Dachshund has been a DJ and music producer for quite some time now. He is the co-owner of the label Clapper and he released music on Poker Flat, Gruuv, Bar 25, Rebellion, 8Bit, Rejected and more… This August, he unveils a new EP on Reborn Project, the new label by Armen Miran.

We have the exclusive premiere for ‘Speechless’ here at When We Dip and we had a little chat with the producer. Enjoy!

WWD: Hey Dachshund, it’s good to have a chat with you today!

Thanks for having me back again !

WWD: So, first off, if you could just give us a bit of background about where you’ve been playing recently?

My last gigs were around Geneva, my hometown. We’ve played together all night long with Quenum on a Thursday night at one of my favorite club called « Audio ». The next one was an outdoor party that happens only twice a year, near the lake : « Soirée au bord de l’eau ». The event is organized by a windsurfing school called « Tropical Corner ». It’s always super crowded, with warm and good vibes. It’s a kind of « summer rendez-vous » here in Geneva.

Then was at the famous « Montreux Jazz festival ». On a stage build on the lake Léman with a stunning view on the mountains. I was playing during the sunset, what a kind of idyllic moment!

And after the edge of the Léman lake, I’m going to play to another panorama at Champéry in the Swiss mountains next Saturday, the 6t of August. If you are around, come and join us to the « Red Champéry festival »!

WWD: Have you played the tracks out yet? Is that something you always do?

Yes, I’ve played the three tracks of the EP already. I used to play ‘Speechless’ in all my sets for one year now. I had enough time to test it and polish it until I am satisfied with the arrangement. The other ones haven’t been played before it was signed on Armen Miran’s label ‘Reborn Project’. But it’s now done, I’ve heard it on the floor and it was a good surprise. Playing my tracks before it’s released is something that I like to do. It helps to show if there is big mistakes, for example in the sound balance, if some elements are too loud or not enough in the front. And of course the most important is to see the reaction of the clubbers.

WWD: In term of your duo with Quenum, how do you know each other and how would you describe the chemistry between you both in the studio?

It’s been 17 years since Quenum and I first met and became very good friends. We used to be in the same booking agency, sometimes we where travelling together and sharing the desk in clubs. It’s a good way to understand each others musical taste.
In the studio, we don’t start to work straight away, we first have a good relaxing moment, listening to some music that’s inspiring us, chatting, getting some ideas. It’s our way to be in a good mood for creating something.

WWD: Creatively, what do you find are the biggest difficulties in collaborating together? And what’s the best thing about it?

The benefits outweigh the difficulties in working together with another artist. One of the best example is in the « decisions ». Every time in the music composition process, you have to take direction, on almost everything : ideas, composition, harmony, sound quality, arrangement etc…. it is easier and quicker to take decisions when you are two people. And helps with each others skills and sensibility.

WWD: What is your favorite gear to use?

At the moment I’m having great fun with Eurorack Modular. I discovered modular synthesis in 93 on a Roland system 100M when I had the chance to take some « electro-acoustic » music courses at the Conservatory during three years. Since that time I didn’t get my hand back on hardware modular systems. But recently I couldn’t resist to fall into this rabbit hole. I started to build my Eurorack case. Modular world have evolute a lot, there is so many things to discover.

WWD: What gear do you use in your studio?

It’s a mix between hardware and software. As a DAW I’m using Ableton Live for its efficiency. I like to record my synthesizers like the amazing Roland Jupiter 6 or Korg Mono/Poly and more recently modulars. My studio offer me a lot of choices of sound sources as I’m collecting vintage instruments since years.

WWD: Do you have a production ritual? If so, what is it?

Yes, before any move in the studio, I start by drinking a coffee. I specially like Ethiopian coffee made in an Italian coffee maker, it’s a must ! And in Summer time, swimming in the Rhône before getting into my studio.

WWD: What do you feel are the biggest challenges facing artists in the current era?

Probably to be visible and recognized for the music you provide instead of the number of social media « likes ».

WWD: Could you please give us your Top 5 Studio Tips?

– be sure that you’re workflow is 100% efficient
– escape all kinds of distractions
– focus on the purpose of the track
– have some breaks
– finish your tracks!