IN CONVERSATION WITH DIFFRENT
Interview by Samo Šajn
Diffrent is a Berlin-based DJ and producer. Originally from Southern Germany, he taught himself to produce and quickly turned heads with his debut track ‘Live and Direct’, which was picked up by some of the biggest names in the scene. Since then, he’s built a reputation for powerful sets, standout releases, and a sound that blends Garage, Jungle, Breaks, and Bass in his own unique way. With his new single ‘Pump It Up’ out now and more music on the way, Diffrent is proving himself as one of the most exciting new names to watch.
Your new single ‘Pump It Up’ is packed with energy. What was the spark or moment that inspired it?
It was actually the vocals. They already had such great energy. I just built around that and let the track take shape.
You blend UKG, Jungle, Breaks, and Bass into your sound. How did you find that mix, and what makes it yours?
I’ve always been a big fan of heavy percussion and those big room vibes. At the same time, I love the positive energy my music gives, not just to the crowd but to me as well.
Coming from Southern Germany but now based in Berlin, how has the city’s music scene influenced your style?
Honestly, it hasn’t too much. A lot of people come to Berlin to absorb the city’s sound and put that into their tracks, but I’ve always just focused on doing my own thing and making what I like.
You’ve released on labels like ATW, Time Is Now, and Method808 in just over a year. Has that rapid rise been overwhelming or motivating?
A bit of both. Coming from having almost no fans, no listeners, and no labels interested in signing me to where I am now is definitely overwhelming. But it also motivates me because it shows me that people want to hear more, and the love I get when people connect with my music or my sets is what keeps me going.
You’re on the lineup at All Points East with Chase & Status and Sammy Virji. How do you plan a set for such a massive stage?
I don’t, actually, especially since I’m playing B2B with my good friend Silva Bumpa. After a year of playing shows and meeting so many people and idols, I’ve learned that B2Bs are all about having fun together and surprising each other in the moment.
Your debut track ‘Live and Direct’ got picked up by big names like Interplanetary Criminal and Dom Dolla. What impact did that have on your career?
That was definitely the start of everything. Getting recognition from such huge names made me feel like I was on the right path, and it pushed me to keep creating more.
You taught yourself to produce from scratch. Was there a turning point where things suddenly clicked for you?
Yes, as soon as I switched to Ableton everything started to make sense, haha.
You’ve got shows in London, Manchester, the Netherlands, and more coming up. Do you change your sets depending on the city and crowd?
Not so much anymore. I’ve figured out a way to play everything I want while also giving the crowd what they want and hopefully even more than they expected.
Looking ahead, where do you want to take Diffrent in the next few years?
I’m really happy with where I’m at right now, but I definitely want to reach more people with my music. Since I don’t stick to one genre, I want to keep fans on their toes with whatever I put out. But most importantly, I just want to see people smiling when they hear my music, because that’s what makes me happiest.
