Music, for SERA J., is a state of mind - a means of interaction, inspiration and creation, not simply a career. Born Dimitrios Serasidis in Thessaloniki, Greece, and shaped by the Detroit techno lineage, he's spent over a decade building driving, detail-rich productions that fuse hardgroove intensity with hypnotic depth and landing releases on Mutual Rytm, Life in Patterns and Projekts along the way. As one half of Symbiosis with partner ANNĒ, and now stepping forward with his own live show, SERA J. has become one of Greece's most compelling techno exports.

For this week's mix, he delivers an hour of dark, seductive, hard-edged techno that is moody, hypnotic and packed with old-school character, sharp selections and mixing that pulls you into his world rather than hands you everything at once. In the accompanying interview, he talks about growing up in the underground Greek scene, working alongside ANNĒ, and the lessons patience has taught him over a long, deliberate career.

Interview

Was there much of a techno scene in Greece when you first started getting into electronic music, or did you make connections with scenes elsewhere through radio and mixtapes etc? 

When I first got into electronic music, there was definitely a scene in Greece, but it was much smaller and more underground than it is today. There were some really important clubs, DJs and people around the scene, but you had to dig a bit deeper to discover things. 

At the same time, I was always looking beyond Greece. Radio shows, mixtapes, records, and later the internet were a huge part of discovering music and connecting with what was happening elsewhere. I think that combination was important for me, being part of the local scene while constantly looking outside of it for new sounds and inspiration. 

You have been deep in techno for many years and it has never been more popular, with hardgroove, darker sounds, trance and faster beats all dominating. Is it an exciting time for you? Do you relate to and take inspiration from all that or do you prefer to operate in your own world? 

I think it’s definitely an exciting time. It’s great to see techno reaching so many more people and different styles becoming more diverse than ever. At the same time, I try not to get too attached to trends. 

I’m always listening and looking for new ideas, and obviously some of these sounds influence me, but I prefer to take small elements from different things and make them work within my own world. I think after many years, you naturally develop a sound and a way of thinking about music that becomes very personal to you. 

What was it like working on the Symbiosis EP series for Mutual Rytm with your partner ANNĒ? How often do you talk about music, help each other out, bounce off each other? Do you set time aside to do it or is music ever present in your private and artistic life? 

Working on the Symbiosis EPs with ANNĒ was very natural for us. We both have our own way of approaching music, so when we work together there is a lot of exchange of ideas. We talk about music all the time, sometimes consciously and sometimes without even realising it. We listen to tracks together, share things we’ve discovered and give each other opinions on productions.

We don’t really have to schedule it as something separate from our lives. Music is such a big part of both of us that it is basically always present. Sometimes the best ideas come from a completely random conversation or from listening to something together at home. 

What is the most important lesson you have learnt across the course of your career so far, the one thing you know now you wish you knew as a younger artist? 

Probably to be patient and trust your own path. When you’re younger, it’s very easy to compare yourself with other artists and feel that you need to achieve things at a certain speed. With time, you understand that everyone’s journey is completely different. 

I also learned that consistency is much more important than trying to force things. Keep working, keep developing, keep being honest with what you do, and eventually the right things tend to happen. 

Tell us about your mix, the aim you had with it, and what you wanted it to say. 

For the mix, I wanted to create something that represents where I am musically at the moment. I didn’t want it to simply be a collection of tracks that work well together; I wanted it to have a journey and different moments throughout. 

It’s quite dark and hypnotic in places, but there is also energy and movement and a more old school vibe. I wanted it to feel like something you can get lost in rather than something that gives you everything immediately. Hopefully it gives people an idea of the kind of atmosphere and energy I’m looking for when I play. 

What gear did you use, is that important to you in any way, whether in the booth or studio? 

I don’t think gear is the most important thing for me. Of course, knowing your equipment and understanding how to use it properly makes a difference, especially in the booth, but I always believe that the music and the feeling behind it come first. 

In the studio, I like experimenting with different machines and software, but I’m not someone who believes you need a specific piece of equipment to make good music. It’s more about how you use what you have and how you translate the idea in your head into sound.  But if I have to mention some of my favourite tools are the Roland JV, the Analog Rytm & Elektron and the Roland SH 4d. 

What else are you working on for the rest of the year? 

I have my first EP on ANNĒ’s new label Blind Harmonies, which is a very special project for me, as I am also part of the label. The record is called “Beneath a Quiet Sky” and it’s coming out in October! 

Also a nice and dynamic record on the Greek label Renegade Methodz. I always want to support the labels and the artists from my country! It always gives a nice feeling and keeps you connected with your roots!