In Session: Dubfire

While it may seem silly to some that such a prolific artist has yet to release an inaugural album, Dubfire isn't one to walk the oft-traveled path.

Instead, before his forthcoming LP, he first plans to release 'Hybrid: A Decade of Dubfire', a retrospective album outlining the past 10 years of Dubfire's journey as a solo artist following his departure from Deep Dish, a two-piece, Grammy-winning project he created with Sharam.

In addition, Dubfire may be one of the only artists to already be considered a leader in his genre and see the release of his own documentary before ever releasing a full-length album under his name. Above Ground Level follows Ali's own personal journey leaving his home country of Iran and landing in Washington DC to pursue his own rendition of The American Dream.

"The only direction I gave to the filmmakers was to make something that told a human story, free from the cliches that literally every single electronic music documentary or fictional dance music film that has been made is guilty of."

So while Dubfire - who has an extensive trail of noteworthy musical achievements like Grammy wins and a coveted partnership with fellow underground savant Richie Hawtin - may seem untouchable in many ways, Above Ground Level aims to return him back to the sphere of "just another guy who loves making music".

"It’s an inspiring story for others who dream of a career in music; that through hard work and sacrifice, creative and financial success IS possible," he says. "But it’s also a cautionary tale that no matter how much money or fame you have, if you are not creatively stimulated, challenged and motivated - if your growth is stifled for some reason - then you are at a standstill and need to find a new way forward; even if that involves considerable risk or a step into uncharted territory."

But before Dubfire dives into the next chapter accented by a worthy documentary and a long-awaited album, he first joins Mixmag for a worthy In Session. The mix arrives from his recent performance at Dolce Vita in Salerno and dives into the darkest corners of techno that only Dubfire could commandeer so masterfully.

Tune in the Dubfire on In Session below.

Catch Dubfire at CRSSD Fest in San Diego, October 1 and 2. Find info and tickets here.

Valerie Lee is Mixmag's US Digital Editor. Follow her on Twitter here