Baron is a French DJ and producer of electronic music that sounds like a mix of Jazz, Afro, Disco. He is an extremely meticulous artist who integrates, in his EPs, different atypical musical culture. His dedication allowed him to start, in collaboration with a friend, the Afro House duo Mòo & Jo signed by MoBlack or Mobilee Records

After an enriching experience, recognized by the greatest around the world. He decides to continue under the name of Baron (FR) to discover his own universe.

In 2022, he released his track ELLORA, which was #1 sold track on the Afro house Beatport chart and also supported by the renowned producer Pete Tong on BBC Radio 1. He has also received support from the world’s biggest DJ producers like Bédouin, Black Coffee, Seth Troxler, Who Made Who, Joris Voorn, Blondish, …

Baron has been heard performing in cities such as Tulum, Ibiza, Paris and has performed alongside and has been the opening act for Bedouin, Black Coffee, Solomun, Martinez Brother, Blondish, Keinemusik with Adam Port, &Me, Rampa.

Enjoy this great mix he recorded for our Select Cuts series while reading the interview we had with him.

WWD: Hello Baron, First, can you tell us a little bit more about yourself?

Hello everyone, my name is Benjamin Baron, a French DJ and Producer based in Cannes. I’ve been in the industry for 15 years now.

WWD: You recently released ‘My Machine’ on French label AZZUR. This record is definitely more house-oriented than your previous works. Does this signal a change in your musical direction?

It’s true that it’s more house-oriented than the others. I wanted to try something new. My upcoming records will also lean more towards house. I feel like the Afro genre is reaching an endpoint; everything sounds almost the same nowadays.

WWD: How did you end up working with Mel Bundo? Where did you guys meet?

Simon, aka Mel Bundo, is one of my best friends. We’ve known each other for over 10 years. I met him in Paris, and a few years later, we started working together when he moved to Cannes. We quickly found that we had a similar musical vision and I’m very proud of this collaboration for the first release of his new project.

WWD: This record is coming out on AZZUR. How did that happen? How did you meet?

I met Meloko in Tulum in 2021, and we stayed in touch. One day, I sent him this record, and he liked it. I’ve always wanted to sign with Azzur, and I’m very proud to release this track on a label that is made in France.

WWD: Who’s your favorite artist right now? What kind of music are you into at the moment?

My current favorite artist is DJ Koze. Lately, I’ve been listening to Maceo Plex early tracks and thinking about how his music was 10 years ahead of its time

WWD: What are your upcoming releases or projects?

My upcoming releases are scheduled for 2024. I have an EP with Dorian Craft on Human By Default, and a single on Get Physical with Mel Bundo.

WWD: We have recently seen you working with the AZZUR guys in the studio. How is that going? What’s coming up?

I’ve been to the Azzur studio in Marseille several times. Each time, we’ve managed to create something really good with the team. There’s an exciting record on the way! We’re going to test it in our various sets in the coming months. The track is called ‘ ‘Me Gusta’.”

WWD: You have recently released a collaborative track with Ameme entitled “Like That”. What’s your work relationship with him?

I first met Ameme in Tulum during the pandemic in 2020. We had been in touch on social media for about five years prior to that, and we really hit it off personally. After signing my track ‘Ellora’ to his label, One Tribe Records, we’ve grown much closer. I’m also the A&R for his label, which has been an exciting journey.

WWD: What are your favourite labels right now? And why?

Currently, my top picks are Innervision, AZZUR, and, of course, One Tribe. The reason is simple: the music being released by these labels right now is incredibly powerful and resonates with me.

WWD: You have been djing for more than 12 years now, What piece of advice would you give to a brand new Dj?

Advice for New DJs: Believe in yourself and don’t try to mimic others. Never give up! Always stay positive and maintain a good vibe. That’s the key to success in this industry.

WWD: What was your favourite gig in 2023?

La Cabane Des Amis was absolutely my favorite!

WWD: What’s your favorite place to play ?

I love playing in Mexico, Ibiza, and Bali. These places have an energy that’s incomparable and always inspire my sets.