Introducing Local DJ, a Paris-based electronic music producer and DJ known for his environmentally conscious approach to music and life. With a passion for blending the fun of DJ culture with political statements, his choice of the name “Local DJ” reflects both his commitment to promoting sustainability and his desire to work within his local community. Avoiding air travel and focusing on collaborations close to home, Local DJ has carved out a distinct niche in the burgeoning Parisian minimal scene.
A prolific producer, he runs his own label, re:earth, which has become a platform for showcasing his own work as well as that of emerging artists like Fjeldheim. His sound is characterized by a signature funkiness and a love for using vocoder effects, elements that stand out in his latest EP, “Cosmic Scene,” released on the Parisian label ANTAM. He has also previously collaborated with Phil Evan’s Freizeit Records, further establishing his presence in the European underground music scene.
In this interview, Local DJ shares insights into his creative process, his passion for music production, and the challenges of balancing an artistic vision with a strong ecological message. Join us as we delve into the mind of one of Paris’ most exciting underground talents, whose work is a testament to the intersection of art, activism, and music.
Torture the Artist: Hello Charly, tell us something about your day.
Local DJ: Hi! I started my morning with a visit to my favorite coffee shop—there’s nothing better than a good old cup of coffee to kick things off.
I’ve stopped flying to reduce my carbon footprint and now focus on working with people nearby.
Torture the Artist: Before we dive into your music, how did you come up with the name “Local DJ”? Was it initially a clever party trick, having your name appear on event flyers?
Local DJ: The name “Local DJ” came from my concern for the environment. I try to promote sustainability through my music and lifestyle. It’s a playful name, but it also carries a political message. For instance, I’ve stopped flying to reduce my carbon footprint and now focus on working with people nearby.
Torture the Artist: Based in Paris, within the flourishing minimal scene, when did you first encounter electronic music, and what drew you to become an active part of it?
Local DJ: I’ve been producing music for a long time, but my close friends and artists like 192 mbh really fueled my passion for DJing, digging, and rave culture. I feel like the scene is almost complete again as a full-fledged culture. There’s a strong sense of community now—sound systems, safe parties, good DJs—but we’re still missing the connection with dance. There are house dancers, but they aren’t fully integrated into the underground electronic scene yet.
Torture the Artist: What are three tracks that shaped your early days in the scene, and where did you first hear them?
Local DJ: I’d say B. Love, Pierre Marty, and Sweely had a huge influence on me. You can find them here:
Torture the Artist: As a non-local, what clubs, events, or DJs/artists would you recommend in Paris?
Local DJ: In Paris, it’s more about collectives than specific venues. Everything depends on the moment and what’s happening, but I can give you some names: Vibrason, Azi Chuicho, Foret à l’ouest, Claclaclac, Micromat, With-us, and of course, Gadgetodjs.
Torture the Artist: What’s your favorite non-nightlife spot in the city?
Local DJ: You can check out my personal favorite here.
I’ve always enjoyed using my voice as an instrument.
Torture the Artist: Let’s talk about your music. Your new EP, “Cosmic Scene,” is about to be released on the Parisian label ANTAM, and it highlights your preference for funkiness and the use of vocoder. Where does your love for vocoders come from?
Local DJ: I’ve always enjoyed using my voice as an instrument. Sometimes it’s easier for me to create something with my voice than to design a sound on a synth. There’s a track by Mr. IRL that deeply inspired me and pushed me to explore modulating voices more seriously. Nowadays, though, I’m experimenting with other forms of distortion—no more vocoding! <winks>
Torture the Artist: The “funkiness” in your sound is unmistakable and sets your music apart from much of what’s being released today. Where does this signature sound come from, and how does it shape your production process?
Local DJ: A friend once told me that our ears and brains are like sponges—we absorb music and then squeeze it out in our own way. I don’t overthink my sound; I just make music. Constraints often shape and define my sound design, limiting it in creative ways.
Torture the Artist: Be honest, we all have that one track we love more than the others. What’s your favorite track from the EP, and why?
Local DJ: My favorite is “Da Neon Scene.” It stands out for its simplicity and pop-like appeal.
Torture the Artist: When did you produce the tracks for the EP, and what stage of your artistic development do they represent?
Local DJ: I wrote these tracks last summer, meaning in 2023. I was inspired by a new label called Airfunk and their concept of highlighting pop music within the underground scene. I decided to try something in that direction, and I think it turned out well. This EP feels fresh and easy-listening for house heads.
Torture the Artist: With this release, are you aiming to move beyond being “Local DJ” to becoming “International DJ,” or will that happen with the music you’re producing with Natebytheway? <winks>
Local DJ: Haha, I only DJ for the neighbors! Working with Nate has been more about co-experimentation with workflow and production. We actually met through Dylan from the YouTube channel Goodtunes97, who released two of my previous EPs. Nate was in Berlin at the time, so we just clicked and started producing together.
There’s always a sweet spot for each sound.
Torture the Artist: When you’re in the studio, how do you typically get started? Are your tracks the result of jam sessions, or do you have a specific approach?
Local DJ: It’s mostly sample-based, so there’s a lot of randomness involved. I usually start with an idea that isn’t quite right, and I keep refining it until something clicks. I’m not afraid to delete things—I might keep just the bassline or a few drum elements. For me, there’s always a sweet spot for each sound, and I like to have a question-answer structure within the instruments to create dynamics.
Torture the Artist: What’s your go-to synthesizer right now, and which track of yours showcases it best?
Local DJ: The Moog Grandmother—pretty much all my basslines come from it!
Torture the Artist: If money weren’t a factor, what musical extravaganza would you invest in?
Local DJ: I’d love to build a massive, acoustically treated studio with sun-filled windows. That would be the dream!
Torture the Artist: Every artist experiences creative blocks. How do you overcome them?
Local DJ: I just keep at it and let life unfold. Sometimes, inspiration comes when you least expect it.
Torture the Artist: You run your own label, re:earth, on which you have released two own EPs as well as a four tracker from Fjeldheim, which makes it three EPs since 2022. What’s next for the label and are you thinking of upping the number of releases per year on the label?
Local DJ: We’ve got a various artists release in the works for R004. I’m definitely pushing the label forward, and I’d like to take it more seriously in the future.
Torture the Artist: Your release on ANTAM is only your second EP not released on your own label. The first was with Freizeit Records. What made you work with Bassam and Antoine Sy for their tenth EP?
Local DJ: We connected on Instagram. Maybe you should ask them why they wanted to work with me! <laughs>
Torture the Artist: Is there a label you’d love to release music on?
Local DJ: I’d love to do another release with Freizeit. Phil has been wonderful to work with, and I’d love to make some more great tunes for him.
Torture the Artist: Finally, what would your customized neon sign say?
Local DJ: That’s a tough one… maybe “Book Me!” <laughs>
Words by Holger Breuer
Torture the Artist 