Alessandro Adriani

With his Mannequin label, Alessandro Adriani has successfully created a stable where contemporary synthwave music can flourish and metamorphose beyond the bounds of retrophilia and nostalgia. Collecting strands of acid house, post-punk, EBM, and shadowy industrial – their catalogue is a diverse, extensive and bewitching index of visceral sounds for hazy dancefloors.

They are gearing up to celebrate 10 years in operation and share their 100th release with the world, a double LP compilation entitled Waves of the Future. While it might sound oxymoronic, the compilation could be described as a future-facing retrospective. Built from eight tracks by DJs and producers who have represented Mannequin through their sets over the years, it’s a celebration of the label’s output from artists who have never actually released anything through them.

Silent Servant, Ron Morelli, Beau Wanzer, Shawn O’Silluvan, Not Waving, An-i, Willie Burns and Illum Sphere all contribute.

It’s testament to an imprint which has found a groove and aesthetic unique to them – durable and enduring. For his contribution to our mix series, Adriani explores that sonic DNA while showcasing the full breadth of his personal crates.

Waves of the Future is released on 16 February via Mannequin Records. The label will celebrate their 10th birthday at Berghain on 16 February.