Fresh off a string of standout releases and high-profile collaborations, Orsay continues to carve out a sound that feels both emotionally rich and club-ready. From linking up with Kotiēr on ‘1886’ on Abracadabra to his upcoming Ninja Tune return with a Poolside remix, his recent output reflects a natural evolution shaped by connection, intuition, and global influence.
To celebrate the release, we caught up with Orsay to dive into how ‘1886’ came together, the meaning behind the title, and what’s been shaping his world in and out of the studio.
WWD: Welcome to When We Dip! Where are you currently speaking to us from?
I’m currently in Paris where I’m originally from!
WWD: Congratulations on your new release ‘1886’ with Kotiēr on BLOND:ISH’s Abracadabra! How did the collaboration come about and also how did the label discover the track?
Kotier and I met last summer in Ibiza, we were both having shows at that time and were staying at a common friend’s house. We took some time in the studio showing each other projects we were working on. I already had a brief draft of the idea that he loved when I showed him and we decided to finish it together and really build that club feeling around it. A few weeks later, after testing it ourselves in the club and seeing the great reaction, we decided to send the track around. Abracadabra was a label i wanted to work with for a long time so we naturally send it to them and they loved it!
WWD: What is the meaning behind the title, ‘1886’?
1886 comes from Kotier and I background. He’s half Japanese and I’m French and the year 1886 was a key period in cooperation between the two countries. We thought it was a cool way to emphasize our collaboration based on our origines.
WWD: Who provides the vocals? We love the silky delivery!
It’s a sample we found and directly felt the fit with the production we were working on. I always love to keep a bit of mystery around the vocals cause it’s really part of the story and emotion of the track.
WWD: You will return to Ninja Tune next month with your remix of Poolside’s ‘Otherside.’ Have you been a fan of Poolside for a while?
Yes, I’m super excited about this release cause I’ve been a big fan of both artists and label for a long time. I remember listening so much (and still do) to Harvest Moon or Losing Control. Overall the sonics and the general feeling they create around their music is something I feel close to in my own productions. That remix was really natural for me to make and such a pleasure to work on.
WWD: Your previous release on Ninja Tune, a collaboration with WhoMadeWho and Carlita, 2025’s ‘Mind Off’ was a huge release. Tell us about that partnership and if you have anything else lined up with either WhoMadeWho or Carlita?
That track was an amazing opportunity. It’s a collaboration that came very naturally to me since Carlita and Who Made Who were both supporting my music. We then looked into creating something all together with that objective of great emotion in the track. ‘Mind Off’ really blends some indie/retro influences with a more actual electronic sound and that’s one of the reasons it works as well in the club than outside of it. At the moment there’s no new projects I can announce with them but we’re often sharing ideas, vocals, productions so why not!
WWD: Which other artists would you like to collaborate with or remix?
There’s so many collaborations I wanna explore in the incoming years (and many more to come already finished). It would be an honor for me to remix one of Rufus Du Sol songs if they drop a new album again for example or collaborate with artists I connect with such as Tripolism. I’m also always exploring connections a bit outside of the electronic scene just like the one we did with Poolside.
WWD: Where can people see you play over the coming months?
We’re getting busy before summer with shows in Europe and South America! I’m leaving again in a few days to play in Zurich and then Argentina for April and then Lisbon, Milan, London, Madrid, Mexico etc. In any case, I always update all my dates on socials so it’s easier to track for everyone but i’m super excited to play all those shows and be able to test the new music.
WWD: When you are not in the studio or on tour, how do you like to unwind?
I always try to keep a balance between the tour/studio and the life outside of it. I actually moved back to Paris from London a year ago so that time can be spent closer to my family and childhood friends. It’s giving me the time to go play tennis, play the piano with no purpose of creating something, and have lunch with my brothers and mom. Just the nice simple things of life!
WWD: Sounds perfect! Thanks for the chat 🙂
‘1886’ is available here on Abracadabra