Introduce yourself and tell us about the part of the UK you’re from?
Hi I’m Darius Syrossian, I’m originally from Leeds in the UK but now Manchester-based, and at the weekends I’m always in some different part of the world touring.
Tell us about some of your British DJ heroes?
Well, I used to go raving in the early to mid ‘90s in the UK with a group of friends and we would travel all over to see our favourite DJs. The ones who inspired me the most if we are talking about British DJs were Justin Robertson, Layo & Bushwacka, Miles Holloway & Elliott Eastwick and Xpress 2. Producer-wise, I was always more inspired by the US Chicago house sound, but it was these British DJs that were playing that sound over here at the time.
What have you been working on recently?
Loads and loads of stuff, mainly the new label , which is long overdue. I’m pressing vinyl too and getting artists that I think are staying true to house and techno. There is too much generic music that is being pushed on Beatport at the moment and I think people need to be creative when producing. Tech house has a bad name now because producers are being lazy, but tracks for the dancefloor don’t all have to be generic sounding. That’s what I want to do with the label – music for the dancefloor but with some depth and creativity.
I’m also starting my new radio shows, this time for the RINSE FM guys.
Of course I’m continuing to tour and play for DO NOT SLEEP, and there is also a series of back2back shows I’ll be doing with Steve Lawler after the massive feedback we had from doing Hideout Festival and Warehouse Project together.
Tell us about the mix, how did you put it together, what did you want to represent?
Well I wanted to start really deep and a bit more emotive, not something people would expect from my sets in a club. Then take it more dancefloor orientated but still keep some of the depth and then add more disco flavours towards the end. I really enjoyed doing this mix and I always know its good when my fiancée, who always gives me honest feedback, says she loves it haha!
Talk us through the British music featured in this mix? Which British artists are you most excited about?
I started with a Burial track, a name which does not need any introduction. Then I played a track by Four Tet who again needs no introduction, both tracks are full of emotion yet can be worked into a set which has a bit of drive to it. Then a brilliant track by Bushwacka, I love the subtle breakbeat instead of the 4×4 on this track. Three tracks by three amazing British acts.
What is on the cards in the immediate future?
The new record label, the Rinse FM shows, working in the studio is always a priority, and of course the touring – my own shows but also Do Not Sleep. We just did a South America tour with DNS and it was amazing and it’s great to see how far on the Globe the brand has made a name. One fan presented me with an Argentina shirt with the name DO NOT SLEEP printed on the back!
Where is the best place in the world you have DJ’d and why?
Right now honestly I’d say South America, especially anywhere in Argentina. You can honestly play as underground as you want and they love it, and really want to dance! No VIP bullsh*t in the parties. I just love playing there but I have to say Italy is always really amazing as well.