Detroit's SHERIF started DJing back in college, around 2005.
"I used to play college nights that my fraternity would host at various venues in downtown Detroit," he says. "At the same time, I would frequent some of Detroit best underground electronic music venues. I was addicted to playing music, often would have friends over at my place in the Cass Corridor for those that know. One thing lead to another and I started my first nights playing at the Works.
It was a small party called Traffic. I loved it. Really dark; and had all the right vibes for a late night party in Detroit. Then I moved on and was asked to play at Bleu Detroit, which at the time was the biggest electronic music venue in the city."
Producing came a few years later.
"I produced my first track 'Dope Speaker'," he says. "It was dark and heavy and featured some dark vocals from myself. My friend Kenneth Thomas really digged it and asked to put it out; which later ended up on his Perfecto Presents compilation album. I was pretty excited being on that compilation with some of the biggest heavy hitters in the progressive world at that time."
Today, he describes his sound as, "the dark vibes of the underground along with the melodic leads. That’s usually what you can expect from me: dark, moody, sexy."
Sherif recently completed a new studio build.
"That’s been the main focus with my music," he says. "I have a few new releases in the works but I don’t feel pressured to release just to release. I’ve had some great opportunities to play along some great artists lately (Aname, Nora En Pure, Rodriguez Jr) and this Fall's show schedule is looking great kicking off with Eli & Fur."
As for gear: "Decks: CDJ 2000NXS2 or 3000s [Pioneer]. Always 3 decks with the v10 mixer. Sometimes I’ll add the RMX1000 but it’s not a must."
Looking ahead, Sherif has plenty planned for the remainder of 2024. "Pick up my release schedule late this year, planned gig dates for Brooklyn and Philly. I’ve been toying with the idea of studio broadcasts just figuring out the approach to that. Just launched a YouTube channel so besides posting live mixes and events I want to show all sides of the DJ life for what it really is. A non influencer approach -- haha."
