MDC.331 Juan Izguerra

LA’s Juan Izguerra raids the dusty end of the bag for the latest MDC mix, pulling together summery 90s UK house, early-2000s West Coast nugs and a couple of records with serious mileage on them. Chuck it on for a run, a road trip, or an extended period staring out the window. @juanizguerra MDC: What sounds, places or feelings did you draw upon when gathering inspiration for this mix, and what listening environments could you imagine it being thoroughly enjoyed in? Juan Izguerra: Hi Myles : ) I’d say my trip this year to Melbourne definitely motivated the direction I’ve been heading in. The people, energy, sound systems, parties, and even the weather really drew up inspiration for me when making this mix. I’ve also been collecting and listening to a lot of 90s UK house and techno, as well as some early 2000s west coast house which I discovered from digging through Tweekin Records' catalog. Where can I imagine this mix thoroughly enjoyed…on a solo drive, road trip, or run! If ya need some stamina and want to get lost just a bit, this is it. MDC: Are there any records or recent digs in the mix that you were especially excited to share, and what is it about these tunes that resonate with you so much? JI: Definitely! I’d say the first track that kicks things off, “Double-Fraise” by Steve Check (s/o to Alonso aka summer league aka DJ flirt for letting me digitize his copy jeje). I actually featured two tracks off that EP in this mix. It’s classy, has that “Remind Me” by Patrice Rushen sample that is timeless, and overall just a tasteful french house EP with a lovely cover as well. Lastly, Ultimate love (Microman’s club mix) by Neresa Maye. An absolutely dusty and scratched-up purchase in my collection but still has some miles on it. It’s a euphoric, high energy UK house/garage track that I just never had an opportunity to play out, so I thought I'd share it here :). MDC: Tell us a bit about your current involvement in the underground scene in LA, what or who in the local scene is keeping you inspired musically at the minute, and what’s the latest with your DJ Flirt and Homage Brewing collabs? JI: In short, I’d say my involvement is by bridging the underground to the ground by giving underground promoters and DJ’s a place to play without all the rental fees, BS, and risk. But to be truthful, It’s a complicated relationship with the nightlife/underground scene in Los Angeles. That said, I do want to give flowers to all the underground promoters here in L.A., including capes aka Ray Barragan, who throws a small intimate warehouse party called Surface. My friend Joseph (Pollensource) also organizes great parties with his friends called Wellness Check. There are also parties such as Auntie, Fast at Work, and of course Canary, which is a gallery that hosts the best fog filled room with amazing sound. s/o Hood Rave as well! All keeping me musically inspired. Can’t forget Jarren, Summer League, and Bianca Lexis as well. DJ Flirt is working on a mixtape which hopefully will exist on tape/CD, and of course here on Soundcloud. Showcasing 90s archival house tracks that are more suited for mixes and not really for clubs. But still keeping it fun, sexy and cheeky! And for Homage collabs, we’re aiming to work with audio freaks to revamp our sound system and lighting. As well as working with some new designers to whip up some new merch!