Dorian Craft, from Cannes to the world

“While it is exciting to be part of current musical movements, I believe that creating timeless music involves moving beyond the ephemeral nature of trends. My main goal is to produce music that resonates with listeners on a deep and lasting level.”

This phrase reflects very well the artistic moment that French DJ and producer Dorian Craft is experiencing, an artist who grew up on the sun-kissed shores of the French Riviera, in Cannes, but who today is paving his way to carve his name on the electronic scene.

“The city’s dynamic cultural scene, including its connection to cinema, gave me a unique perspective on the intersection of different art forms,” he highlights.

With a career that spans for more than 12 years, Dorian has found himself musically and today owns a unique sound that blends organic rhythms, captivating vocals and uplifting melodies, opting for an eclectic soundscape that easily wins the minds and hearts of those who listen to his music.

His talent has already gained support from the likes of Black Coffee, Bedouin, Maceo Plex and Nic Fanciulil, while his songs have been signed by MoBlack, Frau Blau, Radiant and Connected - but only now, after absorbing experience from all sides of the creative industry, is that he released his most important and significant work so far: the album Temporary Bliss, on Diversions Music, by Oxia and Nicolas Masseyeff.

Seeking to escape trends and create work that remains marked in time, Dorian states: “An album allows listeners to engage with a more extended narrative, providing a deeper connection to the music. It’s an opportunity for them to immerse themselves in a cohesive body of work that reflects my evolution as an artist”.

And it is in this deep dive into Temporary Bliss that we invite you to listen to the album in its entirety while you check out this great interview we had with him.

Hello, Dorian! It’s a pleasure to have you for this new cover star of Mixmag. What have you done lately? What have been your priorities at your current moment in life?

Hey guys, thanks for having me! 2023 has been an incredible year… I made my debut at Tomorrowland in July and played different new countries I have never been to before.

Production wise, several projects are in the pipelines for 2024, including a collab track for January with Re.You on Azzur and an EP for February on Human Default plus the album remixes for March.

We’d like to know about the beginning of your story… Despite currently living in Paris, you are originally from Cannes, in the South of France. Was that where you started your music career? Did cinema, which is very strong in that region, have any influence on this?

I believe that growing up in Cannes, a city renowned for its vibrant cinema culture, has in a way influenced my artistic journey.

The rich cultural atmosphere, the events surrounding the Cannes Film Festival and the summer season have undoubtedly shaped my appreciation for the music industry.

Cannes has been for a while on the clubbers map, with its incredible line ups between 2006 and 2015.

While the cinematic backdrop of Cannes has been an inspiration, my journey into DJing stems from a personal passion for music. I’ve always been captivated by the way music can evoke emotions and create memorable experiences.

The city’s dynamic cultural scene, including its connection to cinema, has provided me with a unique perspective on the intersection of different art forms… and if you listen to the conclusion track of the album “Temporary Bliss”, couldn’t it be a nice movie song?

Your first productions were more focused on Tech House, but at some point, around 2016 and 2017, your music began to take on a deeper, melodic, progressive and organic look… What was this sound transition like for you? Did any experience along the way play a role in this change?

In the early years of my DJ career, my sound was deeply rooted in the energetic and rhythmic vibes of tech house.

I was drawn to its pulsating beats and minimalistic yet impactful elements, which resonated well with the audiences I played for.

This phase allowed me to establish a strong foundation and connect with the crowd through the infectious energy that tech house brings to the dance floor.

The transition from tech house to a more melodic / afro sound allowed me to explore a broader range of styles.

It opened up new possibilities for storytelling through my sets, creating a more immersive and emotionally resonant experience for my crowd.

While my roots in tech house remain a part of my musical identity, the incorporation of melodic elements has added a new dimension to my performances.

I still like to add some tech house spices when i play long sets, to bring the energy up and the smiles.

This evolution reflects my commitment to staying dynamic and responsive to the ever-changing landscape of electronic music.

It’s not just a shift in style but a reflection of my personal growth as an artist, always striving to offer fresh and compelling musical journeys to my audience.

Throughout this journey of almost 15 years, was there a song you released that had a more special meaning or was important in getting you to the stage you are at today?

Over my nearly 15-year journey as a DJ, I think ‘Canta’ stands out as having significant meaning and playing a pivotal role in my career for several reasons.

At the time of its release, I was experimenting with the afro / melodic genre. It marked a departure from my previous work, showcasing a new direction that I was eager to explore. The track not only resonated with me on a personal level but also represented a turning point in how I approached my craft.

What made ‘Canta’ particularly special was also the positive response from the audience and the support it garnered from the industry, especially from Black Coffee when i played it before him at a gig during the Cannes film festival.

Since that I’m happy to continuously receive his support on my work and we have created a great relationship.

We have now arrived at the important moment, where just a few days ago you released your first album, Temporary Bliss, which will certainly be marked in your history. When exactly did the LP start to take shape? What motivated you to create it?

Releasing an album is a significant step in an artist’s career, often representing a consolidation of creative work and a desire to show versatility, a more comprehensive artistic statement. At the early steps of the creative process, the album idea was not very clear in my mind. I had several tracks, partially done but not fitting together.

I reached a point in my career where I had accumulated a body of work that I believed told a larger story. Each track I had produced up to that point contributed to a narrative, and an album provided the ideal canvas to weave these musical threads together. It allowed me to showcase the diversity of my sound, from the earlier tech house days to the more melodic / afro and even indie experimental phases.

I was in a mindset of improving my craft, bringing something different and out of the trends, something that defined my vision of the electronic music palette. Then the idea of the album grew in me after the 7th track and was all of sudden relevant.

