Deepak Sharma, has developed a sound that is very much keeping in theme with his city of residence – New York. He can often be found in the multicultural hot spot, mixing up a blend of tech house, techno and electro which has seem him develop a faithful fan base in both the Apple and throughout the States.

His debut long player released this year ‘Boogaloo, Brooklyn, 3:23pm’ has received great support from both DJ’s and music lovers. It was this mix flying across my desk that pushed me to get in contact with the man who openly admits that the first thing in his tour kit is a pair of basketball shorts. RA wandered through a verbal central park to gain an insight into the in form Deepak Sharma.

To those unfamiliar with your style, how would you describe your sound?
I would consider it deep tech house, minimal techno, deep techno and electro. I’m really big on atmospherics and I find many of the tracks I own have that warmer sound to it. These track I almost picture the producer sitting in his studio making – they have a more human feel and touch to them. My heavier material contains a lot of deep techno where the monstrous bass of the track simply takes over. Depending on where I’m DJing I can carry a night in a big room or a small lounge. I love going through my crates at home picking and choosing what I may want to play that night depending on the spot.

Your debut album, released in 2004 ‘Boogaloo, Brooklyn. 3:23 pm’ is a real chance for you to make a first impression and spread your sound throughout the world. How did you prepare for this mix, and choose the tracks?
This was so difficult to do, much harder than I anticipated. The reason is it is so hard to try to tell a story in only 70 minutes of time. You cannot use all the tracks you want, but have to select them by what makes sense for the compilation –what I mean by that is what exactly are you going for, what are you trying to accomplish? we were going for a chill-out, deep, relaxing, trippy mix that makes sense with the personality of the venue, tracks I would play at Boogaloo and how I would approach an after-hours set. Everything has a meaning on this CD from the music selected to the artwork to the title of the compilation to the forward inside. All of it is supposed to help lend itself to the listener at the end of the CD saying, “I get what they are all about”

No ‘big’ tracks, anthems, mash-ups, gimmicks were used – that’s not my style. Nor were tracks from my friends who are producers – these tracks were simply selected because they were the best fit for the compilation. In fact, many may not recognize the tracks on this compilation, but if you give it a chance, you will not be disappointed. The tracks were selected from 2002 and 2003 but you would never know it by listening to the mix, it’s timeless and that’s what I’m most proud of. I’m not sure what other American based DJ has released such a compilation featuring tracks like these.

New York has seen a lot of club closures, with no more Twilo and Arc etc how as a mainstay of the NYC scene have you noticed things change and where do you see things heading?
Clubbing is becoming more commercial and mainstream in the states. Club owners want to make money so they have dressed up their clubs a bit and still bring in the same ‘big name’ DJs because that’s what the masses want and that’s what makes them money. But that’s ok because hopefully on nights where they don’t get the ‘big name’, a DJ such as I will have an opportunity to rock a big room.

Also, clubbing is more sterile and watered down than before. I remember paying $25 cover for 10-11 hours of debauchery…you don’t see that in NYC anymore unless it’s a special occasion. Many of the DJs now are just asking for too much money so it makes it difficult for clubs to have reasonable cover charges.

Finally, the music in these big rooms in NYC can get very stale – the same sound over and over again. This is where I see clubs can really make a name for themselves as by taking chances on lesser known DJs and developing them by involving them in nights. If you look at clubs that are successful today, they consistently bring in new talent along with their more established talent. Keeping it fresh is something club owners in NYC need gain a further understanding of.

You are currently touring North America and Canada to promote the CD, What are 5 things outside of your music that you refuse to tour without? and normally find themselves in your suitcase.
Hmm, I always bring a pair of mesh basketball shorts – I love laying around in them because they are so comfy. To that point, I always bring clothes that I can just loaf around in before or after the gig. My mobile phone always comes with me – I love receiving that drunk call late night from friends. The rest is basic stuff, plenty of boxers, socks, and cell phone charger because I hate when it dies and I’m still two days away from going home.

