Interview: Rising Czech Music Star Dominik Gehringer on New EP ‘Digital Age’, Progressing in the Industry, and Going from Footballer to DJ

Rising Czech DJ and producer Dominik Gehringer drops his new EP the Digital Age this week. In this chat with the musician, we dive into the his brand new music and creative process. Dominik opens up about his journey into the world of music, his breakthrough career highlights including performing alongside Nora En Pure, and the unexpected path from professional football to producing music. He also shares the story behind his shark-inspired cover art, his thoughts on the Czech music scene, and his fitness transformation.

Hey Dominik. Thanks for taking the time to chat to me about your career and brand new EP Digital Age. It would be great to hear about the vibe and inspirations behind the EP?

Hi! I hope you’re well. My main idea of this EP was to point out today’s times. The main vocal in Digital Age was generated by AI, as were the lyrics. It’s interesting, I would never have believed that something like this would ever happen. Then I sent the idea to producer Ovadia, with whom I worked on the track. Second track Dance With Me is a combination of melodic techno with a little harder drop which I really enjoyed and I have to say that it works perfectly for a party.

What is your creative process like? Are you quite organised with specific sounds/vibes you like to create or do you prefer a more free-flowing experimental approach?

I always make music naturally and I just let myself be carried away by the creative wave, I play with melodies and something always comes up. I will do maybe 10 projects and choose the best 2 of them. For example, when I’m lying in bed, I have the most ideas and melodies, then I do the melody of the bass and go to the studio with it, it’s very random. Of course, I want to keep my sound, so for example in the track Dance With Me there is the same bass as in Strange World, just in a different rhythm, I enjoy that creative process.

The EP cover features one of Daniel Nicholson’s shots of a Blacktip Shark. How did that fit the themes of the EP?

I think it fits together nicely, as the tracks are “strong, big” like Blacktip Sharks.

A DJ and producer can be make or break in helping create an energy for people to have a great night. How do you go about ensuring that the energy level remains high when planning a DJ set?

I always prepare according to the party, depending on where I play and at what time, but I always want to keep my sound and be me. There are a lot of djs who play everything, I want to play my sound and carry my idea. Of course, you have to adapt, but it’s important to keep the core, who you are, and what you’re presenting. I only play what I enjoy and what I can dance to at home in my room.

You started producing music at just 16 years old. What drew you to electronic music, and what inspired you to specialize in melodic techno and afro house?

Until I was 16 I played professional football, even for the Czech national team, but then health complications came, so I had to quit. When I was sick at home for 2 months and browsed YouTube and I saw a video where a producer composed music, I found it very interesting, so I immediately downloaded the program. In high school, I had a friend who was a rapper and told me to write him a beat, so I did and took me to the studio for the first time, where I was absolutely enchanted. At that moment I realized that music is what I want to do in life, I didn’t know how, I couldn’t work in a program, I didn’t know notes, in short, nothing, I just did what I enjoyed and got carried away by it! I was always a very sensitive and emotional person, that’s why I was close to the genre, where there is a lot of melody and emotions, but at the same time it’s danceable.

2024 has been described as a breakout year for you. Could you share some highlights and what it’s been like collaborating with Nora En Pure and performing at her label shows in Berlin?

At the beginning of the year, I released Strange World and that kicked my career into a world where world-famous producers began to perceive me, wrote to me for more music, and I will even have collaborations with some of them. Playing in Berlin with Nora En Pure was a dream come true, when I look back on it, for a guy from the room who knew absolutely nothing about music a few years ago, it was something exceptional and it confirmed to me that I should continue and do what I enjoy in life. I am extremely grateful to Nora and the Purified Records team for this and I appreciate it very much.

Can you tell me about your upbringing in Czechia? What is the Czech music scene like?

I would say that there is no melodic house/techno scene in our country, or it’s very small. The most popular is hardtechno, dnb, and rap for the young. I’m basically the only one here who plays regularly and releases on well know labels, but for me it’s all the more motivation to build a scene. I believe I will succeed!

What has been your most memorable DJ experience and why?

I’ve played a lot of events, with big names, but as I mentioned, playing with Nora En Pure in Berlin at Purified was a dream come true. Nora is someone I looked up to at the beginning of my career and when she invites you to her event, it’s something indescribable. I believe that if I continue to work hard, there will be more such experiences.

You are of course an incredibly skilled producer, but do you ever lend your own vocals to tracks? How are you singing skills?

Thank you! Haha interesting question! Actually, I’ve thought about it a lot of times, it would probably take it to a completely different level, but I’m still shy about this and I don’t know if I could do it, it probably takes time, but I would definitely like to release a song with my vocal in my life. Nowadays, you can easily adjust the vocal to sound against, so why not.

Are there any Czech singers that you would be keen to feature on any of your upcoming productions?

There is no one in my genre or close to me, but I would definitely like to do a collaboration with rapper/singer Calin, for example, some afro or melodic house beat could be great and it could have a different scope. But if I were to take it worldwide, I would like to do a track with Elderbrook.

You have been on a remarkable fitness journey over the years and are in great shape. What is your typical workout?

Thank you! I’ve gone through a big change in the last year, I had a difficult breakup and it was challenging overall. Either you are suffering, or you go inside yourself and start working. Regular exercise gave me a kick and now I feel the best I’ve ever felt in my life. I’m creative, I have energy, I make music almost every day.

My normal day looks like this: I go to the gym first thing in the morning, then I make breakfast and go make music, then I have a lot of energy, I would recommend everyone to do any activity at least 3 times a week, it will change your thinking and make you much more creative.

The Digital Age arrives November 8th. What are your remaining plans for 2024 and upcoming plans for 2025?

Next month I will release an afrohouse track, which I have been posting on instagram for a long time and had a great response, so I decided to release it. At the beginning of 2025, I have another single Threads on Purified with Jordan Arts, then I have 3 collaborations and more singles. My goal is to release quality music every month or every two months. Music is my life.

Thanks for chatting and good luck with the EP!

Thank you for the interview and for the very interesting questions, I enjoyed it very much, good luck! Ahoj!