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Cyril Etienne better known as DJ Deep started playing at clubs and raves in Paris in the late 80’s early 90’s, such as Laurent Garnier’s famous residencies in Paris Wake Up at Rex club. A respected and versatile DJ, producer, label-boss and party curator, DJ Deep has proven time and time again that he’s the real deal. Whether hosting events at Parisian institution Rex Club or performing at Berghain/Panorama Bar, fabric, Tresor, Fabrik and many more, DJ Deep is at home helming the decks at renowned venues as much as he is mixing radio shows for Gilles Peterson’s Worldwide FM.
Meanwhile, as a producer his critically acclaimed appearances on Rekids, Kaoz Theory and Tresor, not to mention his very own Deeply Rooted imprint, have all demonstrated his imaginative approach to house and techno. However, the ambitious artist doesn’t stop there as he makes music under various other aliases that extend into more experimental corners of electronic music, whether that’s solo projects such as Rébeval and Deep Moments, as well as collaborating alongside Roman Poncet aka Traumer as Sergie Rezza, Adventice, Fang and Deep Traum.
This Saturday, on March 31st, he will perform at the Karmakoma club alongside Serbian DJ Nikola Vemić. With that occasion in mind, we spoke to DJ Deep about his DJ career so far.
This is not your first time in Serbia. What experiences have you had here so far on your gigs?
DJ Deep: Really nice, I loved how the audience is passionate about music, I had such fantastic moments at Lovefest!
What currently inspires you the most when it comes to the genres and tracks you choose for your set?
Records that have a meaning through a spiritual connection in a dancing environment, the latest Karizma, Kerri Chandler, Joe Claussell and Ron Trent releases are definitely highlights for me in my sets.
Which set holds a special place in your heart and is particularly memorable for you?
Well Lovefest last summer was truly unique. I felt free and very excited at the same time to be given the opportunity to do the closing set on the House stage.
Collaboration is a significant aspect of the music industry. Can you share an experience where collaborating with another artist or producer brought out something unexpected in your work?
Well working with Romain Poncet is something truly unique for me, when we go to the studio together there is a form of excitement and enthusiasm that I think brings out the best in both of us, our Sergie Rezza project was one of those moments, and I am so happy to release a record on his label Gettraum in April/May this year.
What, in your opinion, are the essential qualities that a track must have to capture your attention?
The beat has to be swinging that’s the first thing, it has to have a funky element to it, something to groove along to, as well as something in the music, either raw or polished that moves me and motivates my imagination!
In one interview a long time ago you said that: Today people are maybe not 100 per cent dedicated to listening to music, or some are but the rest are just there to have a good time. Do you still think that and how challenging is it for you?
Well, it’s always the same discussion about how people “use” and “feel” music nowadays, sometimes it seems that it is a background thing to other activities for some people, as for other it is a crucial thing! I love when people feel the Music with passion!
What’s the current situation of the house and techno scene in Paris? How much have things changed since you’ve been active on the scene?
It’s difficult to answer to this, it’s 30 years of evolution… Well let’s say now that House and Techno are so wildly established worldwide, other challenges are surfacing, such as how to keep the scene exciting and relevant etc… Paris has many clubs and venues and it seems like there is an healthy competition on the city for what I can see.
How much does the venue where you play music influence your set? And what types of venues do you most enjoy and find yourself truly immersed in?
I prefer when I can connect with the crowd, a good Soundsystem is essential!
Do you have a track that you always love to play, if yes – which one?
After 30 years of Djing I do have many! Let’s say I’m a bit obsessed with Karizma releases these days, as well as Kerri Chandler, Ron Trent and Joe Claussell’s ones.
But an all time favorite is definitely Lil Louis “Conversation”.
You’re coming back to Serbia, this time for the first time at Karmakoma. What are your expectations for this event?
I can’t wait I am extremely happy and excited and still surfing on a high from Lovefest past summer! So many new records I want to test out and play, as well as new productions I have been working on! It’s a real pleasure to share the decks with Nikola Vemić.
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