BEHIND THE DECKS: WITH DJ DE FEO
With DE FEO, we introduce an artist who is far more than just a DJ. As a Berlin-based musician, art curator, and founder of the multidisciplinary label project Questline, he moves fluidly between music, art, and storytelling. He understands his house and techno sound as a narrative journey—ranging from warm grooves to hypnotically driving energy. With “Mom, I Want to Be an Artist” and his diverse projects, DE FEO demonstrates how music is not only meant to be heard, but truly experienced.
In the Interview: DJ DE FEO
INHALTSVERZEICHNIS
About DJ DE FEO
beyerdynamic Blog: How did you become a DJ, and which moment particularly influenced your decision?
DE FEO: My DJ journey quite literally began on school desks, when I first experimented with an all-in-one controller. What started as fun quickly became a natural expression of my creativity — shaped by my classical training on the piano.
When I moved to Berlin in 2020, I realized just how much DJing could become a part of my life. The city, its music culture, and the community all reinforced that feeling. Honestly, I fell in love with everything from the very beginning: the clubs, the people, the digging — and the stories that music can tell.
beyerdynamic Blog: That sounds like a truly individual musical journey. Is there a particular sound that has shaped your musical identity?
DE FEO: Good question. Definitely anything experimental. Things like drones, ambient textures, and effects that seem to float in the air. Above all, I love the melody that emerges between groove, bass, and drums. The tension between physical movement and emotional energy has inspired me from the very beginning and continues to shape my selections to this day. A solid foundation in hip hop, classical music, and jungle also helps me approach sound from a wide range of perspectives.
Quick Fire Section
Favorite track for opening: “Easy – Nath Wandell feat Robert Owens”
Go-to peak time track: “Deep into the unknown – A4”
Headphones: On-Ear or Over-Ear? Over-ear at the DJ set, in-ear on the go
Analog or Digital? A good balance in the middle
Dream back-to-back partner: Diplo and/or Dax J – imagine that energy.
Three words that describe you as a DJ: Electric, entertaining, cool.
Quick Fire Section
Favorite track for opening: “Easy – Nath Wandell feat Robert Owens”
Go-to peak time track: “Deep into the unknown – A4”
Headphones: On-Ear or Over-Ear? Over-ear at the DJ set, in-ear on the go
Analog or Digital? A good balance in the middle
Dream back-to-back partner: Diplo and/or Dax J – imagine that energy.
Three words that describe you as a DJ: Electric, entertaining, cool.
Musical Identity
beyerdynamic Blog: How would you describe your sound? What makes it unique?
DE FEO: Groovy, eclectic and intimate. I always try to establish a deep connection with the dance floor while keeping the mix a bit unpredictable. I don’t like repeating the same combinations of tracks, I enjoy slipping in something unexpected, a record that makes people turn their heads toward the booth for a second.
beyerdynamic Blog: Which genres, artists, or scenes are currently inspiring you the most to bring exactly that vibe to the dancefloor?
DE FEO: House music, without a doubt. I feel like within house there’s always someone pushing the genre slightly forward — new grooves, new textures, unexpected references. It’s a space where experimentation feels very alive. Then I like to bring this attitude in all the genres that I explore while mixing and producing.
Club vs. Studio: from workflow to the dancefloor
beyerdynamic Blog: What does your workflow in the studio look like?
DE FEO: My studio workflow always starts with a ritual: when I enter the room I put on a record. Vinyl sets the mood. Then I play a few piano exercises just to wake up the muscle memory and get ideas flowing.
After that I start jamming with synths and drum machines. Usually, I build some solid groove loops first.
beyerdynamic Blog: What role do good headphones play between club preparation and studio work?
DE FEO: A huge role. Headphones are the bridge between preparation and performance. When I prepare sets, analyze tracks or fine-tune mixes in the studio, I rely heavily on my beyerdynamic DJ headphones because they deliver a very honest translation of the music. That clarity really helps when you’re deciding whether something will work on a big system later.
beyerdynamic Blog: How do you translate studio ideas onto the dancefloor?
DE FEO: I like to visualize moments while I prepare. I imagine situations on the dance floor and try to recreate those emotions later during the set.
