interview & art:cast °173 | Immersif

Immersif, the Marseille-based DJ and music producer, has quickly emerged as a dynamic force in the electronic music scene. Known for his eclectic taste and a deep passion for both vinyl and digital formats, Immersif co-founded Sarturan, a record label, collective, and event series, which officially launched on December 31, 2022. His love for music began long before that, however, as he grew up surrounded by the vibrant club culture of his hometown. Immersif’s first encounter with electronic music at the Delta Festival sparked a revelation that led him to dive deeper into the scene. His track “Purple Trip,” released on Sarturan, highlights his versatile production style and serves as a testament to his ability to blend accessibility with electronic depth.

While his journey into music began with influences like Kings of Tomorrow and a familial connection to the Marseille nightlife, Immersif also finds balance as a dentist-in-training, meticulously combining the precision required in dentistry with the creativity and experimentation of music production. His unique ability to merge these two worlds has made him a standout artist in both arenas. As he continues to produce, collaborate, and organize events under Sarturan, his influence in Southern France’s electronic music scene continues to grow, gaining recognition from both local and international audiences.

Torture the Artist: Hello Ulysse, tell us something about your day.

Immersif: Hi there! Since I’m on holiday, I’ve chosen to take things slow and enjoy some much-needed downtime. I start my morning with a good workout, spend time with friends and family, and finish my day working on new music ideas—blowing off some steam and relaxing.

Torture the Artist: It’s been a few weeks since your track “Purple Trip” was released on your label Sarturan. Let’s talk a bit about Sarturan, which is a label as well as a collective and event series. How and when did Sarturan come about?

Immersif: Officially, Sarturan was born on December 31st, 2022, with a massive opening party we organized in a beautiful jungle-like glasshouse. But the adventure started a decade ago. We are a group of close friends who met during our studies and share the same passion for electronic music. After years of DJing here and there, mostly in Marseille, we wanted to solidify our vision with concrete projects, and that’s why we decided to create Sarturan as a structure.

Vinyl feels like a real achievement—holding in your hands the result of the long journey leading up to the release of the tracks.

Torture the Artist: The Various Artists EP “Sarturan Vol. 12 came out in July and was the first vinyl release of the label after an EP from your partner RVR called “Milkyway”. Is vinyl going to be the preferred medium for Sarturan, or are you planning to continue with both digital and vinyl releases?

Immersif: Well, we know that both types of releases reach different audiences, and that’s why we’d like to continue releasing both digitally and on vinyl. Vinyl feels like a real achievement—holding in your hands the result of the long journey leading up to the release of the tracks. But digital is more accessible, which is why it’s also an important medium for us.

Torture the Artist: As mentioned, you started the vinyl output with a Various Artists EP. Is that going to be your preferred format, or are you also focusing on single-artist EPs?

Immersif: With Sarturan Records, we wanted to highlight artists from our crew as well as external ones, from our native area of Southern France but also artists from across the country and beyond. We enjoy the Various Artists EP format because it allows us to showcase several artists at once, but we also appreciate the single-artist EP format, which provides more room and depth for the featured DJ, as we did with RVR a year ago.

Torture the Artist: From events to a label, what made you decide to take this step, and are you focusing more on one or continuing with both?

Immersif: We’re music lovers, so sharing the music we love is important to us. Working on creating music has been at the core of what we’ve been doing for years. But we also enjoy organizing events from start to finish, offering high-quality sound systems, lineups, and creating the right atmosphere for a party. We try to balance both aspects and work hard on different projects on both fronts.

Torture the Artist: You are based in Marseille. How and when did you first encounter electronic music, and what made you decide to become involved with the scene?

Immersif: My first encounter with electronic music that truly resonated with me was at the Delta Festival in Marseille about three years ago. There was a smaller stage dedicated to local collectives, and I remember being blown away by a B2B set from Jo’z and Lemon. Their performance was a revelation—funky, electronic, and full of energy. The crowd was smiling, and the atmosphere was electric. That moment made me realize I wanted to be part of this world and contribute to the electronic music scene.

Torture the Artist: What were those house tracks that instantly remind you of when you first started and hold a special meaning for you?

Immersif: I started exploring music on my own quite early, though music was always playing at home while I was growing up. One house track that stands out is “Fall for You” by Kings of Tomorrow. I remember, maybe 15 years ago, my older brother Nicolas used to DJ at the Whisky Bar in the Trolleybus Nightclub, and when he came home, he’d share his latest discoveries. That track stayed with me—it was one of the first house tracks that introduced me to the genre.

Torture the Artist: Since your family used to run a lot of clubs in Marseille, did they support your decision to become an active part of the nightlife too?

