The illustrious DJ and producer, Idriss D, is a versatile artist with humble origins whose impressive resumé includes that of a former record shop owner, founder of Memento Records, and artist manager / CEO of DB Artists Berlin. Renowned for curating eclectic sets blending various genres, the cosmopolitan bohemian unveils his newly created label, Nedjma Records, which was established to help promote music and talent from within the Arabic region.

His extraordinary journey has been anything but conventional. The brave soul immigrated from Algeria to Europe to pursue his musical aspirations and started “net negative” without any money, job, or visa, and solely on sheer determination. “I refused to rely on handouts. So I started from scratch, established a record label called Memento Records, mentored others, and built an agency. Despite being a nobody, I leveraged the internet and pioneered digital promotion tactics long before they became mainstream.” The savvy character was one of the first to utilize platforms like Myspace and expanded his reach far beyond what was typical at that time. The productions on Memento Records have featured a wide array of genres including house, techno, minimal, electronic, and drum & bass. His approach was not only about promoting music but also, about endorsing quality over quantity and pushing boundaries. “We are more into quality. People don’t often know that big artists aren’t fans of other big artists. Big artists are fans of nerds and smaller artists. I’m taking the most intellectual, eccentric artists to grasp people’s attention.”

His latest record label Nedjma Records is a labor of love, born out of a desire to showcase local and international talent that often goes unnoticed. “I’ve always wanted to release an album that celebrates the rich musical heritage of North Africa and the Middle East, but I knew it wouldn’t fit within the scope of my existing label. So, I created a new platform specifically for this purpose.” The debut album features collaborations with talented vocalists and encompasses varied sounds from ambient tunes to pulsating club tracks. “Nedjma means ‘star’ in Arabic. I wanted to convey a broader message—one that transcends borders and celebrates the diverse sounds of the Orient.” Nedjma Records isn’t confined to one nationality or genre but rather serves as a tribute to the universal language of music. The response to his debut release has been overwhelmingly positive and reaffirms his belief in the power of cultural fusion as well as the ability of music to heal in an increasingly divided world.

The resident of Italy defines his home there as one that holds a special place in his heart. “The music scene here in Italy is vibrant and eclectic, and their global influence is tremendous. Brands like Cocorico and CircoLoco have propelled countless artists to fame. The Italian club culture is unique in that it’s characterized by a blend of sophistication and grit. People work hard during the week but let loose on the weekends and embrace a ritual of aperitivos, dinners, and clubbing. It’s a culture that values quality and authenticity, where DJs are celebrated for their artistry rather than their celebrity status.”

With all the rapid technological changes over the past two decades, Idriss takes a refreshing approach to utilizing social media. The optimist expresses a positive attitude towards it and sees it as a tool for self-promotion and connection with fans. “I’m the opposite of what people usually say. I’m not nostalgic for the past and like to show parts of myself to maintain a connection with my community.” He emphasizes the importance of maintaining an active and engaging presence online to cultivate a strong following and supportive network. “The only way to promote what we’re doing is to continuously use social media. In the past, there were 10-12 DJs in every country, and we all had our piece of cake. But then with the internet, more DJs emerged and became recognized, and if you wanted the possibility of being known, you needed to generate attention. The bad thing is that all the newcomers want to ‘play’ the fastest way and get results as soon as possible.”

Over time, the go-getter has learned to prioritize his health, unplug from himself, and turn himself off “work mode” when 8pm hits. “I learned the value of patience and self-care as well as prioritizing my mental well-being over relentless work.” Even while growing older, he’s shifted from being rigid and emotionally reactive to being more adaptable and empathetic when dealing with people, especially his team members. “I learned to be gentler and communicate more sensitively to others. I want to empower my team and create more solidarity.” Within the music community, Idriss especially appreciates the shift towards a more inclusive and supportive culture where artists are willing to uplift and promote each other rather than succumb to jealousy or competition.

Driven by a relentless work ethic and a commitment to sobriety, the perceptive musician has stayed grounded and focused amidst the chaos of the music industry. For the future, the gifted music maker hopes to continue advancing his career while also remaining open to mentoring and supporting others. Check out the premiere album here and support the wise, enlightened artist now on Beatport and Instagram.