DARIUS SYROSSIAN | IT 2024 #06

Darius Syrossian is one of the most respected names in the electronic scene, and his career is a reflection of his dedication and genuine love for music in its purest form. From his beginnings working in record stores to becoming a renowned artist with residencies at Ibiza’s most iconic clubs, Darius has traveled a path that has led him to be a benchmark, both in the booth and with his record label. With a passion that dates back to the 90s and an unwavering commitment to musical authenticity, Darius has connected with audiences around the world, conveying in each set the essence of classic house and techno, with energy that transcends generations.

His style is a blend of house, techno, and irresistible grooves, influenced by the iconic Chicago and Detroit scenes. Darius is known for his ability to keep the dancefloor in constant motion, without following passing trends and always staying true to his sound. This spirit of authenticity is also reflected in his label, Moxy Muzik, where he promotes diverse genres, from house to minimal and garage, with a special inclination for music that conveys soul and energy. The vision behind Moxy Muzik is to offer the audience a sound experience that transcends styles and genres, while also preserving the vinyl format in a predominantly digital era.

Throughout this interview, the 4 times nominated for DJ Mag Best of British Awards and also a winner in 2014 for Best Resident DJ Category as a resident of Tribal Sessions shared his beginnings in the industry, his experience in Ibiza residencies, the vision that sustains Moxy Muzik, and his perspective on what it means to be an authentic DJ. With over 15 years of experience and countless stories in his career, Darius also offered valuable advice for emerging artists, showing the way forward for those looking to establish themselves in a competitive and constantly evolving field.

For those who want to delve deeply into the life of a DJ who has graced the world’s largest platforms and clubs, this interview with Darius Syrossian reveals the mindset, work, and passion that has brought him to where he is today. Below, we present the dialogue in which Darius speaks, in his own words, about the key moments of his career and the philosophy that guides his professional life.

Darius began his career in record stores, an environment that shaped his perspective and allowed him to acquire extensive musical knowledge.

“I have so many memories from those days. I remember that in the 90s when there was no Internet or CDJs, I would go to raves and hear tracks like ‘Professional Widow’ for the first time. We didn’t have Shazam, so I had to go up close to see the vinyl; I only saw the Van Helden remix, Tori Amos. The next day I faxed the distributor and ordered 200 copies because I knew it would be a hit,” Darius recalled, describing the excitement of that era.

“I sold vinyl to people like Honey Dijon, Derrick Carter, and loads of the big US DJs who would fly in from America. Working in a record shop for 15 years is Huge, both for the vast musical knowledge I have now but also for shaping me as a DJ and a producer because being around music constantly for 9 hours a day helped me understand electronic music & how it connects with people”.

Breaking through as a DJ was no easy feat for Darius Syrossian. After 15 years working in record shops,he was no stranger to the music scene, having played alongside legends like Jeff Mills and other notable house and techno artists. Yet, despite his skill and passion, he hadn’t achieved the kind of international recognition he aspired to. Reflecting on his journey, Darius shared, “The big breakthrough was finally when I was asked to play the main room of Sankeys, warming up for Steve Lawler about 15 years ago.”

This moment became a game-changer, not just because of the opportunity itself, but because it was a chance to showcase his productions, tracks he’d crafted specifically to get noticed by top DJs.

That night, the club was packed, and as the crowd filled every corner of Sankeys, Darius dropped a series of his productions just before Lawler took over the decks.

“I remember Steve, who I’d never met before, was asking me what these tracks were and kept saying he loved all the music I was playing but also how I was setting the room up perfectly for him,” he recalled.

Lawler was so impressed that he took Darius’s tracks, then on CDs, to test them out during his sets. A few days later, Darius received an email from Lawler saying that he’d played the tracks at Space Ibiza’s “We Love Space” night and that they’d “blown the roof off.” Not only did Lawler love the tracks, but he also extended an offer that would change Darius’s life: “If I can make tracks like this for his label, Viva Music, he’d consider taking me on tour with him,” Darius recalled.

At this point, Darius knew this was the breakthrough he had been waiting for, and he seized it with both hands. He quickly agreed to produce something fresh for Lawler, kicking off their collaboration with a remix for Livio & Roby, followed by his original track, “Luis Conte,” which skyrocketed to Number 1. This success catapulted him into the global spotlight, catching the attention of fans and industry leaders alike.

“I thought it was just going to be some cities in the UK, but it turned out to be Miami, New York, Montréal, Seattle, Toronto, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, San Diego, and loads of others,” Darius said, recalling the whirlwind experience of his first international tour.

