Hernan Cattaneo was one of his earliest supporters and he has played alongside the likes of Sasha, Black Coffee, Lee Burridge, Damian Lazarus, Patrice Bäumel, Joris Voorn, Peggy Gou, Nick Warren and Henry Saiz from the UAE to Europe and beyond. Now, internationally recognised and ever-rising producer, Bachir Salloum, has established himself as a quality producer, releasing Beatport-topping cuts on labels like Balance Music, Sudbeat, Juicebox Music, Akbal and Do Not Sit (both hitting No1 in Beatport’s organic house & downtempo, progressive genres) and more. 

With a new release on Mango Alley under his belt, we felt it was time to catch up with the rising star, and got details on what it was like growing up in Beirut, the pulse of the Middle Eastern scene, and of course, how it felt playing alongside some of progressive’s finest!

WWD: Hi Bachir, your new EP ‘Vivid Imagination,’ a collaboration with NOIYSE PROJECT, was recently released on Mango Alley. What was the creative process behind this project?

Creating ‘Vivid Imagination’ with my dear friend NOIYSE PROJECT was all about merging our unique styles and exploring new soundscapes. We wanted the track to feel like a journey, layering textures and moods to draw listeners into a dynamic, immersive experience. The title reflects the boundless creativity we aimed to capture, pushing us both to experiment and explore more sounds

WWD: Growing up in Beirut’s vibrant club scene, known for its energy and diversity, how has that culture shaped your musical style?

Growing up in Beirut’s club scene greatly influenced my musical style. The city’s diversity brought together a combination of sounds and genres, exposing me to everything from deep, melodic house to more experimental electronic music. That energy—intense and unfiltered just like our city—taught me the power of music to connect people across different backgrounds. It’s shaped my approach to creating tracks that are immersive and emotionally resonant with every listener, with layers that reflect the complexity and the rawness of Beirut

WWD: You started your career at 16, inspired by your brother and your early exploration of electronic music. What genres or artists influenced you the most in those early days?

In those early days, I was drawn to genres like deep house, techno, and progressive, as they offered a hypnotic and immersive experience that captivated me. Artists like Sasha, John Digweed, and Hernán Cattáneo, Richie Hawtin, had a huge impact, as their storytelling approach in electronic music inspired me to dive deeper into crafting emotional journeys in my own work. My brother’s influence was also key—he introduced me to this world, and his passion sparked my own exploration

WWD: Based in Dubai, you’ve had the chance to play alongside legends like Nick Warren, Sasha, and Hernan Cattaneo. What was it like to work with artists of this caliber?

Playing alongside legends like Nick Warren, Sasha, and Hernán Cattáneo has been an incredible experience. Sharing the stage with artists I grew up admiring is humbling and inspiring. Each of them brings such unique energy and depth to their sets, and witnessing their artistry up close taught me a lot about how to create powerful, lasting connections with the crowd. It’s pushed me to elevate my approach, always working towards that same level of storytelling and impact

WWD: Your music often balances light and dark elements, blending deep and progressive house. How do you go about creating the atmosphere in your live sets?

Creating atmosphere in my sets is all about finding that balance between light and dark, taking listeners on a journey through contrasting moods. I start by reading the crowd and setting a tone, gradually layering in deeper, groovier tracks and creating moments of intensity and release. I love building tension with darker, driving beats and opening up the space with uplifting, melodic elements. My goal is to guide the audience through a range of emotions, crafting a set that feels like a dynamic storyteller

WWD: Signing with labels like Buddha Bar, Balance, and Sudbeat is a major achievement. What do these collaborations add to your career and to your music?

Working with labels like Buddha Bar, Balance, and Sudbeat has been incredibly rewarding. Each collaboration has expanded my reach and connected me with audiences who really appreciate my art in creating electronic music. These labels have a strong identity and loyal following, which has pushed me to refine my sound and stay true to my artistic vision. It’s been a chance to grow creatively and gain support from communities that resonate with the music I create

WWD: How would you describe the evolution of your musical style since moving to Dubai in 2014?

Since moving to Dubai in 2014, my musical style has evolved significantly. The city’s diverse and rapidly growing music scene exposed me to a blend of international influences and unique sounds. I’ve become more experimental, incorporating elements from various genres to create a style that’s both melodic and groovy, yet powerful on the dance floor. Dubai’s vibrant energy has inspired me to take more risks in my productions, balancing deep layers with driving rhythms

WWD: Your tracks are known for their emotional depth and captivating intensity. How do you maintain this kind of impact in your productions and DJ sets?

Maintaining emotional depth and intensity is key to my approach in both production and DJing. I focus on storytelling, building each track or set as a journey with its highs and lows. In the studio, I experiment with layered melodies, atmospheric textures, and dynamic shifts to create a wider range of emotions. When I’m performing, I pay close attention to the crowd’s energy and adjust in real time, creating moments of tension and release. It’s about keeping a strong connection, where every track releases a feel and draws listeners deeper into the moment

WWD: ‘Vivid Imagination’ is just one of your recent projects, but do you have other goals or projects on the horizon? What can we expect from the next chapter?

After ‘Vivid Imagination,’ I’m excited to keep pushing my sound even further. I have a few projects in the works, creating music never stops :), including collaborations with some talented artists I’ve admired for a long time. I’m also exploring new avenues in sound design and experimenting with more organic elements to bring fresh textures to my productions. The next chapter will definitely be about evolving and challenging myself to create music that resonates on a deeper level—expect more expressive, immersive tracks that continue to blend the light and dark, with a touch of new experimentation

WWD: The Middle East is experiencing a rise in electronic music. How do you see the future of electronic music in the region, and what role do you hope to play in this growth?

The rise of electronic music in the Middle East is an exciting shift, and I believe the future is incredibly promising. The region’s diverse culture and rapidly evolving music scene create a raw ground for innovative sounds and unique fusions. As the industry grows, I hope to contribute by helping push boundaries and bring fresh perspectives to electronic music. My goal is to continue creating music that reflects both the global and local influences of the region, while also building a deeper connection between the music and the audiences here. I’m excited to be part of a movement that’s shaping the future of the scene.

WWD: Thanks for the chat, Bashir!

‘Vivid Imagination’ is available here