For DJ DALI, electronic music is about much more than just making people dance. It’s about making them travel.
The fast-rising DJ and producer has carved out a niche with his unique sound, blending sultry Afro-house rhythms with heady, textured production in a way that’s making industry veterans sit up and take notice.
His breakthrough track “Baglami” serves as a perfect case study in cultural fusion done right. After a transformative Turkish sojourn, DALI incorporated the bağlama (a traditional Turkish string instrument) into his production framework, creating a hypnotic earworm that caught Virgin Records’ attention.
With over 170 performances under his belt last year, the prolific DJ’s 2025 trajectory looks promising. Beyond electronic music, he’s also expanding into fashion through his Riders Movement brand, a move that echoes the cultural amplification that defines his productions.
We caught up with DALI to discuss his breakthrough and what the future holds for his artist project.
c/o DJ DALI
EDM.com: Your music blends cultural influences beautifully. Have you ever traveled somewhere that profoundly impacted your sound?
DJ DALI: Travel has been one of the biggest inspirations for my music. My trip to India deeply influenced me with its rhythms and traditional sounds, inspiring me to blend Indian Punjabi vocals with electronic grooves in “Nateka.”
Another transformative experience was in Turkey, where I discovered the Bağlama, an instrument that shaped my track “Baglami.” Traveling allows me to absorb different cultures and incorporate their unique musical elements into my work.
EDM.com: What was the pivotal moment when you realized fusing world music with electronic sounds was your unique path in music?
DJ DALI: The turning point was when I created “Baglami.” I incorporated the rich, emotional sound of the Bağlama with hypnotic rhythms, and the response was incredible. That moment made me realize that cultural fusion wasn’t just an experiment but the foundation of my artistic identity.
EDM.com: How do you balance keeping your cultural roots intact while evolving your sound for a global audience?
DJ DALI: It’s all about respect—respect for tradition and innovation. I deeply study the musical elements I incorporate and make sure they aren’t just gimmicks but authentic integrations. I blend them with modern production techniques, ensuring they resonate both emotionally and rhythmically with audiences worldwide.
EDM.com: With versatility being key in the dance scene, how did your style develop over the years?
DJ DALI: My style evolved organically as I transitioned from producing to DJing. My production background allows me to blend sounds uniquely, incorporating world music elements into electronic beats while always staying open to new influences.
EDM.com: What’s been your most unconventional experiment in music so far?
DJ DALI: Sampling an Indian Punjabi song and merging it with deep electronic grooves for “Nateka” was an exciting challenge. The contrast between the raw vocals and hypnotic beats created a fusion that felt fresh and dynamic.
EDM.com: What’s next for you in 2025 in terms of new music and live performances?
DJ DALI: I’m working on new tracks that push my fusion of electronic beats with world influences further. I have international shows lined up and plan to expand into fashion and storytelling through my brand, Riders Movement. 2025 is all about pushing boundaries and growth.
Follow DJ DALI:
Instagram: instagram.com/djdali
Facebook: facebook.com/djdaliofficialpage
Spotify: tinyurl.com/2pyvhb3z