Let’s start from the beginning – how did you first get into music production and DJing? What sparked your journey?
I’ve always been drawn to music that creates a world of its own. Growing up, I was fascinated by the sounds in movies and TV shows from the ’80s and ’90s – there was something nostalgic and cinematic about them that stuck with me. In the ’90s, I started experimenting with sound on my brother’s Amiga computer, using old tracker software to create my very first tracks. It was super basic, but it opened up a whole new world for me. That early curiosity grew into a deeper passion, and once I discovered modern production tools and Djing – I fell into music.
Who were some of your biggest influences early on and how have they shaped your sound today?
One of my biggest influences has always been Joris Voorn. I’ve been listening to him for years, but his current sets in particular are really inspiring me at the moment. The way he blends melodic depth, groove, and unexpected elements across such a wide spectrum of sounds is something I really connect with. Beyond that, I’m also deeply influenced by the emotional pull of vintage film scores and synth-heavy soundtracks from the ’80s and ’90s. All of that continues to shape my approach to creating music that’s both cinematic and club-ready.
You’re now a staple on Purified Records. How did your relationship with the label begin and how has it helped you grow as an artist?
Purified felt like a natural home for my music. I sent them some demos early on, and to my surprise, they really connected with the sound. Since then, it’s been an inspiring journey. The label gives me the freedom to explore myself in different styles, but naturally, it always have to connect with the style of music and artists in their agenda. I definitely appreciate that it gives me the possibility to connect with global network and artists. It definitely helped me grow, both technically and creatively.
Your new EP ‘Horizon’ blends nostalgic textures with a modern club aesthetic. What inspired the sonic direction of these two tracks?
The Horizon EP is made up of two tracks “Horizon” and “Nostalgia” and each one reflects a different side of my sound. “Nostalgia” is heavily inspired by ’80s film scores, with lush synth layers and cinematic moods that aim to evoke deep emotion and memory. On the other hand, “Horizon” draws more from trance and progressive house – it’s more rhythm-driven and built for the dancefloor, but still carries that dreamy, melodic energy I always try to include. Together, the two tracks explore the balance between reflection and movement.
The cinematic feel of ‘Nostalgia’ really stands out. Were you inspired by film, nature, or personal experiences while making it?
Definitely film – “Nostalgia” was directly inspired by the lush, emotional soundscapes of ’80s film scores, which I mentioned earlier. I wanted to capture that timeless, slightly melancholic feeling that certain movie scenes leave behind. It’s less about a specific story and more about evoking a mood – a kind of longing for something familiar but distant.
You’ve been praised for fusing emotion with club-ready energy. Do you approach a track differently depending on whether it’s meant for dancing or deeper listening?
A little, yes. When I’m aiming for a dancefloor track, I focus more on energy, groove, and progression. But emotion is always at the core of my music, even in club ttrack – for me it is important to transport emotion from the speakers to the hearts of people. On the other hand, if I’m creating something for headphones or late-night drives, I’ll allow more space and atmosphere to evolha. But, I still try to find a way to resuscitate people’s feelings and make them dance at the same time.
What’s your studio workflow like? Do you usually start with a melody, a beat, or something else entirely?
It really depends, but I usually start with a melodic idea or a texture – something that sets the mood. That could be a synth pad, a vocal snippet, or even a field recording. Once I have that emotional core, I build the rhythm around it. I work alone in the studio, so I have the freedom to follow whatever direction the sound takes me.
How has your sound evolved over the years, and how does the ‘Horizon’ EP reflect where you’re at creatively right now?
I think my sound has become more refined and focused. Early on, I was exploring a lot of directions, but now I have a clearer sense of who I am as an artist. The “Horizon” EP represents that: It’s cinematic, nostalgic, but also ready for the club. It’s where emotion meets energy, and that balance is where I feel most at home creatively right now.
What’s been one of the most pivotal or memorable moments of your career so far?
A big turning point was transitioning from my earlier project, Fat Sushi, to Dan Sushi. Fat Sushi was a huge learning curve that helped me shape my creative voice. Starting fresh with Dan Sushi and signing with Purified Records marked a new chapter – it felt like real validation and opened doors to a wider audience. Hearing my music connect with listeners around the world has been one of the most rewarding parts of the journey.
Looking ahead, are there any upcoming projects, collaborations, or goals you’re especially excited about?
Definitely. There’s more music on the way, and I’ve just started exploring some new collaborations – which gives me the possibilty to grow more and take a fresh direction. I’m also aiming to play more DJ gigs and connect with different audiences around the world. Long-term, the goal is to keep evolving sonically and emotionally.
