Q & A
Saeed Younan - A world class globe-trotting DJ, a recording artist, a sought-after remix producer, and head of his own record label, Saeed Younan has excelled as a true artist in the global dance scene. Without showing complacency, Saeed Younan does not cease to amaze, always looking to astound.
A native of Washington DC (from a middle-eastern descent), Younan grew up listening to a variety of ethnic music. As a result, his musical sound resonates with percolating beats and sonic grooves. His production have been dubbed “timeless” by top DJs and even referred to as a “change of heart for dance music.”
Q&A by Uri Dalal
Q: I suppose my first question is one I regularly pose to myself as a working DJ with fans: How do you deal with the pressure to 'out-do' yourself gig after gig, set after set, or in this case; the follow-up to your 'Spotlight' album?
Well, I think the first step is…not to see it as “pressure to out-do”, but as a productive challenge. I enjoy challenging and pushing myself so I can master the craft. Just like music and music technology in general….I’m also changing and evolve with time…and getting better while doing it. I guess you just have to have the drive in order to keep pushing yourself.
Q: Part two to the first question: When recording a mixed cd/album, do you base it on a favorite live set or are you given a list of tracks to choose from by the label?
I screen though countless tracks before mixing an album. I base my mix on what I would normally play during a live performances. For example, in Spotlight 2. I focused on what I would play during a peak time set on any given night. But I also try to picture the perfect night with the perfect vibe, and try to base my mix on that.
Q: Have you found the answer to what will keep you going in the future?
Well, in the past year or so, I started seeing things differently. I learned that all there really is…is the present moment. In order to be successful in the future, you must be fulfilled with the “now”. Also understanding that the future is right here and right now, and there is really nothing to chase after.
But I would also like to add that Music is something that keeps me going, and has been keeping me going for over 20 years now. I love hearing new ideas, new sounds, and new technology. I get excited when listening to younger producers coming out with crazy elements and ideas for producing tracks…that also keeps me going.
Q: You've probably been asked this thousands of times, but no dance music fan ever tires of hearing the answer, who are your biggest influences be it musical or personal?
I think most people know that Danny Tenaglia was the biggest influence on my sound. He was the first DJ I heard playing Percussive and tribal house back in the early 90’s at Twilo NY. That was the sound I fell in love with, I guess it also has to do with my background. Being born in Iraq and around music that’s full of percussive beats and tribal rhythms, really set the path for my sound as well.
Q: When I told several of your fans I would be posing a few questions to you, everyone wanted to ask you something, but the one that stood out in my mind was 'What has influenced the change in your sound which was significantly different from when you started'?
I think technology plays a big roll in the influence of my sound. With all the new plugins and software, you can’t help but experiment with different sounds and samples. I feel that my sound still carries that same groove that people know me for. It’s still got the percussive elements and nastiness the sexiness…but with a new school flava of programming and producing those beats.
Q: How does this album differ from any others you have released and what makes it different? What makes it better?
The first Spotlight album, which came out in 2007 featured mainly tracks from artist on my label, Younan Music.
I wanted to introduce the label and my artist to the “non-dj world”. The best way to do that is with a Mixed album which included some of our hottest tracks on Younan Music. Hence the name Spotlight.
Spotlight 2 focuses more on my skills as a DJ and producer. I’ve compiled a mix that takes you in my world as it currently stands.
Drums, bass lines, grooves, percussions, rhythms…it’s all here and it’s what I’m all about.
Q: Are there any tracks on this album you consider focal points or really significant in context to live sets?
All the track on this album carries something special. But if I had to pick one. I would say “Kumbalha”. Reason is….Kumbalha is one of the tracks that shows how my sound has progressed over the years. It represents what I play now very well. It sill has the percussive elements and tribal feel that most people associate my style with. But with a more Techhouse and Techno feel. Which is the direction I’m heading into these days.
Q: Are there any mixes on this album you came up with during a live set and where?
The whole album was practically mixed live before putting the tracks together for the final mix. I played all the tracks out during my travels to test and see which ones work well together. All the tracks on the album have had the road test..as I like to call it.
Q: Where are your most favorite places to spin? I was blown away by the crowd response to your Colombian video those kids are GREAT!!
Yes…Colombians have always been very receptive to my sound. I love playing in South America. They really feel my groove and understand the vibe I’m trying to portray during my shows. Europe, Asia, North Africa, and the Americas have all been great for me in the past as well. I look forward to going back to these places during the Spotlight 2 Album Tour.
