press it on vinyl to take it to my next gig“ is what should be going through my mind when listening to the music an artist sent me.
The rest doesn’t matter. Curating a label is very similar to record shopping. You listen to the music and select what speaks to you the most.
Dirty Epic: What was the creative process behind your recent EP, “The More You Know”? What themes or ideas were you exploring?
During the lockdowns, there wasn’t much entertainment, but some places remained open. One of those places was Botanical Gardens in Berlin, where I went all the time. Most of the ideas that eventually made it to the final version of the EP were born at that place. The EP is about my sudden interest in biology/botany that I gained during my never-ending walks through the gardens.
Dirty Epic: Your sound is deep and atmospheric. What are your inspirations and how do you model your sounds to create that immersive, introspective listening experience? Are there specific emotions, places, or concepts that influence your sound design?
My main inspirations are architecture, nature, and some aspects of science, as well as the combination of those. Walking through the cities and staring at the buildings, the trees, the constructions and the sky gives me ideas for the studio sessions. In regards of the actual production – I always opt out for softer sonics, avoid aggressive distortions, and pay close attention to the harmonies. I’m not a fan of dissonant chords and disharmonic relations between the elements. I love when the track is both powerful and delicate at the same time.
Dirty Epic: Are you more drawn to hardware or software when producing? Do you find a balance between the two?
I‘m definitely a software person when it comes to creating music. I enjoy the fact that you can totally work in the box and edit things infinitely, without limitations. I only use hardware in a sense that I record the machines to create sample packs for my personal use. My studio partner Xhato is very much into synths, and his collection is impressive. Roughly once a year I organize a recording session, to then cut the recorded material into samples and, once the sample pack is finished, not to think about the hardware for some time.
Dirty Epic: Do you have a specific approach when you enter the studio to get into the creative mindset?
Step 1. Enter the studio
Step 2. Open the window
Step 3. Water the plants
Step 4. Stop crying!
Step 5. Make some tea
Step 6. Turn off your phone
Step 7. Open Ableton
Now I’m all set and ready to go 🙂
Dirty Epic: Can you walk us through your current setup? What are some of your essential and favorite instruments/modules? Do you have a go-to synth, drum machine, or effect?
My setup is very modest. Basically it’s Ableton and a simple controller. I do have some epic monitors (Neumann KH 310) and my studio room is properly treated and sounds very accurate, which is probably the most important thing for me. In regards of my favorite plug-ins, I’m a big fan of Valhalla delays and reverbs, but then who isn’t?
Dirty Epic: How do you typically start a track? Do you begin with a rhythmic idea, a texture, or something else like a field recording?
Definitely with textures and atmospheres! I’m terrible with kicks and bass, so I always leave it for later.
Dirty Epic: What was your first introduction to techno, and was there a specific moment that made you realize this was the journey you wanted to follow?
When I started going out and collecting records, there wasn’t much classical techno going on. It was mostly house, electro, synth pop and the very first, very special wave of minimal. That wave completely took over my heart and sanity. Saying so much with so few elements felt new, refreshing, and completely irresistible. Afterwards, minimal went through many transformations, most of which I didn’t find exciting, so I started leaning towards techno in a more classical sense of the genre. However, I think my first influences are very noticeable in my sets.
The first artists that had an impact on me were the awesome local DJs (I don’t think any of them are touring at this time). The first records I bought were from Efdemin, Vincent Radar, Carsten Jost and Cio D‘or.
The decision to become a DJ came to me organically. I’d been playing piano since I was three years old, I performed classical music as a teenager, and I also spent my childhood playing in some theatre productions. The stage always felt like home, so once electronic music entered my life, I found myself on the other side of the dance floor without even realizing how it happened.
Dirty Epic: What drew you specifically to the deep and hypnotic, dare I say introspective, side?
My background is in the after hours. As a party goer, I was never interested in the peak times, preferring to come to the function for the closing DJ. There’s more space to dance, music gets wonderfully weird, people are more relaxed, adventurous, cute and silly. In my formative rave years, my friends and I were definitely those people that needed to not to forget to go home, but then we were also the ones that would start very late.
Besides, I’m a morning person, which plays a big role in many of my creative and life choices. So I guess the appreciation of the late AM massively conditioned my music taste.
As our conversation with Mary Yuzovskaya comes to an end, it’s clear that her dedication to deep techno, and artistic curation is unwavering. Through her precise DJ sets, carefully crafted productions, and the ever-evolving vision of Monday Off, she continues to shape the underground scene with authenticity and passion. Whether behind the decks or in the studio, her work remains a testament to the power of deep, hypnotic soundscapes.
-Interviewed by Rodolphe Vidal
LINKS:
Resident Advisor: https://ra.co/dj/maryyuzovskaya
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/bananamilk
Monday Off: https://www.discogs.com/label/1286191-Monday-Off
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