“Heaven” with Shahin Shantiaei is your latest release on Life in Colour: how did this collaboration come about and what does the track represent for you?
Heaven’ actually began with an idea Shahin had written and sung quite some time ago. When I heard the rough version in his studio, the vocals immediately struck me, and I felt there was something powerful to build on. He sent me the stems, and from there the collaboration flowed very naturally. For us, the track became about reflecting on the contradictions of our world today—how so much of life is lived through screens, how easily we disconnect from what’s real. The lyrics ask a bigger question: has the Heaven we believe in been reshaped, or even taken over, by darker forces that we never imagined?
You grew up listening to icons like Michael Jackson, Prince, and George Michael—how do those roots still influence the way you produce and play today?
Those artists gave me a foundation that still shapes everything I do. At the core, it all comes back to groove — that flow that connects people on the dancefloor. No matter if I’m playing afro, melodic, or deep, I always aim to keep that groove alive and layered with soul.
Back in the ’90s you helped shape Dubai’s club scene with DEEP NIGHTS: how do you see the evolution of nightlife in the city compared to those pioneering days?
It was actually in the early 2000s when we started shaping the scene. Back then it was raw and full of discovery — we were really building a culture from scratch. Nights like Deep Nights and Peppermint played a big part in introducing deeper sounds and taking part in shaping the Dubai market. Today, the scene has matured into something far more diverse and international, with global talent coming through regularly and venues operating on a truly world-class level. It’s exciting to see how far it has come.
Your sound is known for solid percussion, ethnic vibes, and dark melodic synths—where does this signature style come from?
For me, everything starts with the groove — that’s the backbone of any track I make. From there, I layer the percussion to give it a human pulse, and then build from there. I like to keep my productions hypnotic but alive, with textures that move both the body and the emotions.
You’re also a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt and competitor—do you feel this discipline impacts your approach to music and creativity?
BJJ has been one of the biggest influences in my life. It’s taught me discipline, patience, and resilience, and those lessons carry directly into my music. I’ve always built my sets around energy, and martial arts reinforces that — it’s all about timing, flow, and knowing when to push forward or hold back. The same mindset guides me both in the studio and behind the decks.
You’ve released on respected labels such as Sudam, Redolent, and Natura Viva: what have been some of the most defining moments in your discography so far?
Each release has been a milestone in its own way, but a few stand out. Signing with Redolent felt like joining a family that really understands my sound. Releasing on Sudam, Lump & Exotic Refreshment connected me to a wider international audience, and more recently, working with Made by Pete on Life in Colour has been a defining moment — not just because of the release, but because the track ‘Heaven’ was embraced, played worldwide, and even featured on BBC Radio 1. Those moments remind me why I keep creating.
Looking ahead, what are you currently working on and what new sonic directions can we expect from Mario Bazouri?
This year has by far been my busiest in the studio. I’ve been putting in countless hours, working on a variety of new tracks, and most importantly, pushing myself to explore new ideas and keep pushing the boundaries of my sound. Listeners can expect music that continues to evolve while staying true to the groove that defines me.
Thank you!