This breakthrough taught Darius a valuable lesson: that talent alone isn’t enough; it’s also about finding the right platform to showcase that talent.

“Steve gave me that, and I’ll always be grateful to him for it,” he said.

Now, Darius passes on this lesson to the next generation, supporting emerging artists and giving them a platform to make their mark, just as he once did.

When asked about early influences, Darius shared a special mention for Carl Craig’s iconic track, “Throw” by Paperclip People.

“It was one of the first records that had just a really strong hypnotic groove and infectious bassline—not about a melody but about the groove and drums. It’s amazing that to this day, it still sounds so fresh.”

Darius Syrossian’s time in Ibiza was a decade-long chapter filled with some of the most iconic residencies on the island, and it played a transformative role in his career. Reflecting on his years there, he remarked, “It’s crazy when I think back on what I’ve achieved there with the Ibiza residencies.”

His first major stint was with Steve Lawler’s Viva Warriors at Sankeys, a club known for its raw, underground energy. Darius spent two to three years there, a period he described as “unbelievable,” with nights that people still talk about today. He then went on to join Tribal Sessions at Sankeys, another pivotal experience.

“It’s amazing to think about the incredible atmosphere we had at Sankeys, both with Viva Warriors and Tribal Sessions,” he said.

His journey continued with residencies at Privilege and the legendary Space Ibiza, where he played every Sunday during the club’s final season before it transitioned into Hi Ibiza.

“That summer, I did more shows than Carl Cox, (playing there 19 times). It was a special experience to be part of that club’s history,” he reflected.

The residency at Tribal Sessions was particularly meaningful for Darius, as it allowed him to curate the lineups and play peak-time slots.

“Tribal Sessions was very special because I wasn’t just warming up for anybody; I was the main resident, and we brought in legends like Jeff Mills, Derrick May, Dave Clarke, and Luciano,” he explained.

The vibe at Tribal Sessions was unmatched, bringing in a crowd that appreciated not only house but real US techno as well.

“That type of underground, raw party was something special,” he said, noting how the scene has changed over time with the rise of VIP culture.

Despite these changes, he feels fortunate to have been part of such a vibrant underground moment in Ibiza, one he considers irreplaceable.

One of his most cherished memories came from Space Ibiza’s final season, specifically the closing party.

“The final ever party of the legendary Space Ibiza, I played in the car park at sunset, which was a peak time slot, and it was really special,” Darius recalled.

His set was crafted to honor the occasion rather than himself, blending classics from the nineties with newer tracks, creating an atmosphere thick with nostalgia.

“I remember dropping Underworld’s ‘Dark and Long’ and seeing the emotions on people’s faces. You could feel it in the air, that this was a final farewell to an era,” he said.

Being part of such a historic moment made it an unforgettable experience for Darius, one he treasures deeply.

Each club brought out a different side of Darius as an artist, allowing him to evolve creatively.

“These residencies shaped me into the DJ and artist I am now,” he shared.

He explained that as a resident DJ, he learned the art of adapting his music to fit the crowd and support the guest DJs.

“When you’re the main guest, people know what they’re there for, but as a resident, most of the crowd isn’t there specifically for you. You have to adjust while staying true to your sound,” he noted.

This skill in reading the crowd and adapting his sets was honed through years of residencies, teaching him invaluable lessons in crowd dynamics and enhancing his versatility.

“After a while, when the party becomes legendary, the resident can become just as big as the guest,” he said.

The experiences at Space, Sankeys, and Amnesia defined his career and his approach to music.

Moxy Muzik was born from Darius’s need to create a platform that reflected his versatility as a DJ and producer.

Moxy Muzik has emerged as a label that champions diverse styles, offering a platform for a broad spectrum of genres. When Darius Syrossian started the label, his primary vision was clear: to create a space that reflected his multifaceted approach as a DJ. Syrossian, known for his eclectic sets that blend house, garage, minimal, and more, wanted a label that allowed him to release music that spoke to his energetic yet soulful vibe.

“The idea behind Moxy Muzik was really simple,” Syrossian explains.

“I wanted to express myself through the label. As a DJ, I don’t stick to one genre. Whether it’s house, garage, minimal, or anything else, the track has to have soul, energy, and feeling. That’s the vibe I’m looking for.”

