05/12/2023
Q: Please introduce yourself
I’m Dorian Craft, based in Paris but born and raised in Cannes and a DJ/producer for almost 15 years now…
Q: One person you'd dream to have a coffee with?
Mmm, there’s a lot, but maybe I’d pick Bono from U2. However, I’m not sure he’ll accept :)
Q: If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
Definitely to be able to translate what I have in mind when I produce straight to the computer... something like telepathy would help!
Q: If given the opportunity to create a film score, which movie would you choose and why?
I like true story movies, stories that make me say, “Wow, this really happened !?”. I love ‘Tennesse’, which Hans Zimmer produced for Pearl Harbor, so I guess it would be this kind of movie. The track ‘Temporary Bliss’ from the album could do the job for sure, haha.
Q: Who has been the most influential in your music career? And who has been the most influential in your personal life?
I don’t think there’s someone in particular who has influenced me, but I’ve been fortunate to draw inspiration from a diverse range of artists and experiences. A career is a journey of continuous learning and growth. From a personal point of view, I’m tempted to say my parents, but I have always liked to do it my way.
Q: Could you share with us your journey – the good and bad experiences that have brought you to where you are today?
My journey in the music industry has been a dynamic and fulfilling adventure shaped by experiences and challenges. It began in my hometown, Cannes, where I first discovered my passion for music as a resident DJ in small bars, to play Tomorrowland this year. Dedication was, and is still the key. I try to stay true to myself and to be genuine with people. I try to help them grow and reach our common objectives when I can. Collaboration has been a significant aspect of my journey.
Q: Everyone goes through ups and downs, what’s one habit you adopt to push through the downs?
I believe there are no ups without downs. During downs, you learn, you question yourself, and you improve. Sometimes, downs have a purpose: to protect you or because there’s just something better waiting for you, now or later. And you appreciate the ups a lot more when you’ve been through downs.
Q: What is one pro work ethic that you would recommend to the readers/listeners?
Because I’m grateful to be able to live from doing my passion, so I don’t count the hours spent to work. There is no specific time or day. I work day in and day out to grow, but without forcing things. My advice would be to go at your own rhythm and pace, and take serious actions when you need to take them :)
Q: How has your music style evolved over the years?
In my early days, I was really into tech house. I produced a lot in that genre, and early on I got a lot of support from the big names. However, I felt I was going around in circles. My music was kind of disposable, and I wanted it to last into the future. In 2017, I started to produce more Afrohouse and melodic material, and since then, I have felt that making these sounds and styles works. However, I always remember to challenge myself, just as I did with the latest album, and to explore the diversified palette of sounds it shows.
Q: If you were to venture into another music genre, which one would you choose and why?
During my DJ sets, I like to sway between Afro, melodic, tech house, indie and even a classic track at the end of the set. I would not follow another genre, but I’d probably do a ‘craft song’ that could maybe fit another genre.
Q: Could you name 3 tracks that got you into electronic music and why?
I dived into that world in 2006.
But even younger, I remember being captivated by the sonorities of Air’s ‘Sexy Boy’. Naturally, through them, I then discovered Daft Punk and ‘One More Time ‘, and later on, the already ‘new generation’ with Eric Prydz and his track ‘Call On Me’… Then, it was time for me to get started!
Florence and the machine – You’ve got the Love – Mark Knight Remix –one of the tracks of my early visits to Ibiza.
Q: Can you recommend a hidden gem in your home country that would be perfect for a rave?
You guys should check Caussol Observatory ;-)
Q: Could you tell us about your upcoming releases and plans for the year?
Well, I’m already planning the music set to follow after the album. I have a collaborative track with Re.You on Azzur, set for release in January, and an EP with my good friend Baron on Bedouin’s Human Default for February. March will be dedicated to the album remix release, featuring some artists that I love. And then, on the DJ side, you’ll find me in Punta Mita, Tulum, Mexico City, NYC and Miami in the upcoming weeks.
Q: Can you share a fun fact about yourself that most of your listeners are probably unaware of?
I hate when people write my name as ‘Dorian Kraft’!