As an aspiring American DJ, have you noticed the crowds getting bigger and more knowledgeable as the years advance.
I wouldn’t say more knowledgeable but more aware of dance music and the scene. And that’s ok because it’s these people who are just getting into it that have the most love, energy and consistent excitement surrounding dance music. It’s these people we have to reach, and I think clubs see that and are trying to broaden their approach. Clubs are trying to make this a fun experience again, with costumes and theme nights. Furthermore, crowds who have an open mind, no matter how they dress, how long they have been listening to dance music, or how old they are a DJs best friend. They are the ones who don’t look at the name of the DJ when they go out, but to simply hear some good music. Big name DJs do bring in the flocks of people and it’s necessary for clubs to bring them in but hopefully with that you will expose more people to electronica and some of those will filter down to DJs such as myself. The jaded veteran of the scene may get lost in this but that isn’t the person who is pushing the scene forward. They are too busy thinking about how good it was back in the ol’ days.

You have DJ’d alongside some awesome DJ’s like Craig Richards, Lee Burridge, FC Kahuna, Ralph Lawson, Mazi, Tigerhook and Steve Porter who play some very unique and different records in a set, do you try and do much of the same?
Yes, but it has to make sense. Playing an electro track just because it’s the new hot item doesn’t translate into being a great DJ. The best part about preparing for a gig is going through all the different material from past years and incorporating that into a set. I want people to leave and say to themselves, “That was some great and different music than what I usually hear.” I take pride in how I progress in a set and keep the flow going. The compilation is a perfect example of what I mean. Before you know it, you’re already on track six. I don’t want to be the center of attention, the party should be and there’s no better way to do than by keeping the flow of the night going and keep everybody into it. These DJs here all have their unique sounds or styles that differentiate themselves from everybody else. I feel I belong in that category as well.

If we were coming to New York, where are the best record shops?
I shop almost exclusively shop at www.globalbeats.com. They have been great to me and I highly suggest all DJs to check it out. Tell them Deepak sent ya! I’ve also received some promos from a few of the labels on the compilation and that has helped in keeping things fresh.

What are your plans for studio works in the future and are their any particular producers you would like to work alongside.
I am focusing on production – that’s long road which will need a lot of patience and time, but I’m up for the challenge. I am already beginning to prepare for the next compilation for Boogaloo which should be out by the end of 2005. Hopefully one of my own is on that mix. If I had to choose any producers in the world to have a session with they would be Atilla Jahanvash, Damon Wild, Sascha Funke, Oliver Hacke, Inaqui Marin and Robag Wruhme.

Where and when can we see you play at your residences stateside?
I am a regular at Boogaloo and Discotheque in NYC. I have plans being worked out with a few others around the states and also hopefully I can get back to Montreal soon. The scene is strong in smaller cities like Richmond VA and hopefully I can continue to play down there. It’s all important and it all adds up. Of course I am looking to play in South America as I heard the crowds there are amazing. I am hopeful that someday that will happen along with the rest of the world. I am talking now with a booking agent and I will be heading out to the west coast in San Diego for two gigs – one at a big venue, On Broadway and the other at new lounge named Airport. I have my first gig at Crobar in NYC on October 7th to celebrate the release of this CD. Earlier that day, I will be playing at the Virgin Megastore in Union Square at 6pm to promote the CD, so that day is going to be an amazing experience for me. In November, I’m headed to Philadelphia to play with Deep C of Tigerhook Corp on his legendary Monday night.

Upcoming Dates:
10.2 Boogaloo, Brooklyn NYC
10.7 Virgin Megastore – 6pm, Union Square NYC
10.7 Crobar – CD Release Party, NYC
10.17 Le Souk, NYC
10.22 Airport, San Diego CA (Below 50 Vodka Launch Party) CD Tour
10.23 On Broadway, San Diego, CA CD Tour
11.1 Philadelphia PA w/ Deep C of Tigerhook Corp