Masterful French producer Yuksek releases his Dance ‘O’ Drome album on his Reims based label, Partyfine. DJ, Radio Nova resident, globe travelling DJ and in demand remixer, we sat down with this dynamic individual for a little talk.

WWD: We would love to hear about the initial idea for the album Dance ‘O’Drome – when did you first approach this concept and what was your original intention with this release?

This album is somehow the second chapter after my previous album (Nosso Ritmo), and I wanted to make a pure dance album, collaborate with people I like and get a little deeper into the Brazilian sound.

WWD: What was most important for you to convey through this album? Do you feel that you were able to accomplish all of your intentions?

It’s about pleasure, pleasure to make music with friends, pleasure to share positive music, and the pleasure seeing people dancing to it and loosing themselves for a moment. Life is not always fun so sharing positivity is essential.. I guess.

WWD: What are you most proud of with Dance ‘O’ Drome?

The whole concept, the music, the cover, the videos. I think we managed to keep it all together in the same way, that’s not always easy! But the people I work with are super creative and understand where I wanna go.

WWD: I guess this album marks a lot of years in the music business, I’d love to hear your thoughts on how your creative process has changed and remained the same over the years. Do you approach anything differently now?

I became really more chill about all this. My position as a producer, movie score maker, label manager etc… gave me the opportunity to work a lot and being more peaceful. At the same time, I can do what I want when I want, I don’t have much pressure about the success of any project, if it works I’m happy, if not I keep on doing thing, that’s the most important. So, when I sit in the studio I’m only focusing on doing my best, having fun, and not getting outside stress.

WWD: What drives you to continue creating music?

Passion, passion, passion, passion.

WWD: What has been one of your favorite moments from the past year?

2022 has been a terrible year for me, with loss, and depression, so I’m happy that 2023 came. With this album everything moves forward. No looking back.

WWD: Where do you find the most inspiration when it comes to discovering new music?

I go to record shops a lot when travelling and I buy many records I don’t know, sometimes only for the cover, all kinds of music, and I discover new gems all of the time, new artists, or genres I have never heard about. Also, I have a radio show on radio Nova every Saturday, so I have to keep an eye and ear on new releases. That’s a job in itself.

WWD: You are releasing on your own label Partyfine. What are the values and mission of your label?

I started this label with the idea of releasing music from new artists who I can help produce their tracks and give a platform to. Then when I finished my contract with Universal I decide to release my own albums on my label too. So, this label is really about releasing good music when it’s ready, no more ambition or career plans.

WWD: What is next for Yuksek?

I will tour for the whole summer, and I’m working on some movie scores for a couple of years. I got a few interesting projects coming later this year. I will tour with a video/live show by the beginning of 2024 too and may be a new Destiino album (my side project) later in 2024 too.

Yuksek: Facebook // SoundCloud