Ivan Tride is a Bulgarian DJ and the mastermind behind the internet podcast series zaslushane.com. Founded two years ago, zaslushane.com had become a seamless tour guide within diverse musical destinations, aiming to introduce a little enlightenment and a touch of elegance in its listeners' daily routine. Its latest project is to invite various guests and share their views on the unbearable lightness of being...and music.

Ivan Tride shares his thoughts on what it means to be a DJ and his favorite gig below.

What are the components of a good mix?

A good mix is like a juicy hamburger. It’s all about the synergy between the elements which makes the combination work better than each of its element alone. The DJ himself is the person who chooses the “spice” and by his own energy transmits the final taste of the set.

Is DJ a job, a hobby or a vocation?

Each DJ understands this in his own way. Some do it just to share the music they love, others accept it as their vocation - to bestow the audience with unforgettable and incomparable emotions. I feel like the second type.

What is your process of selecting a tracklist for a show?

First, I take note of the occasion and the place, trying to imagine the atmosphere and according to that I fabricate what story to tell through my mix. I always try to find the right “recipe” and proportions in which to present some of my favorite styles - funk, soul, trap jazz, brazilectro and deep tech.

Have you ever had to compromise with your taste for an event?

Yes. Apart from my gigs, where I play the music I love, I also have an extensive experience in providing DJ services for weddings, proms, corporate parties and birthdays, where it’s more important to consider and fit in the taste of the specific audience. But that has helped me a lot to be able to feel and lead the vibe for all sorts of people. The coolest thing is that the vibe of humans having sincere fun is always kind of magical, tangible, energizing and inspiring, no matter what the style of music is.

Your favorite gig so far and why?

It was the closing party of bar TAM in Veliko Tarnovo, May 2016. The atmosphere was very intimate, you could say a bit tribal and primordial, the club was full and everybody was spreading euphoric vibes, dancing, shouting and clapping. It was a really special event with really special people. This mix is a part of the live set and it is a good example of how I like to combine different styles and seamlessly slow the tempo before accelerating again.

If you happen to be in Plovdiv on September 17, drop by the opening weekend party for club VOID for your slice of Ivan Tride's danceable smoothness.

club void openign party with parsifal stereofox