14 FAKTS INTERVIEW WITHHADDADI VON ENGST

Q: Please introduce yourself

We're Haddadi Von Engst, a pair of Los Angeles-based musicians that were raised by the underground music scene. 

Q: One person you'd dream to have a coffee with?

Quincy Jones. The man's a legend in weaving sounds and stories. Over coffee, we’d probably geek out over production techniques and the secret sauce behind Michael Jackson's hits. 

Q: If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

The ability to instantly teleport. Imagine finishing a set in Ibiza and being home in time for breakfast with the kids. Plus, we'd save a fortune on flights. 

Q: If you would have been given the chance to do a film score, what movie would you choose and why?

Blade Runner. The original's got this atmospheric vibe that’s timeless. We’d love to throw our spin on it, blending our deep house roots with Vangelis’ synth magic for a sequel. 

Q: Who has been the most influential in your music career? And who has been the most influential in your personal life?

Musically, it's the likes of Thom Yorke and Portishead for showing us the power to connect and elevate. Personally, our fathers. They taught us the value of hard work and the importance of a well-timed dad joke. 

Q: Tell us about your journey, what got you to where you are today?

It began with a mutual respect for each other’s vinyl collections and evolved into creating beats in a garage. From local gigs to international stages, it's been a ride fueled by passion, persistence, and the occasional panic when we thought we lost our hard drive. 

Q: Everyone goes through ups and downs, what’s one habit you adopt to push through the downs?

Stepping back and taking a hike. Literally. There's something about nature that resets your perspective. That, and cranking up some classic rock to remind us we’re not as cool as we think. 

Q: What is one pro work ethic that you would recommend to the readers/listeners?

Listen more than you speak. Whether it's feedback from a fan or advice from a mentor, there’s gold in there. Plus, in our case, listening is literally our job. 

Q: How has your music style evolved over the years?

It's matured like a fine wine or, let's be honest, like us. We've gone from trying to make the biggest banger to crafting a sound that's more nuanced, more layered—something that resonates on and off the dance floor. 

Q: If you were to venture into another music genre, which one would you choose and why?

Hip Hop. It’s got soul, it’s got grit, and it's what we were raised on. There’s a storytelling element to it that's fascinating. 

Q: Could you name 3 tracks that got you into electronic music and why?

- 'Children’ by Robert Miles. It's foundational.

- ‘Music Sounds Better with You’ by Stardust. It’s a masterclass in sampling.

- ‘One More Time’ by Daft Punk. Because if you don’t feel it, check your pulse 

Q: Can you recommend a hidden gem in your home country that would be perfect for a rave?

There’s this old, abandoned warehouse in downtown LA. By day, it's nothing much, but by night, with the right lights and sound, it transforms. It's raw, gritty, and has this electric vibe that’s hard to find anywhere else. 

Q: Could you tell us about your upcoming releases and plans for the year?

We’re working on an album that's a bit of a departure from our usual sound—think deep house meets the organic warmth of live instruments. It’s about blending our roots with where we are now, both as artists and in our personal lives. And yes, touring is on the agenda, but we’re also focusing on quality over quantity. 

Q: Can you share a fun fact about yourself that most of your listeners are probably unaware of?

We’re both closet chefs. After years of late-night gigs and bad takeout, we started experimenting in the kitchen. Turns out, we’re pretty good at it. Maybe there’s a Haddadi Von Engst cookbook in the future—who knows?

Bonus Q Powered by Pioneer DJ: How did Pioneer DJ influence your career and what is your favorite Pioneer DJ gear?

Pioneer DJ has been a cornerstone in our musical journey, offering the kind of gear that doesn't just keep up with us but sometimes seems to know where we're going before we do. Our absolute favorite is the Pioneer DJM-V10 mixer. It's like the Swiss Army knife of mixers, if that knife also had exceptional sound quality and effects that can turn any track into a masterpiece. It's not just a mixer; it's our secret sauce.