Diju is an up-and-coming DJ born and raised in Romania. He started DJing in the early 2000s and became a resident DJ at a local club in 2008, quickly developing a unique and energetic style that drew attention from the local audience. After a few years break, three years ago, he picked up his passion for music once again, playing at parties featuring rominimal in Iasi. In the last year and a half, he moved to Timisoara to focus on producing electronic music. Diju loves playing and producing rominimal and microhouse but also enjoys incorporating elements from psytrance, techno, and trance into his productions. With a unique style that blends elements of psytrance with Romanian minimal and microhouse, Diju has become a known name in the local music scene, and he is confident that he will continue to grow and evolve to become one of Romania’s best DJs and producers.
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Tzinah Records: To start with, please, recommend us something to listen to while we go through this interview. It can be anything.
Diju: I recommend listening to my latest EP released on Tzinah Records which includes Avidel’s remix.
Tzinah Records: Could you remember when and where have you felt it for the first time that you were to become a music artist?
Diju: I fit felt this in 2008 when I started working as a club DJ.
Tzinah Records: Why did you choose to create and play this particular type of music? Are there any artists that touched you deeply while developing your own style?
Diju: Each artist has their own reasons for choosing to create and play a particular type of music. In my case, I chose to create and play rominimal, deeptech music because I love the way this music can create a distinct atmosphere and convey emotion through sound.There are many artists who have influenced my own style, including Barac, Raresh, Rhadoo, and many others. I have always been inspired by their innovative approach and the way they are able to create a unique atmosphere through their sound. However, I like to think that my musical style is a combination of influences from different genres and artists, reflecting my own vision and creativity.
Tzinah Records: Please, briefly, describe for us, the current state of the underground music scene in the place you come from. Is it any good?
Diju: The underground music scene in my country is diverse and varies by region and city. Generally, there is a strong community of underground music enthusiasts who support and participate in local events, and there are talented local artists creating high-quality electronic and rominimal music. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact, leading to the cancellation or postponement of many events and restrictions on participants. Despite these challenges, the underground music community has adapted and continued to support local artists through online events and other initiatives. Overall, the current state of the underground music scene is good but with challenges due to the pandemic.
Tzinah Records: Without giving out too much about your secret weapons, please tell us how does the magic work in your production routine. Software? Analog? What does your DJ set-up imply?
Diju: In production, I use Ableton as software along with Midiclap.
Tzinah Records: What are the aspects of your daily life that are influencing the shape and sound of the music that you currently make?
Diju: Traveling offers me inspiration and new perspectives, bringing different cultural influences into the sounds and styles of my music. Strong emotions are a valuable source of inspiration for me, as they allow me to express complex feelings in my music and add a deeper emotional dimension to my pieces. Natural sounds, such as wind, rain, and animal sounds, inspire me to create sounds and sonic textures that add a natural and organic dimension to my music. Technology is an important source of inspiration for me, as new instruments and technologies allow me to generate new, innovative, and interesting sounds and musical styles.
Tzinah Records: Which underground house DJ or producer would you love to take out for a summer picnic? With which artist (from any music genre) would you spend 24 hours stuck in an elevator?
Diju: I would choose Barac, but not stuck in an elevator 😂 but rather in the production studio.
Tzinah Records: Have you already played in your most-dreamed about venue? Which one is that?
Diju: I have been working towards this dream through my DJ career for several years, but for the past year I have also started producing. I believe that this is where I am putting in the most work towards my dream.
Tzinah Records: What motivates you to be an active part of the underground movement?
Diju: I am motivated to be an active part of the underground music movement due to my common passion for music that isn’t necessarily popular. I am attracted to the unique and authentic sounds, as well as the culture and community that surrounds it. The underground movement often prioritizes artistic expression and creativity over commercial success, and this can be a strong motivation for individuals who value artistic integrity and want to push boundaries. Additionally, being part of the underground scene can offer opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals with similar interests and values, creating a sense of belonging in a community that shares the same values and interests.
Tzinah Records: What’s your favorite type of breakfast?
Diju: My favorite breakfast is the English breakfast.
Tzinah Records: What do you do when the music is not playing?
Diju: When there’s no music playing, I take advantage of the silence. The brain also needs rest.
Tzinah Records: What’s the story behind your Tzinah Family Podcast? How did you record it and are there released or unreleased tracks?
Diju: Behind the Tzinah Family podcast is the desire to share with you my DJ experience through mixes, but also to convey my emotions through the selected tracks. The tracks are released.
Tzinah Records: Are there any of your plans/upcoming projects that you would like to share with us? Where can we see you play next?
Diju: As future projects, there will be a few EPs that are already in the works. As for live performances, most likely at parties in Timisoara.
Tzinah Records: Supposing you come back reading this interview in 10 years from now; could you try saying something to your future-self?
Diju: Dear future me, If you’re reading this, I hope that you’ve had an incredible journey over the past 10 years. I hope that you’ve accomplished all of the goals and aspirations that you had at the time of this interview and that you’re living a life full of purpose, passion, and joy.