We are thrilled to welcome Ramyen, an emerging star in the electronic music scene, for an exclusive interview, fresh off the heels of his latest release ‘Long Kiss Goodnight’ on Hot Since 82’s Knee Deep In Sound.

With a year full of remarkable achievements, including organizing his own festival for NYE 2024, a residency at Gate Club, and notable releases on major labels like Knee Deep In Sound and Sapiens Recordings, Ramyen has been making waves in the industry. In this interview, he shares insights into his creative journey, inspirations, and the vibrant Parisian music scene. 

WWD: Hi Ramyen, great to have you with us! How are you and how has your year been so far? Fill us in on the highlights.

Thank you! I’m doing great; I’m having a fantastic year. As for the highlights, they include my own festival that I organized for NYE 2024, my residency at Gate Club, my first time at Marvellous, and releases on major labels like KNEE DEEP and SAPIENS.

WWD: Very excited about the Knee Deep In Sound release! How did this come about? What is your relationship with Hot Since 82 and the label?

Before the release, I was simply a fan of HOT SINCE 82 and his label. The Birds of Mind were the ones who actually sent the track directly to him, and we are very happy about it.

WWD: What was the inspiration and what is the ethos of the release? How would you describe the sound?

This track is really the culmination of our three creative processes. You can really feel the touch of each one, which makes the piece quite unique.

WWD: Can you tell us about your musical journey into the electronic spectrum, your childhood, and your progression to where you are now?

I grew up with an uncle who is a songwriter, and he greatly influenced me when I was younger. Then, from the keys of the piano in my living room to the keys of my MacBook, the transition happened very naturally. My first gigs came in 2018, and I never really left the scene.

WWD: What is the scene in Paris like at the moment? Any notable changes? And if so, for better or worse and why?

The Parisian music scene is fantastic! We see artists from all genres and levels of hype performing in the clubs of Paris, whether it’s in the western or eastern part of the city. Especially with the opening of Gate Club, which has brought a whole new dimension to the weekends of Parisian partygoers with breathtaking lineups.

WWD: Can you tell us about the mellow parties you run?

MellowParty is a concept we launched in Saint Tropez in 2021. We wanted to bring a more lighthearted vibe to the party, a happier and more smiling atmosphere, breaking away from the codes of underground house music while keeping a musically sharp touch. Since then, Mellow has expanded with its own festival, MellowIsland, which took place on the fabulous island of St. Martin, a tri-monthly residency in Mexico City, parties in London and Madrid, a summer residency in St. Tropez, and a monthly residency in Paris at the same Gate Club I was talking about. And we hope to continue growing our MellowVibe.

WWD: Who have been your biggest musical inspirations and why?

It’s extremely varied, considering that I come from a very old-school French variety music background. But it would go from my uncle Felix Gray, because he passed on the passion for music to me, to Solomun, who was the first house/techno artist I followed and who really made me dive into this musical sphere. And a little mention for Eminem and Lil Wayne, who also influenced my adolescence and inevitably influenced my current musical genre.

WWD: What are your three essential tracks at the moment?

Obviously, ‘Long Kiss Goodnight,’ our last release with Juliann and Birds of Mind, which I play in almost all my sets. And then two more: a remix of ‘Notre Dame’ by Timbaland, and the latest track ‘Preach’ by Hot Since 82 with Ron Carroll, both of which always rock the crowd.

WWD: What is your current studio setup like?

My setup is quite simple: a synthesizer from Native Instruments, a TR-8S drum machine from Roland, an Apollo Twin sound card, and my Mac. You can find some shakers and small drums if you look around.

WWD: What music do you listen to outside of the electronic spectrum?

Rap and French variety music are most often in my ears. But I also enjoy some classics like Nina Simone, Sade, and James Brown. You’ll understand that it’s hard for me to make a logical Spotify playlist because I have a very diverse taste in music (haha).

WWD: What do you do to relax outside of the studio/DJ booth?

Seeing my family and friends, whom I don’t always have time to see when I’m on tour. Of course, while on tour, I love exploring cities, discovering restaurants and bars, and experiencing the life of different cultures. And of course, paddle tennis with friends is a great way to relax.

WWD: What was the last record that blew you away?

Nick Morgan recently released a track called ‘My Heart’ and it really blew me away because it was so good.

WWD: What can we expect from Ramyen in the coming months?

A busy summer tour, especially in Europe, every Tuesday with my brand Mellow at Pablo, as well as some Saturdays at Indie Beach in St. Tropez. A new concept of a podcast/filmed set/party on a boat on the Seine in Paris, a mix between a new media platform and a boat party, called Jolly Roger, which is a little baby of the Mellow team. Also, a few releases on super cool labels and other collaborations to come. It’s a packed schedule, and we’re very happy about it!

WWD: Sounds like you’ll be busy! Thanks for the chat, Ramyen! 

‘Long Kiss Goodnight’ is avalaible via Knee Deep In Sound here