Techno Logic: A Chat With Deen

Cynics might utter that techno is one-dimensional, devoid of any journey-ushering potential and emotional capability. But that’s not quite right.

This is why it’s so crucial to have selectors in the scene who are proficient in the misunderstood genre, educating the floor by unleashing subsets from the vast techno spectrum, and building seamless sets to tell stories amidst the beats. In a span of just two years, Deen is one such techno maverick who’s been traversing the boundaries of techno, consistently delivering as a current resident of The Council. He’s opened for the likes of Nur Jaber, Stefan Goldmann and Charlotte de Witte, and has even spun beyond the red dot in Vietnam. Starting conversations and ending stereotypes in techno, Deen is one robust force the scene needs.

He chats with us about how he explores techno, his beginnings, and what he’d play if someone dared asking him to play “Despacito”.

For starters, do you remember the moment that inspired you to get into techno?

I can’t exactly remember when or who was playing. I just thought everything I heard at parties with a 4/4 beat was house until someone told me, “Oh, this is techno”. My journey playing out in sets has basically been a string of waves, I guess. I was playing pretty much tech and progressive stuff, then as I understood the music and myself better through time, I looked into playing darker, tougher, and harder.

Some people tend to think that techno is just one kind of sound, unaware of all its branching sub-genres. For yourself, what kind of techno do you like to explore in your sets? Is there a certain philosophy or direction that guides you?

At this point, I think I’ve leaned towards dub for a while now, but I’ve been dabbling in broken beats and beat-less stuff lately too. I go in and out of different sounds when I’m playing just so I don’t bore everyone. I guess for me, ‘flow’ in a DJ set is key. Another way I gauge myself is how I feel on set – if you’re not enjoying the music you’re playing, don’t think that the floor is enjoying it too.

Do you have any mentors or peers who showed you the ropes when you first started DJ-ing?

Yes, for sure. I was working as a sound and lighting tech in a local club here some time ago. I met a few DJs while I worked there, and it was Rob Moss who showed me the technical stuff around the console. It was only a couple years ago when I reconnected with Haan when I saw him DJ-ing at a club and I was like, “Eh, can I play?”. So, Haan got me my first gig in a club, and then it just spiralled to where I am right now.

You’re currently a resident selector of The Council, playing everywhere from warehouses to ice factories, and of course, its flagship club at Headquarters. How has the ride been for you so far?

It’s been epic fun, for sure. There were stressful moments, but all in all, it kept me going.

Any personal favourite acts that you enjoyed warming up for?

I think the fun ones were with guests Damie and Nur Jaber. It’s always a game of ‘where to go next’ from track to track to keep the floor interested and not overdoing it. The ‘woooo!’ moment comes when the guest DJ picks up and smashes the ball out of the park.

Warming up for a guest act is a whole different skill altogether. Would you like to elaborate on the art of warming up?

For me, I will listen to a set the DJ recently played, or at least know the genre the DJ plays and then don’t go too crazy when I’m handing over. If you want to be super on point, you can play what you want going around the sub-genres the DJ plays, and then hand over at exactly the sound you want the DJ to pick up from. As for no-nos, just don’t play his or her tracks!

If you were playing a set all night long, what kind of journey would you like to take punters on?

In general, the energy will progress through the night. Naturally, some sounds or sub-genres are tougher than others. I like to play along these sounds as the energy gets stronger through the night.