Daniel Dejman, the Nis born, Chicago based Dj/Producer has gradually emerged this past year as a solo artist. Having spent years of migrating through the influential electronic scene, Daniel has settled in his musical realm. His latest EP release, “PRVI”, has cultivated his brand as an artist, climbing to #4 in the top 100 Hard Techno releases, and has gained support from world-renowned artists. 2018 has been a learning curve for Daniel, paving the way with new experiences, grasped knowledge, and the desire to grow as an artist.
Daniel Dejman navigated his way through the electronic music sphere before recently solidifying his prowess as a hard house/techno producer. Following the release of ‘SŃKRS OŃLY’, he returns to the studio to deliver a jarring three-track EP entitled ‘STTÆB’. The EP marks Daniel Dejman’s debut contribution to his own imprint Slow Dancing To Techno and is available now across all streaming platforms.
INTERVIEW
CR: First of all, how are you doing during these unprecedented times and how are you dealing with social distancing?
DD: I’m doing well, being very optimistic, and hoping this is all over soon! I’ve been keeping busy with my latest release ‘STTÆB’, planning the next release, and I’m slowly moving to a new studio.
CR: As techno fans, we wanted to know how is the Techno scene in Chicago, and how did that influence you as an artist?
DD: Techno has always been around, whether it’s been in the underground warehouse scene, or in the clubs. Some of my earliest influences have come from local artists, discovering it at an early age in the record stores in Chicago, and experiencing it at warehouse parties. I was captivated by dark, fast, driving elements of it, something that was completely different from what I had begun listening to as a kid.
CR: Growing up were there any artists who inspired you into becoming a Producer/DJ?
DD: DJ Funk, DJ Misjah, and Joey Beltram
CR: Who is your biggest supporter as a Producer/ DJ?
DD: My mom!
CR: Do you like playing in larger gatherings or smaller intimate gatherings?
DD: I honestly don’t have a preference, but if I had to pick, I’d say larger gatherings.
CR: Is there a track that never leaves your personal playlist because it has a certain emotional connection to you?
DD: Julien Jabre - “Swimming Places”
Fell in love with the track the first time I heard it during WMC at an open-air night party years ago. At that time there was no Shazam so I remember spending weeks digging for it on Youtube in hopes that someone “named the track” when I came across it. Lol 😂
CR: Can you tell us the thought process behind ‘STTÆB’ and how you connected with your fellow Chicago producer Rojii to do a remix of your track?
DD: I started it one summer evening in 2019 while I was in bed. I had the elements playing in my head, and I thought I had to lay them down in Ableton before I lost it. You’d laugh if you heard the things I’ve recorded on my phone in the past, just so I wouldn’t forget. Anyway, after I had finished the track, I knew that I wanted to release it along with a remix, so I reached out to my good friend, Rojii, who was more than happy to jump on it, and he absolutely nailed it!
CR: We know you recently did a podcast with Xceed, would you consider putting out your own podcasts to have some of the Chicago based Techno artists to showcase their music?
DD: I have thought about it and am definitely putting it on my list of things to do for the near future. Although some thought and planning will go into it prior to an announcement.
CR: How is it running your own label ‘Slow Dancing to Techno’?
DD: It’s great, fun, and a lot of work! In a way, it’s a relief that you don’t have to answer to anyone but your fans! Lol 😂
CR: What do you like to do during your downtime other than producing music?
DD: I enjoy going to the gym, swimming, playing basketball, biking, watching tutorials, reading, hang with my pups!