Interview: John Dimas

As an international language, music is the peaople's voice - no matter their colour, race or country of origin. It's the aural pleasure that binds us, inspiring us to move our feet and it moves our hearts.

John Dimas caught the House-bug at the end of the 90s, and with no need for the antidote he let it take over, seeping deeper into his being until now, in 2013, we see the result of this 'total takeover'.

Jasmine Phull speaks to House maverick Dimas about his "number two" love - his first being family - ahead of his In:Vision show at Leeds' The Warehouse on April 13th.

Your EP Living Lies was released this year; did you use analogue or digital gear?

I have started buying analogue components lately, assembling my studio for the reason of implying the essential quality of the analogue pieces on my music. During the process of making Living Lies, digital equipment was the key apparatus for, trying hard though to meet the warmness and quality of the analogue gear.

It was released on Parisian label La Vie En Rose. As a Greek native, how did that relationship come about?

It happened after meeting Terrence last year at Sonar Festival. I have to say that we were also in contact before, addressing him about my ideas, my tastes and adjustment with regards to music. After meeting him in person, we became closer and the result was the EP.

What are three things you enjoy about the La Vie En Rose work culture?

I enjoy the tolerance of the people working for the label, the quality of the artists for the music that they deliver. And overall, the communication with the artists and the adaptability of their abilities. As an example, this is the first time that a label has let me use my own artwork and colour for the vinyl, which was designed by a very good friend.

Living Lies is your longest release to date. What was the inspiration behind the six-track release?

The inspiration came through my experiences as a DJ, listening and collecting good music during the years!

Would you call it an EP or LP?

Actually I could call it EP, as it includes five original tracks and one edit!

How important is your environment to your writing and recording process?

It is the most important factor. I need to have my own personal “cave”, so I can be there for hours and sometimes for days.

You previously moved to Berlin for work purposes, where are you based now?

I’m still here! I get a really reality a positive feeling for the city, since the very first day.

Where in the world would you uproot to in order to further progress your sound and technique?

At this point, there is not any other place that would give me what Berlin gives me in terms of progressing my work. That was the reason for relocating here recently.

How important is visual aesthetic to John Dimas when performing on stage?

The visual aesthetic does not exist for John Dimas as a performer, meaning that there is not difference on my reactions between playing and listening to other people playing. The aesthetic element for me is the quality of the music and the people’s interaction to that.

What element from your childhood/youth played an important part in shaping where you’re at now?

My family and my friends!

How important is collaboration in your work? Who do you hope to collaborate with in the future?

Actually I did it in the past, it is one of the things that I am not used to, due to the bad experience that I got through a specific collaboration. However, there are few artists that I admire and I would be pleased to join forces for making music! Important artists include Derrick Carter, I would love to work with him.

Last song you listened to?

Larry Heard, 'Burning 4 Love'

First album you bought?

Derrick L. Carter, Square dancing In A Round House

Interview: Jasmine Phull

John Dimas hits Leeds on April 13th for In:Vision with Alex Celler. Tickets are on sale below. 

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