Sentio asked Dean: “Why the long break from the DJ world ?”

Dean: “I think now the time is right to choose a new path and fully focus 100% on production, as where in the past I never had the time I wanted in the music studio. I felt something is got to give and a new challenge in my life is needed.”

Sentio: “Do you feel you will miss it…?”

Dean: “To be honest yes and no, I feel the real achievement came from my early years rising through the ranks on the underground scene and being recognised for what I believed in…the crowd was more into the music back then and these were the days I missed when it was all about the music… Unfortunately there is a lot of bad talent currently on the club scene today and because the scene is not as educated as it once was, this has had a dramatic impact on club events… it is quite rare to find a decent party which is organised properly, even despite a good line up for some. This is the side I don’t miss. Also I feel anyone can be a DJ these days if you have the right contacts. I admit this helps, but I wish people based it on talent. I would never miss performing abroad though… my best times came internationally and I feel privileged to have played alongside some great artists and worked with some lovely promoters, charities, governments and prestige brands.”

Sentio: “Is this why you also gave up running music events ?”

Dean: “I’ve not ruled out events, as I’m just on a break from these. My latest project was called Serata, an early hours underground event held in SW London through out late 2011. Although I was not fond of doing a residency every week, we had a devoted following at the venue for a duration of 5 months. This proved to be a great achievement for everyone involved. I thank such a great crowd and having the footage captured just brings back some great memories. People from time to time ask when will I bring back the Lifted events, but I’m assisting and scheduling Sentio showcased events into 2013 so these may coincide with these. I felt we reached a stage with Lifted where it needed a rest, and after supporting artists such as WILL.I.AM, working with high profile venues and hosting our very own staged festivals… Lifted certainly deserves some time out after stamping it’s mark on the scene. One day it will be back…

Sentio: “People say you was one of the best DJ’s in London at your peak, but why are you so picky on who you play for ?”

Dean: “Hmmmm, all I know is I always play for the crowd and fortunately for me they crave and appreciate my sound and character. It’s knowing what to play and when to play it… this is my motto. I admit I’ve turned down some lucrative offers in the past, but it was never about the fame or fortune with me. I kind of like to do my own thing and can be picky… so less headaches…this is probably why I ran my own events over the years – as I aimed to be a perfectionist. From these, I feel this is where I’ve gained any popularity. I feel privileged to stay in touch with some of the old school pioneers and currently work limited with a handful of high calibre promoters. The best events I’ve played for of late is Avalanche Ibiza. The vibe is just sublime at this party and feel privileged to be a resident for these private events.

Sentio: “What did you prefer, main room gigs or the more intimate surroundings like playing in a back room ?”

Dean: “I always preferred the more intimate crowd, so I would have to say the back room. I’ve had my best nights playing at smaller rooms and venues where the crowd has been so up for it stomping their feet rather than just jumping up and down in a main room. It’s all about unity, feeling and appreciating the music.”

Sentio: “Rumour has it you can sing and feature for some of the vocals on your forthcoming album ?”

Dean: “The rumours are true this is why it’s taking longer than expected with writing lyrics and breaking my ribs half way through the year did not help (Dean laughs). How it came round again is when I was let down (cancellation) by a male vocalist on several occasions at my Kent studio, so I thought for a laugh to get up and sing on an unreleased rough cut from the forthcoming album. My sister was with me at the time and said ‘Dean, why don’t you just sing yourself as your voice fits’ So I thought what the hell, let’s have a bash. It actually came out OK so I’ve done another 5 tracks since.”

Sentio: “So when can we hear your voice ?”

Dean: “A-ha at the moment I cannot put any samples out there on youtube or anything as I am in talks with a major for one of the tracks… this could also affect the track release schedule. But end of year you will start to see previews on this website or somewhere on the net ahead of the releases on Sentio label. I know it sounds crazy… but I have a few music videos in the pipeline too so I better get back in shape !”

Sentio: “So since your transition, what kind of sound can we expect from you on the album and are you featuring any artists ?”

Dean: ” Yes, I like to call it ‘Alternative House” a new kind of genre. It’s a raw underground sound that combines the elements of nu disco, rock, indie and house. I’ve kind of fused these sounds all revolving around a live disco beat. It will also aim towards the indie rock genre as I’ve also featured some of this sound on the album too. Lately I’ve been working with synths from the Arturia range such as Arp2600, Moog Modular, Jupiter 8 and Prophet plus my ever favourite Sylenth VST. Each track on the album has it’s identity with my own signature sound stamped over it, whether it’s spiritual down-beat or an up-beat floor stomper. This is why I’ve entitled it ‘Versatile’ as I’ve been versatile throughout the double album and without blowing my own horn, this demonstrates to my listeners what I can do as an artist. I’ve taken my time with this project and when I’m 100% happy with the result…I know it will be worth it in the end. I’m definitely featuring some guest artists on my album to give it another dimension with vocals. I feel some of the tracks deserve a female vocal applied to them and one of the tracks entitled ‘Forgiven’ was produced around an acappella written by my sister Lisa who also features on the vocal.

Sentio: “Who is your inspiration as a producer over the years ?”

Dean: “It would have to be Daft Punk, I’m still inspired by the duo”

Sentio: “And lastly who do you feel is the best underground DJ/Producer on the scene at the moment ?”

Dean: “Easy one, Maceo Plex. This guy just produces bomb after bomb and his unique deep sound has got it going on.”

We would like to thank Dean Jon on this short interview and look forward to working with him at Sentio in the near future.

 ]]> http://www.deanjon.eu/dean-sets-sight-for-2013/feed/ 0 http://www.deanjon.eu/versatile-album-set-for-2013/ http://www.deanjon.eu/versatile-album-set-for-2013/#comments Tue, 27 Nov 2012 19:11:36 +0000 dean http://www.deanjon.eu/?p=14 The exclusive album will feature on both CD and digital download provided by Sentio. An additional deluxe edition release featuring side B’s will also be available in digital format. Music videos for “I Wanna Take It”, “Help Me”, “Forgiven”, “Versatile” and “One Night In Tokyo” are all at pre production stage and subsequently scheduled for official releases winter 2013 onwards so keep your eyes peeled.

The website will feature track previews and videos later in 2013.]]> http://www.deanjon.eu/versatile-album-set-for-2013/feed/ 0 http://www.deanjon.eu/blast-from-the-past-playground/ http://www.deanjon.eu/blast-from-the-past-playground/#comments Tue, 27 Nov 2012 01:48:52 +0000 dean http://www.deanjon.eu/?p=93 http://www.deanjon.eu/blast-from-the-past-playground/feed/ 0