Styletaxx got a chance to sit down wth one of today's HOTTEST DJ's on the electronic scene.
Styletraxx:
So how was your summer?
Serge Devant:
Summer was great, but super busy. July and August were probably the busiest months I have ever had. I think I played close to 25 gigs in that period. It was very tiring but also really exciting. I also got the chance to meet a lot of really cool people.
Styletraxx:
Any crazy stories?
Serge Devant:
The weirdest thing to happen to me recently was just before the summer started. I was flying from Trinidad to Venezuela, and I ended up being on the same flight as one of the terrorists who wanted to blow up gas tanks at JFK airport. As one of the only Americans on the plane, and being from New York, it was a little surreal. When you play internationally and travel as much as I do, stuff like that can really bug you out.
Styletraxx:
How did you get into DJing or music in general?
Serge Devant;
I’m originally from Russia, and went to school there to study music very young. When I moved to the States, a friend of mine had turntables. I had already been a fan of high energy dance music, so I played around on his decks, and was instantly hooked.
Styletraxx:
How would you describe your personal look or style?
Serge Devant:
I’d say I have a casual look, but artistic. When I’m buying clothes, I like unique things that not a lot of people have. My look is like my music, influenced by whatever I think is cool and interesting. But for a real “rock and roll” look, you can’t beat a great pair of shades.
Styletraxx:
How would you describe your sound?
Serge Devant:
I’d call it progressive and techy, with cool funky-chunky basslines and melodic elements mixed in. I’m not afraid to let the music get “emotional” here and there either. But the unifying element is that the energy of the room is always present in the music.
Stylerraxx:
What makes you unique from other DJs in the scene right now?
Serge Devant;
My versatility. I play a bit of everything, not sticking to any one style in my sets. I’d rather take the crowd to different places over the coarse of the night, and when they are really into it, I can really experiment. I like playing with the vibe of the room, and don’t mind changing up my style to fit the moment.
Styletraxx;
What other artists have been impressing you lately?
Serge Devant:
Dubfire has certainly been on fire lately. I really like what he’s been producing. And Deadmaus and Adam k has been putting out some really quality stuff, as well.
Styletraxx:
What was your first “big break”?
Serge Devant:
Things really took off for my when I got picked by Tiesto to open for him on the bunch of dates, and then he really vouched for me publicly in a couple of interviews.
Styletraxx:
Now you and Tiesto are pretty tight, with you continuing to open for him at gigs like in the Hamptons this past Labor Day weekend, or at the Borgata in Atlantic City in October. How did you two wind up working together?
Serge Devant:
After the first time I was lucky enough to open for him a few years ago, he was really impressed. Now he asks for me when ever he plays in the States.
Styletraxx:
What’s your favorite club to play? Favorite city to play in?
I really enjoy playing Vanguard in LA. It has a great sound system, and is all around just a great venue. I really used to love playing Crobar in New York – I was one of their youngest resident DJs.
Serge Devant:
I still love playing anywhere in New York City the most. It’s my home town, and I always get an amazing reception when I play here.
Styletraxx:
What do you think about the current state of nightlife and dance music in New York right now?
Serge Devant:
It’s a bit shaky, with some real hit or miss nights. A lot of the fun nights lately have been at cool, smaller places. Since Crobar closed, the only big club that is bringing talent is Pacha. But we really need something else here in the city.
Styletraxx:
What do you think we could do to improve it?
Serge Devant:
Someone needs to open a couple of new venues, or build new parties at old places. A big festival that would bring a bunch of new, upcoming talent would work, too.
Styletraxx:
What exciting stuff do you have coming up?
Serge Devant;
I just completed a new single called "Part of Me," which has some great remixes. That comes out at the end of the month. I also have some cool gigs coming up. I’m playing Pacha in Egypt, which should be amazing, and I’m heading back to play in Russia soon. I’m definitely excited to be going back “home.”
Serge Devant plays Sonar, the new Saturday party at Avalon New York on October 6rth, and opens for A|X favorite Tiesto at the Borgata October 26th. “Part of Me” is out this month on Ultra Records.