The Mixtape: immerse yourself in the secret sounds of Saransk with local musician Damba

If the Republic of Mordovia had its own music label, then this is what its first release would sound like. Don’t be fooled by appearances: Saransk may seem like the small-scale capital of a sleepy province, but scratch the surface and you’ll find a thriving underground music scene, with lo-fi hip-hop beatmakers, various strands of electronica, tripped-out post-rock and punk that cuts through the city’s seemingly docile atmosphere. Many of these artists have performed at Saransk’s Secret Place, a quasi-illicit venue where locals musicians like Anton Kudimov — aka Damba — keep the energy going with gigs and DJ sets. Also featuring Mordovian folk sounds to add local flavour, this is the sound of a true DIY scene in action.

Tracklist:

Verbah — William Blake

13th Door — Wild Wind

Ensslin — Lotus-eater

Verbah — Burning Bright

Pink Honey — Berlin Techno

Damba — Accept the Void

13th Door — Bandit Russia

Gellerio — M13

Gidropony — Discokidz

Losing it — Survive this summer

Torama — Tyushtya

Truckdrivers — Barefoot kid

Mishka Mishka — Kid Fun

Yotov Yus — Flame

Granks — Acid Wings

Microwave Popcorn — Vegan Love

Gellerio — Latest Disco

Pink Honey — Tree Bones

Gidropony — Princess Coca

Mordens — Korilnaya

Damba — Insarllah