Motez is an undisputed giant in so called Australian electronic dance music. The Adelaide based, Baghdad born producer has continuously demonstrated his production and selecting class across his vast discography and prominent touring resume, from big room, dark and mysterious techno to soothing ambient music.
Whether remixing the likes of RÜFÜS DU SOL, Flume or Disclosure, or releasing belting originals, Motez's distinct sonic palette always shines through. This year on the live front he took the stage at WOMADelaide where he debuted a live set with a string quartet, brass sections and children's choir to present a masterclass in the darker sides of dance.
2022 has proved a momentous year for Motez, kicking it off with the release of Submission in April on Club Sweat. A force of energy, the track's melodic elements combine gorgeously with its wobbling bass lines and club rhythms. Most recently he;'s released Get It Done alongside Scrufizzer, which continues his takeover of the techno and house world. Passionate and resilient, the track pulls from industrial textures to create a dark, ebbing and flowing techno monster.
To get to know the mind of the dance legend better, we chat to Motez about the top 5 tracks dominating his listening and DJ sets right now.
Solomun - Kreatur der Nacht (Maceo Plex Remix)
This song has been an absolute weapon in my sets since it was released, totally embodies the music I've been playing and bridges two sides of my set when I switch from the dark disco/groove side to the heavier, techno-driven one, those haunting vocals cut so well in the mix, you feel the mood change when I play it from playful to sexy.
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Delectro - Mass Control (Bloody Mary Remix)
Ughhh this song is one of my favourites in a long time, it's brooding, dark and seductive. It has all the elements I play in my sets: 707-style kick, punk-like vocals and a N A S T Y rolling bassline. I've been a fan of this kind of 'dark disco' music for a few years now and have been playing it in various parts of my sets.
sharpside - Space Cruising (Wehbba Remake)
Huge fan of this edit, it just rolls and rolls without getting tiresome or boring, I love the hypnotic quality to it.
Flume feat. Caroline Polachek - Sirens (Motez Remix)
I am so glad I was able to play this remix out while I was working on it, it gave me a chance to tweak it and make changes before finally having it released. It gives the set space when I drop it because it still has the energy of the usual second half of my sets, the breakdown in the middle gives the dancefloor some breathing space before it drops again. Loved working on it because I'm a big fan of the original, Caroline Polachek's vocals are an absolute dream to work with.
Joshua James, Leigh Bowery feat. Minty - Fist (Peaches Remix)
This song is not for the faint hearted but it has so much energy and attitude, the crowd goes nuts every time I drop it in my sets, it certainly isn't for every show but I was lucky enough to have played it a few times. Peaches is an absolute powerhouse and this song embodies that.
