Djordje Petrovic, aka Satori, has an intuitive ability to incorporate musical influences from all over the world to his own personal experiences, thereby creating a balanced musical experience. The Nijmegen/Amsterdam based producer’s love for organic music derives his musical prowess from his Jazz, Afrobeats, Balkan, World Music and Indie-influences.

Not defined by any one genre, Satori is here to satisfy any meditative music-lover by provoking a spiritual journey through his infinite Soundgarden. Satori’s sound is more than just a switch on a soundboard; he is the man behind the instrument, creating melodies from the piano, kora, kalimba, and guitar in combination with a deeper form of electronic music.

We caught up with Satori to chat about his current work and Ibiza’s Ushuaïa upcoming gig.

EG: Hey Satori, great to catch up with you again! Can you talk about your relationship with DGTL and how you became associated with them?

Satori: Thanks for inviting me. I just released new material on DGTL, the EP is entitled ‘Yam’ and is doing great so far.

My relationship with DGTL has been very positive from the beginning. They keep supporting me in everything I do. They supported my work since my early days and now I’m closing one of the main stages of their upcoming event. As you can imagine that’s a big honor for me because this is one of the best electronic festivals in the world.

EG: A writer can often have what’s called “writer’s block” in the initial stages of a writing project. Can you speak to a similar experience when creating a remix or track? 

Satori: The writer’s block suggests that you may be creatively “stuck”, but since we are naturally creative beings, this should only happen from time to time, if even ever. So, from a writer’s perspective, perhaps this “block” or “stuck feeling” may be momentary until the true essence of wanting to be creative comes through. Similarly, when an artist sits in his studio to create a song, there may be moments like this, but it is only temporary because his true nature prevails.

EG: How is playing live and writing music in the studio connected? How much improvisation and organization go into both of these experiences?

Satori: Playing live as well as working in the studio, has its pluses and minuses in my view. When you are working on a track or album for quite some time in the studio, you know exactly what you’re producing, but there isn’t that element of having other ears to experience it. So, to play it live for others serves as a confirmation that you’ve produced something that holds creative character. I believe that sometimes, working in the studio and thinking about all the other aspects and responsibilities that come with touring can hinder the process of creativity. I think the idea of balance between studio time and playing live would be the ultimate experience for the artist, which inevitably appeals to the listener.

“I’m really happy about the direction Ushuaïa is going with their new event DYSTOPIA. I feel they are creating a greater overall music experience”

EG: Collaborations can take on many forms. What role do they play in your approach and what are your preferred ways of engaging with other artists?

Satori: Actually, I prefer collaborations with musicians over any one particular artist, mainly because of my natural tendency is to feel the instruments and engage in endless jam sessions that inevitably lead to bursts in creative ideas.

EG: Can you talk about your involvement in the Ushuaïa’s DYSTOPIA event, and what music revelers can expect from that experience?

Satori: I’m really happy about the direction Ushuaïa is going with their new DYSTOPIA event. I feel they are creating a greater overall music experience, also including performances and musical art. They are operating more on an integral experience rather than a regular “party”. I believe it is what electronic music should be focused on, connecting people through music.

EG: Where does your ‘Band from Space’ fit into your artist profile? How does that music experience differ from your experience as an independent artist?

Satori: The way the ‘Band from Space’ fits in my artist profile is that my music has a very instrumental approach. All the songs that I wrote contain instrumentals so, this is where, although it doesn’t sound digital or electronic in nature, it still manages to appeal to an electronic music fan. When playing live, what you see is the electronic gear, but what you “feel” and “hear” is the organic sensations you get when they hear an instrumental piece. With a band, with people with real instruments in their hands, the audience can relate it in different ways, becoming a beautiful and dynamic experience to enjoy.

EG: Finally, what are 3 words that you would use to best describe yourself?

Satori: 

1.- Mom and Dad
2.- Colorful dream
3.- Romantic

Satori will play at Ushuaïa’s DYSTOPIA on August 24th. For more info, click here.

Follow Satori: Web Page I Facebook I SoundCloud