Get to Know UK House Artist Ramin Rezaie

UK-based DJ and producer Ramin Rezaie stopped by to chat about how he’s helping shape underground house music and his journey with Solid Grooves.

Ramin Rezaie is a key figure in the current era of the house music scene. Not only is he a standout DJ and producer, but he’s also the label manager for PAWSA and Michael Bibi’s label Solid Grooves. It’s been an extremely successful run for Ramin Rezaie this year, with several releases on Huxley’s Dumb Safari, his own label Silky Records, and a few more.

His most recent release, a two-track EP, Hooked, on Creche Records, is exactly what you’d expect from the minimal and deep tech artist. The title track is a familiar, minimal-sounding track with a lush pad and groovy percussion. Meanwhile, “5am at DAWN” lives up to its name as something you’d play at an afters to keep people dancing until the sunrise.

We had the opportunity to sit down with the man himself and find out how he got to where he is, where he sees his project going, and what excites him about music today. Read on for the inside scoop, and listen to his exclusive mix full of unreleased music.

Stream EDMID Guest Mix 426 || Ramin Rezaie on SoundCloud:

I appreciate you sitting down with us, Ramin! Let’s get started by looking at your roots. How did you first get involved in dance music, and what led you to pursue a career in it?

All good, thanks for having me! My passion for dance music began at a young age, sparked by my father passing down his extensive vinyl collection to me. This early exposure to mixing and electronic music fueled my interest and dedication to the craft. While attending university, I spent my summers back home in Blackpool, UK, working at a renowned club called The Syndicate. In my role selling tickets, I had the incredible opportunity to see many influential artists perform. These experiences solidified my desire to pursue a career in dance music and inspired me to develop my skills and carve out my own path in the industry.

What drew you to the minimal/deep tech side of the scene specifically? Was there a specific artist who helped push you in this direction?

What drew me to this genre was the dynamic nature of the sound and its ability to resonate deeply with the dancefloor. My love for garage and breaks naturally complemented this style, creating a seamless blend with my own production. Artists who inspired me to push this style are Armand Van Helden, Terry Francis, and Jamie Jones.

Moving to the present, you just dropped the Hooked EP on Creche Records. Can you share how this came about and dive deeper into the creative process behind this release?

I thoroughly enjoyed the creative process behind “Hooked,” as it was a unique and innovative project primarily using hardware. This approach allowed me to think outside the box and create something truly distinctive. I always aim to produce timeless pieces rather than simply chasing current trends. Moving forward, I am excited to explore straight-up house music more deeply, as you can hear in this track. This evolution reflects my ongoing desire to expand my musical horizons and continue pushing the boundaries of my sound.

You’re also part of the Solid Grooves crew as a signed artist and Label Manager. How has that role helped shape your career?

Being a part of the Solid Grooves Crew has been an incredible addition to my journey. Witnessing the growth of everyone involved has been both inspiring and motivating. This experience has not only helped me solidify a strong network within the industry but also clarified my own artistic direction and sound. Collaborating with such talented artists has enriched my understanding of the music landscape and provided invaluable insights into where I want to take my music in the future.

How do you manage your time as a Label Manager, DJ, and producer?

Haha! It can certainly be manic at times, but I truly love every aspect of what I do. The key to managing the chaos is maintaining a well-organized schedule and keeping a detailed to-do list every day. This structure helps me stay on top of my responsibilities and ensures that I can balance my creative pursuits with other professional commitments. Despite the occasional hectic moments, the passion I have for my work makes it all worthwhile.

As an artist, what excites you the most about the current state of the dance music scene, and where do you see it heading?

I love observing the evolution of the music scene from both an artist’s and a label manager’s perspective. We are currently in a fascinating stage where originality is beginning to overshadow prevailing trends. This shift is fostering a new wave of authentic artists who are dedicated to crafting unique and innovative sounds. It’s incredibly exciting to witness this transformation and to be part of an industry that increasingly values creativity and individuality.

You’ve been fortunate to play many of the biggest venues in the world, but just for fun, what’s a venue you’d like to play in the future but haven’t had the chance to yet?

Good question. Next on my list are Space Miami and Lost Beach Club Ecuador. Hopefully, I’ll lock this in soon.

Finally, are there any upcoming releases or shows that you’re excited about on the horizon?

Yeah, my next release comes out next month on Blackchild’s imprint NAIMA called “Folks Get Down (7am Mix),” and I’m super excited to have my debut in Oslo in August.

Thank you so much for your time, Ramin. I am excited to see what is next for you.

Thanks! A pleasure!

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