Mr. Mendel

Washed ashore on a lonely island in the sea is my latest guest, Amsterdam based DJ,  Mr.Mendel.

Mr. Mendel started out spinning records at the infamous Café de Duivel. This landed him a residency at Freakin III, an old school club night at Bitterzoet, Amsterdam. He soon decided that hiphop just wasn’t enough and Waxwell Records introduced him to soul, afro-beat, rhythm & blues and disco records. He instantly fell in love with the smell of dust, thousands of album covers and the crackling sound of old vinyl.

The 25 year old Mr. Mendel has developed his DJ’ing skills to an all-round style, collecting and spinning dance music from all corners of the globe with only one condition: “as long as it’s good soulful music”. Always selecting passionate, intriguing tunes. You'll hear sexy melodies, funk filled basslines, energetic drums, exotic percussion and euphoric vocals.

Influenced by & played alongside DJ's Rich Medina, Rahaan, Sadar Bahar, Kon & Amir, Rob Manga, KC The Funkaholic, Marcel Vogel, Mr. Mendel currently hosts successful parties, like The Daisy Age at Bitterzoet and I Love Vinyl at Canvas, which continue to attract an enthusiastic crowd of music lovers. Mr. Mendel knows how to rock a party with his soulful, upbeat, heartfelt musical extravaganza.

"Being allowed to only take five songs, is one of the saddest thoughts I had in a while. But then again, it probably wouldn't be my worst problem when on an deserted island. Maybe I would take some more recent dance floor tunes, but in this case I went for some (major) artists that influenced me through time."

Bob Marley & The Wailers
War

"I couldn't go anywhere without Bob. I hope the deserted island is sunny at least. In that case maybe I should take only reggae music.  

Actually almost any song of Bob will do, although for me this is a song that always moves me, especially the lyrics "Until the colour of a man's skin is of no more significance than the colour of his eyes, me say war!".

For me discrimination has always been an important matter. Bob always shines light on the matter, so simply, so true."

Fela Kuti

Roforofo Fight

"About 10 years ago someone told me to check out the master's music... I did. 

I skipped through some songs and didn't understand it. Then a couple of years ago, at the record shop I worked at, we got a box of records (smelling like shit) straight from Nigeria. I gave it another chance, and since then it never let me go. 

You have to listen to the songs from A-Z, the arrangements are perfect, so much energy! 

There has to be some dancing to keep the spirit up on the island right?  Plus the song is extra long, ha ha !"

Gil Scott-Heron

The Bottle (Mr.Mendel Edit)

"Though one of my favourite artists, not especially one of my favourite songs, but I would definitely take it to a deserted island to remind me of my work and help me remember spinning music for a crowd. 

This record always seems to stir up the dance floor and bring people to another state.     

It will soon be on vinyl, so I could take the record... or do I just get to take an iPod to the island ?"

Tracy Chapman

Talking 'Bout A Revolution

"Tracy Chapman was the first 'soulful' artist I listened to (it's maybe more folkish though ?). 

When I was very young my parents used to play this in the car when we where on vacation and I never knew if she was a boy or a girl, but I knew I liked it!

It always has left me with a weak spot. Good soundtrack for the sentimental mood.. which I would probably have plenty of, being lonely on an island. 

Again any song of her first album will do the trick."

Curtis Mayfield

(Don't Worry) If There's A Hell Below, We're All Going To Go

"Another major artist that always moves me. 

This got to be one of my favourite albums of all time. His compositions are brilliantly intense. 

I've had a little pessimistic worldview since I can remember. In this song Mr Mayfield is touching a lot of the world's problems in a hard poetic way; "educated fools from uneducated schools". 

And that intro! His lyrics are sometimes angry and sometimes hopeful, but always sensitive and still so relevant…

Or should I take some Wu-Tang after all ?"

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You liked the music, now check out these links : Mr. Mendel on Soundcloud

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I Love Vinyl @ Canvas, Amsterdam

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The Daisy Age @ Bitterzoet, Amsterdam

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Waxwell Records, Amsterdam

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