EG.VOL4 Dubfire

DEC 2024 VO L 4

DUBFIRE M I A M I · C A R AC A S · M E X I C O C I T Y · B U E N O S A I R E S · A M S T E R DA M · B A R C E L O N A

Exploring Boundless Creativity with

DUBFIRE

“

Teaming up with Flug has helped me see my own artistry differently, always evolving and pushing our combined sound into uncharted territory

W

hen I think of artists who’ve truly shaped the world of electronic music, Ali Shirazinia— better known as Dubfire—immediately comes to mind. Over the course of his multi-decade career, he has never stopped pushing artistic boundaries. From his early days as one half of the Grammy-winning duo Deep Dish to the dynamic output of his solo project, Dubfire has continuously redefined what it means to innovate in techno, house, and beyond.

His meticulous production style, forwardthinking live performances, and unwavering commitment to reinvention have secured his status as a defining figure in the global electronic music community.

This year has been particularly momentous for him. There’s the revival of his iconic track “I Feel Speed” through a stunning new remix package, new collaborations with emerging talents like Flug, and the long-awaited return of Deep Dish on the horizon. Each of these milestones reflects a renewed creative energy and a willingness to reimagine what electronic music can be.

What fascinates me most is how Dubfire’s artistry transcends the confines of the DJ booth and the recording studio. Recently, he collaborated with designer Beatriz Fabres on “LAVA,” a jewelry collection inspired by

”

Interview by: Mauricio Viana

volcanic landscapes. It’s an example of how his creative vision can manifest in entirely different mediums, underscoring the idea that the right aesthetic and storytelling can live anywhere, not just in sound.

In this conversation, Dubfire shares insights on the inspirations, challenges, and philosophies that drive his work. His perspective reveals a fearless approach to reinvention, an eagerness to embrace the unexpected, and a rare ability to connect diverse creative spheres. This interview illuminates not only the music that has made him a legend, but also the guiding principles behind his evolution as an artist.

Hi Ali, thanks for joining me today. You’ve had quite a busy year, with some exciting projects on the horizon. In addition to touring, you’ve mentioned collaborations with Flug and the return of Deep Dish—how does it feel to juggle so many different creative endeavors at once?

Thanks for having me. It’s been a pretty intense year of touring and collaborating, and the return of Deep Dish adds another layer of excitement. Although it can be challenging to keep so many projects moving forward, the variety keeps me inspired and always pushing to break new ground.

With that in mind, one of the highlights is the upcoming 2025 release of new remixes for your track “I Feel Speed.” It’s interesting you mention pushing boundaries, because this track hasn’t had any remixes since 2008. What made you feel it was the right time to revisit this particular piece, and how did the idea originate?

Throughout my career, I’ve made it clear that I have a deep love for Love and Rockets (and Bauhaus), and covering their ballad “I Feel Speed” back in 2007 was a personal passion project. Over time, fans have kept that track alive in their memories. When SNYL, an artist I’m currently very excited about, approached me asking if he could remix it, it reminded me of the song’s enduring resonance. That spark made me realize it was time to give it a fresh life, inviting other artists to reinterpret it as well.

That’s fascinating—SNYL’s enthusiasm served as a catalyst. In your previous answer, you mentioned SNYL’s role in sparking the idea for this remix pack. How did that initial conversation with him lead to bringing in other artists like Stephan Bodzin, Erol Alkan, Yulia Niko, and Rafael Cerato & Laherte?

After SNYL reached out, I started thinking about how diverse “I Feel Speed” could become in the hands of different talents. Stephan Bodzin has an unmatched melodic sensibility, Erol Alkan brings an indie-dance pedigree, Yulia Niko excels at blending emotion with groove, and Rafael Cerato & Laherte deliver peak-time energy. SNYL’s interest opened the door for me to assemble a lineup of artists who each approach the track from their own unique angle, creating a vibrant remix package.

That’s an impressive selection. Since you originally performed the vocals on “I Feel Speed” yourself, how does it feel to now have these artists reimagining your vocal work?

Does looking back at your decision to sing the track back in 2007 influence how you perceive these new interpretations?

Taking on vocal duties was daunting at the time, but it was a risk worth taking. Over the years, I’ve grown comfortable with my decision and with the track’s place in my catalogue. Hearing other artists rework my vocals now feels like a full-circle moment. Their reinterpretations give me fresh perspectives on something deeply personal, and it’s a reminder that stepping out of my comfort zone back then was essential to what this project has become today.

Just as you took a risk by singing on “I Feel Speed,” you also ventured into new territory with your collaborations alongside Flug, including two releases on CLR and Mind Medizin, and another one due next year. Given your focus on reinvention, how would you say these collaborations reflect your evolving artistic identity?

Working with Flug has been incredibly rewarding. We share a meticulous approach to production, but we’re also willing to experiment outside our usual comfort zones. Just like revisiting “I Feel Speed” opened doors to new interpretations, teaming up with Flug has helped me see my own artistry differently, always evolving and pushing our combined sound into uncharted territory.

That spirit of evolution seems central to your creative journey. Earlier, you mentioned your admiration for artists like Love and Rockets and Bauhaus, and more recently, you achieved a milestone by releasing remixes for Einstürzende Neubauten. How did your longstanding admiration for their work shape your approach to reinterpreting “Ist Ist,” and what made that project feel like coming full circle?

Einstürzende Neubauten’s influence has been huge, both musically and philosophically. Their controlled chaos and confidence resonated with me early on, just as Bauhaus and Love and Rockets did. Reworking “Ist Ist” was a chance to pay homage to that influence and acknowledge my roots. It felt like a personal milestone, much like returning to “I Feel Speed”, because I could bring my evolution as an artist to the table and show respect for the music that shaped me.

