Exclusive Interview with Dennis Ferrer
Right place, right time. It's an old cliché, but it's one that's been the definition of Dennis Ferrer's musical career. Just as the dance music world was heading into the world of afro-centric house, Ferrer was there. And then, when it began to embrace the mix of tech and soul, Ferrer was there again, leading the way with his impeccable productions. As Ferrer goes, it seems, so does electronic music. And, as someone who's never content to do the same thing twice, it's clear that he'll be staying on top for years to come.
Siam2nite had the opportunity to have an exclusive interview with Dennis Ferrer, shortly before his performance at Q Bar on Friday 1st February.
You started making your own records at the early age of around 17 years. With what kind of music did you start with, how did you get in touch with dance music and what made you start DJing?
I started originally with hip hop. Working with local artists in the Bronx. I was always around dance music though because at the time both genres coexisted in the club/dance scene. It wasn’t uncommon to begin to hear a club record right after a hip hop record. My original exposure would probably have to come from a friend of mine when I was growing up who had turntables . He had an older brother who was amazing on the decks and he followed suit. We would have pseudo battles on mixing and cutting when we hung out in his house. Those were the days lol. I stopped doing that when I went into production and didn’t revist this until many years later when I met Kerri Chandler. At that point production and dj’ing became intertwined and it was a logical decision.
How would you describe your music?
Hmmm that’s difficult. I suppose quality melodic dance music.
Your track “Hey Hey” – which was released in 2010 - shot immediately to #1 on Beatport where it remained several weeks. The track enjoyed massive support by DJs and major music channels and by now the track counts over 12.5 Million views on YouTube. Were you surprised about its huge success?
Absolutely yes. Very surprised. I Still am. I just attempt to make records that I think are going to stick in your head. A memory. I guess I got one right…a nice lottery ticket lol
You are Grammy nominated for your Remix of Dido's "Don't Believe In Love". What can you tell us about the track? How did you feel about the nomination?
I’ve always liked that track. Every producer has a track where they think…damn How did I do that? To this day I still can’t figure out how I came up with the direction. It was interesting and very fresh to my ears. Her fans where like “huh? What is this dance mix…its horrible!” But my peers were more impressed. I had thought nothing of it honestly until I was notified by a friend that I had been nominated. It’s an extreme honor to be nominated.
Which other tracks of yours would you suggest to people that are not yet familiar with your music?
I think all of the Son of Raw’s, Sandcastles, The Back Door and The Red Room are pretty indicative of my current sound.
What are you currently working on? What will you focus on in 2013?
I am currently working on remaining current. Lol. I’ve done a track called “Mind Your Step” that I’m finishing up, another named “BubbleTop” and a few other things. The focus is to keep upfront and visible in 2013.
In 2012 you were on tour with Sensation, playing at Istanbul (Turkey), New York (USA), Oslo (Norway) and São Paulo (Brazil). How was it?
Anything having to do with the ID&T family was fantastic. I have all the love in the world for the complete crew. They call and I’m there without a doubt. All those events are amazingly sick well orchestrated electrifying events. The ones I played at were plain shocking. They are burned in my memories forever.
What was the best and the worst gig you ever played?
The best gig? The one where I got paid an insane amount of money… The worst? The one where I didn’t get paid at all!! lol
What was the funniest thing ever occurred during any of your performances?
A girl comes up to me while I'm dj’ing and tells me “I give the best blow jobs in Greece…..look..” and she proceeds to show me a video explicitly on her phone of what she is doing to some guy. When she does that I hit the arm on the turntable by mistake and the record skips across the decks…EMBARRASSING. But I’m laughing my ass off cause I’d never in a million years would think someone would ever do that. Imagine a guy doing that to a girl. He’d get arrested.
You travel a lot. What essential things do you need to have with you at all times?
Df’s Essentials
1. Dragonbreath Crème aka Toothpaste – nothing says I love you like forgetting it and having to have a conversation with the people that hired you at 8 am the next day after a gig on the way to the airport AARRRRGH!!
2. Extra Socks- stinky feet in a plane ugh…in ur room? RAUNCHY!
3. Entertainment – kindle on your ipad – read a book yall educate yourself.
4. Homework – listen to new tracks or work on learning production techniques. Even I still learn new things everyday and i've been around the block quite frequently. lol
What things do you miss the most when you are on tour?
My own bed. Nothing in the world is a substitute for it. My studio. Nothing can satiate my desire for it.
Do you usually try the local dishes of the countries you travel to? Do you enjoy Thai food?
Would you eat Italian food in a Mexican restaurant? …hope that answers the question. I absolutely always prefer to eat local.
What can Bangkok expect from your performance at Q Bar on 1st February?
Expect to see someone who loves life and loves what I’ve had the great honor and privilege of being able to do.