Bringing his signature French touch to the world, DeusExMaschine celebrates his new single “Better,’ a sublime house number infused with sultry disco grooves. The Frenchman’s second release of 2023 sees him return to the Parisian pillar of house and electro Serial Records, who previously signed with Tim Berg just one year prior to global phenomenon “Levels” under his Avicii alias. The momentum is building, and DeusExMashine’s intrinsic drive to deliver contemporary sounds enriched in French house roots is fiercely prominent. Watch this space.
Tell us about your background, where are you from, and how has this influenced your music?
I’m French, I was born in 1975 and raised on the beautiful French Riviera. Growing up, I was exposed to a wide variety of music in my eclectic household, with my father being a fan of early electronic artists like Jean-Michel Jarre. I began producing music at the age of fifteen and started DJing during my studies. It’s hard to believe, but I released my first vinyl record over 20 years ago!
When did you first start creating music? What advice would you give to your younger self in the early learning stages?
I started my journey as an electronic music artist in the 90s with a computer that served only as a sequencer, a sampler, and a drum machine. It was a time when live performances were risky as the machines were prone to crashing, and the tools available were limited. If I could give advice to my younger self as an electronic music artist, it would be to prioritize collaboration over working alone and building a community of like-minded artists. Electronic music is a collaborative genre, and working with other artists can help you learn new techniques, push your boundaries, and get your music heard by a wider audience.
How did you get into electronic music, in particular?
I consider myself a geek. I’ve always been fascinated by the ability to create and innovate using technology. For me, electronic music offers unprecedented freedom and creative control. I can create sounds that have never been heard before and manipulate them in a way that expresses my emotions in the purest way possible. Ultimately, electronic music is much more than just a form of art for me. It is a passion that allows me to express myself in a unique way and share my vision with the world.
What is the most challenging thing you have had to overcome in your life?
Apart from music, I’ve accomplished many things in my life, such as completing my education and building some successful businesses. However, as cliché as it may sound, I can confidently say that the greatest challenge I’ve faced is raising children.
Are you currently signed or independent? What record labels do you admire and why?
I currently work with Serial Records, an iconic French house music label, and I feel at home with them. I often listen to and play tracks from labels like Future House Records, Night Bass, and Insomniac Records. I also keep an eye on Hexagon, which consistently releases music with interesting sound design.
Who inspires you the most musically? And why?
I fell in love with house music when I discovered Daft Punk in 1995. Their early work hit me like a ton of bricks with its edgy and disco sound. As a result, the French disco house became the foundation of my musical roots.
I started to experiment during the lockdown period, trying to include some tech house elements in my nu disco music. I discovered, through artists like Mercer, that disco houses could work in festivals by modernizing the genre. This discovery reinforced my direction and inspired me to continue exploring this fusion of music.
I would have loved to produce the track ‘Disco Tool’ by Matroda and Bleu Clair, which is a perfect and groovy fusion of disco house and tech house. Bleu Clair, from Indonesia, is an incredibly talented artist who constantly pushes the boundaries of house music. His work is a huge inspiration to me.
What do you want people to take away after listening to your music?
As an artist, my goal is to create music that resonates with my listeners on a personal level. I hope that my music can leave a lasting impression and bring joy to those who hear it.
What is your greatest achievement so far as a musician?
When it comes to music, you can never really predict whether a song will be a hit or a miss. You do your own thing and hope it will connect with people! However, it’s amusing to see that my track “Only You,” which had been peacefully snoozing on my computer for years, ended up becoming a massive international success, reaching over one million streams on Spotify. You never know what hidden gems you might stumble upon!
When you’re not making music, how do you like to spend your time? Any hobbies?
Music is a big part of my life, but it’s not the only thing that brings me joy. Spending time with my family, getting active through sports, and managing my own business also brings fulfillment to my days.
If you could collaborate with any artists in the world, who would love to work with on a track?
I recently discovered a Brazilian artist named Nuzb, whose style shares many similarities with mine, despite being on the other side of the planet. It’s amazing how music can bring people together across borders and cultures.
Tell us about your new single ‘Better.’ What’s the inspiration? And how did it come to be?
“Better” explores the tech house side of my music style with a thumping bassline that’s sure to get the crowds moving. This track was designed specifically for festival performances, and I’m excited to see how it will be received in life. Fans of tech houses won’t be disappointed with this one!
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What final message would you like to leave with our audience?
I have over a dozen tracks in the works, so stay tuned for more releases in the near future!