Q&A: Denmark’s DJ Lehmann From #BershkaByTheBeach
He may be young, but Denmark’s DJ Lehmann more than makes up for it with talent. The versatile mix master and house aficionado spun the soundtrack to this past Sham El Nasseem’s #BershkaByTheBeach at Moods in El Gouna.
We chatted with the Danish DJ about his thoughts on Gouna, Egypt’s music scene and more.
1. Tell us about your background with music? How did it start? When?
I started spinning records in my hometown, Copenhagen, when I was around 16 years old. At the time, I was mostly into house music, but soon after started to fall in love with soul, funk, disco, boogie and combined it all in my sets.
2. Was this your first time in Egypt? How do you find it?
Yes, this was my first time in Egypt. I really enjoyed my stay and got to meet the most amazing people!
3. What is your favorite thing about the Egyptians? What is the funniest, most culturally shocking thing about the Egyptians?
My favourite thing about Egyptians, and by far the most challenging for me being a super structured person, is their chilled relationship with time. It was a fun experience and learning experience for me to slow a bit down :).
4. What do you think of the music scene in Egypt? How different is it from Copenhagen?
The music scene in Egypt – or at least in El Gouna, because I guess there’s a huge difference – is very different from the scene in Copenhagen. In recent years there’s been a huge focus on disco, soul and funk music in Copenhagen. I think that Egyptians are a bit more into house music and RnB nowadays, perhaps.
5. When you hear the word Bershka what is the first thing that pops in your head?
I’m quite sure that we actually don’t have a Bershka store in Copenhagen – or in Denmark as a matter of fact! You have got to open a store here!
6. Have you ever done previous work with Bershka? If yes, what? If no, what was your experience like this time?
This is my first time doing work with Bershka. It was a great experience and I felt a great attitude towards the vibe I was trying to create at the beach!
7. What did you think of the other DJs playing, local and international, during your trip?
The different DJs who I got to hear during my stay was very different style wise. Some were playing RnB and some were playing almost kind of EDM house music. My favourite DJ would be a DJ I heard at Aurora. He build up a nice atmosphere with some smooth house music and kept this tension for the entire set.
8. Would you play in Egypt again? If yes, then where else other than El Gouna?
I would love to play at El Gouna again. I guess I would choose to play at Aurora or of course at Moods beach.
9. What is your advice to the young up and coming DJs in Egypt?
I guess my advice would be to always strive to expand your music knowledge and not bother too much about genres. Genres are great for organizing and separating music into different categories, but in my opinion it’s more important to connect to the music emotionally and combine different types of music in a set.
10. Who is your favorite DJ?
I’ve always had a thing for Ricardo Villalobos because of his madness/genius way of connecting to the crowd. However, I’ve had some great nights in Copenhagen with DJs like Anders Midtgaard, Dee Brown, Daniel Savi, Massimo and, of course, Samuel André Madsen (S.A.M. and part of Mandar), who is without a doubt the biggest star coming from Denmark right now.
11. What is your opinion about a retail brand like Bershka supporting the music scene around the region?
I think it’s great that they’re supporting the music scene and spreading good vibes – big up!
12. If you had to pick a track and call it “Bershka By The Beach”, which one would it be?
It would be George Duke‘s “Brazilian Love Affair”.
13. If Bershka was a young, 22-year-old man, how would you describe him in five words?
Oh that’s a though one… Extremely happy and sunburned! Or at least that’s how I felt during my stay in Egypt!
15. Finally, can you tell us how to say “I Love Bershka By The Beach” in Danish?
Sure! Jeg elsker “Bershka ved stranden”!
De bedste hilsner / Kind regards,
Frederick Lehmann Franck
WE SAID THIS: Don’t miss our interview with Sharam Jey, King of G-House and Nu-Disco.
