New York resident Serge Devant is turning heads. Jamie Jones, Lee Foss, Damian Lazarus and Hot Since 82 have already acknowledged that there’s a new and extremely impressive producer on the scene, and with releases on their labels it’s easy to see why. Serge is a producer rapidly making a mark.

We had the chance to talk to Serge as he is about to release a new EP, ‘White Groove’, on Crosstown Rebels.

Electronic Groove: Hi Serge, thanks for the time. So you have a new EP coming up on Crosstown Rebels. What can you tell us about the production process behind it?

Serge Devant: Thanks for inviting me. ‘White Groove’ definitely started with the bassline that got dressed up for a few weeks. It wasn’t until I played the lead chords that it’s got its character and became a little trippy rather than just a groove without identity. I then added a few vocal samples one of which said words “white groove”. My approach with making records is usually to find a solid groove and bassline and then dress it up with something that gives it character. I feel this makes it stand out and live longer. It could be a weird sample or a melody line or a vocal sample, something that gives it that spark of identity.

EG: Why the name ‘White Groove’?

Serge Devant: That was one of the samples I used for the track, so just named it that. Not much story behind it unfortunately 🙂

EG: This is not your first release on Crosstown Rebels. How did the relationship with them begin?

Serge Devant: Well it was about 3-4 years ago, a friend of mine who was close to Damian was at the after party I hosted in my house and I played her a few tracks I was working on at the time. She said that it sounded just trippy and weird enough for the likes of Damian Lazarus. I asked her why she didn’t send it to him and gave her a Dropbox link, she messaged him right on the spot and next morning he was calling me on Skype to find out who I was. Later that year I had a release on Rebellion which is a sub-label of Crosstown. You usually have to release first on Rebellion and work your way up to Crosstown. Since then I was a part of the Crosstown family.

“My approach with making records is usually to find a solid groove and bassline and then dress it up with something that gives it character”

EG: This is not your first release on Crosstown Rebels. How did the relationship with them begin?

Serge Devant: Well it was about 3-4 years ago, a friend of mine who was close to Damian was at the after party I hosted in my house and I played her a few tracks I was working on at the time. She said that it sounded just trippy and weird enough for the likes of Damian Lazarus. I asked her why she didn’t send it to him and gave her a Dropbox link, she messaged him right on the spot and next morning he was calling me on Skype to find out who I was. Later that year I had release on Rebellion which is a sub-label of Crosstown. You usually have to release first on Rebellion and work your way up to Crosstown. Since then I was a part of the Crosstown family

EG: Taking about Crosstown, how was your experience at the recent Get Lost party in Miami?

Serge Devant: It was one of the best ones for me, I had a great set time in the Garden of Eden stage between Audiofly and Francesca Lombardo. The place was full and all my friends were already at the party, so I had really nice support group on stage and on the floor. I rarely see all my friends in one spot so was really nice to play for all of them. I wouldn’t change anything about that party. This year it was in the new location and the Get Lost crew worked day and night to create the best vibe for everyone to get properly lost which they definitely succeeded at.

EG: When is the release coming out? Will it be available in vinyl also?

Serge Devant: April 27th, and yes, it will be on vinyl like every Crosstown release. I like when they do that. I won’t finish till it’s vinyl.

EG: Are you playing vinyl at the moment? What’s your favorite format to play?

Serge Devant: Well I do love playing vinyl and I started my career by playing vinyl for years but it has been really hard to travel with them, so I switched to digital format. Definitely planning on making a comeback and maybe grabbing few records with me on tour this summer.

“I’m super happy with how this package turned out”

EG: The EP has a remix by Archie Hamilton. How did this come together?

Serge Devant: I was brainstorming who would be a great producer to remix and I have been following Archie for a bit and really love his style, it is fun, groovy and very dancefloor friendly. I suggested to Damian to ask him for a remix and Archie gladly accepted. I’m super happy with how this package turned out.

EG: What is your favorite country to visit and play? Where would you say the crowd stands out from the rest?

Serge Devant: This year I would have to say it’s definitely Partai festival in Venezuela, it was just on another level from anywhere I have played before the vibe of the people, sound, logistics everything was just amazing. The party did not stop for 3 days. It wasn’t easy to survive, but we did it and left with a massive smile on our faces. Anyone who was there knows what I’m talking about. Incredible festival, can’t wait to go back next year.

Serge Devant’s ‘White Groove’ will be out April 27th. Grab your copy here.

Follow Serge Devant:

http://www.sergedevant.com
https://www.facebook.com/sergedevant
https://soundcloud.com/sergedevant
http://instagram.com/sergedevant