Introducing: Dyed Soundorom

Introducing: Dyed Soundorom

17 November, 2010 | 4.12AM

• Written by: Beatportal
• Filed under: Music News: dyed soundorom, freak n chic, introducing

The name Dyed Soundorom is everywhere these days, no matter how unfamiliar it may seem to Anglophones (that’s Soundorom, not “Soundroom”). A trusted selector on the Parisian underground, he began releasing on Freak N Chic just two and a half years ago, but thanks to the rapid evolution of his productions—as well as a residency at a little club called Circo Loco—he’s rapidly become a ubiquitous name in international house-music circles, with records and remixes on labels like Supplement Facts, Tsuba, Hot Creations, Wolf + Lamb Records, and Crosstown Rebels. Updating old-school house vibes with contemporary sonics and a wriggly percussive touch, he particularly shines as a remixer, with an obvious talent for updating other artists’ ideas with his own distinct musical vision.

We asked Dyed how he got his start, why he came to Berlin, and what he’s up to next; read on for the full interview. And if you’re going to be in London on Saturday, November 27, you can catch Dyed Soundorom playing murmur presents...No Fit State along with the Revenge and Geddes; check Resident Advisor for more info and tickets.

Can you tell us a little about your background? Where did you grow up, and where are you based now?

I was born and raised in Paris. Musically speaking, my influences have been hip-hop and soul, which I used to listen to with my older brothers. I started clubbing in Paris at a rather young age, started becoming more involved later with PR for events, and later on I was throwing my own parties. I stopped working as a promoter two or three years later, when I realized what I really want to do was be a DJ and produce my own music. 

What made you decide to make the move from Paris to Berlin, and how are you finding life in Berlin?

The move was a big decision for me because I had lived in Paris all my life, but I was in dire need for a change. Paris is amazing, the quality of life is great too, but it tends to be draining sometimes. Berlin is the exact opposite.  You can work on music, get a lot of work done, and opt for a really quiet life, or if you want to have a crazy lifestyle with lots of activity, parties, you can have that too. This is the perfect balance I was looking for. 

Where does the name “Dyed Soundorom” come from?

Didier Soundorom is my real name, my mom use to call me Dyed when I was a kid. It’s funny because a lot of people still think it’s an artist name. People also seem to have problems pronouncing it. Is it really that difficult? 

Well, it’s just that it looks so much like “Soundroom”! How did you find your way into house music?

As I said, I grew up with hip-hop, soul, so-called black music. My older brother, who was already rather active in the club scene, came back one day with a mixed tape (I have no idea from who). That was in 1995, I was 15 years old and it was the first time I heard the KMS 49 from Chez Damier. That moment and that track set the course for what later became my biggest passion, and here I am now. 

How long have you been producing music, and how would you say your productions have changed over time??

I started to produce about four years ago. Initially, I was only using plugins, but recently and after becoming more comfortable, I have started using more hardware. So now I am using a drum machine and a synthesizer. It is still a work in progress, so it’s hard for me to say how my productions have changed over time, as I am literally brand new in this game. 

Tell me about the Freak ‘n Chic crew. What kind of influence has it had on your own music and your style as a DJ?
The Freak ‘n Chic Crew is my true family. The whole story started with Dan Ghenacia and his legendary residency at Le Batofar. We were all there supporting him, and then became friends later. When Dan decided to stop the Kwality afterhours, he invited Shonky and I to play there for another afterhours party, called Ultimate. It was our first gig at Le Batofar, and nobody knew us at the time.. We ended up playing for four hours because Dan didn’t show up before noon! That was the beginning of Shonky and my career. Of course, all of these moments were the foundation and what later influenced my style. That certain mix of house and techno, from minimal to disco, with the afterhour flavor has never left me. 

Freak ‘n Chic’s last release ever came out last July. Dan has new plans to launch a label with Shonky and me as label partners. More details on the new label will be made public early in 2011. 

What’s the Parisian scene like these days? Good, bad? I hear conflicting reports of its health…

Some years are really good, others are very boring. There is less freedom in clubs compared to, let’s say, Berlin or London, but there is a high standard and variety of music you can actually go out and listen to. The main problem is that we don’t have enough clubs to accommodate the amount of people living in Paris. Strangely enough, ever since I moved to Berlin, all the parties I’ve played in Paris have been amazing!!! 

Apparently you discovered Circo Loco 10 years ago as a clubber, and of course now you’re a resident there. What do you find so special about the place? How does it differ from other underground parties?

DC10 is simply the essence of a great party. People are always in their best mood, and somehow it always ends up feeling like a big reunion. As an artist, I have a lot of freedom in what I choose to play, as I can play small-room, more intimate music in a big room without losing the crowd, since the crowd is already so enthusiastic and open-minded. At DC10, more than anywhere else in Ibiza, it’s about the music, not who you are, what wristband you wear, and how much you spend on your VIP table. This year they decided to open their door to a lot of new artists, which has been great for the parties. Also, it’s still the only party in ibiza where they don’t charge inhumane prices for the entry fee and drinks. 

When you sit down to make a track, what’s the first thing you typically do? How long does a track typically take you to make?

Right before starting a track I usually listen to any kind of music (except electronic music) for about 30 minutes, then I start focusing on the drums and then the bass. I’m not really fast with productions. Most of the time, I work on several different projects at the same time, because I don’t like being possessed by the same track for more than a week. Also, sometimes the hook of one track will give me inspiration for another…

Is there a record you wish you had made?

Chez Damier, “Untitled” [KMS49]. 

When you’re not listening to electronic music, what do you listen to?

Pop, rock, soul, hip-hop… Mainly old stuff…

Your gig schedule looks INSANE. What are your secrets for staying healthy, alert and productive, with such a packed schedule?

I’m a really positive person. I take good care of myself, exercise and also eat well and I value my private life at home away from all the craziness.  All of this gives me a good balance and a strong stem to tackle a heavy schedule. Plus, I am really thankful for everything and love what I do, which is a big help and keeps me going. 

Finally, if you weren’t a musician, what would you be doing with your life?

If I weren’t a musician, I would be involved in some other kind of area where I felt like I had a role in making people happy. I could see myself involved in charity work or helping the poor somewhere in the world…

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