Behnam Jafari 

1. Hi, John! Welcome to MATTERZ. You recently released the single ‘Sweat’. Why did you choose this song to work on and release?

Hi guys, great to chat! A couple of years ago, when I first signed my record deal I decided I’d love to reboot and release three of my favourite tracks from childhood for a modern audience. These were Charles & Eddie’s ‘Would I Lie To You’, ‘PYT (Pretty Young Thing) by Michael Jackson, and Inner Circle’s classic, ‘Sweat’. Having already had great success with the first two tracks, I’m delighted that ‘Sweat’ has now hit the airwaves, marking a personal milestone for me, and I’m very excited to see how it performs. The song brings back great childhood memories of summer holidays spent on the beach without a care in the world.


2. What first got you interested in music?
I’ve always experimented with music, singing playing piano, doing radio shows and immersing myself in many different styles and genres. I’ve always loved dance music too. I’ve extremely broad musical interests and while I was never a ‘raver’ or even a regular clubber in my formative years, I was always particularly attracted to dance music and the unique reactions it seems to elicit in people. There’s something raw and untamed about the heartbeat-mimicking effect of a 4/4 kick-drum and it continues to have a hypnotic effect on me, tapping into something deep and primal in the subconscious. DJ’ing just seemed like the most natural thing in the world to me and once I played my first gig I was hooked.


3. You have released other well-performing singles in the past such as, ‘Would I Lie to You’ and ‘P.Y.T.’. How does ‘Sweat’ differ from your previous singles?

‘Sweat’ is quite different from ‘Would I Lie To You’ and ‘P.Y.T’ in that, although it is a cover of an old classic, it reveals more of my dance-floor influences that the aforementioned singles. The music is slightly clubbier than before and whilst the vocal is upbeat with an obvious summer feel, there is are some darker elements running through the track. This is particularly apparent in the extended and club mixes, which will follow the release of the radio edit. ‘Sweat’ also marks a return to more club-friendly sound, with my last single ‘My Reflection’ having taken a much slower and more soulful direction.


4. You have worked with many big acts. What are some of your favourite acts to work with and why?
I think my favourite to date have been Anne Marie and Gavin James. To remix a pair of truly unique artists, both of whom I’ve admired for years has been very special and a wonderful experience. I’m also very luck to work in the studio on a regular basis behind the scenes with fantastic artists such as Digital Farm Animals, Jay Pryor and Vertue. In terms of live performance, highlights in the past 12 months have included Tiesto, Martin Garrix, French Montana, Macklemore and Justin Bieber – all amazing artists with incredible fans to whom it has been a privilege to play.


5. Many musical influences can be heard in your music. Who are some of your favourite influences and how have they impacted your music?

I grew up listening to the music my parents exposed me to and accordingly have retained a huge love for acts such as Dire Straits, Queen, Fleetwood Mac and Elton John among many others. As I began to listen to music a bit more independently I started gravitating towards a lot of hip-hop and then had my eureka moment when I first heard Snap’s ‘Rhythm Is A Dancer’. This single song opened me up to dance music for the first time and I began to devour everything from Prodigy and Leftfield albums to DJ sets from Carl Cox and Tony de Vit along with everything in between. More recently and in the studio I’ve been hugely influenced by producers such as Calvin Harris, Skrillex, Eric Prydz and even Max Martin for a wide variety of reasons.


6. You got your start in Dublin and now you’re headed back to do a show with The Chainsmokers this summer. How has the community there supported your musical career?

Dublin has always been amazing for me. From promoting and playing at underground events in the early days as a DJ, to my recent sell-out headline show in the iconic Olympia Theatre, it has always felt like the fulcrum of my live career, so to now be playing stadium shows in the city is an amazing feeling. I’ve always had a wonderfully supportive fan base in Dublin and indeed throughout Ireland and I’m very excited to be back this summer!


7. Do you have any plans for a special tour or gigs around the UK?
Absolutely. I’ve played a few times in the UK in the past few months, most notably sold-out shows in Edinburgh, Blackpool and the amazing O2 Academy in Bristol, so I’m very excited to do a full tour later in the year. I can’t say much about it just yet as the details are still being finalised but watch this space – you’ll be the first to know!


8. Do you have a special message for your fans?
Turn off your TV, open your eyes, ears, heart and mind, be kind to those around you, be persistent and no matter what your situation, the world will ultimately become an amazing place for you to be. Oh and grab a copy of ‘Sweat’, you’ll love it!


9. Thank you so much for your time, John!
My pleasure, I hope to speak again soon!