Amine K

The word "Izil" translates to "pure" in Berber. Why did you choose this name for the label, and what significance does it hold for you personally and artistically?

For me, music is one of the purest forms of expression. It should never be compromised — it’s not about fame, money, or numbers. It’s about channeling your true self into sound. That’s why I chose the word “Izil,” meaning “pure” in Berber. It reflects my belief that music should come from an honest, unfiltered place.

How would you define the current state of Morocco’s underground electronic music scene, and what do you believe distinguishes it from other regions?

Morocco’s underground scene is thriving in many ways. There’s a strong minimal house movement and a beautiful house music revival — I’m talking real house and authentic Afro sounds, reminiscent of the early 2000s. Unfortunately, most clubs and festivals are still catering to more commercial Afro house or overproduced melodic techno. That said, there are a few brave spaces and promoters fighting to showcase real underground talent. We have something special here, and I know we can push it even further.

Was there a specific moment or experience that inspired you to launch Izil Recordings, and what gap or opportunity did you aim to address through its creation?

I’ve wanted to start a label for a long time. Back in 2012–2013, when we were throwing the Moroko Loko parties, we even considered launching a label under that name. But those events were so demanding that I never had the bandwidth. What really pushed me to finally start Izil was the track “Kill the Anger.” When I first received the original and worked on it, I felt it was so powerful that if no A List label wanted to sign it, I would create one just to release it — and that’s exactly what I did.

The debut release feels very intentional in both sound and message. How did you approach the curation of this first project to establish the label’s identity?

Since Izil was born to release “Kill the Anger,” we were already starting with a strong, meaningful track. When it came to the remixes, I chose close friends and idols who shared my vision and could deliver quickly. Each brought their own distinct sound, resulting in a diverse EP that speaks to different types of DJs and listeners. It was important for me to show that Izil isn’t tied to one genre — it’s about emotion, message, diversity and quality.

Why did you select Paris as the city to launch Izil Recordings, and how does that choice reflect the label’s cultural or strategic vision?

Paris was an obvious choice. It’s one of my biggest fan bases, a city I deeply love, and a place that shaped me. I did my studies there and spent countless nights discovering artists and sounds that inspired me. For me, Paris isn’t just a city — it’s where my passion for music evolved. Launching Izil there was like coming full circle.

Can you describe the atmosphere of the launch event and how the audience responded to this new chapter in your artistic journey?

The atmosphere was unreal — the event was sold out, the energy was electric, and it felt like a true celebration of everything I stand for musically. It wasn’t just a party; it was a curated experience. We showcased live sets, hybrid sets, and straight DJ sets — all with the intention of educating, inspiring, and connecting with the crowd. And they stayed with us until the very last track at 6 AM. I couldn’t have asked for a better launch.

What was it like to share the stage with artists such as WAHM, Rodriguez Jr., and Denis Horvat during the launch? Were there any memorable highlights or moments of connection that stood out to you?

Unfortunately, Denis Horvat couldn’t make it, but we had a killer lineup. Bloko opened — he’s a young Moroccan talent with a lot of promise. WAHM blew me away with their live set; I see them as my little brothers and I’m incredibly proud of them. Then came the legendary Rodriguez Jr., whose hybrid set left everyone speechless — especially when he dropped his remix of “Kill the Anger,” the place erupted. I closed the night with a back-to-back set with my brother Mr. ID. We never plan anything — we just follow the vibe. It’s pure, unfiltered joy, and the crowd felt it.

Following the label’s debut, what are the immediate next steps for Izil Recordings in terms of upcoming releases or artistic collaborations?

I’m really proud of how the debut release performed. The next step is opening demo submissions — which we’ll be doing very soon. We already have two more EPs lined up. The next release is by my close friend Mr. ID — a track I’ve been playing in almost every set for the past year. It’s coming out this summer on both vinyl and digital, along with two incredible remixes.

Your personal sound has consistently evolved over the years. How is your own musical journey influencing the direction and curation of Izil?

Artists are meant to evolve. My sound has changed because I’ve changed — I’m not the same person I was 10 years ago. I think now is the right time to launch a label because I have more experience, a more refined ear, and I’m not afraid to take risks and invest in what I believe in. Izil is about supporting artists who have something to say — who bring a different perspective and don’t follow trends. I want to give them a platform to be bold.

As electronic music becomes increasingly global, what role do you envision Izil Recordings playing in representing North African and broader African talent on the international stage?

I’ve always felt like an ambassador for Morocco and Africa / Middle East as I’ve been touring the world for 20 years now — it’s in everything I do. I’ve never hidden where I come from, and Izil is another way for me to uplift the region. I want to collaborate with artists from all over Africa and the Middle East, and push our sounds to new heights. There’s so much talent here — it deserves to shine globally.