Russia is a huge country. It is the largest country on the planet, and has some of the coolest cities on earth. Places like Moscow are tourist destinations for millions of people every year, and the thought of standing in Red Square is just exciting! But Russia is known for more than just cool tourist stops; it is also starting to become a major staple for electronic dance music. Working with a handful of public relations firms and record labels over there, I am starting to get introduced to tons of musicians. One of those guys is Denis A, a sick DJ who comes from Moscow. He has recently been working with John Digweed on some stuff and is on the DAR label. I took some time to sit down with Denis A. Learn more about this top talent right here!
What’s the A stand for?
The A stands for Alentieff, which is my family name.
Wait a minute, you’re from Russia? What’s it like over there?
Russia is an amazing country, but very VERY cold at the moment!
Do you travel Europe a lot, or make it over to the USA very often?
I travel to Europe as much as I can. I played the Love Parade last year in Germany, Amnesia IBIZA and will be playing at the Bedrock Showcase at Cameo in Miami on March 24th with John Digweed.
How long have you been performing?
I’ve been Djing for only three years, so things are moving very fast!
What would you be doing if you were not producing music?
I also have a jewellery business, Altentieff, which is my other passion.
Tell me a little bit more about DAR label?
We have recently had some remixes by Nick Muir, Spooky, King Unique. Also, I’ve produced eight new tracks this year, they will be released very soon. You can get all the information here on their website.
You are heavily involved in Love Parade. How is that?
Yes, I had a float at the Love Parade last year, which was amazing. It was a great experience, but was also so sad. I’m sure you heard what happened?
What is the best concert you have even been to?
It was huge rock-festival in Moscow – Nashestvie (Нашествие) – with more than 100,000 people and great artists.
What is the biggest crowd you have ever played for?
The Love Parade last year, with almost one million people present.
The smallest?
I have some small parties at my house from time to time, just with a few friends, very intimate, which can be so special.
Do you prefer big crowds or smaller, more intimate crowds?
The size of the crowd is not really important. What I think is important are that the people, no matter how many there are, enjoy the music. This is the most important thing for me.
Is it possible to pick a favorite club? I mean, surely you have played some impressive clubs, but is there any single venue that stands out more than the next?
There are a lot of great clubs but it is always the crowd that makes the party.
Where do you get inspiration for a new track?
Inspiration is all around us every day. Sometimes happy, sometimes sad, but always new ideas are coming.
What does a typical Friday night look like for you?
If I’m not playing, I prefer to be at home or go out to a club with my friends.
What words of advice would you give someone wanting to get into electronic dance music? Where should he or she start?
I would say… find what you enjoy and keep doing it, do not follow trends, follow your heart and what you believe in.
What are your thoughts on the Top 10 in this year’s DJ Mag Top 100?
DJing should not be made into a competition, there are some amazing DJs who do not get into the Top 100, so it is not really a true reflection on ability.
How many stamps do you have on your passport?
Too many to count…
I just interviewed Timo Maas not too long ago. He was an incredible nice and down to earth dude. Do you know him personally? Do you tend to hang out with other DJs a lot?
Yes, I know Timo and you are right, he is a really nice guy and a fantastic DJ. Like most people, I like to hang out with my close friends when I’m not working. It keeps my feet on the ground.
What are you drinking up on stage?
Water normally, as I am there to perform and work, not to party.
You have produced lots of tracks. Do you ever forget your own beats?
No, never!
You have a track titled Ocean. I love the ocean! What is your favorite beach?
Jose Ignacio in Uruguay.
What are your thoughts on all this social media stuff that seems to be on everyone’s mind? Do you spend a lot of time on Facebook and Twitter?
I think social networking has changed the way we live, and it is a very important tool for promotion and communication. Just use it as a tool and don’t become too obsessed with it all.
What is your favorite part about performing your productions live?
I have not done any live shows yet, just DJing so far, but that is something that I will progress to in the future.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Hopefully, enjoying playing the music I love and traveling the world.
What do you want to be remembered for when this is all said and done?
As someone who was passionate about music and life, and was involved in making a lot of people happy.
I always let the artist get the last word. Go.
Always believe in a dream and in God.
