Flux BPM Online Exclusive interview In Conversation With: DESYFER
Desyfer is a veteran DJ and music producer with over three decades in the electronic music scene. Renowned for his emotive blend of melodic techno and progressive house, he brings depth, atmosphere, and club energy to his sets. His monthly show, Into The Light on Proton Radio, highlights his forward-thinking selections and exclusive productions.
As a producer, Desyfer’s work has appeared on iconic labels like Black Hole Recordings, Magik Muzik, Sony, Ministry of Sound, and Solaris. He first gained recognition in the early 1990s with the track Phoenix – Rise Up, and has since earned global support from leading DJs including Sasha, John Digweed, and Paul Oakenfold. His releases have topped charts, with tracks like Falling Around Me, Paradise, and Do You Believe reaching notable positions on Beatport and the UK Top 100.
Performing across the world, from Eden Ibiza and Ultra Croatia to Ministry of Sound in London, Desyfer’s DJ sets are known for their melodic storytelling and adaptability to both intimate clubs and festival stages. With contributions to film soundtracks, advertising campaigns, and a legacy of influential releases, Desyfer continues to evolve while connecting generations of listeners through timeless electronic music.
Flux BPM Online is excited to present an exclusive interview with Desyfer, a veteran DJ and producer whose career spans over three decades in the electronic music scene. Known for his emotive blend of melodic techno and progressive house, Desyfer discusses the evolution of his sound, his creative process in the studio, and his approach to storytelling through both production and live DJ sets. We explore his collaboration with Sue McLaren on the track Gravity, insights into his sound design techniques, how he balances software and hardware in the studio, and his vision for the future of electronic music. Alongside sharing production tips and career advice for aspiring artists, Desyfer offers a heartfelt perspective on consistency, emotion, and connection as the foundations of a lasting musical legacy.
Stream & Buy Desyfer & Sue McLaren - Gravity
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Dimitris: How does your track Gravity with Sue McLaren reflect the evolution of your sound since you first started producing music?
DESYFER:When I first started producing, I was focused on making records that worked on the dancefloor. Over the years I've realised that the tracks people remember are the ones that make them feel something. Gravity represents that evolution perfectly. It still has the energy and groove needed for DJs, but emotionally it's on another level. Working with Sue McLaren allowed me to build the production around a vocal that genuinely tells a story rather than simply sitting on top of the music.
Dimitris: What specific sound design choices in this track highlight your growth as an artist?
DESYFER: I've become much more restrained. Earlier in my career I probably tried to fill every space, whereas now I'm happy to let the music breathe. The atmosphere comes from carefully layered pads, evolving textures and subtle movement rather than lots of individual elements competing for attention. Every sound has a purpose.
Dimitris: Which synthesizers, plugins, or software did you rely on most for crafting the core sounds of this track?
DESYFER: My productions are built primarily in Ableton and Logic Pro. I regularly use Serum, Komplete and Omnisphere alongside Logic's own instruments. For processing I rely on FabFilter, Valhalla reverbs, Soundtoys and various Waves plugins. It's never about using the newest plugin—it's about choosing the right sound that serves the emotion of the record.
Dimitris: How do you integrate hardware synthesizers or drum machines with your software setup during production?
DESYFER: These days my workflow is primarily in-the-box because software has become so powerful that it allows me to move quickly without interrupting the creative flow. That speed means ideas are captured while they're fresh, which is incredibly important when inspiration strikes. That said, I still love bringing hardware into the process. The Vector Synth is an absolute joy to experiment with and can produce some wonderfully unexpected textures, while the Arturia MicroFreak is brilliant for creating quirky sequences and evolving sounds that I might not have discovered otherwise. I also use Ableton Push as a more hands-on way of developing ideas, playing melodies and experimenting with rhythms. For me, it's about combining the flexibility of software with the spontaneity and fun that hardware brings to the creative process.
Dimitris: Can you walk us through your process for designing the lead melody or bassline—what tools, both hardware and software, did you use?
DESYFER: Everything starts with emotion. I'll usually begin on the piano, finding a chord progression that creates the feeling I'm looking for. Once that emotional foundation is there, the lead melody naturally follows. The bassline is designed to support both the groove and the harmony, locking everything together without overpowering the vocal.
Dimitris: How has your use of effects processing—whether through analog gear or digital plugins—evolved, and how did it shape the atmosphere of this track?
DESYFER: I've learned that effects should enhance rather than distract. Automation plays a huge role in my productions now. Reverbs open up at key moments, delays evolve naturally, filters build anticipation and subtle modulation keeps sounds moving without listeners necessarily noticing why the track feels alive.
Dimitris: Did you experiment with any new sound design techniques, such as granular synthesis, resampling, or analog modulation, in this production?
DESYFER: Rather than chasing unusual techniques, I focused on refining what already works. The biggest experimentation came from layering multiple textures together and constantly adjusting automation throughout the arrangement so the track feels like it's evolving from beginning to end.
Dimitris: How do you approach layering sounds to create depth and texture, and what specific methods or hardware did you apply in this track?
DESYFER: I like each layer to occupy its own frequency range and serve a different purpose. One pad might provide warmth, another movement, another width. When they're blended carefully, they create a much bigger sound than any single synth could achieve on its own.
Dimitris: Were there any challenges in syncing hardware with your DAW or achieving a cohesive mix between analog and digital elements? How did you overcome them?
