Brooklyn-based DJ and producer mink is no stranger to New York's rich cultural tapestry. Raised in a city that has long been a melting pot of sounds and scenes, mink has spent a lifetime soaking up its essence and channeling it into a dynamic career. With a distinctive approach to house and techno, mink has emerged as a curator of grooves that simultaneously honor the roots of dance music and push its boundaries.
Now stationed in New York, mink's studio sessions are buzzing as he preps for 2025. His journey began as a kid on the Coney Island boardwalk, where he got his first taste of house music. Years later, he rediscovered and championed the timeless sounds of New York and New Jersey pioneers like Masters at Work, David Morales, and Todd Terry. "These artists are still a major influence," he shares. "I still discover and play new tunes from them till this day."
The evolution of NYC's house and techno scene over the last decade has been a particular source of inspiration for mink. "It's growing so fast," he says. "Right now, you can find everything from intimate sessions with top selectors to massive raves with top-tier production—and after-hours events—all in the same weekend." mink is proud to play his part in the revival, a reflection of the city's resurgent energy.
mink's sound—a harmonious blend of groovy, hypnotic rhythms and dancefloor anthems—is epitomized through his label, Love On Cropsey. The label, like mink himself, is steeped in house music's multifaceted legacy. Whether you're swaying to one of his own productions or a release from the label, the message is clear: it's all about the love of the groove.
In tracks like "Catcuta (Ya Habibi)," mink integrates personal heritage into his music. The title's Arabic phrase, borrowed from his grandmother, translates loosely to "cutie." The track's seductive whispers pay homage to the sultry vocal techniques of '90s house producers, infusing the music with both nostalgia and originality.
But mink's vision isn't limited to the studio. His event series, kiss & tell, brings the music he loves most into an intimate setting. Held at Hearsay in New York, the party has become a haven for those seeking a more personal connection to the music. "I started kiss & tell to play from the heart," mink explains. "Hearsay in New York is a perfect home to start the series, and it's been going well."
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Mink's versatility is perhaps most evident in his approach to live performances. Whether playing smaller, underground venues like Brooklyn's h0l0 or Refuge—or commanding the stage at festivals like Time Warp NYC—he crafts sets that capture the spirit of each space. "I always keep it groovy and rooted in New York house and techno," he says. "For Time Warp, I dig into my records to create a vibe that resonates with the theme of the event."
Looking ahead to 2025, mink is excited to unveil a wave of new music, continuing to shape his evolving legacy in the scene. As Brooklyn remains at the core of his identity, mink stands as a bridge between the storied past of house music and its promising future, ensuring its heartbeat remains as vibrant as ever.
Connect with mink: Instagram | SoundCloud | Spotify
