A Conversation With David Berrie
Hey David, welcome to Dance Rebels, how are you? Also, please introduce yourself properly; where are you from? And how long have you been a DJ/producer for?I’m good thank you. My name is David Berrie and I’m a DJ/Producer based out of NYC. I’ve been a DJ for around 14 years and an electronic producer for the past 8.
Growing up, who or what inspired you to pursue a career in the music industry? What’s the best tip you could give to any young artist wanting to pursue a career in music too? Growing up I was always scared I’d become bored with whatever job I’d find myself in. I already loved music so I figured that if I got into music I would never get sick of it because the sound is always evolving. Best tip I could give someone new is to find other friends that are also trying to do the same thing as you.Build off each others energy, competition spurs motivation, and motivation is key when starting and learning to produce. Plus you can learn from each other’s techniques.
You’re currently based in New York, what’s the music scene like in that area? Any clubs worth checking as a tourist? Also, what’s the most in-demand genre as a DJ for the club-scene in your area too?
New York, and more specifically Brooklyn, I’d say is the strongest city in North America for underground dance music. You can find so many different events in different genres every weekend. Output for me is currently the best club to be at. They’re focus on bookings and sound make it top tier. There are so many different events happening with different sounds it would be wrong to pinpoint one genre as the most in demand sound in my area, but I can say that I have seen a big trend for events with that floaty shamanic Tulum sound which I really am not a fan of.
Musically, your most recent release was your ‘Doctor Zouk’ EP in collaboration with Jamie Jones via Hot Creations, how did you two initially link-up in the music industry? Do you feel social media plays a bigger-part in terms of making network connections nowadays too?
Well actually we first met at an afterparty I had at my NYC apartment somewhere around 6 years ago. More recently though, my good friend Lauren Lane sent over some of my tracks to Jamie and he ended up signing them to his Hottrax label. That following summer we were both hanging and talking at Seth Troxler’s b-day at Pikes in Ibiza and he brought up the idea of getting into the studio together and Doctor Zouk was born. I think social media definitely can play a big role in reaching and communicating with people. However, I believe nothing is stronger then real life interaction, this will always create way stronger networking possibilities.
The lead track on the your EP with Jamie scooped plays from leading taste-makers including Pete Tong and Danny Howard, how does this make you feel?Did you expect such support? If you could collab with any artist on a new record too, who would it be, and why? The whole situation for me is still surreal. It was such an honor to have a DJ like Jamie, at the top of his game and who I’ve always looked up to, ask me to get in the studio with him. I really try go into everything with zero expectations,but I mean it is a record with Jamie Jones so some support should be expected.That’s a tough question, if I could collab with anyone, maybe Gemini if anyone could find him.
What other plans do you have for the year music wise? Any more EPs set forrelease? Also, when you produce music, do you prefer to use a big studio with lots of equipment, or do you to mobile work whoever via laptop and headphones? I have a three track EP coming out on Seth Troxler’s label ‘Play it Say it’coming out November 16th and following that a solo Hot Creations EP that will come out sometime next year. When I produce music I prefer a real studio with hardware than laptop and headphones. I’m still getting used to trying the only laptop and headphone setup, but I envy people that can do it.
Finally, do you have any fun shows you’re looking forward to, before the end of 2018? How would you describe your DJ style too? Well I’ve just signed to a new agency Paramount and were currently setting up a mini Europe tour in December. So I’m looking forward exploring some new territories I’ve never been to before like Antwerp for example. If I had to describe my style I would maybe say a funky mix f house, techno, minimal, and disco sounds.
