14 FAKTS INTERVIEW WITHCEVIN FISHER

Cevin Fisher, known for era-defining club records like The Freaks Come Out and You Got Me (Burnin’ Up), continues to refine his tough, rhythmic style: rooted in the sounds of New York and shaped by decades of global dancefloor experience. His work with Morales on Sunshine captures the synergy between two of house music’s most enduring figures.

Q: Please introduce yourself

Cevin Fisher – DJ and producer from NYC, now living in France and Switzerland. 

Q: One person you'd dream to have a coffee with?

I would have to say Barack Obama. I was about five feet away from him on vacation in 2015. He actually waved at us. I just think he’s one of the greatest people in my lifetime. Also, I think we would have so much to talk about – especially basketball, haha. 

Q: If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

Being able to fly. I just love how birds can come and go as they please; they don’t have to board, check in, or stop at lights. They just go, and that’s the superpower I wish I had. Just let me fly. 

Q: If you would have been given the chance to do a film score, what movie would you choose and why?

That’s a tricky one, but I would have to say I’d love to score the movie Metropolis (1927) – however, it would have to be the remake Metropolis (2027). 

Q: Who has been the most influential in your music career? And why?

Wow, there are so many who’ve influenced me. I would have to say on the production side it would be Quincy Jones. Not only is the music he produced amazing, but I also love the fact that he was able to be a chameleon and work across many genres, as well as movie scores.  

Q: Tell us about your journey, what got you to where you are today?

As far back as I can remember, I knew that I would be involved in music. I had two big dreams: one was to be a football player, and the second was to be a musician. I always loved both, but when I started high school I realized I was too small to play football. As crushing as that was, I had this thing called music to fall back on.

My uncle Mitchell was my original inspiration – a jazz piano player from the era of cool and bebop. He would always play amazing songs on the piano, from Miles Davis to Stevie Wonder (a huge inspiration). As a kid, I remember walking down the street in my neighborhood and hearing a band rehearsing in a basement. I was so fascinated that I’d just sit outside the window and watch them groove to the latest funk and R&B tracks. One day they invited me in, and it felt like heaven.

In high school, I joined the band, played drums in the marching band, and later became captain of the drumline – my first small victory. My father owned a couple of bars, and at the time I was in a band called Sundae. We’d play all the time, and between sets I would DJ. We were neighborhood rock stars, playing college parties, weddings, bars – you name it.

Years later I moved to NYC and started working in recording studios, at first as a gopher and errand boy – I just needed to get my foot in the door. I later started working sessions and programming, collaborating with rappers and rockers, and even worked with Chaka Khan (years before I remixed her number one Billboard club track Love You All My Lifetime with David Shaw at Columbia Records).

I also worked with Arthur Baker at his Shakedown Studios in NYC, where I became a member of the Criminal Element Orchestra, as well as working on various remixes with AB, including the Grammy-winning I’ll Be Good To You from Quincy Jones’ Back On The Block.

After learning my way around the studio and gear, I began my club music journey with my partner Cliff St-Cyr at Hardtrax NYC Records. We had some major success and caught the attention of labels like Strictly Rhythm, Nervous Records, and King Street. We released big tunes like House Is A Feeling and Sweet In The Morning, with support from Junior Vasquez, Louie Vega, Frankie Knuckles, and Roger Sanchez.

After Hardtrax, I went out on my own and started recording the first Cevin Fisher records: The Way We Used To, Check This Out, The Freaks Come Out, You Got Me Burning Up, and Women Beat Their Men, just to name a few. There were many ups and downs along the way, and at times I had to put production on the back burner, but I always knew I’d be back. Luckily, I made great friends who inspired and supported me to get the ball rolling again. 

Q: What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone just starting out their career in music?

If you’re just chasing fame, your chances of making it will be tougher – not impossible, but tougher. If you want to make a career out of it, do it for the love of it. That way you’ll have more power if you need to change direction at any point. 

Q: Can you recall a DJ set or performance of yours that remains unforgettable to you? Where did it take place, and what makes it stand out among all others?

I’d have to say playing with Danny Tenaglia at Knockdown Center in Queens. It’s not that I had an incredible set – it was that DT was going through something we all know about. What made this gig special was that he pulled through his ordeal. We had also just released a collaboration on Nervous, years in the making. The magic came from all the love and best wishes from everyone in the crowd. It was like a movie to me – an out-of-body experience when DT walked into the booth. Since I’d moved to France, it had been a while since I’d last seen him. Out of all the gigs I’ve done, that’s one I’d call unforgettable. 

Q: How has your music style evolved over the years?

At the core, it’s about the same. But with all the new technology, I’m able to experiment more and work on more sounds than in the past. Still, I try to keep things groovy. 

Q: If you were to venture into another music genre, which one would you choose and why?

In my spare time I’ve taken up classical piano, which I find fascinating. I’m hoping to use this more as I get older – perhaps working on some movie soundtracks. 

Q: Could you name 3 tracks that got you into electronic music and why?

1- Inner Life feat. Jocelyn Brown – “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” (Salsoul Records).

I remember the first time I heard this at Zanzibar, thanks to Tony Humphries. I’ve never heard a track that moved me so much. Jocelyn Brown’s vocals are some of the greatest of all time, and the production, arrangement, and instrumentation blew me away. The timpanis were something I’d never heard before, and the synth solo was incredible. Just when you think it’s over, Jocelyn comes back in with those ad-libs that make you cry.

2- Loleatta Holloway – “Love Sensation” (Salsoul Records).

Again, I first heard this one at Zanzibar, played by Tony Humphries and François K. It’s one of those epic club records – the vocals, the music, the arrangement, the lyrics – everything. One of the greatest and most sampled house tracks of all time.

3- Dan Hartman feat. Loleatta Holloway – “Vertigo/Relight My Fire” (Blue Sky Records).

This has always been one of my favorites. It’s like two tracks in one – starting with a hypnotic, dark piano before flowing into Relight My Fire, a full-on anthem. Dan Hartman’s vocals are incredible, and then Loleatta comes in and knocks it out of the park. I first heard Larry Levan play it at Paradise Garage. The music, lyrics, and arrangement are unmatched. “You got to be strong enough, walk on through the night – there’s a new day on the other side.” 

Q: Can you recommend a hidden gem in your home country that would be perfect for a rave?

I take summer vacations in Corsica, and I have a feeling it would be a great location for a rave or festival. I don’t see many events taking place there, but it’s such a beautiful place to chill out. 

Q: Could you tell us about your upcoming releases and plans for the year?

I’ve started a second label with my business partner Christian Larsson called Thermal Black, and we’ll keep the releases flowing. I’ll also continue releasing music on my label importTracks.

Q: Can you share a fun fact about yourself that most of your listeners are probably unaware of?

Besides becoming a super nerd – always at the computer day and night – I’ve also become pretty good in the kitchen. I’ve always been fascinated by food, but actually preparing and cooking my own meals is pretty cool. I’m also a huge Gordon Ramsay fan, haha.