Meri’s myriad recordings under the names like DJ Meri or Rules Of The Deep encompass numerous styles all deeply rooted in the grooves of early dance music and old school rave roots.
By the end of 90’s he had already released music on seminal labels like Defected, Ovum, Cr2, Hooj Choons, Peppermint Jam, NRK Music, and Record Union among many others. His extensive gig schedule had taken him to such legendary venues like Pacha in Ibiza, Mambo Cafe in the same balearic Island, Ministry Of Sound in London, Discotheque in New York, Crobar in Miami, Parke Extremo in Equador, Turnmills in UK, the list goes on and on.
It’s no understatement to say that Meri has been there since the inception of electronic music culture to the present day, always keeping himself active and his ear to the pulse. Whether it has been doing his 20-years- and-running radio show, producing music for his own project or for dance music legends like Crystal Waters or accepting awards for the best production/composition work.
Now coming armed with new music which faithfully emulates his early breakbeat, acid and electro influences (and those already mentioned very important warehouse rave roots), he’s once again fresh as ever and enthusiastic to present his current sound of breaky drums, pop leaning vocals and keys as well as club rumbling bass.
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
Tell us about your latest project Magical Haze
Magical Haze is actually a bit of a pop breakbeat track with lovely vocals and collaboration with Annahoji from the local I Wear Experiment band. I started making music and playing out in clubs early 90’s and in that time breakbeat was a big thing, It was just before jungle and drum ‘n bass came into the picture…
As the 90’s sound is back, I feel very secure working with breakbeat again. Magical Haze is surely influenced by the sound of the early day of electronic music, plus it will come with a massive Meri Ravers Remix as well, which is more suitable for clubbers.
I’m actually a former pianist and choir conductor from my school days, but moved very quickly to studio engineering, radio broadcasting, producing TV/Radio jingles, editing, making the original score for TV series and motion pictures. It’s work which I still do and love.
What single night out has been most memorable for you as a DJ and producer?
Give us the name of one track that never gets old for you no matter how many times you listen to it?
If you could play any festival, which would it be?
How do you get a track started? Tell us about your production process
Latest project? What are you currently working on?
I’m working on new singles, as well on a collab with a local friend Bert On Beats which is coming out at the end of the year.
The relationship between a DJ and the audience is crucial, and yet is seems to be a fragile one – how do you see the balance between giving the crowd what they want and treating them to something new?
It’s a tricky one for sure. Of course, it depends on what club or crowd you are dealing with, but there are a few things you have to remember; Don’t underestimate your audience! To me, it doesn’t make a difference if there’s one person or thousands in the club or festival, you give 100% of yourself.
Listen to a few tracks of a DJ before you, what he or she plays. Don’t start your set with an ultimate banger or hit everyone knows, start gently but not too long, and feel the crowd to give them a memorable trip through the night.