I don’t work with strict playlists. Instead, I keep a large pool of tracks organized by mood and energy for each party. So, before every gig I update it with new inspirations and promos. Listening to a lot of music and spending time in the city where I play helps me absorb the vibe, and then during the set I channel that energy through the tracks I prepare.
Equipment: Setup and Gear Talk
beyerdynamic Blog: How has your setup changed over the years?
DE FEO: A lot. I started DJing with a Traktor X1 controller and for a while that was perfect. But when I started traveling more and playing in different clubs I realized I needed something universal and plug-and-play. So naturally I moved into the CDJ ecosystem — which makes life easier when you arrive somewhere and just want to connect your USB and go. In the past years my vinyl’s collection increased, so when I’m in Berlin or for some special occasions aboard, I do like to play some records too.
beyerdynamic Blog: Which tools are in this context essential in your setup?
DE FEO: In the studio I work with my EXO28 Speakers, a drum machine, a microphone, my laptop…and honestly nature as well. Sometimes the best musical ideas come after a walk, or in a park. So, sometimes I love just walk, headphones and anything to do music.
For DJing I keep it simple: my USBs, my headphones, and a recorder for collecting all the DJ set, those are basically my constant companion on the road.
beyerdynamic Blog: What does DJ headphones need to offer for you?
DE FEO: For me it needs to feel solid and comfortable at the same time. I like headphones that translate music honestly — not overly boosted in the bass or any frequency, and that give me the possibility to mix with a low volume. My DJ 300 PRO X CLUB, customized with an exclusive design made by my brother, gives me that balance and the right stage presence for my character. They’re precise for preparation and studio listening but also durable and comfortable for long nights in the booth. As a touring DJ I find a lot of inspiration in random places — hotel rooms, planes, parks — so having reliable headphones that travel well with me is essential.
Want to customize your DJ 300 PRO X / CLUB DJ headphones with your own design? Then make sure to visit our DJ MANUFAKTUR!
Event Experiences and Stories
beyerdynamic Blog: What has been your most unforgettable gig?
DE FEO: Alcatraz Milano, April 24th 2024. Definitely unforgettable. The event was sold out since the afternoon, many friends came from different parts of Italy too, and seeing that institutional venue dancing with me, was an incredible feeling. The only sad part? My set was only 1 hour and 30 minutes. It felt like five minutes.
beyerdynamic Blog: Often, it feels like the most beautiful moments pass by the quickest. Was there a gig for you that felt especially unusual?
DE FEO: Probably a 100% vinyl set for a yoga performance last January… and also a rave inside a Luna Park in Luxembourg in 2024. Very different atmospheres, but both fun and inspiring.
Tips and Inspiration
beyerdynamic Blog: How do you maintain your creative flow in everyday DJ life, and which routines help you?
DE FEO: I try to keep myself busy with different creative projects. But that helps me stay inspired and almost never feel bored. No time for that.
Traveling is also a huge source of ideas. Every time I book a new flight somewhere, my brain starts to work better. Definitely setting steps and work between them gives me a lot of energy.
beyerdynamic Blog: What defines a good DJ set for you – and what tips would you give to aspiring DJs?
DE FEO: A good DJ set is about connection.
Three simple tips:
- Go out and dance. Observing a dance floor is the best DJ school.
- Listen to a lot of music. Much more than you actually play.
- Study great DJs. Sometimes watching a great set teaches you more than playing one yourself.
beyerdynamic Blog: Those are great tips! What skills or habits set DJs apart who remain successful in the long term from those who fade away after a short time?
DE FEO: Successful DJs understand that DJing is just one part of the bigger picture. They also take care of marketing, communication, community building, and their personal development.
What matters is a clear artistic identity, patience, and a willingness to keep learning. And most importantly: staying bold, trying new things, and confidently bringing your own ideas to the dancefloor.
Future and Trends
beyerdynamic Blog: Which technical developments and trends do you observe in the DJ world?
DE FEO: To be honest, I’m still not completely convinced by the idea of having all music available in the cloud inside clubs.
Having access to everything might make future generations lose the pleasure of digging and building their own collection. Limitations push creativity. Having to search for records, build your library, and choose carefully — that process is part of the magic.
beyerdynamic Blog: Which track describes your current state of mind?
DE FEO: Data Matrix – Ryoji Ikeda
beyerdynamic Blog: Thank you so much for the inspiring interview, your time and your insights!
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