DJ, producer, club resident, and record label owner, Darone Sassounian is dedicated to the art of club music – and it’s seemingly paying off.
This month he made a welcomed return to his own Rocky Hill imprint, for the release of his new eight-track ‘Synthetic Instincts’ LP.
We spoke to the LA-based artist about his new album, how he approaches running his own label, and what else he has to come in the near future. Read the full interview below.
Hi Darone, how are things for you in Los Angeles right now?
Hello hello! Things in LA are looking interesting right now. Staying busy with the label, my radio residency on Dublab, and the monthly I have at Club Tee Gee. The summer has come to an end and I’m looking forward to more down time in my home studio, to work on future projects and collaborations.
Your debut album ’Synthetic Instincts’ just came out – what made you decide it was time to release a full length record?
I felt as though I had something to say or a message to get across sonically. My debut album ‘Synthetic Instincts’ is a piece of music that I worked on some time ago, trying to translate or articulate moments and feelings that I was surrounded by musically was challenging, but I think now is the perfect time to share the story.
And what can people expect to hear across the 8 tracks?
I’ve laid out quite a lot of sounds. The album explores emotions and moments of my life recently that I thought would be better suited to a full length record. I had begun making some of the tracks and messing with ideas. After I had two or three tracks I was comfortable with, I thought I had something up my sleeve.
So, I decided to push through and make a full record in the moment. It was instinctual and I just felt that I had something to get off my chest. There’s elements of “house and techno” here, but I’m not super keen on just putting things into a box with genres. I had released a few EPs before, so now was the right time to showcase the story of ‘Synthetic Instincts’. A lot of feelings and emotions.
It comes on your own Rocky Hill imprint, where you’ve released most of your music, is it important for you to control the full creative process of releasing music?
Releasing on my label is something I’ve dealt with mostly for my work. It’s really important for me to not control, but to have at least a say in my own creative process. I’m also quite meticulous creatively, so producing, publishing, distributing through my vision is something I’ve conceptually been inclined to do. I’ve released a couple of collaborative efforts in the past, such as my Silk Road: Journey of the Armenian Diaspora (1971 – 1982) compilation. I’ve got a few projects I’m working on now for other imprints, so I’m not opposed to working with others. If it all makes sense, then I’m down for it.
Will we see any remixes of the album tracks in the near future?
I’m thinking about it. It’s a possibility to repackage the record with a string of remix efforts in the future. I’m inspired by quite a few artists and colleagues in LA and the states. Even some abroad in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. It can happen.
And beyond this project, what else can we expect to hear from you?
Beyond this project, I have a single coming out on CQQL Records (based in LA). They’ve put together a 12” compilation with the likes of Morris Mobley, Jarren, Jamma D, Roche, and myself. The name of the record is ‘Stop 2 Quit’ and the title of my track on the project is called ‘Arms’. It’s set to release on December 13th.
What’s been a highlight for you in 2024?
A highlight of mine this year has been quite a few things, but to name one has got to be the tour I embarked on in June. I’ve been traveling more in the last year and a half DJing through the states, Europe, the Middle East, and West Asia. To share moments and play records live to people that are up for it is always a pleasure and privilege. It’s something I never take for granted.
And what’s something you’re hopeful about for next year?
Doing that again next year and for years to come. I’m also looking forward to sharing more projects with everyone. I’m working on four or five releases for my Rocky Hill label for next year, all by different artists and collaborators. I’m also working on a few collaborations for other collectives and imprints. I can’t say more than that, but I think it’s going to be exciting for most. Can’t wait to share more!
Is there anything else you’d like to mention before we go?
Thank you to everyone who has been supporting my artwork and music, now and in the past. I hope you enjoy my debut album ‘Synthetic Instincts’. To the listeners and dancers, thank you. Peace to all those who seek a better tomorrow.
Darone Sassounian – Synthetic Instincts LP is out now on Rocky Hill.