In the techno hall of fame, Dubfire exists alongside the greats. The producer, who was born in Iran and moved to Washington as a child as his family fled the Iranian Revolution, has been a fixture on the world stage for more than 15 years, performing both under his techno moniker and as one half of Deep Dish. , his longtime and beloved progressive house project with Sharam.
The artist, born Ali Shirazinia, has been working on both projects lately, releasing his two-track Fixed EP, a collaborative project with Argentinian artist Flug, in late October, shortly after completing a week at ADE in Amsterdam. He played a whirlwind of showcases, including the annual Homeless Houses fundraiser, which donates 100% of ticket profits and a portion of drink sales to a homeless shelter in Amsterdam and the home of techno, Detroit.
Next month, Deep Dish will play their first London gigs in over a decade, premiering a host of new music to intimate crowds at The Cause venue. Dubfire will also travel to Tulum, Mexico in January to play at Damian Lazarus' annual Day Zero party.
Here, he reflects on ADE, the death of Jackmaster, the state of techno and more.
1. Where are you in the world right now and what's the scene like?
I'm currently in Montreal recovering from the marathon 12-hour set I played at Stereo with my Deep Dish co-captain Sharam. This genre of DJing is a dying art, so we aim to not just entertain our audience, but inspire the next generation to step up and keep it alive.
2. What is the first album or piece of music you bought for yourself and what was the medium
Ultravox's The Collection on tape. I didn't really buy much vinyl — I was purely a cassette guy.
3. What did your parents do for a living when you were a child, and what did they do or think about what you did and are doing now?
We came to the US initially without staying, but the Islamic Revolution forced my parents to take odd jobs to support us after we chose to stay. Although they hoped I would pursue a reputable profession, they nevertheless helped launch Deep Dish's first release and watched in amazement as I began to tour the world throughout that decade and beyond. He has always been my biggest supporter.
4. What's the first non-equipment thing you bought for yourself when you started making money as an artist?
It must have been a pager.
5. If you had to recommend an album to someone who wants to get into dance music, what would you give them?
Global Communication 76:14.
6. What is the last song you listened to?
Blixa Bargeld and Teho Teardo”Starkregen.”
7. You just spent the week at the ADE. What are your big takeaways from the experience?
Select all the panels you want to see in advance and plan your meetings around them. Do not go to parties until Friday and never try to organize an event unless you work with a local organizer.
8. What were your best moments at ADE?
Meeting legendary dub producer Adrian Sherwood at Melkweg and meeting Armada at their incredible offices. Deep Dish could not have found a better home.
9. You participated in the Homeless Homies event, which raised money for homeless organizations. Tell us what this program is and why you were compelled to join?
Donating my name and time playing an intense afternoon techno set is the very little What can I do to help the homeless epidemic? It's inspiring to watch how dedicated he is [event organizers] DJ Bone and Ahnne are going to reduce, and eventually eliminate, homelessness in Amsterdam and Detroit. I wish more DJs, myself included, would give themselves to worthy community service.
10. What is happening in electronic music right now that excites you the most?
The new STEMS feature in Native Instruments' latest Traktor Pro update is a game-changing moment for DJing and production. I'm also excited by the sheer amount of dance music that defies categorization, sitting comfortably between genres and subgenres.
11. What happens to the electronic music you have finished?
Social media and poseur DJs.
12. You won a Grammy in 2002 with Deep Dish for your remix of Dido's “Thank You.” Did winning this award change your career in any way?
I can't say it had any residual effect.
13. Were you at the award ceremony when you won? If so, what are your strongest memories of the evening?
I remember Coldplay getting an award for their first album and going through the backstage maze with them.
14. You actually posted one great tribute to Jackmaster after his death last month. Do you have any great Jackmaster memories you'd like to share?
It's still incredibly tragic to think about. His brother who I hadn't met contacted me after I posted with a very sweet message that was touching. We all knew and saw how much he was loved by the sheer number of posts that appeared and in some ways I think that helped our dance music community deal with the loss. I remember another time when we DJed the same event in Valencia, and he was dancing and singing along to Danny Tenaglia's “Be Yourself” in complete bliss when I left it at the end of my set. I would often notice this with Jack. he was completely immersed in this music as if in a trance. It was beautiful to witness this.
15. What is your opinion on the current state of techno?
True techno music has honestly never been better. I'm buried in quality pieces right now, and they're mostly from younger, younger artists. Although it seems to be sidelined by this new form of techno-covered EDM, which I find incredibly cheesy and irritating.
16. Which artists are you inspired by lately?
Joy Orbison, Chlär, SNYL, Nick Cave, Einstürzende Neubauten just to name a few random ones… and believe it or not, I am currently obsessed with Lykke Li. especially her ü&me EP that is achingly beautiful.
17. Which cities around the world feel the most exciting to play in right now?
Buenos Aires, Barcelona and Miami.
18. What is the best business decision you have ever made?
Quitting my day job, which allowed me to pursue my dreams full time.
19. who was your biggest mentor and what is the best advice they ever gave you?
My mother who forced me to park my money in real estate.
20. What is one piece of advice you would give your younger self?
buy a villa in Ibiza.
from our partners at https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/dubfire-interview-techno-iran-amsterdam-dance-event-1235819216/
