Hey Siavash, welcome to CC invites 🙂 Firstly, what is your background & how did you get into music?
Thank you so much for the invite and the love CC! I was born in Tehran, Iran, during the Islamic Revolution, to two completely deaf parents who have never heard a sound. Growing up in a silent household, my musical journey was kind of solitary discovery. For a long time, I genuinely believed I had invented DJing.
When I was around 13, I became obsessed with the awkward silence between songs on cassettes and records. It bothered me. That’s when I stumbled upon the concept of an audio mixer. I started using snippets from TV show theme songs or quotes from VHS films to bridge the gaps between tracks. I’d quickly switch records and fill in the silence with these little audio clips, creating continuous, flowing mixtapes—mostly hip hop. I’d record them and sell the tapes at school. It wasn’t until a year later, while watching the DJ battle scene in the movie Juice, that I realized DJing was already a whole culture. But in my little world, I’d built it from scratch without even knowing it existed.
TRACKLIST //
- Siavash – One More Time (Original Mix) [You Plus One]
- Siavash – Everyday (Original Mix) [Unreleased]
- Cipy – Magic (Original Mix) [Multinotes]
- Juno (DE) – Heat (Extended Mix) [Magnifik Music]
- K.eem, Yamil – In Love (Original Mix) [Marginalia]
- Siavash – Never Gonna Stop (Original Mix) [Unreleased]
- Abel, Brutha Basil – Hand Made (Rocco Rodamaal Raw Mix) [Atjazz]
- Cioz – A Way (Original Mix) [Unreleased]
- Siavash – Nobody Like Me (Original Mix) [Unreleased]
- Stefano Noferini, Larsen Factory – Push It (Original Mix) [Deeperfect]
- Dario D’Attis & Mr. V – Back To The Old (Joeski Remix) [Poker Flat]
- Paul Ursin – Reverse (Original Mix) [PEAKS]
- Alican – Alive and Tripping (Original Mix) [Isolate]
- Birds of Mind – Mi Pena (Rockin Moroccin Extended Remix) [Get Physical]
- Siavash – Hold Up (Sam Shure Remix) [Unreleased]
- John Cala – In Spain (Original Mix) [Siamese]
- Siavash – Leave The Boyz Alone (Alican Remix) [Unreleased]
- Pole Position – Takin’ It Back (Original Mix) [Ànims]
- Siavash – All I Want (Original Mix) [Unreleased]
- Andrea Oliva & Tim Engelhardt – No Tears (Extended Mix) [Unreleased]
- Siavash – Out Of My Head (Original Mix) [Unreleased]
How would you describe your sound – do you think your music falls into a particular genre?
I started out as a hip hop DJ in the early ’90s, eventually transitioning into electronic music later that decade. Over the years, I’ve witnessed countless genres rise, evolve, and fade. From the beginning, I made a promise to myself: never get boxed into a single sound. I’ve always believed that good music is just that—good music. It transcends genres. I think it’s our job as DJs and producers to guide people through a cohesive, eclectic journey. That philosophy has shaped everything I do.
It’s taken me nearly three decades to refine my sound into something I feel truly represents me—a storytelling style that effortlessly weaves between genres. Whether I’m behind the decks or in the studio, that same limitless, genre-defying approach defines my work.
You have just released the ‘One More Time EP‘ on your label ‘You Plus One’. What was the inspiration behind this project?
With all the current global label trends and creative expectations, I found myself recently feeling disconnected in the studio. The joy I used to feel when making music started slipping away. So I took a step back and asked myself a simple question: What can I do to make this fun again? The answer came quickly—I stopped making music for other people’s labels or fitting into someone else’s ideology. I turned inward and asked, What do I truly love?
I grew up on golden era hip hop, and most of that is filled with soul and Motown samples. That sound lives deep in me. So I decided to fuse that rich musical heritage with my own knowledge of electronic grooves. It turned out to be the best decision I’ve made in years. It sparked the biggest creative surge of my career. In just under a year, I’ve produced and finalized nearly 70 tracks. This new sound feels like a homecoming, a rebirth—and I’ve named it Soul2.0. ‘One More Time’. It’s just the beginning of this chapter, but it already feels like the most honest and inspired work I’ve ever done.
Why did you decide to set up your own record label?
The truth behind why I started the You Plus One music label is actually quite simple. I’m based in Vancouver, BC—a beautiful city, but one that historically hasn’t made much noise or had a real impact on the global underground dance music scene. I wanted to change that. I felt a strong urge to give our city a voice and to showcase our scene in a way that felt authentic, fresh, and uniquely ours.
Looking back, I’m so glad we made that move. The response to the label has been incredible, and it’s been amazing to see how much love and recognition we’ve received from all over the world. It’s a testament to what can happen when you believe in your community and push to make your local scene part of the global conversation.
Do you have any advice for someone thinking of starting a label of their own?
Really do some studying on your distribution options and MOST importantly stay consistent.
What is your production process – is each project or track different? And what are your key pieces of studio kit?
For me, writing music is less about sitting down with a rigid plan and more about tricking myself into creating—without the pressure or commitment. I usually start on my office computer, maybe while I’m doing some graphic design or working on something totally unrelated. Then, almost subconsciously, an idea starts to form. Next thing I know, there’s a concept taking shape. That’s when I bring it into the studio and start getting surgical—refining every detail.
I’m lucky to be surrounded by some world-class gear, but even more lucky to share the space with my studio mate, Tiago De Renor. He’s a modern-day Beethoven—no exaggeration. Right now, my favourite little weapon in the studio is the Pro 3. It’s such an underrated bass monster.
What is the coolest, wildest or worst gig you have ever played and why?
After nearly two decades of touring, I’ll admit—some of my best gig memories have started to blur a bit. But there are definitely a few that still stand out.
One funny story—maybe not my best gig, but definitely a memorable one—was back in the early 2000s. A rich kid, whose family had built a bagel empire, decided he wanted to throw a rave and booked me to headline for a frankly absurd fee. I went on, played exactly one song, and then the cops raided the party and shut it down. Since I was paid upfront, it ended up being the highest amount I’ve ever earned for playing a single track. Honestly, not a bad workday.
On the other end of the spectrum, one of my darkest gig memories was playing the BPM 10 year anniversary closing event in Playa Del Carmen. During the beginning of my set, the streets were raided by cartel members. Shots were fired, and tragically, a couple of friends lost their lives that night. It was absolutely devastating. I experienced some intense bouts of PTSD in the aftermath, and it took time to process. That night will always stay with me as one of the hardest moments of my career.
What do you have coming up in terms of releases and gigs?
I’ve got a really cool two-track EP coming out on Mobilee with my boys Pig&Dan, which I’m super proud of. It’s something special. On top of that, I’ll be releasing a bunch of this new Soul2.0 material—both on You Plus One and a few other labels throughout the year.
I’ll be sharing the stage with Dixon in mid-April, which I’m really looking forward to. Then it’s off on my usual summer tour, bouncing around different corners of this little planet.
How did you put together your guest mix & what have you included – any exclusives or surprises?
For my guest mix, I decided to share the recording of the first half of a special three-hour set I played at my own HAUSPARTY event in Vancouver. It was an emotional night for me—I dedicated the set to my friend Damian, who had sadly passed away earlier that same day. Damian was a deaf raver I met years ago at a festival. We formed a unique connection—signing to each other across the dance floor while I played, tripping people out around us in the most beautiful way. His presence and energy always brought something magical to the room. This mix captures that moment and energy. It also features a bunch of my upcoming, unreleased tracks—so there are definitely some surprises in there.
