Ahead of his Japan tour, Metropolis chatted with Spanish underground techno DJ Dosem. The artist gained international notoriety off the back of his early release Beach Kisses, and in recent years has played virtually every reputable club in the world, including Womb on May 8.
Tell us about your first dance music experiences.
It was around fifteen years ago, my first time in Ibiza. After that I attended many clubs around Girona and Barcelona during my college years. At some point I felt I wanted to do my own stuff—the music I would like to dance in a club. That’s how everything started for me. I’ve been involved with computers all my life, so I quickly learned how to use the basics of the software and started practicing.
What were the first parties you DJed?
I did a few tracks and wanted to test them with an audience. So I started to do some big parties with friends, as one of the DJs. After that I got an offer to be a resident at a small club in Girona, my hometown. I was there for two years until I got an offer to play in the biggest club in the city, where I met many international artists.
Tell us about your involvement in the Spanish house scene.
I was much more involved in the techno scene, since my first label with an album contract was SINO, a very well-known techno label at that time. Afterwards my music has been mutating to other shapes, but I always tried to keep the core of my productions. I’m in touch with many other artists from my country; some of them are good friends of mine. I’m working closely with Suara, one of the biggest techno and house labels in Spain. We work with many international but also domestic artists, doing parties around the country.
How big an influence is Ibiza in Spain?
Ibiza is a very international island, but also a big part of Spanish electronic music culture. Many DJs that become a trend on the island end up in the big Spanish clubs and festivals.
What is right and what is wrong with worldwide clubbing today?
I’m not the kind of person that likes to make judgements like that. I think music is a universal language and there has to be music for everyone and for every moment, with respect for everyone. Clubbing has to be a positive experience, to enjoy the music, discover new sounds, and have a good time.
Tell us about your latest remix or production.
I’m releasing a brand new EP for Toolroom Records. It’s my first release with Mark Knight’s label. It’s an intense dance floor EP I’ve been playing lately and contains two tracks. The first one is more funky and the second one more techno. I’m very happy with the result.
Vinyl, CDJs or laptop. Which and why?
I play with CDJs but I think everyone has to play the way they feel comfortable. If you think you can get a better result from your performance with laptop or vinyl, go ahead. In my opinion a DJ set, the way I like it, is much more complex than just the technique. You have to keep an eye on the dance floor, and make people dance with the right dynamic selection of tracks, without losing your own style and personality.
How does DJ Dosem chill out after a show?
I like movies, basketball, and spending time with family and friends.
Womb, May 8. www.womb.co.jp
