Russian born NYC dweller Serge Devant is a name you'll hear and see in the tech house world, appearing in mixes and on some steady line ups (including the UK's Eastern Electrics Festival taking place in a months time). He's turned the heads of Jamie Jones, Lee Foss and Hot Since 82 to name but a small handful – releasing on all of their labels and continuing to impress.
Growing up in Russia, Serge was exposed to electronic music from a younge age, finding the sounds of Jean Michel Jarre and Depeche Mode amongst others. He moved to New York in the 90's and developed an insatiable appetite for the 24 hour dance lifestyle, trawling the city's record stores by day to build a collection before taking to the decks at infamous Tunnel soon after. With these beginnings in mind, we asked Serge about life after Tunnel.
My first big show was playing the main stage at the opening of Kazantip (a festival in Ukraine), it was a very surreal experience as I was almost late to the set and just walked straight into 30 thousand people below me. I had a blast for 2 hours with all my friends around me, it was one of those kind of experiences and the kind of excitement you only feel once when you're doing something for the first time. It's hard to compare to anything – it will never feel as good as the first time.
Damian Lazarus was another DJ who spotted Serge's unique sounds and talent, featuring two of his demos – 'ThisMoment' and 'Always On My Mind' on his BBC 1 Radio Essential Mix, releases on Damians labels were soon to follow. In June 2015, Crosstown Rebels' offshoot label Rebellion released two of Serge's tracks, with 'Always On My Mind' following in the March 2016 on Crosstown Rebels. Serge's latest release, 'Thinking of You', is also on Damian's label.
Everything happened with this release very organically, Damian likes my music and one thing led to another. With a consistent release schedule people start to become more aware and start reaching out, a really good team came together and I feel at home with Crosstown.. with great events such as Day Zero, it's a good crew of people that feel like family.
'Thinking Of You' is a blissfully smooth and sensual track, lush chords and hypnotic tones come together to produce this song ready for the Summer Season on islands and at Festivals ahead – and the EP includes three remixes from tech heavyweights Reboot and Art Department. Reboot provides some intricate percussion and deep pads, whilst Art Department delivers a raw techno cut in his 'Modular Perspective', and a bit more swing but sticking true to his techno energy in the 'Jaded Perspective'. This Ibiza ready EP coincides with a trip Serge is taking very soon..
This year I will make my debut at Circo Loco at DC10, of course it is very special moment for me. It’s the place where everyone wants to play at some point in their career, and I finally get this opportunity. Which makes this summer a very special one!
Serge Devant & Damiano feat. Camille Safiya 'Thinking Of You' is out now on Crosstown Rebels and available to purchase here
Connect with Serge Devant: Facebook | Twitter | Soundcloud
Connect with Crosstown Rebels: Facebook| Twitter | Soundcloud