It’s this openness to a variety of sounds that has made Moxy Muzik unique. The label has become a space where Syrossian not only releases his music but also showcases the work of fresh, undiscovered artists. Many of these acts, previously unheard of, have found their first vinyl or digital release with Moxy Muzik, of ten marking the beginning of their careers.

“One of the things I’m most proud of is giving opportunities to artists who might otherwise get overlooked. It’s incredible to see someone’s first vinyl release come out and be a part of their journey,” Syrossian says.

This ethos of nurturing new talent while ensuring that the music released is of the highest quality has helped Moxy Muzik carve out a strong identity in the competitive world of electronic music.

Even more impressively, Moxy Muzik continues to press vinyl in an age where many labels have shifted to digital-only formats. Vinyl has always been close to Syrossian’s heart, stemming from his years working in record shops like Global Beat Records and Crash Records in Leeds. For him, vinyl is more than just a physical format—it’s an art form and one that he’s committed to preserving.

“A DJ’s job is to bring music to the people, not hide it from them. Pressing vinyl is important to me because it’s part of our culture. Vinyl DJing is an art form that’s slowly disappearing, but we want to keep it alive,” he shares.

Syrossian acknowledges that pressing vinyl can be seen as financially risky, but for Moxy Muzik, it’s been a successful venture. “If you do it properly and ensure your A&R is spot on, people will buy the records,” he notes.

The label’s “Moxy Editions” vinyl releases often sell out, proving that there’s still a strong demand for physical music.

When it comes to choosing which tracks fit the label, Syrossian keeps it simple: if he plays it, it’s considered for release.

“The key is whether I would play the track in a set. If it feels right for me, it goes into the folder for release. We’re all about releasing good music, but it still has to fit with the vibe I play,” he says.

His ability to seamlessly weave different genres into his sets is reflected in the diversity of Moxy Muzik’s catalog, which spans Chicago house, deep house, minimal, and more.

At its core, Moxy Muzik is about more than just releasing music—it’s about creating a space for expression, for both Syrossian and the artists he champions.

“This label is 100% mine, and I’ve always wanted to start something where I have complete control. It’s a dream come true,” Syrossian concludes.

With Moxy Muzik continuing to grow and evolve, it’s clear that the label is set to be a lasting force in the world of electronic music.

Throughout his career, Darius has played in numerous places, but Italy and Argentina hold a special place in his heart.

“Italians feel the music; they show their appreciation and make you feel that they’re there to enjoy every second. The same goes for Argentina, where the connection is so strong that sometimes you don’t want the set to end,” he said.

Darius shared one of his most special moments in Córdoba, Argentina, where a set planned for two hours extended to five.

Ibiza has also been a stage for magical moments for Darius. “I remember a night at Sankeys with Viva Warriors; I decided to take a risk and played ‘Time’ by Pachanga Boys. The entire club sat down, and when the song exploded, it was incredible. Those kinds of moments are unique,”

Behind the energy Darius Syrossian brings to every set and every track he produces, there is a deep love for music that has been forged over a life dedicated to the art of making people dance. For him, each vinyl and every event is much more than a job; it’s the way he expresses who he is and what he truly loves. Darius doesn’t just play to entertain; he seeks to create a real, human connection, feeling the pulse of the dancefloor and giving a part of himself in each session. That authenticity is what sets him apart, and what his followers feel and appreciate every time they listen to him.

Beyond his success, Darius has maintained a genuine humility that few in the industry manage to preserve. He has never been swayed by ego or fame, instead building his path patiently, from his days selling vinyl to becoming a globally recognized DJ and producer. But at his core, he remains the same: someone who lives for music and finds in it a greater purpose. Each set, each new release on Moxy Muzik, is an opportunity for him to remember and relive those moments that defined his passion, never forgetting where he came from or where he is headed.

For Darius, his role goes beyond the stages; he sees himself as a mentor and a guide for those who dream of finding a place in this industry. With Moxy Muzik, Darius offers something he sought for many years: an authentic and unpretentious platform for those artists who want to make their way without needing to follow trends. Welcoming new talents and helping them grow is his way of giving back to the community everything that music has given him, trusting that, by promoting authenticity, he preserves the club culture he values so much.

Ultimately, Darius Syrossian is a tireless enthusiast, a true music lover who has made his life a testament to authenticity and resilience. His legacy is not measured in awards or chart rankings but in the sincere connection he achieves with each person on the dancefloor, each artist he supports, and each record he spins. His story reminds us that when one lives with passion and commitment, the journey becomes the true achievement, and it is that dedication that makes him an invaluable pillar in the world of electronic music.