Our next artist invited on the Dip Studio Series is Bachir Salloum!
Raised on Beirut’s famed club scene, Bachir was inspired by his older brother who was a hip-hop DJ, before immersing himself in the vibrant city’s cultural landscape aged 16. Dubai-based since 2014, he’s caught the eye of the industry’s elite while warming up for the likes of Black Coffee, Âme, Damian Lazarus, Patrice Bäumel, Henry Saiz and more from the UAE to Europe and beyond, establishing himself as a well-respected DJ and producer thanks to his uplifting melodious sets and deep, emotional productions.
Bachir did a great recap of the best techniques he used on his new track ‘Illusions’. Take a look right here!
We had the chance to ask some questions to Bachir Salloum! Enjoy the interview.
WWD: As an introduction for the people who don’t know you yet, how would you introduce yourself and the music you’re creating?
Hello everyone and thank you guys for having me – what a pleasure! My name is Bachir Salloum, I am from Lebanon but have been living in Dubai for a few years now. My love story with music began from a very young age but my production journey started 6 years ago. The music I create has a deep, groovy progressive melodic vibe; it’s the sound that I love.
WWD: Which artists supported and guided you the most when you first started making music?
It was Hernan Cattaneo who continually encouraged me to start producing. He kept telling me that the world of production was a different universe that I needed to dive into and of course, he was right. He was also the first big artist who supported and played my music. Another artist who helped me during my starting phase was Kevin Di Serna, he guided me and taught me how to start on Ableton. I am very grateful to both for pushing me to take the leap into this amazing journey.
WWD: What was your first inspiration to get started in electronic music production?
I would say it was a combination of two things – the constant encouragement I received from Hernan Cattaneo and listening to all the amazing music that was coming out. The music made me realise that I wanted to leave my own imprint on the music world and share my own sounds.
WWD: Do you have a particular process to get into the creative mind space?
A lot of producers will relate to this, but most times I hear melodies, buildups, or drops in my head and I immediately go into my creative bubble. Once in, I head to the studio and work. I try to take full advantage while I am able to create.
WWD: What new studio skills have you learned recently?
I watch a lot of tutorials and masterclasses as often as I can, the available learning tools nowadays are endless. Every time I watch a tutorial, I learn something new, it’s constant. Recently, I’ve been really caught up in learning more and more about the new feature in Ableton 10, wavetable.
WWD: Is there a specific piece of gear, software or hardware, to which you’ve given a lot of love lately?
I’d say I give most of my love to my Moog Sub 37 along with the omnisphere plugin. It’s what I’m using the most these days to create.
WWD: What is the best piece of advice you’ve received when it comes to making music?
The best advice I received and that I would also like to share with other producers is: “be original”. Find your own unique sound, let that sound be your trademark and stick with it, don’t try to sound like everyone else.
WWD: Are there any new Bachir Salloum tracks about to be released in the coming months?
I have a few releases this year. In April, an EP on Juicebox Music with 2 originals and 2 remixes from Weird Sounding Dude and Fabri Lopez – they both did an incredible job. I have another EP coming out on Akbal Music with a fantastic remix by the German duo, LADS. And in July, an EP will be released on Stripped Recordings. I’m also waiting on final confirmation of track selections for an EP that will be released on a top label. It’s exciting times for me and I’m so grateful that my music is getting out there.