Deepak Sharma has been mixing it up in techno for well over a decade now. What makes him tick though? We put him through our quickfire QnA.
Why music?
Because music nurtures, remedies and completes the soul.
If you weren’t making music what would you be doing?
Coaching tennis and working with disabled students.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Make 100 tracks, then make 100 more.
What inspires you?
Dark dance-floors packed with sweaty ravers undulating to hypnotic techno.
What’s the next big thing?
Party at home experiences with different forms of reality. We’re already there, right?
Best club experience?
DJing with vinyl only at Tresor.
What’s the worst job you’ve ever had?
I was a soul-less mercenary for hire in the wild west of digital ad sales.
How do you know when a track’s finished
I know I’m close when I marinate on it for a day before exporting from Ableton.
What was your last day job and when did you realise you could give it up?
I was working as a Partner Development Director in Advertising Technology. They had a round of layoffs so the decision was made for me. That day I said a few good-byes and grabbed my black dress shoes and never returned to the office. It was as if I already knew what my next career would be.
Which song do you wish you wrote?
‘Elements’ by Danny Tenaglia from 1997. When the vocal comes in ‘Welcome to the tunnel. I’m your DJ…’ it gives me goosebumps every time. NYC was and always will be so savage!!
What’s the easiest way to make it in the music industry?
Leveraging your ‘look’ on social media.
What’s the worst track you’ve ever released?
I wish I could re-do my 2016 remix of ‘Ruthless Beauty’.
Recommend us a film.
Love Death + Robots isn’t a film but animated short stories spanning different genres in a visceral viewing experience.
Recommend us a book.
The Subtle Art of Not Giving A F*ck by Mark Manson.
What or who is underrated?
Sleep. Invest in it.
What or who is overrated?
Ticketing fees.
What are you addicted to?
Parties with like minded souls getting after it.
What do you lust over?
Kick drums and basslines.
What is your greatest regret?
That I didn’t focus on solo productions earlier than I did.
What one thing would most improve your life?
To travel and reconnect with friends overseas.
What’s the worst gig you’ve ever played?
It was a restaurant in Miami during WMC and I knew right away this was a bad decision. Just a matter of time before the requests for hip hop came in 🤦🏾♂️
Collaboration: rich creative experience or pain in the ass?
Rich creative experience because you learn new ways to approach something you love to do.
What’s the secret to a great mix?
I like to hear a build, progression and groove throughout plus a noticeable peak.
If you could only listen to one more track, what would it be?
My ‘sci fi’ track, ‘Control’ which is 12 minutes in length. I feel like these two aliens are arguing then resolving that argument by the end.
How do you relax?
Staying active with tennis, HIIT, yoga and meditation. On the opposite end of the spectrum, join me for tequila flights and craft beers sometime!
What one piece of software/kit could you not do without? Why?
Reaktor because I have custom tools created using their blocks that are unique to my sound
Art or money?
Art
Ronaldo or Messi?
Messi, speaking of art!
Strangest place you ever wrote a track?
The main percussive element in my track, ‘Psychosis’ was from a woodpecker that I recorded while on a hike. I didn’t know it was going to happen, but when I heard it, I thought that maybe it could be useful for something cool one day.
Must-visit record store?
When you’re in Barcelona, say hi to Tony at Rhythm Control for me. He’s got a great selection of techno and it’s fun to hang out in his store for hours thumbing through.
What’s your single biggest frustration in the music industry?
I get the sense that social media determines gig opportunities rather than contributing to the development of the scene by producing and releasing music
What’s your favourite label? Why?
Token just celebrated 100 releases with a Planetary Assault Systems release. Incredibly consistent, dedicated and forward-thinking by Kr!z!
What’s the worst thing about making music?
The time it takes to release it on vinyl.
What’s your motto?
Win the day!
Name something timeless
Technic 1200’s turntables.
Tweet us a tip. What’s the best production advice you can give in 140 characters or less?
Know your workflow ie. where your toolbox is and what’s in it. Planning is key. Dedicate time to planning how you’re going to attack each session. A good workflow keeps you moving forward.
Complete this sentence: At heart I’m just a frustrated …
DJ who is excited and also anxious about the world reopening.
Can music change the world?
It always has it always will.
What are you listening to right now?
Shifted’s new album on Avian named Constant Blue Light that contains really cool soundscapes.
What should you do before you die?
Travel to the countryside off the beaten path. Go for a hike then eat the local flavors and engage with new people.
Deepak Sharma’s Lost In Either Podcast #190 is out now. Listen on Soundcloud. Find Deepak on Instagram.