Audeze interviews DJ and producer Desroi

German DJ and producer Frederic Lindemann, better known as Desroi, established himself in the techno scene over the past years. He’s been active as both an international touring DJ as well as a producer and composer for his own music and commissioned work.

"They simply reveal 100% of all information included in a recording. And that’s something I’ve never felt before with any loudspeaker or headphones. I wouldn’t want to miss my pair of LCD-X!"  - Desroi

Here's our chat with Desroi:

Can you pick out any highlights from your work that you're particularly proud of? 

I’m proud of probably everything I’ve done one way or the other but what makes me especially appreciative is that I’ve managed to keep a consistent output on my own label over the recent years. Especially the last year has been tough as prices for vinyl production and overall costs went through the roof.

I still worked it out and just released a 12” EP this year called “If Your Teeth Fall Out You Can Have Mine”

How did you get started in music? What kind of music did you listen to while growing up and how has that progressed?

Actually I have been producing music since the age of 15. I played the guitar in a band and have been doing all recordings for us back then. When I was 16 or 17 I got my first version of Logic Pro 7 and shortly after bought my first small Doepfer modular synth. I think this was the point where I started and tried to make techno. It took me 5 years however before I made a single track that I was remotely happy with. DJ-ing came a little later in 2011 I think, when I had my own party series in my hometown.

Can you briefly describe a moment of frustration from your past work, and what you may have done to overcome the obstacles? Would you approach it differently now?

The last moment of frustration was more on the technical side rather than being an artistic moment:

Over the time I’ve gathered more and more outboard gear, effects, compressors, EQ as well as synthesisers and the likes.

But I didn’t have a patchbay until recently. So every time I wanted to run a specific instrument into any of my analog processors it would take a lot of time and effort. Crawling behind the machines, re-wire stuff, looking for the right cables, etc.

So what I did very recently is to buy a 19” rack, screw all boxes into it, buy a patchbay and set it all up. I’m happy now and it saves me so much time and nerves.

Is there any gear you find yourself turning to most when working on a project? What are some of your favorite tools/instruments recently?

Although being a huge analog synth enthusiast I recently found lots of fun and inspiration in using VST and samples which I will then process with my outboard gear. It’s a completely new way of working I’ve never done before. For me personally that’s sometimes needed in order to keep myself excited about what I’m doing. I love trying out new ways, approaches or simply new gear.

Do you have any words of wisdom for people who might aspire toward a similar path for their own careers?

The most important things I’ve learned over the course of my young career is the following: Be authentic and keep on believing in what you do.
Do the music/art whatever it is for yourself first. And be patient with it. Good things come to those who wait!

How long have you been working with headphones, and how do you typically use them in your workflow?

Apparently as a DJ I’ve been working with headphones my entire career. Also in the studio they’ve always been an important tool for me to scoop in to sounds and music. Further I’m traveling a lot and stay in different places. So headphones are a crucial tool for my music production.

When I’m home in my studio I usually track and mix on my main monitors. But I will always do fine EQ adjustments on headphones.

Also as a second reference I’m using them. Nothing leaves my studio before I’ve listened to it a final time on cans.

How have your Audeze headphones affected your work? Can you tell us what you've been working on with them recently?

To be honest when I first listened to Audeze headphones a year ago over at a friend's place I knew immediately that I discovered something special.
They were LCD-2 and for the sheer purpose of music listening they were absolutely phenomenal. Maybe a tad too warm and too “good” if you will, for being a tool for critical mixing and mastering decisions. So for that exact purpose and reason I’ve got a pair of LCD-X. They’re exactly what I was hoping for.

Metaphorically speaking they’re like a super high-resolution magnifying glass. I’m able to hear things on my favourite records I’ve never heard before, like background noises or crackles and pops. They simply reveal 100% of all information included in a recording. And that’s something I’ve never felt before with any loudspeaker or headphones. I wouldn’t want to miss my pair of LCD-X!