In this episode of Seattle House Mafia’s Industry Interviews, Phil Anthony sits down with Darek Mazzone, a veteran DJ, radio host, filmmaker, and cultural connector with over 30 years immersed in the music and art world.
The conversation traces Darek’s journey from growing up in communist Poland, where Western music was contraband, to landing in Boston as a nine-year-old immigrant with zero English, and eventually finding his way to Seattle in 1992 after his car broke down just outside the city.
Darek shares how college radio at WMFO in Boston ignited his passion for global music, and how that passion carried him into a 33-year run at KEXP (formerly KCMU), where he created and continues to host the long-running show Wo’ Pop. He talks about the early Seattle club scene, his work with the legendary Tasty Shows crew, and the sense of community that defined that era of DJing and live music promotion.
The conversation dives into Darek’s founding of SAMA Music and Arts, a nonprofit dedicated to bringing international artists rooted in tradition to the Pacific Northwest. He explains the challenges these artists face, from U.S. visa bureaucracy to the economics of streaming, and why live performance remains the most meaningful way to connect audiences with music from around the world. The discussion also touches on AI-generated music, the role of algorithms in flattening music discovery, and why getting out to experience live shows matters more now than ever.
Darek also reflects on his new documentary film, SAMA: To Listen, a deeply personal exploration of transcendent music traditions filmed across Morocco, Turkey, and beyond. True to his philosophy, the film is only available through in-person screenings, with no streaming option. The episode wraps with thoughts on ego, legacy, and the simple power of showing up for the people and music you care about.
#globalmusic #worldmusic #communityradio #liveperformance #musicdiscovery