“

Along with your musical endeavors, you’re also venturing into jewelry design with Beatriz Fabres for the “LAVA” collection. Given your reflections on artistry and inspiration, how did this collaboration come about, and what parallels do you see between designing the “LAVA” pendant and creating music?

Beatriz and I connected through a shared passion for craftsmanship and storytelling.

Much like creating music, designing the “LAVA” pendant involved tapping into raw elements— volcanic landscapes in this case—and forging something meaningful and enduring. Both processes involve transforming concepts into tangible art, whether through sound or design, reflecting nature’s beauty and unpredictability.

It’s interesting to see your artistic vision expand beyond audio into a wearable piece of art. With the “LAVA” pendant limited to 100 pieces and featuring unique packaging and a signed postcard, how does this project broaden your relationship with your audience, and what message do you hope to convey through this tactile medium?

With the “LAVA” pendant, I’m offering fans a tangible experience—a piece of art they can keep close. Just as I’ve revisited and reimagined my music, this pendant symbolizes transformation, resilience, and storytelling in a physical form. It’s a new way to connect beyond the dance floor or the studio and share a piece of my creative journey.

Hearing other artists rework my vocals now feels like a full-circle moment

Considering these various projects—from remix packs to jewelry design—how do you maintain the sense of authenticity and innovation that runs through them all? Do you find that each new challenge you take on informs the next?

Absolutely. Each endeavor, whether reworking a beloved track, collaborating with another producer, or designing a piece of jewelry, enriches my understanding of creativity.

Embracing new challenges keeps me curious and inspired. By learning and growing through each project, I ensure that authenticity and innovation remain guiding forces in my work.

Looking ahead, with all these multifaceted projects in play, what can your fans expect from you in 2025, especially now that you’ve hinted at the return of Deep Dish?

The return of Deep Dish will be front and center in 2025. We’ve been crafting a lot of new music, and I’m excited to share these fresh creations with our fans. Just like “I Feel Speed” has found new life through remixes, Deep Dish will forge ahead with a renewed sense of purpose and creativity.

That’s fantastic to hear. Thank you so much for your time, Dubfire. We’re excited to witness all these projects come to life Thanks, Mauricio. It’s always a pleasure to connect with fans through platforms like Electronic Groove. I’m grateful for everyone’s support and look forward to what’s ahead.

2024: A Landmark Year for EG – Where Music Matters

by Mauricio Viana

A

s this special Dubfire edition of the Electronic Groove E-zine brings our landmark year to a close, it’s a fitting time to reflect on 2024’s defining moments—and to envision the exciting chapters still to be written. At EG, we’ve always believed in the power and promise of electronic music to unite, inspire, and challenge. “EG: Where Music Matters” isn’t just our motto—it’s our guiding principle, a reminder that every set, interview, and event we produce must resonate with authenticity and purpose.

This year, our journey reached a remarkable milestone: the release of EG.1000. Celebrated during ADE Week, that episode with Sasha was more than just a number on the mix count—it symbolized the journey from our 2007 Miami origins to our presentday global presence. In quick succession, icons like Hernan Cattaneo and Sven Väth graced our platforms, underscoring the trust and respect we’ve earned across the world’s leading dancefloors. These artists represent the spectrum of the scene—legends, innovators, and emerging voices coming together under the EG banner.

Yet our evolution in 2024 went beyond the podcast series. We expanded our storytelling by launching our E-zine, offering a deeper look into the minds and philosophies shaping today’s electronic music culture. We began with ANNA’s compelling narrative, then showcased WhoMadeWho’s boundary-pushing creativity, followed by a joint dive into the boundless worlds of Sasha & Patrice Bäumel.

Now, we close the year with Dubfire, whose presence here marks a conclusion and a commencement—capping off an extraordinary year and ushering in the next phase of our community-driven mission.

This sense of community was crystalized during Art Basel Week, when we organized a Fundraiser to harness the collective energy of art, culture, and music in favor of something bigger.

Much like our renowned ADE fundraisers, this initiative reinforced what makes EG distinct: we’re not just content providers—we’re active participants and partners in the global scene.

We believe in giving back, fostering real connections, and using music as a bridge to positively impact people’s lives.

Looking ahead to 2025, expect new dimensions of storytelling, more rich editorial features, and a widened repertoire of formats and channels.

We’re expanding our global footprint and exploring fresh avenues for digital engagement, from enhanced audiovisual experiences to collaborative projects that highlight rising talents in unexpected corners of the world. Our commitment to philanthropy, diversity, and sustainability will remain at the core, shaping not only what we amplify, but also how we operate within the cultural landscape.

In the end, none of these achievements would be possible without you—our artists, contributors, readers, listeners, and supporters.

Your curiosity, enthusiasm, and passion fuel our vision, enabling us to stand out as a trusted space for discovery, conversation, and celebration. Together, we’ve shown that electronic music can transcend borders and formats, foster understanding, and spark meaningful change.

Now, as we prepare to turn the page to 2025, let’s continue to embrace new sounds, champion new voices, and set new standards.

If 2024 proved anything, it’s that when we say “EG: Where Music Matters,” we go beyond a tagline—it’s a promise. We’re stepping into tomorrow with open minds and open hearts, ready to build on the foundation we’ve laid and chart new territory for the electronic music community we love. Stay tuned, stay inspired, and join us for what comes next.

Visit our website!

Copyright Electronic Groove 2024. - All Rights Reserved