In an exclusive interview with renowned DJ and producer DJ Pantelis, we chat to the Greek electronic stalwart about how he develops his unique sound and he walks us through a day in the recording studio. DJ Pantelis has been a DJ since the age of 15-years-old and has been performing professionally for 30 years. He’s toured all over the world to 400 destinations, has released over 850 singles and remixes while he has over 350 million streams on YouTube and Spotify. Stream the exclusive PLAYY.Mag mix by DJ Pantelis below.
Set the tone for us. Why the arts?
From a young age it seemed that I had an innate talent in arts in the music field. With the guidance of my parents and especially my father, who was also a musician I followed music.
Which comes first when you’re producing – the sound or the idea?
Sometimes the idea. Sometimes a sound can spark an idea and from that point I’m building a song.
Does your material feature any collaborations?
I have had many collaborations all these years with musicians, singers, DJs, composers and producers.
What’s on your current playlist?
Organic house, afro tech and melodic techno.
Tell us about the chemistry you have with your fans on stage.
My fans are my inspiration, my boost to continue being productive and give them my best. They push me on producing new songs and develop my sound in order to make them enjoy the whole performance.
What techniques do you experiment with to get your original sound?
As regards the technique or the inspiration, there is no magic recipe. I am a person who travels all the time and I am inspired by the sounds that I hear and the image of all these different countries around the world. I have to admit that I believe I have managed to create my own recognizable sound through a combination of sounds and elements from different cultures. Experimentation is the key on achieving my own unique style.
Take us through a day in the recording studio.
My day starts with a triple dose of espresso coffee early in the morning where I look at my current projects. I might continue working on that or start a new one, depending on my mood or my daily inspiration. I generally managed to work very quickly as I have organized my digital and hardware environment very well in order to provide me fast options. As creative time in the studio flies without realizing it, I could say I work a lot. I can start early in the morning and finish late at night believing that I just spend a few hours instead of the whole day.
Was there a specific moment in your life where you thought, “this is what I want to do”?
My first time I played music at the age of 14, in a summer club in Halkidiki, Greece. The vibe from the audience gave me that energy that I had never felt before and I realised that was what I wanted to feel for the rest of my life.
What do you keep close by while you’re playing a set?
A glass of champagne!
Any emerging artists on your radar?
I often look for people who are not in the front line, in the spotlight. I try to bring out unknown aspects of themselves to create a unique result. However, I also collaborate with famous artists from all over the world from time to time.
What gets your creative juices flowing?
Travelling, when I travel all my emotions are awake, it’s a cocktail of emotions that explodes.
Take us through your collection of gear, tech or software that accompanies your creative expression.
I started with hardware synthesizers and drum machines and later I jumped on a digital environment. Nowadays I mix hardware and digital elements. Some brands I currently use: Steinberg Cubase, Moog, Roland, Universal Audio, Fabfilter, REFX, Arturia, Dave Smith, Sonnox and many others.
Any side projects you’re working on?
A lot! I’m working on many projects at the same time. That gives me the possibility to explore contrasting aspects at the same time. It’s inspiring, it’s like travelling in different countries and cultures at the same time.
How have you refined your craft since you entered the industry?
This is something that happens over time, discovering new techniques that have their roots in the various experimentations that I do or from the feedback I get from the gigs. Also, there are some unexpected upgrades and those are the best.
Breakdown the news for us: what can we expect from you this year?
I am currently working on some new songs that will be released in early 2025. At the same time, I am preparing an album with ten songs and I’m experimenting on writing music for films.
Famous last words?
Only time will tell! That’s my motto.
Stream the exclusive PLAYY. Mag mix by DJ Pantelis below:
Tracklist:
Vitalii Gridnev – Sometime in Childhood (Original Mix)
Cosmonaut, K Loveski – Ipanema (Pumbum Extended Remix)
Arshakyan – Opal (Original Mix)
Den Macklin – The Sunbeam (Extended Mix)
Don Creek – Magic Sea (Original Mix)
Mayro – Colorful World (Soul Navi Remix)
Miroshin – Serenity (Extended Mix)
blondewearingblack, Elliot Moriarty – I Can’t Abandon (St.Ego Remix)
PROFF, M.O.S. – Namtso (Original Mix)
George Alhabel – Sense of Nonsense (Molac Remix)
Follow DJ Pantelis:
Spotify – Instagram – Facebook