Immersif: They’ve been incredibly supportive and genuinely curious about my involvement in this new adventure. They want to know everything, watch videos of the latest parties, and follow the music creation process—they’re enthusiastic! Les chiens ne font pas des chats.

It was a natural progression rather than something I was pushed into.

Torture the Artist: Coming from a family where nightclubs played a significant role, did that pressure you into getting involved with music, or did it encourage you?

Immersif: There was no pressure to get involved with music—quite the opposite. From a young age, my parents took my sister and me everywhere with them, whether to festivals, restaurants, birthdays, or barbecues. I was always quietly observing everything. I also studied music theory and played guitar, piano, and drums. It was a natural progression rather than something I was pushed into.

Torture the Artist: When did you start going to clubs, and who were your favorite DJs?

Immersif: At first, it wasn’t really about the music—it was more about going out and having fun. But as I got older and my musical tastes matured, I started appreciating certain places more. One standout was Baby Nightclub, an iconic spot in Marseille’s underground music scene.

Torture the Artist: Purple Trip is your first and only release so far. What else do you have in store, and when can we expect more music?

Immersif: During the COVID-19 lockdown, I discovered Ableton Live and started producing music about four years ago. My computer is full of drafts and early versions of my tracks. Purple Trip is one that I finally finished! It’s an accessible electronic track that reflects the label’s spirit and my pop influences. Since its release, several labels from Europe have reached out, so you’ll likely hear more soon!

Torture the Artist: What do you enjoy about producing music, and who listens to your finished tracks first?

Immersif: The creative process is always full of trial and error. You try a new bassline, switch instruments, raise the octave, add drums… I get into a hyper-focused state, feeling completely immersed. It’s incredibly calming until someone yells at me to turn down the volume! <laughs> Once the track is done, I share it with friends from the label, and we listen together while mixing. It’s exciting to hear their reactions, especially when they notice the small details I spent hours perfecting.

Making music on my own is a deeply personal process where I can fully express my vision.

Torture the Artist: Do you prefer producing music alone or collaborating with someone?

Immersif: Making music on my own is a deeply personal process where I can fully express my vision. But collaborating with others can lead me in directions I wouldn’t have explored on my own. I’ve made tracks with friends from the label, and those were some of the most fun and enjoyable moments. It really depends on my mood—I love both approaches.

Torture the Artist: Who would you like to work with in the studio, and why?

Immersif: Right now, I’m into energetic, minimalistic music with big kicks, snares, 606 cymbals, and retro synths. It creates a haunted house or Game Boy boss-level vibe. Artists like Quest, Juaan, Carrau, Poggio, and Munir Nadir inspire me, but Samuel Jabba is the one who really gets me out of bed in the morning. I love his spooky universe.

Torture the Artist: Besides music, you’re studying to become a dentist. Is music a compensation for your profession, or is dentistry your first love?

Immersif: Dentistry and music balance each other out for me. Dentistry is structured, precise, and requires focus, which I enjoy. Music taps into my creative side and lets me unwind. It’s not just a compensation for work—music has always been a passion that brings me real fulfillment. So, while I’m committed to dentistry, music will always be there. In fact, it’s even present in the office sometimes!

Torture the Artist: What aspect of your job or studies complements your artistic side?

Immersif: Definitely the focus and attention to detail. Dentistry requires precision, and every small adjustment can make a big difference in the final outcome. It’s the same with music production—tiny tweaks in a track can have a significant impact on the overall sound. The meticulous nature of dental work has definitely sharpened my ability to pay attention to those subtle details in the studio.

Torture the Artist: Why is the nightlife in Marseille, and the city itself, worth visiting? Where should people go?

Immersif: Marseille is a city full of character, with a rich history and culture. There’s so much to experience, from the peaceful beaches and calanques to the bustling areas like Cours Julien and Le Vieux Port. The energy here is unique, and the electronic music scene is thriving with lots of collectives and labels keeping it alive. Shout out to Planète 51, Kinetic Toys, in:Time, Ratz, Paccalo, and Kumquat—there’s always something exciting happening here.

It’s all about spreading happiness.

Torture the Artist: What “trip” do you still want to take?

Immersif: I love this question! I’m really looking forward to finishing my studies and helping my patients achieve their perfect smiles. In a way, the label, music, and the joy of partying bring smiles to people’s faces, too. Whether in the dental office or at a party, it’s all about spreading happiness. I’m not sure exactly where this path will take me, but as long as I’m happy and the people I care about are too, I know I’m headed in the right direction.

Words by Holger Breuer

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