Known for his work within the Belgian hip-hop scene, Brussels-based producer DAÏKO is opening up a new chapter in his musical journey with ‘+++,’ his first electronic EP, released via Just Begun Records.
Across three tracks, DAÏKO explores the meeting point between electro, footwork, juke, and Jersey Club, bringing together fast-paced rhythms, soulful melodies, and organic textures. Moving away from his usual perfectionist approach, ‘+++’ embraces spontaneity, experimentation, and the freedom to create without overthinking.
From the hypnotic energy of ‘ENTRE DEUX MAINS’ to the ghetto-tech-inspired grooves of ‘DAÏKO CLUB’ and the Jersey Club influences of ‘STEP BY STEP,’ the EP captures a producer reconnecting with his instincts and exploring new possibilities on the dancefloor.
Released on October 21st via Just Begun Records, ‘+++’ marks both a personal turning point for DAÏKO and another exciting addition to Brussels’ ever-evolving musical landscape.
He stops by to discuss his first electronic EP, embracing spontaneity, and finding creative freedom beyond his hip-hop roots.
WWD: This is your first electronic EP, but you’ve already built a name for yourself through your work with artists like Zwangere Guy, Krisy and Le 77. What pushed you to step outside the hip-hop world and explore electronic music in this way? Was it a gradual evolution or something you’ve wanted to do for a long time?
Honestly, this was kind of an impulsive move. The whole mentality behind the project was me realizing I sometimes need to listen to myself and have fun, instead of doing what’s expected from me. I had been listening to a lot of house music and I was imagining myself creating some, in a distant future, when the time felt right. Actually… why not NOW? So I just went for it.
WWD: You described ‘+++’ as a way of moving away from your usual perfectionist approach and creating something more spontaneous and instinctive. What did you have to let go of during the process, and how did that change the way you make music?
I think a difficult part for a lot of artists including myself is knowing when your art is finished. I can make a song and continue working on it for months, making tiny changes everyday, until I feel like it’s “perfect”. This time around, I tried to respect the initial intention behind each idea. Instead of trying to make the perfect song, I just made the song that sounded best to me in that moment. That’s why all of the songs on the EP were each made in about a day.
WWD: The EP brings together electro, footwork, juke, ghetto-tech, R&B, soul, funk and Jersey Club. What artists, records or musical experiences were particularly influential while you were working on it? And how did listening to DJ Rashad influence the direction of ‘ENTRE DEUX MAINS?’
I was listening to a lot of DJ Assault, Drexciya, DJ Rashad,… a lot of the early 2000s Detroit techno scene. I had an unfinished song with my artist friend Loveni and decided to use the hook like a sample and repeat it like a DJ Rashad song. I thought that was a nice shoutout since he was one of the first people to introduce me to Detroit house music.
WWD: ‘DAÏKO CLUB’ is the track that sparked the whole EP. It combines hard-hitting, uptempo drums with melancholic chords, live bass and guitar. How did that contrast between raw club energy and more organic, soulful elements come together?
In the same vein as ‘ENTRE DEUX MAINS,’ I used a tempo that was much quicker than what I usually produce. I started with the drums. They made me think of an Egyptian Lover song. After that the rest came naturally. Some cool chords on the Rhodes, and a bassline that I played myself. Then I asked my friend Aszul to lay some vocals on it, and I couldn’t stop listening to that version. I must have listened to it at least a thousand times that week !
WWD: The title ‘+++’ feels open-ended, almost like a symbol of addition or something still in progress. What does the title mean to you, and does this EP represent a new beginning in how you see yourself as a producer?
I wanted the title to represent positivity and growth. While making this project, I was really thinking about bringing the fun back into my music-making process. I also felt that these three tracks radiated positive energy. They’re not trying to talk about anything deep or complex. They’re meant to be fun!
WWD: Why did you choose to release ‘+++’ with Just Begun Records? What made the label feel like the right home for this project, and what do you think the two of you share in terms of musical vision or approach?
I’ve been following Just Begun Records since the early days, and I really think we both value authenticity. One thing I really appreciate about them is how often they work with local artists. I’m really into sharing and collaborating with other artists from Brussels, so it felt like a natural fit.
WWD: Having worked across different corners of the Belgian music scene, how do you see Brussels’ current electronic and club scene evolving? Are there local artists, collectives, DJs or spaces that have inspired you or that you think deserve more attention?
Honestly, I mostly stay at home lol, so I wouldn’t be the best person to ask. But I’d like to give a shout-out to @let_me_c_u on Instagram. They put on some really nice events, and I think they deserve more attention.
WWD: Your music has always been rooted in groove, but ‘+++’ feels particularly focused on movement and the physical experience of sound. When producing these tracks, do you imagine how they’ll work in a club or in a DJ set, or do you prefer to let the music find its own direction first?
I like to make stuff that sounds cool to me and try to go with the flow. After listening to it over a few days or weeks, I can decide whether I want to release it, use it in a DJ set, or just throw it away… If the song calls for it, I’ll also send it to other artists in case they want to write something over it.
WWD: With this release, you’re introducing a different side of your musical identity to people who might know you mainly through your hip-hop productions. Do you see electronic music becoming a bigger part of your work from now on, or do you want to keep moving freely between both worlds?
I think this release liberated me in a way. I feel freer to try new things and put fewer barriers in my own way. But I don’t want to get stuck in one genre, so I’ll probably just keep following my instinct.
WWD: Looking ahead, what’s next for DAÏKO after ‘+++?’ Can we expect more electronic releases, collaborations with DJs and club producers, live performances or DJ sets? And if you could take this new project anywhere, what would you want to explore next?
I’ll just try to keep applying the +++ mentality to my music, which basically means having fun while making it. I’d also like to collaborate more with my artist friend BIG JEFF (who appears on ‘STEP BY STEP’) and maybe make a few tracks together.
I just had a release party at Capitane Shop in Brussels, and I’m super happy with how it went. I’m also really happy with the reception the project has had so far, so I think I’ll just let it live for a while. I’ll take my mind off music for a bit and wait until inspiration strikes again 🙂
WWD: We can’t wait to hear all of it! Thanks for the chat 🙂
The ‘+++’ EP is available here