“I composed this live set as an extension of my DJing style, where shifting dynamics and blending mental spaces create a fluid sonic narrative,” Salar Ansari says of his performance at the 25th anniversary edition of MUTEK Montréal. The artist often works with techno, house and Persian rhythms, and makes music that’s built for introspective escapism as much as dancing and connection. “Originally conceived as a single piece, it evolved into a two-part journey: the first 45 minutes form a cohesive body, while the second section features compositions all inspired by the same source of emotions, thoughts, and physical demands,” he continues. “These tracks reflect a unified exploration through rhythm and sound. There’s no traditional tracklist — just a tunnel-like journey through sonic expression.” Lean back and listen.
Who: Salar Ansari.
Where: I’m from Tehran, Iran, and I’m now based in Metro Detroit.
What: It’s hard to pin down any specific genres in this mix. There’s a real eclecticism drawing from across dance music history, from classic to contemporary. But it’s not about simply regurgitating old sounds – I’m trying to bring something fresh and unique to the table.
Where: I closed the dome at Society for Arts and Technology (SAT) on the final night of MUTEK’s 25th anniversary. The room was filled with an eager crowd, and during soundcheck, I collaborated with scenographer Arnaud B. Ferris to create a visually stunning, responsive space. Performing in front of an educated audience at a festival with such a rich legacy was a pinnacle moment in my career.
When: My set started at 2am and lasted for about 80 minutes.
Why: I’ve had an intimate relationship with losing myself in music since I was a child. Dance parties were a regular occurrence among my family and their friends in Iran. In 2004, at 14, I was introduced to house music and dove deeper into it. Before long, being a DJ and making tracks became my sole focus.
Looking back, I always struggled with staying authentic while craving the love and attention I didn’t get among crowds. Music gave me a sense of identity and recognition that I never experienced before. As I continued channeling my OCD into learning DAWs and obsessing over music, I discovered my ability to make people feel — whether through groove, emotions, happiness, or darkness in my DJ sets.
During a residency at Submerge (Underground Resistance) in 2017, I wrote a note on my wall: “I want to make music to make people happy, I want to make music to promote peace.” That intention remains, though my relationship with it continues to evolve. These days, I wonder how I can make this world a better place through my art and music. The answer still lies in serving the community and spreading the message beyond my local territory.
Live from MUTEK Montréal: Salar Ansari
Live from MUTEK Montréal: Salar Ansari
“I composed this live set as an extension of my DJing style, where shifting dynamics and blending mental spaces create a fluid sonic narrative,” Salar Ansari says of his performance at the 25th anniversary edition of MUTEK Montréal. The artist often works with techno, house and Persian rhythms, and makes music that’s built for introspective escapism as much as dancing and connection. “Originally conceived as a single piece, it evolved into a two-part journey: the first 45 minutes form a cohesive body, while the second section features compositions all inspired by the same source of emotions, thoughts, and physical demands,” he continues. “These tracks reflect a unified exploration through rhythm and sound. There’s no traditional tracklist — just a tunnel-like journey through sonic expression.” Lean back and listen.
Who: Salar Ansari.
Where: I’m from Tehran, Iran, and I’m now based in Metro Detroit.
What: It’s hard to pin down any specific genres in this mix. There’s a real eclecticism drawing from across dance music history, from classic to contemporary. But it’s not about simply regurgitating old sounds – I’m trying to bring something fresh and unique to the table.
Where: I closed the dome at Society for Arts and Technology (SAT) on the final night of MUTEK’s 25th anniversary. The room was filled with an eager crowd, and during soundcheck, I collaborated with scenographer Arnaud B. Ferris to create a visually stunning, responsive space. Performing in front of an educated audience at a festival with such a rich legacy was a pinnacle moment in my career.
When: My set started at 2am and lasted for about 80 minutes.
Why: I’ve had an intimate relationship with losing myself in music since I was a child. Dance parties were a regular occurrence among my family and their friends in Iran. In 2004, at 14, I was introduced to house music and dove deeper into it. Before long, being a DJ and making tracks became my sole focus.
Looking back, I always struggled with staying authentic while craving the love and attention I didn’t get among crowds. Music gave me a sense of identity and recognition that I never experienced before. As I continued channeling my OCD into learning DAWs and obsessing over music, I discovered my ability to make people feel — whether through groove, emotions, happiness, or darkness in my DJ sets.
During a residency at Submerge (Underground Resistance) in 2017, I wrote a note on my wall: “I want to make music to make people happy, I want to make music to promote peace.” That intention remains, though my relationship with it continues to evolve. These days, I wonder how I can make this world a better place through my art and music. The answer still lies in serving the community and spreading the message beyond my local territory.
