Following last year’s collaborative hit ‘Pulling Me To You’ with Jono Stephenson and Frynn, Belgian DJ and producer Paradoks makes a triumphant return to Purified Records with his brand new single ‘C’est Toi’. Discover more about this release, his music and projects in the interview below.
Congratulations on the release of your new single C’est Toi. It marks another return to Purified Records for you. What made this the right home for the Release?
Thank you! “C’est Toi” is a feel-good track and it just felt right to send this one to Nora. I’ve built a strong relationship with her and the label over the years, and I know she understands my sound and vision. Purified has been a home for a lot of my music, and this one just felt like the right fit. It’s nice to know she’s been playing the track everywhere!
Your music blends melodic depth with high-energy rhythms. How do you find the balance between emotional storytelling and club-ready tracks?
This is honestly my biggest challenge every time. It’s not easy to combine both, it’s a fine line to walk. Either a track is too melodic and loses its danceability, or it’s very danceable but loses its emotional touch. It’s been my lifelong journey as an artist to strike the balance between both, music that moves people physically and also emotionally. I strive to make tracks that have enough to be enjoyed through movement, but also musical enough to tell a story.
Most often I combine both aspects in a single song, though ultimately I’ve also been thinking about the bigger picture: composing a variety of tracks that all come together when played in a DJ set. Each track is therefore part of a story exploring different emotions, from darkness to light, from calm to intensity, not just as standalone tracks, but as part of a larger journey.
As an artist who bridges deep house and melodic techno, where do you see the evolution of these genres heading?
I feel Melodic Techno is constantly pushing the edge with more and more attention given to sound design, and this is something I’ve enjoyed exploring myself. As for where it’s headed, to be honest, I don’t know. I’m just focusing on creating music that excites me regardless of where the genres are going.
Can you walk us through a typical day in the studio for you? Do you have a set format or structure when producing tracks?
I am a daytime producer, so when I have a studio day, I usually wake up, drink a coffee, go to the gym fasted, take a nice shower, drink another coffee, and get started. Some sessions last three to four hours, while others go for ten, depending on the flow. Sometimes I begin with a kick, bass, and drums. Other times, I start with chords and build the main breakdown and melodies first. It really depends.
I do not have a strict format or structure when producing because I feel it is too easy to fall into the same patterns and end up making music that feels generic or, at the very least, uninspiring to me. Following a formula does not always cut it for me. This means my productivity is lower than it could be (unfortunately, I am not a song-making machine), but I like to think that comes at the benefit of creating more unique tracks.
You’ve performed at Purified events in cities like New York, London, and Buenos Aires. How do different audiences around the world influence your Sets?
Yes, every audience is unique and will resonate differently with certain tracks. It also depends on the setting, whether it is a club or an open-air venue, the set time, and whether I am headlining or part of a larger lineup. Considering these factors is, in my opinion, key to being a good DJ and ensuring the audience has the best possible experience.
When I headline, for example, I tend to play with more energy. My sets are still melodic, but they lean stronger and darker, especially when I am playing later at night when the crowd is at its peak. At Purified events, on the other hand, I generally focus more on the melodic side because that is what I feel the audience connects with the most. Of course, I never completely change my sound. I just adapt and shift the balance to one side of my musical spectrum or the other.
Touring can be both rewarding and demanding. How do you stay inspired and creative while on the road?
I honestly like being on the road, it’s fun. Yes, it’s exhausting, but when the parties are great, it’s always worth it. I don’t tend to finish a lot of music when touring, but I do often draft a few ideas when I get inspiration after a really cool party or place I visited. Most of the time I’m mainly focused on enjoying my time on the road and meeting up with the people I know from each city when I have time, while making sure I get as much sleep as possible. Sleep is a priority for me as it allows me to stay sane.
If you could collaborate with any artist—past or present—who would it be and Why?
Could you imagine what amazing music we could come up with if ever had the opportunity to collaborate with Hans Zimmer? The breakdown would be so majestic, it would be a big challenge to make a drop that would do justice to whatever magic he’d compose.
What initially drew you to producing electronic music, and how has your approach evolved since you started?
I am a self-taught pianist and was already composing on the keys for a few years before feeling the urge to explore further. That thirst for musical exploration, combined with my discovery of electronic music like Dubstep, led me to start producing. Even back then, I was already trying to find the balance between energy and emotion, which is something that has never changed.
My approach has evolved in the sense that I have improved in every aspect. Sample selection, sound design, melodies, mixing, etc. But at the same time, I find myself sometimes struggling with perfectionism, which I am actively trying to unlearn. I often ask myself, “Which of the seven melodies I just wrote is the best one? And which of these four sounds should I use for them?
Should I swap the clap and snare for something tighter?” The more you know, the harder it becomes to be content and call a project finished.
Now, in a way, I am working on reconnecting with that earlier mindset. When I would produce music and finish a track without overthinking all the infinite possibilities of what the final song could become.
With C’est Toi kicking off your 2025, what else can fans expect from you this year? Any upcoming projects or surprises in store?
I have two cool remixes scheduled, one is coming very soon, and I also have an exciting EP coming out in maybe 2-3 months, but I can’t say more for now.
Any final words for our readers?
Thank you for reading and listening to my music, much love to everyone!