DESYFER: The biggest challenge was making sure Sue's incredible vocal remained the emotional centrepiece while still delivering enough power for club systems. That balance took plenty of refinement, but it was worth every minute because the vocal and production now complement each other rather than competing.
Dimitris: When listeners hear this track, what subtle sound design details or hardware-driven elements do you hope they’ll notice that reflect your technical growth as a producer?
DESYFER: I hope listeners notice how the track slowly unfolds. There are small evolving textures, background harmonics and tiny automation changes that reveal themselves after repeated listens. Those details aren't there to show off production skills—they're there to make the record feel more human and immersive.
Dimitris: Looking ahead, we're curious about your aspirations. What exciting plans and ambitions are on the horizon for you?
DESYFER: The momentum has been incredible over the past couple of years. I've now achieved sixteen UK Official Chart Top 100 singles, and my focus is continuing to push that even further. Alongside new releases, I'm building the DESYFER brand internationally through more radio support, live performances and collaborations.
Dimitris: What are your future plans in terms of new releases, collaborations, or live performances?
DESYFER: There's plenty of new music on the way, including more original material alongside carefully selected collaborations with exceptional vocalists. I'm also looking forward to playing more festivals and club events while continuing to grow my monthly Proton Radio show.
Dimitris: Are there any collaborations you dream of, either with other artists or brands, that you haven’t yet explored?
DESYFER: There are so many talented artists I'd love to work with. Creatively, artists like Yotto, Sasha, Lane 8 and David Guetta have all influenced me in different ways. Vocally, I love working with singers who can genuinely move people emotionally, just as Sue McLaren has done on Gravity.
Dimitris: What role do you think AI technology plays in the future of electronic music production, and have you experimented with it?
DESYFER: AI is an incredible creative tool when it's used to enhance ideas rather than replace them. I already use AI for brainstorming, artwork concepts, marketing ideas and improving workflow. Ultimately though, emotion, storytelling and human experience are things technology can't replicate, and that's what connects people to music.
Dimitris: What message would you like to share with your fans and the broader EDM community about your journey and vision?
DESYFER: Success rarely happens overnight. I've spent years consistently releasing music, learning, improving and believing in the long-term vision. My goal has never been to chase trends—it's been to create timeless records that people still connect with years later.
Dimitris: How do you maintain a balance between your personal life and your music career?
DESYFER: I'm fortunate because music never feels like work. Alongside being an artist, I'm also a mental health counsellor, and that actually helps keep me grounded. Both careers are ultimately about connecting with people emotionally, just in different ways.
Dimitris: What advice would you give to aspiring DJs and producers looking to make their mark in the industry?
DESYFER: Consistency beats talent if talent isn't consistent. Finish music, release it, learn from every record and keep improving. Build genuine relationships within the industry, be patient, and remember that careers are built over years—not weeks.
Dimitris: Can you walk us through your DJing process—from track selection to live mixing? How do you curate a set that resonates with different audiences?
DESYFER: I always prepare extensively before a performance, but I never over-plan. I use Rekordbox to organise all my promos and new music, analysing the key, BPM and energy levels of each track. From there, I'll take them onto my decks and spend time mixing different combinations together, developing playlists that flow naturally and tell a story. That preparation gives me a solid foundation, but once I'm in front of a crowd, I want the flexibility to read the room and adapt. My sets are built around creating a journey with emotion, energy and dynamics rather than simply playing one big track after another. If people leave remembering how the set made them feel, then I've done my job.
Dimitris: How do you manage the creative balance between producing new tracks in the studio and preparing for high-energy DJ gigs?
DESYFER: They feed each other perfectly. Time in the studio develops ideas that I can test live, while every DJ set teaches me something about energy, pacing and what connects with an audience.
Dimitris: Does your approach to music production change based on the feedback or experiences you gain from live performances?
DESYFER: Absolutely. Playing to different audiences constantly teaches me about arrangement, tension, release and emotional impact. Every performance becomes valuable research that influences the next production.
Dimitris: Please tell us your final statement to our readers who will read this interview.
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your journey, insights, and experiences with us. Your thoughtful responses will surely inspire and resonate with fans and fellow artists alike. We truly appreciate your contribution to the electronic music community and look forward to witnessing your continued success!
DESYFER: Firstly, thank you to Flux BPM for inviting me to share my story. I'd also like to thank everyone who's supported my journey so far—from the DJs who play my music, to the radio stations, labels and, most importantly, the listeners. Every stream, every download and every message means more than people realise. I genuinely believe the best is still to come, and I can't wait to share the next chapter with everyone.
Through this in-depth conversation, Desyfer reveals the passion and discipline that have driven his remarkable journey—from early chart-topping releases to global performances and his acclaimed monthly show, Into The Light on Proton Radio. His emphasis on emotional resonance, measured sound design, and audience connection illustrates why his music continues to inspire both fans and fellow producers. As he looks ahead to new collaborations, releases, and live events, Desyfer remains committed to creating timeless electronic music that transcends trends and connects generations of listeners. Thank you for joining us for this inspiring interview with one of electronic music’s most dedicated storytellers. Thanks so much to Stuart at FSOE for organizing this interview and thanks to Desyfer for his answers and his great guest mix that will be streamed on 1mix and Evosonic Radio soon.
Buy / Stream Desyfer and Sue McLaren - Gravity
Click Here to Access the Full Release Options
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