London-based Bahraini duo Dar Disku – “house of disco” – release their debut album today through Soundway Records with a focus track featuring trailblazing and frequently referenced Indian-born artist Asha Puthli.

Having established a name for themselves through DJ sets, mixes, and self-released edits of Middle Eastern recordings by other artists, Mazen Almaskati and Vish M were inspired to create their own original music combining tradition and nostalgia with a contemporary twist. Wanting to bring together sounds from across as much of the South-West Asia and North Africa (SWANA) region as possible, it was a no-brainer that the album should include a song that drew from Indian music and the culture of Bollywood.

“We had toyed with the idea of creating a ‘spaghetti eastern’,” they say in a press release, “something which could fit right into an ‘80s Bollywood scene and coordinated dance routine. Featuring heavy arpeggiated synths akin to Bappi Lahiri and drum machines used by ilayaraja (of Tamil film soundtrack fame) we produced an instrumental that ticked all of the boxes.”

Commenting on Puthli’s involvement, they add:

“We have always been such admirers of Asha and her genre bending art and voice and we knew we had to reach out. After a number of exchanges, Asha flew to London and recorded with us at a central London studio. We heard stories of parties with Warhol, how she refused to change her artist name at the request of western labels and most importantly got to hear that iconic voice. We worked on some of the lyrics together and the track came together so naturally.”

Speaking to The Guardian earlier this year, Puthli spoke on what seeing the next generations of south Asian musical talent on the rise means to her, saying “I feel that the journey that I made against all odds makes it all worthwhile. When I see young people and they’re getting recognition, they’re getting the platform … The time is right for them now.”

Listen to “Baar Baar” below:

Other guests on the album include Bahraini singer and producer FLANAH, Istanbul-based vocalist Billur Battal, Algerian singer Yacine El Khaldi, and Arabic folk artist Aymen Attia from Tunisia.

A release party for the album takes place at London's Stranger Than Paradise Records this afternoon from 3pm.