Hailing from Paris, indie-electronic producer Dim Sum initially explored music production on the discovery of forward-thinking, striving rock bands of the late ‘90s. Jolting his need to be in a band, the French-producer fell deeper down the rabbit hole of influence, exploring more experimental electronic acts such as Daft Punk, thus producing his own music and crafting his own style. Creating his own unique blend of ethereal sounds, a comfortably achieved element of smooth house can also be heard here, along with hints of nu-disco, and twists of electro.
Dim Sum’s previous releases “Coucou Disco” and “High Love” showcase of his french-wave and almost liquid-disco vibe. But the new single, ‘Stay’ is an amazing exhibit of his ability to create an almost timeless fusion of chilled sounds. The song is also supported by a video filled with cinematic visuals of a mysterious woman, standing on a bed of rocks at a seashore, evoking senses of peace and relaxation for the viewer.
We caught up with Dim Sum on sampling, production process his label Soundress:
(Be sure to check out the title track and video for “Stay” taken from Dim Sum’s latest EP below!)
Set the tone for us. Why the arts?
The arts have always been really important for me. When I was a child I used to draw all the time, and even though I don’t come from a family of artists my parents have carefully introduced me to all kinds of arts, from painting to music. Since I was a teenager music has also become a need, something that I have to do to feel good or just better.
Which comes first when you’re producing – the sound or the idea?
I love to start the song with a material that inspires me. Often it’s a little piece of music that I recorded earlier and forgot about, and then I listen back to later with a fresh ear. And if this sounds good with hindsights I do a whole new song around the idea. For example the track “Stay” is based on guitar chords progression that I recorded with my phone and a vocal hook that I recorded for another song.
Does your material feature any collaborations?
On the Stay EP I collaborated with the singers Julia Cinna and Nina Lili J.
What’s on your current playlist?
I listen a lot to Homeshake, Yuno, Still Woozy, A Beacon School and also french artists like Fakear, Polo & Pan, Seth XVI…
Tell us about the chemistry you have with your fans on stage.
I’m working on a new live setup so I hope that I’ll be able to feel the chemistry soon 🙂
What techniques do you experiment with to get your original sound?
I try to use my own recordings (guitar, vocals…) as samples to make them sound different from the first idea that I had when I used to record. I would say that I often make new original songs by remixing myself!
Take us through a day in the recording studio.
I try to jump on different tracks during the same day. I prefer not focusing too long on only one song or I’m likely to lose the vibe. The best creative moments are when I’m working on a remix and an original track on the same day or week.
Was there a specific moment in your life where you thought, “this is what I want to do”?
I always knew that I only wanted to make music, but I made classic studies and I first had a classic job at a company. That’s when I understood that I needed to do my own things in music.
What do you keep close by while you’re playing a set?
My guitar and my sampler!
Any side projects you’re working on?
I have my own label called Soundress and we’ve released tracks by cool artists such as Clanch or Molikasi. Check them out!
Breakdown the news for us: what can we expect from you this year?
I’m finishing my new EP which will be out this year and I’m working on a new live setup with other musicians.
Order Stay EP by Dim Sum
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