Elif – Medusa [Marginalia]

Posted on 28th September 2023

7 min read

Turkish-born, Barcelona-based DJ and producer Elif celebrates the launch of her debut label Marginalia today, with the release of the imprint’s eagerly anticipated inaugural offering, Medusa EP.

Conceived and created as a community to support, nurture and develop the incredible output of the producers whose music forms the backbone of Elif’s DJ sets worldwide, Marginalia’s opening three-track opus features two separate collaborations with hotly-tipped Brazilian producer Althoff and Tel Aviv-based artist Takiru, alongside an original solo offering from label boss Elif.

Marginalia’s inaugural release opens with its blistering title track Medusa; a stunning original mix from Elif herself, which presents all of the hypnotic sensibilities we’ve come to know and love from the Turkish producer’s impeccable output. Laying a foundation of chugging percussion, skittish samples and snarling bass, Medusa unfolds a fantastical patchwork of trippy synth-work, ebbing and flowing between each element to heady effect, as Elif opens up Marginalia’s catalogue in style.

Referencing the wildly imaginative notes and markings made in the margins of books dating back to the 11th Century, the EP’s aptly-titled second offering, Run Wild, sees Elif team up with close friend and fellow Barcelona-based artist Althoff. Championing a sinister, medieval sound palette that’s founded on raw, organic house and melodic techno sentiments, the pair’s inaugural collaboration is a masterclass from the off, and one that fully embraces the label’s sound and ethos. Deliciously fluid and wholly authentic, Run Wild is primed for late-night listening and already looks set to enter into the selections of dance music’s international touring elite.

Last, but by no means least, Elif rounds out Marginalia’s first EP with another debut collaboration, this time with hotly-tipped Israeli producer Takiru; one of the leading artists within Tel-Aviv’s flourishing underground circuit. Their intoxicating vocal cut, WTF, serves as a rapturous leftfield closer that transcends the notion of genres, instead opting for stark ambiguity and originality. Combining the seemingly disparate realms of 80s rock, Italo disco, breakbeat and electronica, the pair’s joint offering produces a daring, yet warmly familiar sound that’s as niche as it is versatile.

Speaking about the launch of Marginalia, Elif commented:

“This label has been a long time in the making and I’m beyond excited to finally be sharing our concept of Marginalia with the world. I’m fortunate enough to be sent truly amazing music by some of the most incredibly talented producers on a daily basis, and Marginalia is my way of shedding light on the talent that keeps this industry alive. Althoff and Takiru are two artists that I’ve got so much respect for, and I’m so grateful that they’ve trusted me with our collaborations to launch this new project.”

Buy: https://www.beatport.com/release/medusa/4258004
Release Date: 29-09-2023