Exclusive Interview with Desertf!sh

With his latest EP, ‘Complex Arguments’, about to drop, we got the opportunity to speak with Desertf!sh. Check out what he has to say about the upcoming project and what some of his must play tunes are.

For people who may not know, who is DesertF!sh 

Graphics nerd by day, Synth nerd by night. I’m all about the Audio Visuals. Based in Jeddah Saudi Arabia, where Djing was just recently allowed in public in the past 2 years thanks to new reforms in the country, I operate a music and audio-visual studio serving the media and arts sector, while DJing, releasing and performing music as DesertF!sh.

Describe your sound with 5 words…

Dreamy – Cerebral – Eclectic – Melodic – Textural

How has it been working alongside Lebanese label, Thawra Records?

It’s been a joy working with Thawra. I like the direction Etyen (label boss) is taking it. It definitely stands out for me, especially in the Middle East region. When I contacted them through a friend we immediately felt that like mindedness and we connected.

We had the opportunity to listen to your upcoming EP, ‘Complex Arguments’. Tell us about the thought process and the influences while creating this project. 

This project is a collection of tracks from 2019. It was at a time where I was developing a new ear for different sub genres. I used to play a lot of hard techno, then started exploring softer styles which really resonated with me. The process for this ep was shaped by messing with new found techniques on my Elektron Machines and Eurorack Modules and taking inspiration from art, music, film and people I admire like Stanley Kubrick which I’ve sampled into this record.

We have been checking out some of your sets online. Loving the Deep House ones, but what you say is you favourite set? 

Definitely The Sunrise of the Ethereal set. I play my DJ sets in a live manipulation kind of way (inspired by DJs like Richie Hawtin). That set is where my setup came together and I was mixing in all kinds of experimental ambiences, vocals, percussion, and deconstructing tracks as I performed, and I really like that.

What 5 tracks have you been playing out loud during Lockdown?

Vitamin A – Drew Dapps

Sputnik – James Owen

Better Days – Laydee V

2000 – Cormac

Aquanautic – Masupilami

Who would your dream collaboration artist be with?

I had the pleasure of sharing the stage with Imogen Heap, that was unforgettable and I could say a dream. I would love to collaborate with the legend John Cage on some minimal techno vs Musique concrète.

What can we expect from you this year?

This year I’m moving into a new studio! Will be focused on productions and further developing the new sound direction. Also, looking to take my graphics game to the next level with new graphics tools and video equipment. Been making more music videos lately and we have a special one coming up for Complex Arguments. Check out the video when the EP releases. 🙂