DJ TalisMan | inthewindow (Funk, Afrobeat, Highlife)

A soulful DJ mix from Leeds-based selector DJ TalisMan – blending funk, afrobeat, and highlife heat.

“I recently came across Trüby Trio’s mix from 2001 (DJ-Kicks), and knew I wanted to start with High Jazz because it’s such a banger; then the mix was kind of negotiating how to exit that clubby vibe and move towards playing funk/disco, which is my true favourite genre to mix. I travelled there via Afrobeat and Highlife goodness, and the occasional off-the-wall track.” – DJ TalisMan 

📍 Recorded at: Outlaws Yacht Club 
📅 Date: 20/11/2025 
🎧 Genres: Funk, Afrobeat, Highlife 

🔗 Listen on SoundCloud:   / djtalisman  
🌐 Website: https://inthewindow.co.uk

⸻

🗣️ Q&A with DJ TalisMan 🗣️

💡 What sparked your interest in digging/collecting music? Was it a person, experience, or specific moment?
I would say that my dad has always been quietly inspiring me to be a DJ. Him and my uncle started DJing in their youth as the Stewart Brothers; I hear stories of Tenerife, and their jaunt as EFM (the “Elite Funk Masters”). Shortly after I was born, my dad acquired a record distribution company for a quid (the parent company was going bust), so I grew up surrounded by vinyl. For a while, I’d been making a playlist of a “dream DJ set”, and decided to just rip the plaster off. I have a few DJ friends who gave me sage advice and kindly let me use their decks. I played my first house party at the end of 2023. That morning was the first time I’d ever interacted with CDJs. Somehow, it was still one of the best times I’ve mixed (or at least I thought so…) 

🎚️ Tell us about any parties, events, collectives or labels that have inspired you
I’m constantly impressed by the openness of the scene in Leeds. I started DJing on the Superfriendz roster at the start of last year, and since then have been welcomed onto shows with Alto Radio and NARR. There’s so much enthusiasm and support around, and I only look forward to getting more involved. My favourite nights in Leeds would probably have to be Cosmic Slop, Fetisch, and Bodies in Motion. The latter’s focus on dance, movement, and sharing space with each other has been personally transformational. Nights like the Pleasuredome closing party at TRANSFORM Festival, and Happy House at Eiger Studios are really exciting. Seeing events be bold enough to step into a multidisciplinary arena opens up the possibilities of nightlife for me. 

🪩 Tell us about your approach to digging, where do you find your music?
My YouTube algorithm is now very fine-tuned and gives me a lot of gold. Channels like AnalogAfrica, Hard to Find Vinyls, Funked Up East and bbemusic are great places to get into the rabbit hole. And local/digital radio! When I find a new song I really like, my go-to is deep-diving into the artist’s entire discography. And then that of the collaborators. And then other artists on that label. I find this research phase so fun, and I love to listen to albums in full. I’m almost never not listening to music. I walk around the house with my Bluetooth speaker much in the same way that Linus from Peanuts carries around his blanket. My housemates accept that. 

⸻

In The Window is a Leeds-based not-for-profit platform supporting independent DJs, venues, and grassroots culture through regular mixes and community-focused events.

Support the scene → https://inthewindow.co.uk
🎧 SoundCloud –   / in-the-window  
📺 YouTube –    / @inthewindow  

⸻

#InTheWindow #LeedsDJ #LeedsMusicScene #TheVinylWhistle #DIYMusicLeeds #IndependentVenuesUK #LeedsCulture #UKUndergroundMusic #DJTalisMan #Funk #Afrobeat #Highlife #OutlawsYachtClub #CosmicSlop #BodiesInMotion #Fetisch #Superfriendz #AltoRadio #NARR #TransformFestival