The trio of Clement Zemstov, Jonathan Illel and Damien ‘Dam’ Vandesande, aka dOP, are the latest talenst to emerge from Paris, and now their unique sound of instrumental tech house is finding their way into DJs boxes without having to even try.
Although their roots were not originally in house and techno dOP are making some of the most original quirky and groovy stuff that we've heard in a while. Considering their relatively short time producing, dOP have had so much support it feels like they're veterans already. Don't take our word for it – their eclectic tunes have gained support from the like of Freak n’ Chic head Dan Ghenacia, as well as gracing the speakers of clubs and festivals throughout 2008. Our favourites have included the superb Zero Zeroon Milnormodern, the wonderfully chilled out Nature Boyand the massive I'm Just a Man on Eklo.
The instrumental jazzy textures of a dOP tune make it perfect for live performances. With this year promising to be as busy as ever, the boys are set to play as far as Tokyo and Tel Aviv this year. Get on that Eurostar eh-sap is what we say...
How and when were you first infected by dance music?
I think we 've been really infected when we started to go to clubs. We really discovered it a year and a half ago. This music sent such a mixed crowd crazy, there was a good sound system, so much freedom, and for sure there was a lot of good music.
When did you start producing, and how long was it before you started making tracks that you were really happy with?
We started producing techno two years ago. After three months we released two remixes for Nôze [Circus Company], and after another six months we released our first EP on Milnormodern. Being happy with a track is a strange process; you're never the feel the same when you listen to a track you're making at the time, or a track you did one year before, or if it's at home, in a club, with the people with who you did it, etc..
But we're 100% into it when we do it..
What have been your personal favourite productions so far?
Damien: I really can't say.
Clement: The Tomorrow Morning track
Jo: Lighthouse
Where does your name come from?
A jacuzzi session all together in Jojo's flat during a movie shooting.
Who would you most like to work with?
Kôze, Grace Jones, Paris Suit Yourself, Lil’ Wayne, Amy Winehouse, Laurent Garnier, Wild Birds And Peace Drums, Timbaland.
There's three of you – who's truly the boss in the studio and on stage?
Depends on the day, depends on the night.
What have you got in store for the coming months?
The next EP to be released is in February for Supplement Facts, called The Genius Of The Crowd, with two new songs and a remix of Guy Gerber and Seuil. Also an EP of remixes of Just A Man on Eklo with remixes from Jackmate, Tolga Fidan and Agnès.
What can we expect from one of your Live sets?
Some real live!
Things are really taking off for you guys now – we see your playing from Watergate to Tokyo...what's it like on the road together? Any annoying travel habits?
We really love what we do, we feel very lucky to travel around, meet some incredible people, playing in incredible places - each one very different. And it's even more fun to do it together. For sure we been to a lot of different clubs, hotels, and have different backstage, food and sex habits - depends of the cities.
If you each weren’t a DJ/producer, what would you be?
Damien: In politics.
Clement: Football player.
Jo:Science.
Which other producers and DJs do you really rate?
Jackmate, Kôze, Dennis Ferrer, the Jena DJs and all the artists who we work with.
Their latest release on Circus Company, Blanc Neige, is out now.