French-Canadian DJ/Producer Matt Cerf is a familiar face in the Los Angeles dance scene. From his beginnings in 2001 as one-fourth of the group Second Sun, to his teaming up in Los Angeles with Producer/DJ partner Shawn Mitiska in 2004, and the addition of Singer/Songwriter Jaren in 2005, Matt’s enabled himself to carve out a comfortable niche.
As a producer, Matt’s original tracks and remixes have come to the forefront in recent times with notable releases on leading labels such as Baroque, Armada, Somatic Sense, DeepBlue and Sirup. He has remixed tracks for several other notable producers, including Serge Devant “Surround U”, Eelke Kleijn “Life Passing By”, and Lange “Songless”. The diverse support for his tracks, including A-list DJ names such as Armin Van Buuren, Tiesto, Ferry Corsten and Above & Beyond, has helped his productions find their way onto best selling compilations such as Armada’s A State of Trance 2007, Armada at Ibiza - Summer 2007, Armada Best of House 2007, Armada Best of Trance 2007, and over a dozen others. The electronic music trio of Cerf, Mitiska & Jaren began in 2006, and have since released over ten original tracks, including “Light The Skies”, “Saved Again”, “Me & You”, “Down To You”, and “Let Me Breathe”. In 2008, “Light The Skies” was nominated for an IDMA for “Best Progressive Trance/House Track”.
Listen to a June Promo Mix by Matt Cerf:
Go get Adobe Flash Player!
It’s hard to say what the future will bring, but one thing is certain: the sound of Matt Cerf is destined to be an instrumental force in helping to bring electronic dance music to a new level. This month, the brand new single from Cerf, Mitiska & Jaren ‘You Never Said’ with Dash Berlin, Randy Boyer & Eric Tadla, and Rowald Steyn mixes is out worldwide on major digital download sites including Beatport and Audiojelly. Be sure to take a listen and read on for an interview with the man himself…
What made you want to become a DJ/Producer?
In 1996, I discovered dance music and started to listen to it on a regular basis. Right after that, I started using the program “Rebirth”, but at this point it was only for fun. One day I came up with a chord progression and showed it to a friend of mine, which prompted us to team up with the other members of Second Sun. Together, we created Empire, which got signed to Vandit Records in 2001 (Paul Van Dyk’s label). At this point, I really thought something big was happening..
When and why did you make the decision to move from Quebec to Los Angeles?
With a record deal like this, we all decided to move to Los Angeles and try our luck there. We didn’t have the easiest life when we got here and soon after our arrival, Second Sun and I split up. Then, I had to kind of start over.
Do you think it’s a lot easier to produce nowadays?
I would say it is a lot easier to make music nowadays, but it is also easier to make bad music. I still have a lot to learn in music production. Since I am using Logic, it is still very hard at times to come up with a final product.
Is that a good or a bad thing?
I think it has its pro and cons. As I mentioned earlier, incredible talent can be discovered this way as well!
Which one of your productions is the most special for you?
Well I have phases: I get stuck on songs for a while, and then I get tired of them. Every time I produce something new, that is the one that becomes the most special for me.
Do you prefer DJ’ing or Producing?
Each field has its plus. Coming up with a song is a great feeling, but playing it in front of thousands of people is also great. So, I think the combination of the two must be better.
You have been in the industry for a number of years now. Do you think your style has changed through this time and how would you describe your current style?
Electronic Dance Music has changed a lot since I started, but I really like a wide range of style: House, Electro, Progressive, Trance. I think my style reflects a bit of everything.
Some people are critical of trance at and refer back to the glory days of the 90’s and complain that today’s music just isn’t as good, what are your opinions on the music out currently?
As I said before, a lot of bad music is coming out these days. But, if one has the patience to go through it all, he will be able to find some really good stuff, if not better than before!
Would you like to share a usable tip for the up and coming DJ?
There is always a better DJ than you!
What three things could you not live without?
Jaren, my computer, and French cuisine!!!
