SoundOf: Sirus Hood

We get the mysterious French producer in for an exclusive mix ahead of his outing at the CUFF label showcase

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SoundOf focuses on the DJs and producers who are making waves in the dance music underground.

Each addition features an exclusive mix and interview with an artist who has been handpicked by the team at Ministry Magazine.

This week we turn our attention across the English Channel to focus on French producer, Sirus Hood. Hood has carved out a name for himself through combining the modern deep house sound with the Chicago hip house movement of the 80s to push the limits of the booty house style.

After meeting with fellow countrymen, Amine Edge & DANCE, Hood became the first artist to release on the former's CUFF record label. After regularly playing at CUFF events around the world, Sirus Hood's profile continues to grow, so we decided to get him in for an exclusive Spotlight mix ahead of his appearance at the CUFF label showcase on Sunday 24th August.

You can listen to the mix in full and read our interview with the mysterious producer below.

MoS: First of all thanks for doing an exclusive mix for us, what did you go for in the mix? Is this a representation of what you play out now or more what you listen to at home?

Sirus Hood: I don’t listen to House music at home. Except when I’m looking for some tracks to play. So this mix is a representation of what I play. Every track here makes me crazy!

For those who may be new to your music, how would you describe your sound?

I just say Hip-House. A mix of Hip Hop and Deep House. Or I say the new Booty House

How did you first get in to music, when did you know you wanted to be DJ

Wow I was young, like 8 or 9, listening to Mixtape Cassettes recorded in local clubs. I was dreaming ... 10 years later I bought my first turntables ... 10 extra years later Sirus Hood was born

What have you got coming up on the horizon?

Tusk – "One Life" (Sirus Hood Refuck) House Of Hustle, released on July 31^st on Beatport.

An EP called What They Do, in collaboration with Sammy W & Alex E on their label Tobus will be released on August 20th on Vinyl and in September on Beatport.

An EP on CUFF in October, named Welcome To The Hood.

Many gigs in Brazil, USA, Europe and my summer residency at Sankeys Ibiza with my bros Amine Edge & DANCE.

How did you get involved with Amine Edge and DANCE?

I met the boys in Paris in 2012 at the Queen club. A few weeks later I sent them the demo of “What You Are”, and they started to play it in every set. The track was released last month and received big support. Then they asked me to do an EP for their label CUFF. That EP is now ready and I think you will love it.

What can the Ministry of Sound crowd expect from your set?

I will not be playing hits. I hope to play some new bombs that I haven't heard yet, so if you are a great producer, send me your promos!

What do you think of the state of dance music at the minute?

What can we think when we see that pop stars are doing house music... I try to stay far from this scene. But I’m happy to see that today we are doing something great with our music. There are some beautiful things in underground music. Our goal is not to make money, or to be mainstream. We just make what we feel, what we love, with a lot of passion.

Who are the most exciting underground artists that our readers might not have heard of but who you think will be big names to come?

The Mekanism is one of the best DJs and producers that I know. He is my studio neighbour. You can meet him this summer at Ibiza for his residency at Ushuaia. I love this guy! Ardalan from San Francisco is probably the funniest person that I know. I play all his records. He is a genius in the studio and an amazing DJ.

Who are your biggest influences?

DJ Deeon, Parris Mitchell, Paul Johnson... I’m very excited because I received a remix request for a new project for Gettoblaster featured the legend DJ Deeon. Let’s make a bomb!

What do you like to do on your day off, what’s a typical Sunday like for you?

If I’m at Ibiza, chill with Amine & DANCE at the villa, have a BBQ and a pool party. If I’m in England, shopping. If I’m in Paris, we play Fifa 14 with our friends, with a shisha. I think I have very normal Sundays.

Who are your dream collaborators, past or present?

The Notorious B.I.G. for the past. Snoop Dogg for the present.

Why can’t we find Sirus Hood on any social networks?

Here are 5 reasons:

I try to focus only on my music. I don’t want to share my life.

I think these social networks are good to share everything, but not music.

The biggest social networks are too intrusive, they ask you everything about you, if you know this person, your school... they're like the police.

These networks push everybody into an ego contest.

And finally, I love challenges! That’s why we are creating my own website (with my bro: Befa) http://www.sirushood.com

Tracklist

Sirus Hood – "What You Are" CUFF

Ennio – "Aioli Creme" CUFF