The album format offered me the opportunity to delve deeper into my artistic vision. It provided the space to explore new sonic landscapes, experiment with different styles, and express a broader range of emotions. This creative freedom was something I had been yearning for, and the LP provided the perfect platform for this exploration.

I also wanted to give my audience a more substantial and lasting experience. While individual tracks, EPs are essential, an album allows listeners to engage with a more extended narrative, providing a deeper connection to the music. I’m grateful to Nicolas Masseyeff and Oxia who felt connected with it and made the project happen.

You said you would like this work to “last over time and break away from any trend”. Was this your main objective in conceiving the LP? Is there any other message behind the album that you sought to convey?

Yes, making music that stands the test of time and transcends passing trends has always been a primary objective for me.

While it’s exciting to be part of current musical movements, I believe that creating timeless music involves going beyond the ephemeral nature of trends.

My main goal is to produce music that resonates with listeners on a deep and enduring level. I want my sound to have a lasting impact, something that people can connect with not just in the present moment but for years to come.

By aiming to break away from trends, I strive to craft a sound that is authentic, unique, and not bound by the constraints of what may be popular today.

Beyond the sonic exploration and artistic evolution represented in the album, i wanted the listener to enjoy a collection of track they’ll be able to listen at any moments of the day: They ll find a song for differents moods, the morning before going at the office or at the night before raving (or eventually at the rave) :-)

I believe that music has the power to evoke emotions and create memories that can endure over time. By focusing on creating a sound that is true to my artistic vision rather than chasing trends, I hope to contribute to a musical legacy that remains relevant and appreciated beyond the ever-changing landscape of the industry.

Building an album is always challenging. During this process, what were the most special moments for you? After all, there are several different partnerships, ideas and vibes throughout Temporary Bliss… what would you highlight from this period?

The process of building ‘Temporary Bliss’ was indeed a transformative and rewarding journey, filled with special moments that defined the album’s unique character.

One of the most remarkable aspects of this period was the collaborative spirit that fueled the entire project.

Collaborating with artists I love like Tosz, Chambord, Santi or Nico and Jono was a highlight for me. Their unique perspectives and artistic contributions brought a richness to the album that I couldn’t have achieved alone.

Each collaboration had its own story, (Nicolas Masseyeff is also from Cannes and was kind of a mentor in my early dj/producer days while Chambord were resident DJs at the same club as me few years ago in Paris for exemple…) and the synergy that emerged during these partnerships added layers of depth and diversity to the overall sound of the album.

Exploring new ideas and pushing creative boundaries was another exhilarating aspect of the album’s creation. I wanted each track to be a sonic adventure, and the experimentation with different sounds, production techniques, and musical styles resulted in moments of sheer inspiration.

But it was never with ups and downs, and of course that moment when you wonder “Should I ?”. Neuromantika for example is a fusion between 3 different genres projects, and was far from the final result. The xylophone melody was initially a piano midi track that by mistake went into a sampler…

The variety of vibes throughout ‘Temporary Bliss’ was intentional, reflecting the range of emotions and experiences that shaped the album.

From the introspective and emotive tracks to the more energetic and dance-oriented beats, every moment in the album has a purpose.

Lately there has been a lot of talk about originality and innovation in music, as we are experiencing a market that is increasingly “saturated” with music producers, with sounds sounding increasingly similar. What is your view on this? How to stay relevant in today’s industry?

First and foremost, I believe authenticity is key. It’s essential to stay true to your unique artistic voice and perspective. While it’s tempting to follow trends, genuine originality often emerges from an authentic connection to your own creative instincts.

It’s ok to divide, it’s ok to not please everyone and it’s ok if people don’t feel your work. Audiences are drawn to artists who bring something distinctive to the table, take risks and maintain authenticity which is a powerful way to stand out in a crowded field… How many times i’ve heard “don’t do an album, it’s old fashioned”...

Embracing a spirit of curiosity, questioning and being open to evolving your sound can lead to discoveries that you wouldn’t have expected.

Talking a little about the electronic scene in your country... analyzing the current crop of French artists, which names deserve the most attention in your opinion?

In the current landscape of the French electronic music scene, there are several artists who have been making notable contributions. While the dynamics of the scene can evolve, a few names that, in my opinion, have garnered significant attention, like Notre Dame. I really like his work at the moment, especially his remix of RY X’s “Lençóis”.

I could also talk about Nico De Andrea, (also from Cannes) who has a beautiful album in the pipelines, or Maga who does a great job with his crew from Scenarios. You should also have an eye on my guy Baron who’s cooking something with Get Physical and with whom I have an EP ready for February on Bedouin’s Human Default.

We have noticed that this sound line around Afro/Organic House has been gaining more and more space in the industry through names like Black Coffee, Keinemusik and others… Do you also see it that way?

Certainly, Black Coffee has played a significant role in popularizing and shaping the afro house sound. He gave the opportunity to many african producers to also show their talent and bring the incredible legacy of african music to the world which is definitely a rich addition to our industry.

Black Coffee’s or KM success has not only influenced the broader music industry but has also inspired other artists to explore and incorporate elements of afro/organic house into their own work.

This ability to seamlessly fuse cultural influences with modern production techniques has resonated with audiences worldwide, bringing attention to the richness and diversity of afro house.

And finally, now that we’re approaching the end of the year and you’ve released your album, what are your plans for 2024 and beyond? Thank you, Dorian!

Well, I’ll start 2024 with a set in Punta Mita alongside Notre Dame followed by a quick tour between the US and Mexico.

I also have several originals and remixes set to release for the first quarter of the year including that dancefloors killer EP with Baron on Human Default and various exciting projects you’ll be aware of soon!

Follow Dorian Craft on: Instagram | Soundcloud | Beatport