Deep House London Interview with Pierre Locher | Interviews

Pierre Locher is a Swiss born / Dubai based DJ/Producer who has played this year at a number of events across the Middle East and Europe. His music has racked up over one million streams, and he has just released his “Cannibal Models” EP on Toka Musik. We caught up with him recently to find out more…

Hey Pierre! Thanks for joining us today. Where are you speaking to us from today?

Pierre Locher: Hey guys, very happy to be here, speaking to you from Dubai.

Congrats on the release of your new EP «Cannibal Models» on Toka Musik. What was your inspiration behind this record?

Pierre Locher: Thank you very much. I actually usually get inspired by cinematography within psychological thrillers and classic horror movies. I find inspiration in their visual violence in a way. I sometimes even keep a movie scene on pause on the side to have it there while I produce a track.

Growing up, what were some influences what you believe have shaped your musical taste?

Pierre Locher: Growing up, I was very much independent. I actually spent a lot of time alone and often used music, art and movies as an escape. To me, music has always been the perfect tool to express feelings and emotions that I was too afraid to express to the outside world.

How did you first get into Music Production & DJ’ing?

Pierre Locher: I started my musical journey learning how to play the drums, then later decided to start taking piano lessons. I took piano lessons for approximately 7 years before I started to get into music production with a DAW. I remember I bought a tiny DJ controller and started making tracks on Garageband. It all sounded awful but I was truly having so much fun, and with time, I slowly started to get positive feedback from people.

Based in Dubai, how do you you think the local underground scene has informed your sound?

Pierre Locher: I’ve always been into Arabic music and their instruments, especially their vocals. I always try to incorporate Arabic into my tracks, whether it’s with voices or sounds. I feel Arabic music as a whole is truly growing, and is slowly making its way into mainstream electronic music and media.

What does your studio setup look like?

Pierre Locher: I’m a big believer in having a minimal studio setup. My setup is simple: DAW, speakers, headphones, audio interface, and MIDI controller. Having a simple setup helps me to focus on what’s in my head rather than what is in front of me.

Can you mention some of the instruments and/or plugins that make up your trademark sound?

Pierre Locher: I love to play around with guitar pedals on my DAW.

How do you define success? Is it about the number or is there more to it?

Pierre Locher: To me success is the feeling of happily chasing your new goals.

Now that «Cannibal Models» is out, what is next for Pierre Locher?

Pierre Locher: Firstly, being chosen to be the first artist to release under the Toka Musik label is gratifying. Planning 2024, I already have 2 finished tracks that I’m waiting for the perfect time to release. I also want to expand my sound and travel a lot more. I love meeting new people, discovering new cities, and being a full on tourist for a weekend.

Last but not least, is there a message that you wish to spread to the world?

Pierre Locher: I want to send a big thank you to my family and friends that have been supporting me since day 1. Your texts, calls and words won’t be forgotten.