DJ Ilmajaam
DJ Ilmajaam compresses twenty-nine discoveries into a fast-moving, cinematic sequence. Biosphere, Library Tapes, Gimmik and Deaf Center trace the Tallinn selector’s broad musical world through intimate melodies and restless electronic detail.
Listen to the mix
The mind behind this mix is Viktor Vinogradov, better known as DJ Ilmajaam, a Tallinn-based electronic music DJ with a rich history in the scene. Starting his career in the late ’90s, Viktor has meticulously built a diverse collection of rare and eclectic records. Over the years, he has shared stages with influential figures such as Vladislav Delay, Kangding Ray, Move D, and Anders Ilar, and is a key player at the renowned Freerotation festival. Beyond the decks, Viktor is an organizer of the intellectually driven “KURUKRILL” festival and the curator behind several ongoing event series like “KODU TUNNE.” His work in music is matched by his activism in cultural and human rights issues, where he campaigns for justice and against global inequality.
In the records
STM 017 is a carefully constructed musical narrative, featuring 29 meticulously selected tracks. Each piece, roughly two minutes long, reflects Viktor’s deep and varied experience in electronic music. Despite the brevity of each track, the emotional flow of the mix is seamless, creating a sense of cohesion even as the structure shifts from one composition to the next. The mixing is both swift and intricate, with a cinematic atmosphere enhanced by glitchy rhythmic layers and continuously evolving soundscapes. This mix is not just a sonic journey but a reflection of Viktor’s broader worldview, carrying a subtle message about global justice and the need for harmony in an increasingly chaotic world.
Much like Giorgio de Chirico’s The Seer, where a lone mannequin figure sits beneath an ethereal light surrounded by dreamlike architecture, STM 017 creates an otherworldly experience. The mix is both contemplative and immersive, weaving together diverse musical elements into a surreal yet coherent whole. It invites listeners not only to experience its sound but to reflect on deeper issues—urging us to consider the complexity of the world around us and the importance of peace and understanding.
Sources and image credits
- Photograph by Tormi Voksepp.
- Original release artwork: Biosphere — Substrata.
- Original release artwork: F.S.BLUMM — Zweite Meer.
- Original release artwork: Gimmik — Load Error.
- Original release artwork: Eluvium — Copia.