Interview: Private Hearts
Private Hearts Radio is a music show created by Dutch DJ and producer Elias Mazian. Originally conceived for Red Light Radio as an alternative to his club-focused sets, the show features a more introspective and emotional selection of music, inspired by morning programs. Known for its comforting atmosphere, it has become a space for solace, connection, and musical discovery. We asked Elias some questions about this beautiful concept!
Elias, can you start by telling us what the "Private Hearts" concept is all about? How did it come into existence? Private Hearts was born out of a desire to create a show for Red Light Radio (RIP) that wasn’t centered around the club music I was already playing on weekends. At the time (and still now), I was listening to a lot of NTS Radio and particularly loved Charlie Bones’ morning shows. They focused on playing beautiful music with a different purpose—not for moving people in dark clubs, but for offering solace and relief. When the lockdown hit and Red Light Radio shut down, I found myself at home alone, out of work, with just my cat, Bibi, for company. That’s when I truly realized how important listening to music was for me, and how much it was helping me get through that difficult period. So, I decided to broadcast three hours of music every Thursday morning for everyone else who was stuck at home. That’s when the show really came to life and found its strength. People from all over the world began listening back on SoundCloud, and during the live broadcasts, a core group of listeners tuned in regularly. It became more than just a show—it turned into a community. People would chat along during the live shows, sharing in the songs I’d collected throughout the week. It was such a wholesome experience, and looking back, I realize it was incredibly therapeutic as well. What was the inspiration behind the creation of "Private Hearts," and how does it reflect your personal artistic vision? Music holds many layers and depths for me. I love exploring different genres and energies, but I think it all comes back to my lifelong habit of daydreaming (thanks, ADD!). As a child, I would lose myself in books, stories, films, and especially music. For someone sensitive, music can be incredibly comforting, and I truly believe that sense of solace resonates in everything I create. I don’t mind being vulnerable; it’s what makes everything you do feel more human and relatable. Playing a selection of songs designed to calm people down and give them a sense of “everything will be okay” felt like a natural extension of that. I guess I just love helping people feel at ease. After being a well respected DJ bringing underground house music, you went all in releasing dutch pop songs on Job Jobse’s De Vlieger imprint. How did this come together? I’ve always been writing songs, first with my brother when we were making hip-hop and later just as a pastime, maybe even as practice. I think it was a way to grow into it. At some point, I sent a few synth-pop songs to Job, and he was so enthusiastic that it gave me the motivation and perspective that this could become another little world within my universe. He’s one of my best friends, so experiencing these albums with him felt very safe and familiar. The first album came out when the COVID-19 pandemic was at its most intense, and, looking back, with everyone stuck at home and feeling existential, the timing felt perfect in a strange way. I never dared to dream that people would actually listen to these songs, so I’m incredibly happy there’s an audience for them. It’s amazing to see how these songs take on new meanings for the listeners. Is it a similar interest? Or in what way do you experience the difference between DJ sets and live performances? It’s quite different, yet somewhat similar. What I mean is, I was already used to standing in front of large crowds, but singing and performing live is a completely different experience. You’re standing there in the spotlight, feeling so vulnerable, and people are actually listening to what you sing—most of the time, they’re quiet too. Additionally, playing with a band is very collaborative; it’s a process where you need to get used to each other to truly play well together. There’s a sound person, a lighting person, band members, and a tour manager—it’s a group effort. DJing, on the other hand, is more solitary. You arrive, do your thing as best as you can, and leave (or stay longer if it’s a good party, haha). You can hide behind the music. But as a singer, performing songs in your own language, there’s no hiding—it’s the complete opposite. I genuinely love both, though. I’ve been DJing for 15 years, so live performing is still something I’m growing and developing in. And there’s truly nothing more magical than a crowd singing along to your song. There’s nothing like it. How does working on "Private Hearts" compare to your previous projects in terms of personal satisfaction and artistic growth? I once said during a show, “I’m going to do this show until I’m old and gray,” and I truly believe that’s what I’ll do. Every now and then, recording a beautiful show with the most amazing music I’ve discovered during that time—why not? It’s become an extension of who I am, so it (almost) never feels like a job. I’ve loved playing music my whole life, whether it was for my parents when I was a little boy or for strangers on the internet. It feels as natural as breathing, and I think I’ll keep doing it for as long as I can.
How important are online radio platforms for creating a concept like “Private Hearts” and overall for any artist who wants to create something new? I think it’s incredibly important to have radio stations that provide a platform for pure creativity, without commercial restrictions or being forced into a mold that takes away your uniqueness. I learned so much during my time at Red Light Radio and RRFM—about experimenting, trying things out, and most importantly, about staying true to myself. Having a residency and putting in those hours is essential and valuable for figuring out the direction you want to take. It’s the perfect springboard for young talents who might still need that extra push. I can still vividly remember how terrifying it was during my first show on Red Light Radio. I was so scared to say anything into the microphone, knowing that people I knew were upstairs in the office, listening to my whispered words. It was nerve-wracking. But, you live and you learn, add a couple more shows, and here we are... I’m in a position where I sometimes need to shut up more. Do you have any advice for aspiring artists who want to create their own artistic identity? I don’t think you ever have a fully formed idea right from the start. The process of trying things out, failing, and learning is often what leads you to where you hope to be. So just begin! You don’t need to have everything planned out. As long as you know what kind of music you love and are absolutely obsessed with it, you’re already on the right track. I also love it when an artist creates their own world. Of course, you can be inspired by others—nothing is truly new—but once you’ve developed something that feels like it’s yours, you can build on that and let it grow into something you fully believe in, something that reflects who you are at that moment. The most important advice I can give to aspiring artists out there is simply to just start!
