Bali, Indonesia-based Moonglade Sound welcomes Mixcult boss Kirill Matveev to revisit the mixed compilation format with the new Transcend LP, comprised of thirteen tracks and coming as a 12’’ release. A 50-minute journey through ethereal sounds, TRANSCEND by Moonglade Sound is a meticulously curated double-sided compilation, mixed and compiled by Kirill Matveev, unveiling a realm of sonic exploration.
How did you go about finding the music for the compilation? Can you talk us through your process?
Hi! Thank you for your interest in my project!
The thing is, until recently, downtempo, leftfield, and trip-hop music weren’t really part of my DJ profession. Sure, I had some vinyl records in these styles, but I never deliberately searched for this kind of music the way I’ve always done with house and techno.
Then one day, my partners from the creative brand Moonglade suggested that I record something slower and with a broken beat for them. Shortly after that, I got a residency on Bloop London Radio with the Moonglade Sound show, where once a month, I curate exactly this kind of music.
I started searching for tracks on Bandcamp—this kind of music isn’t often released on vinyl. That’s when I realized I had discovered a whole new world! Very quickly, I figured out that the most effective way to search was by exploring other buyers’ collections. Searching by genre, style, or hashtags takes an insane amount of time.
Since then, I’ve been sharing a link to my Bandcamp collection everywhere because I want to support labels and artists: https://bandcamp.com/kirmatveev. And it’s working—people actually browse through it and find music that resonates with them.
What made you make the decision to release a vinyl mix compilation in todays world, which has a large influx of podcasts going live every day? Did you choose to go against the grain to make a statement with this mix?
Two years ago, we had already released a Moonglade Sound vinyl record—it was mostly a techno release. And then the time came to think about the next one. I really wanted to put out something that reflects the music from our radio show.
At first, it could have just been a standard compilation with pauses between tracks, but that didn’t seem exciting to me. Instead, I wanted to create something for listeners who appreciate DJ culture and long, continuous mixes.
I imagined someone placing the needle at the start of the record, sitting back in their chair, and immersing themselves in my story. That’s when I realized this could be something truly unique.
The last time I heard a mixtape pressed on vinyl was back in the 1980s—that legendary release, Stars On 45!
It was a Dutch project by Jaap Eggermont, inspired by a bootleg 12” featuring The Beatlessongs with a disco beat. Eggermont hired vocalists to recreate the medley for an official release.
Since then, I hadn’t come across anything like it. But what a great format, I thought!
The hardest part was licensing all the tracks in the mix. It took a year and a half. Some artists simply didn’t believe this project would actually come to life. I couldn’t track down a few of them, and because of that, I had to redo the second side of the mix—so yes, this isn’t even the first version of the record!
You have a long history in electronic music as a producer, DJ, radio host and more. Could you tell us a little about your journey in electronic music?
From the moment I bought my first techno vinyl to the day I released my first techno record, 20 years had passed. It feels like an eternity, right? But in reality, it wasn’t.
I quickly found my place behind the decks—even if, at 17 years old, I had to carry my own turntables to the gigs I played. Then came years of organizing events, struggling with a lack of knowledge in sound production and mixing.
But I always knew that one day, I would stop circling around music and start producing and releasing it.
To make this happen, I launched my own internet radio station, MixCult, which runs 24/7, streaming deep techno, deep house, and electro mixes. Later, I opened another station, Spitzer, focused on ambient music.
While running these stations, I was also building an audience through related podcasts. When the radio finally took off, I knew the next step was to start releasing music. And I made it happen.
Now, I manage 10 labels that release vinyl. And I wouldn’t be surprised if there are even more in the future.
And now today, where are you, what are you up to and what’s your main focus for 2025?
Right now, I live in Montenegro, in Budva.
Besides running labels and recording radio shows, I organize music events at a cocktail bar called Lemonade, which we opened six months ago.
Recently, I launched a record store inside the bar—so now, I’m also a vinyl shop owner. Unbelievable! Seeing this project grow and develop is incredibly exciting. Right now, this is my main focus.
What’s been bringing you joy outside of music in recent months? Could be anything from a place to a new book you’re reading or a piece of art, anything?
Honestly, my car has been bringing me the most joy—because without it, life in Montenegro would be boring and difficult!
But beyond that, I’ve been deeply moved by how a community of musicians has naturally formed around our bar. They gather, play whatever they feel like in the moment, and it’s something truly special.
And, surprisingly, people have made me happy too. Those I’ve met in this new country, in this new place I moved to last year. They are kind, open, educated, balanced, and just wonderful people of all ages.
Lastly, if you had to choose just one of the tracks off this compilation you’d love the world to hear, which one would it be?
Tough question!
I think I’d pick the closing track of the record: VTL One – Language Machine – https://comicstriprec.bandcamp.com/album/language-machine-ep
First of all, it has an infectious energy—I feel like after hearing it, people will be curious to learn more about the record. Since it ends with such a strong track, they might want to listen to the whole thing from the beginning.
Follow Kirill Matveev:
