With roots in Morocco but a home in thriving West London where he is becoming a staple part of the underground scene, Yacine Dessouki has already graced the rosters of labels like Underground Audio and Chapter 24. He makes his debut on Constant Circles with a fresh rework of Just Her & Nandu’s “Forget Our Love”
What is your background and how did you get into music?
I am half Egyptian half Syrian born in Morocco, so quite a melting pot right there. I got into music a couple of years ago by fiddling around on Fruity loops and then made the move to Logic Pro and never looked back.
You are based in London – have you always lived there? And how has your home country or town influenced your music & career?
I have been living in London for 10 years and can certainly say that London had the most impact on my musical sound. Even though I was born in Morocco, surprisingly enough I have only played there once and that was at Moga Festival alongside Dj Tennis, Mind Against, Sean Reeves etc… (Hint hint to Moroccan promoters).
What is the most important thing for people to see when visiting London?
Although London has lost some iconic venues, there are still amazing parties at the likes of Village Underground, Oval Space and of course Fabric.
What is your production process and what are your key pieces of studio kit?
Tough question but I would say I always start with the drums then the bassline and layer the track around it. My studio? It’s actually very basic. A good functional Macbook Pro with Logic Pro x, some plugins, Korg Minilogue, Maschine and a good ol’ pair of Fostex speakers.
How would you describe your sound – do you think your music falls into a particular genre?
I don’t like putting sounds into a particular box or genre but I must admit that the last 2 years I have produced a lot of Techno and have about 15 unreleased tracks ready to be released on the right label.
You recently remixed Just Her & Nandu on Constant Circles – how did you approach the remix and what direction did you take it?
I have kept some elements of the original track and constructed the remix around them. It was a challenge that I had the pleasure of undertaking because this remix was a new direction musically for me. Really happy with the outcome.
What’s your dream label to release on?
A couple of labels actually. Innervisions, Afterlife… Most recently Tale of Us have been playing one of my unreleased tracks, so who knows? One can dream.
What is your biggest inspiration, in music and in life?
Musically I would say: Nicolas Jaar, Niels Frahm, Dj Tennis to name a few.
In life? My dad.
Tell us your deepest darkest secret?
I sleep with socks on.
What do you have coming up in terms of releases and gigs?
So far my remix of Just Her, Nandu – Forget Our Love coming out soon Constant Circles. Can’t reveal yet about the releases but hopefully will have some news soon.
How did you put together your guest mix for the radio show & what have you included – any exclusives or surprises?
Most of the tracks on the guest mix are promos coming out in a few month that I have been recently playing in my gigs. Most notable mentions go to: Sifa, Nandu – Igazi, Odd1 – Rumors and a producer that I have been following a lot recently Marino Canal – Ellipse.
You can follow Yacine Dessouki on SOUNDCLOUD & BEATPORT
Listen to his guest mix on the radio show:
