Chicago based techno phenom Daniel Dejman returns to the release radar with a tantalizing ‘STTÆB’ EP on his own Slow Dancing To Techno imprint. DMCWORLD checks in with the main man…
A huge welcome to DMCWORLD! Can you tell us a little bit about the story behind your career as a producer and how your vision has evolved over time?
Good to be here! I’ve only been producing for about 10 years now. I began this journey as a DJ with two turntables and a microphone (just kidding, it was a mixer). I always knew that I would get eventually get in a studio and start to create the music that I played out while DJing. Over the years I’ve experimented with many different sounds but my roots and experience have helped me evolve as a producer over time.
Will you give us a little bit of insight into the creative process that went into your latest EP, ‘STTÆB’?
The original was started one late night over the summer in 2019. I began the initial elements on my laptop which has all the essential software and VST’s that my desktop has. Although I mainly work with Ableton, the first parts created were the percussive elements and the bass which were created with NI Maschine. The remaining bits of the song were created using the simpler along with the fx on Ableton to create the profound sound that is the focal point of the track.
What was the inspiration behind the visualizer for ‘STTÆB’?
The inspiration for the visualizer involves envisioning yourself at a festival, getting lost among the crowd while trying to catch your favorite DJ’s sets and find your friends.
What do you find intriguing about the Rojii remix that was included in the EP?
I love that Rojii took the original elements of the track and reworked them a bit to deliver a driving underground version. He added his own flavor without steering too far away from the original.
Tell us about how the Chicago techno scene has further developed you as an artist.
The Chicago techno scene has been evolving throughout the underground and club scene over the years. I believe our scene is heavily influenced by Detroit’s scene and the success of Movement each year, as well as the rest of the world. It’s inspiring because you can see a great act right in your back yard each weekend and that motivates me to want to create more.
You also recently launched your own imprint, Slow Dancing To Techno. What drove you decide to create your own label?
It always been a dream of mine to start a record label, but I wanted to learn what it takes before doing so. I am still learning the tricks of the trade, but I wanted a label so that I would have control of my music, releases, marketing, etc. Owning and operating a label is a ton of work but sending out demos to other labels to only have them turned down is even tougher. While navigating the industry I learned to understand that having my own imprint provides a little more control and peace of mind over my music.
Tell us about some of your go-to tracks that you like to feature in your mixes or set lists. What is it about these tracks that stand out to you?
Some of my go-to tracks at the moment would be…
Dj Misjah + Groovehead – Trippin’ Out
Pfirter + Grindvik – Mind Gone
Truncate – Multiply
Rikhter – Phiom Enhah
These have a very driving feel to them, very well produced, and they’re all unique in their own way. DJ Misjah and Groovehead’s synth has a nice groovy stab, Pfirter & Grindvik has a powerful vocal that reminds me of a 90’s hard house track, Truncate’s all around bass, synth stabs give it a jacking feel, and Rikhter delivers an all encompassing driving vocal that makes the hair on your arms stand.
Do you have any advice for aspiring techno producers?
Learn the art of techno, listen and get inspired by other producers/DJ’s. Find and develop your sound. Practice makes perfect, and there are so many tutorials that can navigate you through your productions. When sending out demos, have a completed product that is mastered and ready to be released. Lastly, be as creative with your marketing, social media, as you are with your productions. Support your local scene, and network! At the end you just want to be yourself and have fun with it.
Can you tell us about some of the career goals you’ve set for yourself for the foreseeable future?
I’m going to curate a Slow Dancing to Techno monthly party. Collab with some of Chicago’s Techno artists in studio. Follow up STTÆB with a summer release. Last but not least, play a set on Boiler Room!
Do you have any other Daniel Dejman news you can share with us?
Looking forward to future releases on ‘Slow Dancing To Techno’, moving to a new studio which I plan on on incorporating some live streaming, and hopefully I will catch you in the near future playing in your city and/or festival if we all get through this pandemic.
Peace, Love, and keep on dancin’…
