Behind the Decks with Scorch Felix: 20 Years of Innovat….
Scorch Felix has been a fixture in the Electronic Music scene for nearly two decades, blending his passion for genres like Techno, Tech House, and Uplifting Trance into a unique sound that resonates on dancefloors and radio stations alike. From humble beginnings as a raver, accidentally falling into DJing, to now hosting his own popular radio show and releasing on renowned labels, Scorch Felix’s journey is one of continuous evolution; with a career spanning club residencies, festival stages, and studio sessions, his drive for innovation keeps him at the forefront of the industry.
This time, we caught up with Scorch Felix to discuss his creative process, the evolution of his sound, and what’s next for the versatile DJ and producer.
Hi Scorch Felix, how are you?
I’m very well, thank you.
You’ve been in the Electronic music scene for nearly two decades. What initially inspired you to start DJing, and how has your approach to performing evolved over the years?
That’s a great question. I think like most people, I was introduced to DJing through a friend. You know what it’s like—when you go out a lot, you tend to get drawn into the music culture. My performing has evolved organically over the years. Back in the day, I would key my vinyl by using the piano and listening by ear. Then I’d do the same with CDs, and eventually harmonic mixing software came in. That completely changed my DJing with the circle of fifths, making it much easier to curate my live sets. I remember the first time I played out with the new system—watching the crowd’s reaction was amazing.
Your sound blends Techno, Tech House, and Uplifting Trance. How do you balance these genres when crafting your sets, and what draws you to each of them?
I usually only play my Tech House sets at smaller venues or after parties—I don’t like to scare my smaller audiences too much, lol. When it comes to Tech House, though, I love that Jackin sound. But in my harder sets, I look for heavier drops, while still keeping those uplifting elements in the breakdowns.
You’ve released music on renowned labels like Southern Fried and Electric Station. How do you approach the production process differently when creating tracks specifically for the dancefloor versus radio shows?
To be perfectly honest, I usually just produce for the dancefloor first (not that it always works). I tend to do a radio edit afterward—basically, without the DJ intros and outros.
You’ve received support from industry heavyweights like Armin van Buuren and Dyro. How does that recognition influence your creative direction and production choices?
It definitely inspires and motivates you, but you have to keep your feet on the ground and keep pushing forward as a producer to stay as fresh as possible.
You’ve hosted your popular ‘Scorch Felix Live’ radio show for five years now. How does curating music for your show differ from performing live sets, and how has the show influenced your career?
I have a little secret: I’ve been doing my radio show for longer than that! The reason I do it is that it keeps me fresh and in touch with the ever-changing aspects of Electronic Music and its evolving genres.
As someone who’s played at clubs and festivals around the world, how do you adapt your performances to different crowds and venues? Can you share a memorable experience where the crowd’s energy shifted your set?
I don’t really have a set strategy—I take every set as a new experience. I have a rough idea, but I don’t really know which way it’s going to go until I’m there. To answer your question (not very well), I’ve had so many fantastic crowd interactions—too many to mention, really.
Your productions have appeared in a wide range of charts, including Techno and Trance. How do you stay innovative and push your sound forward in such a fast-evolving industry?
I try to stay impartial to what’s around me. I’m slightly influenced by trends but try not to take too much direction from them. I tend to draw on my experience across different genres—Tech House, House, Techno, and now Trance. I’ve made tracks that have old-school rave and pianos, and sometimes I cross-pollinate, but it doesn’t always work, to be honest.
You’ve had success with bootlegs and remixes, such as your 2019 bootleg of Binary Finary. How do you approach remixing tracks while maintaining the essence of the original?
That’s an easy answer. If I have that vibe like, “I love this tune,” I get inspired to add my modern twist—not to outdo the original artist, but to create a personalised edit of an already great tune.
With a background in running events from Melbourne to London, how has your experience as an event promoter shaped your understanding of DJing and producing?
It’s helped me understand the DJ-producer process, as opposed to just turning up, playing, and leaving. You get to understand the whole process of music and DJ selection, and how crowds react to the DJs you’ve booked. I guess that influences your subconscious when sitting down in the studio to work on new projects.
Looking ahead, what are some goals or projects that you’re most excited to pursue in the near future, either in the studio or behind the decks?
I’m working on new tracks with the help of my new team for submission to bigger labels, so fingers crossed. Also, I’m excited that my radio show has been picked up again for syndication, so things are all exciting over here.
With two decades of experience behind him, Scorch Felix remains a vital force within the changing Electronic Music scene. Whether it’s in the studio producing tracks that seamlessly blend Techno, Trance, and Tech House, or performing at clubs and festivals worldwide, his passion for the craft is clear. As he continues to push his sound forward, we can expect even bigger things from Scorch Felix in the near future, so make sure to follow him to remain updated on his latest news and projects.
Scorch Felix Online
