THE 10 Qs SERIES
Arizona native BIJOU, whose real name is Ben Dorman, has caused quite a stir on the local music scene. Since BIJOU has played in significant locations like Las Vegas, New York, Seattle, and San Diego, his reputation among experienced artists has steadily risen.
In 2016, BIJOU and Dr. Fresch released a song together called “Hello” that would change the course of his musical career and the genre of the Future Ghetto as a whole. With this track, BIJOU gained a symphony of backers to help him prove his worth, including AC Slater, Destructo, Don Diablo, Drezo, Malaa, Party Favor, and Wax Motif. Hence, it shouldn’t be surprising that he would pick Dr. Fresch any day if he had to spend 24 hours in an elevator with just one person. “Tony and I would have an absolute ball. You could put us on a deserted island for the rest of our lives, and we’d find a way to have a good time.”
After seven formative years in the game, a slew of hit singles and EPs (including “Crown” featuring Tyler Graves and “Floetry” with Ro Ransom), two sold-out US tours, and the founding of his own label, Do Not Duplicate Records (DND RECS), it’s only evident that BIJOU will conquer the music industry sooner or later.
His latest summer hit, “The Way We Touch,” is a collaboration with DJ/producer Mahalo from Southern California. Released on BIJOU’s DND RECS label, you can expect “The Way We Touch” to be a mainstay on your summer playlist thanks to the infectious production by BIJOU and Mahalo’s “liquid house” style of music.
Looking back on his career, BIJOU has accomplished a lot thanks to his dedication to his craft and the countless hours he has spent in the studio. When asked how he strives to maintain a sense of happiness and well-being, he answered, “To me, happiness comes from within and understanding who you are and what you represent. I can stand here today and say I’m happy because I know who I am and what I represent. Getting into that space and truly being happy has taken a long time. But it’s a type of work that lasts a lifetime once you’ve found it.” The DJ explained that a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and nutritious food, also plays a role.
BIJOU continues to appease the current g-house hunger with productions raw enough for the underground yet heavy enough to dominate the festival circuit. Read the full interview below to learn more about him, including his thoughts on dance music evolution.
Q: Before we dig in, what's next for you? (Please talk about current projects here+)
I have a ton of new music dropping this year. I have a track on Thrive, Nightbass, Monstercat, and a few others pending! I’ve been grinding away in the studio after only dropping select records last year. Super stoked for everything to drop!
Q: What are your thoughts on the meaning of success, and how do you define success for yourself?
Success to me is defined by happiness; that’s the number one indicator for me
Q: What's the most ridiculous thing you've ever bought?
I’ve never done that before… what do you mean haha!
Q: What sets your music apart from others in the dance music genre?
I think, for me, my music is a true representation of who I am as a person and the experiences that I’ve had. This is what makes my music unique because I’m the only one who’s experienced and felt those things. So music is a way for me to express that with sound.
Q: If you could travel back in time to any moment in history, where and when would you go?
I think the present is the best thing the world can be presented with. Living in that moment and that bliss is like nothing else.
Hey, you might want to check this out
Q: What place have you always wanted to visit but haven't had the chance to yet?
Hands down, Japan. I’ve heard too many great things about the country and can’t wait to make my way out there.
Q: What is your philosophy on happiness, and how do you strive to maintain a sense of happiness and well-being in your life?
To me, happiness comes from within and understanding who you are and what you represent. I can stand here today and say I’m happy because I know who I am and what I represent. It’s taken a long time to get into that space and truly be happy. But it’s a type of work I think lasts a lifetime once you’ve found it. Other things, such as a great diet and exercise, play a factor as well.
Q: How do you see dance music evolving in the future?
I think it still has a long way to go because everything to me right now is sounding the same, A genre gets hot, and then everyone jumps on the train for a chance at some fame. So I think the underground is going to make a comeback, and it’s going to evolve into the music being the main focus, whereas the internet has been the main focus the last few years
Q: If you had to be stuck in an elevator with one person for 24 hours, which dance artist, would you want it to be?
WE ALL know the answer to this one is Dr. Fresch. Tony and I would have an absolute ball, haha. You could put us on a deserted island for the rest of our lives, and we’d find a way to have a good time.
Q: What's the weirdest thing you've ever Googled?
How many calories vegan cheese has.
