Bachir Salloum [Interview]

Bachir Salloum is a renowned DJ and electronic music producer based in Dubai, celebrated for his unique blend of deep and progressive house.

Raised in Beirut’s vibrant club scene, Bachir draws inspiration from his early exposure to diverse music styles, which shaped his emotive and atmospheric sound. His productions, signed to prestigious labels like Sudbeat, Balance Music, Buddha Bar, Mango Alley, and Earthly Delights, have gained recognition from industry icons such as Sasha, Nick Warren, and Hernan Cattaneo. Bachir’s dreamlike sets, balancing light and dark tones, have captivated audiences across the Middle East and beyond, earning him slots alongside global stars at venues like Soho Garden, Blue Marlin Ibiza UAE, and others.

As the founder of ‘Escape,’ Bachir has established himself as a curator of exceptional events, hosting weekly parties at iconic locations such as SoBe (W Dubai) and Côte d’Azur (The Heart of Europe). His commitment to spotlighting talent and creating memorable musical experiences has solidified his role as a driving force in the UAE’s electronic music scene.

With an ever-growing international presence and a reputation for crafting immersive musical journeys, Bachir Salloum continues to push boundaries, making his mark as one of the leading artists in the Middle East’s electronic music landscape.

WeRave Music recently caught up with Bachir Salloum to learn more about his career, releases, background in electronic music, and much more. Enjoy! =D

Full Intrview with Bachir Salloum

Hello Bachir, thanks for talking to us today. It’s great to have you here. How are you doing, and how has 2024 been for you so far?

Bachir Salloum: Hello! Thank you for having me—it’s a pleasure to be here. I’m doing great, and 2024 has been an exciting and rewarding year so far. Between both and music and professional projects, it’s been a fulfilling journey

Your recent EP, ‘Capricorn Dust / Honda Attack,’ is a standout progressive house release from last September. Could you share more about the inspiration behind it and the feedback you’ve received?

Bachir Salloum: Thank you for bringing that up! Capricorn Dust / Honda Attack holds a special place in my heart. The EP’s inspiration came from my daily life elements, which have raw, driving energy. Capricorn Dust represents atmospheric melody evolving into storytelling, while Honda Attack is about motion, adrenaline, and lots of energy peaks.

The feedback has been incredibly positive, with support from both fans and industry pioneers. Listeners have connected with the tracks’ emotional depth and dynamic flow, which means a lot to me as a producer. It’s always fulfilling to see your vision resonate with others.

Let’s talk about your latest release, ‘Vivid Imagination.’ Are you excited about this one? How was it collaborating with NOIYSE PROJECT, Tantum, and Meeting Molly? Any behind-the-scenes stories you’d like to share?

Bachir Salloum: Absolutely, I’m beyond excited about Vivid Imagination! Collaborating with NOIYSE PROJECT. Tantum, and Meeting Molly for their incredible remix on this project. Each artist brought their unique flair to the project, making it a beautifully layered and diverse release. Working with such talented individuals pushed me to explore new creative directions, and I think that comes through in the final tracks. The release reflects a shared vision, and I’m excited to see how it resonates with listeners. It’s a testament to the power of collaboration in creating something truly unique.

Speaking of ‘Vivid Imagination,’ how does it feel to return to Mango Alley after a one-year break?

Bachir Salloum: Returning to Mango Alley after a one-year break feels like coming home. Mango Alley has always been a platform that values artistry and storytelling in music, which aligns perfectly with my creative vision. The label has an incredible community of like-minded artists and fans who deeply appreciate progressive and melodic music, so it’s an honour to be part of that.

This release feels particularly special because it showcases my growth as an artist over the past year. The support from Mango Alley has been incredible, and it’s always inspiring to work with a team that truly understands and nurtures your artistic journey. I couldn’t have asked for a better home for Vivid Imagination!

How much preparation do you put into your DJ sets, or for the most part, are they spontaneous?

Bachir Salloum: I believe in striking a balance between preparation and spontaneity for my DJ sets. Preparation is key. ll organize my library into music that I would like to play on that specific show and I also incorporate my unreleased productions to give the audience something exclusive. That said, I also love to keep things spontaneous. Reading the crowd in real-time is crucial—it’s what makes each set unique. If the energy shifts, I want to be ready to adapt and surprise people with unexpected transitions or tracks. It’s a dynamic process that keeps things exciting for both me and the audience.

What are your top three tracks right now that you love to include in your DJ sets?

Bachir Salloum: Right now, my top three tracks to include in my DJ sets are:

Vivid Imagination (Tantum Remix)

This remix brings a fresh perspective to the original, with its deep, hypnotic elements and intricate progression. It’s perfect for creating an atmospheric yet driving vibe in my sets.

Patrice Bäumel & Chiara Gamo – Luce

A powerful track with stunning textures and feel. Patrice Bäumel’s production always delivers a unique energy, and this one is no exception, it’s a true crowd-magnet.

Mustafa Ismaeel, Alaa Jazaeri, Kali-B – Never Enough

This track combines emotive depth with a solid groove and great vocals. It’s a standout piece that connects with the audience on a soulful level, making it a regular highlight in my sets.

These tracks, alongside my originals, always create the dynamic and emotional journey I aim to deliver with every performance.

You’re based in Dubai, where you manage your DJ career. How would you describe the electronic music scene there? What’s your perspective on living and working in the city as an artist?

Bachir Salloum: Dubai’s electronic music scene is thriving and diverse, with a growing community of talented artists and a mix of underground and large-scale events. The city’s cultural is an exciting place to perform, with audiences who appreciate a wide range of sounds.

Living here as an artist is inspiring—it’s a city full of energy and opportunity. While it challenges you to balance staying true to your sound with connecting to a diverse audience, it’s been super inspiring and helpful to my growth, both creatively and professionally.

What are your thoughts on the use of AI in electronic music? Have you incorporated any form of AI into your recent productions? If so, how do you feel about the results?

Bachir Salloum: AI in electronic music is exciting and offers endless creative possibilities. I’ve used AI in my recent productions, mainly for sampling. The results have been surprisingly fresh, helping me explore new ideas. However, I still believe the human element is key, as it’s the artist’s vision that shapes the final track.

In your opinion, what is the most exciting thing happening in the global dance music scene right now?

Bachir Salloum: One of the most exciting things happening in the global dance music scene right now is the fusion of genres and the increasing experimentation with new sounds. Artists are blending elements from progressive house, techno, ambient, and even world music, creating fresh, innovative tracks that push boundaries. Additionally, the rise of immersive experiences, adds a whole new layer to the live experience, making it more interactive and engaging. It’s an exciting time for the scene, with endless possibilities for creative expression.

Is ’Vivid Imagination’ your final release for 2024, or do you have more surprises planned before the year ends?

Bachir Salloum: Vivid Imagination is my final release for 2024. It feels like a perfect way to close out the year, reflecting the growth and creative journey I’ve been on. I’m excited to see how it resonates with everyone and looking forward to what the new year brings!

Wishing everyone a happy holidays! May the coming year bring more love, music, and unforgettable dance floor moments.

Thank you for your time, Bachir—it was a pleasure! Wishing you all the best, and we look forward to catching up again soon.

‘Vivid Imagination’ is available now via Mango Alley. Download here.

Image via Bachir Salloum