DJ Fenix Is Vladimir Putin’s “Official House DJ”
We all know the United States and Russia have had their fair share of arguments: political and government figures bumping heads; issues surrounding LGBT rights; or who has the best Borscht (I think Russia wins that one by a landslide). However, according to Russian DJ Fenix, there is one thing that unites us all: electronic music.
DJ Fenix, née Alexander Mamonov, is a staple in the Russian dance community. He’s celebrated for his old-school vinyl parties in Moscow and is widely known as Vladimir Putin’s “Official House DJ” at the Kremlin. Fenix has already conquered the sprawling empire, boasting numerous merits: releasing music for 12 years, bro-ing out with Prime Minister Medvedev, and playing alongside the likes of David Guetta and Swedish House Mafia. Now, he has his sights set on the US.
I sat down with the DJ in a swanky PR office in midtown Manhattan, expecting an icy fellow who’d say things like, “In Soviet Russia, beat drops you.” Instead, I was greeted by a down-to-earth guy who’s more into classic rock and chicken wings than vodka-fueled rampages and wrestling bears in Siberia.
How do you feel about breaking into the American market? How does it compare to Russia’s?
The EDM industry is nothing different. The mainstream music is the same across the world. I’ve received great feedback on my first single, “Cosmo Zoo.”
How did you get into DJing?
I started out in a small club in Moscow 12 years ago. Back then, it was still very underground.
I saw a video of you using four CDJs and an iPad. How do you do it?
When I play on vinyl, it’s two simple turntables. You can’t really do anything special. Eventually, I caught the eye of Pioneer, who gave me an endorsement deal to represent their products in Russia. Carl Cox can play on three [turntables] at the same time. Since I was new to the game, I had to step it up and prove myself, so I started using five players.
I read online that your family has a military history in the FSB (formerly the KBG). How do they feel about your choice to make a career in music?
They don’t understand. [Laughs] I won an award for Best DJ from the Musicbox Awards. My dad cheered and then called me after and said, “What are you doing? Why are you standing onstage and some music plays, but you’re not singing?” My mother is the same, but they support me.
How did you find yourself in front of Vladimir Putin?
When the Musicbox TV channel creates a show, they need to confirm it with the Kremlin. I think that’s how I got the confirmation as the first Russian DJ in the world to play for the Kremlin.
What are the parties at the Kremlin like?
They’re like music awards that are really official: red carpet, too much paparazzi, TV channels, magazines. It’s the White House of Russia, so it’s a big deal.
Do they know how to party?
Ah, yes… That’s all I’m going to say. [Laughs]
When you’re playing parties at the Kremlin, do you tailor your playlist for that crowd?
No, I just play mainstream EDM because, for me, it’s a good chance to show off the genre and represent the lifestyle.
Who are the most popular DJs in Russia?
It’s pretty much the same everywhere, like pop music. Robin Schulz is played everywhere in Russia, but that’s house music. For EDM, I’d say Avicii.
Who is someone you’d like to collaborate with?
If I had to pick one artist I haven’t collaborated with yet, I would say AC/DC.
Really, AC/DC? What would that sound like?
I guess I like EDM and rock. I love those guys. In every interview, I speak about AC/DC in the hopes that maybe someday they’ll read it. They were the first artists to inspire me to get into music.
How did that not inspire you to go into rock music?
I started growing my hair out so I could head-bang, but it wasn’t growing long. I figured if my hair wasn’t rock ‘n’ roll, then I’d be a DJ.
Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?
I want to build a big brand. I want to find a new sound like Benny Benassi did. I’d also like to help young producers come up.
What do you think is the new sound in electronic music?
EDM is too electronic now. I want to connect it with original house. Deep house really blew up, but I think the marriage of EDM and deep house will be a huge success. Like Oliver Heldens, he makes the middle ground of deep house and EDM. Now everyone will follow.
What is your favorite thing about coming to America?
Endless Buffalo wings.
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