Tunisian-born artist Different Ray delivers an hour of terrific tracks from Mita Gami, Sasha and more…
Different Ray, an enigmatic artist with a mission to spread joy and euphoria through his music, made his debut in early 2018 and quickly ascended to prominence within the Deep House genre.
In just a few short years, Different Ray released on some of the world’s most renowned labels such as Hoomidaas, The Soundgarden, Art Vibes Music, Nie Wieder Schlafen, Dream Culture, Everything Will Be Ok, Loot Recordings, Mirrors and Sound Avenue and a lot more. In 2021 he triumphed in a remix competition for Nils Hoffmann’s debut album on the esteemed Get Physical sub-label, Poesie Musik. Given all that, it’s no surprise that his tracks earned him numerous Beatport chart-topping positions.
With support from an array of influential artists ranging from Armen Miran to Eelke Kleijn, the future is indeed looking bright for the Tunisian-born artist.
Balance Selections 271: Different Ray
Tracklisting:
1. Haider Uppal – Cloud Control
2. Different Ray – Beneath The Stars ( Unreleased )
3. Stefan Obermaier – Laya (Musumeci Riviera Remix)
4. Sasha – Xpander (Remix)
5. Different Ray – Mission Impossible ( Unreleased )
6. Ilias Katelanos, Molac, Plecta – Maga ( Unreleased )
7. JPA – Sunshine
8. Mita Gami – Allenby
9. Maga, Tim Engelhardt – Reiki
10. Mustafa Ismaeel, Enamour – Twisted Mind
11. Fehrplay – Touch You (Original Mix)
12. Different Ray – Cosmicity (Unreleased)
Balance Selections Q+A
Name: Dhia Meksi
Location: Tunisia
Alias/Producer name: Different Ray
Facebook
Soundcloud
Instagram
Labels affiliated with: Hoomidaas , The Soundgarden, Songuara
My last 3 releases:
What music did you listen to as a child?
My musical tastes were quite eclectic. I was exposed to a variety of genres, including hip-hop and rock, which laid the foundation for my appreciation of diverse musical styles. This exposure to different genres during these years contributed to my open-mindedness towards music and eventually led me to explore electronic music, particularly trance and deep house.
When was the first time that you realised that you liked electronic music?
I discovered my passion for electronic music early on, initially drawn to the enchanting world of trance. Influential artists such as Tiësto and Armin van Buuren, the early days of Hardwell. As time passed, my musical journey led me towards exploring deeper and more progressive sounds. Over the years, I’ve continued to broaden my horizons, delving into various genres and expanding my musical palette.
When was the first time you saw a DJ in a club?
My first clubbing experiences were at local clubs, but the real shift happened when I went to a Tunisian festival called Ephémère. The lineup featured artists like Christian Löffler, Dauwd, HOSH, Loco Dice, and many others. It was a transformative experience, and that night stands out as one of my most memorable musical experiences.
Which producers/artists/acts inspire you?
I find inspiration in a diverse range of electronic and alternative music artists. Some notable influences include Bonobo, Nick Warren and Sebastien Léger in the electronic genre, while Yussef Dayes, Greentea Peng, Jordan Rakei, and Khruangbin inspire me in the alternative scene. It’s challenging to pinpoint favorites as there are numerous artists I appreciate. The first encounters with their tracks left a lasting impression, contributing to my admiration for their unique styles.
What was the last album that you downloaded/purchased?
The most recent addition to my collection is Lettuce ‘Live In Tokyo‘.
What is your current production and DJ set up like?
My music production setup revolves around a PC as the central component. I incorporate a MIDI keyboard, a Launchpad, and an Akai MIDI Mix for input during the creative process. When it comes to DJing, I prefer using CDJs and a DJM .
What releases do you have on the horizon?
I’ve got some exciting releases in the pipeline that I can’t wait to share! First up is my revision of a James Bond soundtrack, exclusively dropping on Bandcamp. Additionally, you can catch some of my contributions in various VA (Various Artists) compilations and EPs. There’s more exciting news in the mix, so stay tuned for the vibes!
Where can we hear you perform?
You can catch me at a couple of gigs in Tunis, over the next few weeks. Stay tuned for some exciting announcements coming up for the summer too!
Tell us more about the podcast you made for Balance?
For the is podcast, I worked with my Midimix controller and Ableton, I’ve played some special tunes, including my upcoming release ‘Mission Impossible’ and other unreleased stuff from friends and myself .
My Recommendations
The top track in my DJ set currently is:
If I could recommend only one of my tracks for you to listen to it would be:
The choice really depends on the context. For a clubbier, peak-time track, I’d recommend ‘Flight Trails‘. However, if you’re in the mood for a more vocal-heavy, sultry vibe, ‘I’ll Be Waiting‘ (featured at start of Q+A) would be my pick.
If I could recommend only one track for you to listen to it would be:
The last movie I watched that I really liked:
Lately I’ve watched a great show called Ozark.
My favourite TV show:
I don’t watch TV unless it’s a football game.
My favourite holiday destination/hotel:
My preferred holiday spot is my hometown Mahdia in Tunisia, it stands out for its scenic beaches, lively beach bars, and delectable seafood experiences
