Idriss D

Born and raised in Constantine, Algeria, Idriss D was immersed in a rich musical environment from a young age. His grandfather, Zerouala El Aarbi, was a prominent musician, and his uncles frequently gathered to play Chaabi and other traditional genres. This familial exposure instilled in Idriss a profound appreciation for music's cultural significance.

During his teenage years, Idriss developed a passion for funk, disco, and various forms of Black music, influenced by radio shows and his friend Nadir, a DJ from Constantine. This eclectic musical foundation would later inform his distinctive approach to electronic music.

In the early 1990s, Idriss D discovered the burgeoning club scene in Algiers, where DJs like Adel and Chafik were pioneering electronic music in North Africa. Chafik invited Idriss to perform after his set at Rai Hamidou club, marking Idriss's debut as a DJ.

After relocating to Italy in 2000, Idriss balanced a corporate job with his musical pursuits. He eventually opened a record shop and began organizing parties in Mantova, quickly gaining recognition for his mixing skills and unique style. His reputation led to performances at renowned venues such as Echoes, Cocoricò, Red Zone, and Mafia club.

Idriss became a resident DJ at Cocoricò Riccione, one of Europe's most prominent clubs. He also founded Memento Records, which hosts weekly events at Macarena club in Barcelona. His extensive touring schedule includes performances at Tresor, Watergate, and Kater Blau in Berlin; Club 4 and El Row in Barcelona; Rex in Paris; Nordstern in Basel; Amnesia Milano; and Privilege Ibiza.

Beyond his DJ career, Idriss D has made significant contributions as an artist manager. He founded dbArtists, an agency dedicated to enhancing Italian nightlife by booking both international and national talents. The agency became an exclusive partner for labels such as Minus, Clonk, and Freak N Chic, and later represented Cadenza and Luciano.

Through Memento Records, Idriss has built a strong international reputation, signing artists like Carl Craig, Luciano, Ten Walls, and The Analogue Cops. The label has also released music from numerous underground producers, including Lino Pugliese and Acirne, showcasing Idriss's commitment to nurturing emerging talent.

Idriss D's discography reflects his evolution as an artist and his dedication to pushing the boundaries of electronic music. His releases on Memento Records and collaborations with other artists have been praised for their innovative soundscapes and rhythmic complexity.

Notable works include his album 'Bled el fen,' which integrates elements of Algerian and Arabic music into electronic compositions. This project highlights Idriss's ability to honor his cultural heritage while exploring new musical territories.

A pivotal moment in Idriss D's career was his performance at Cocoricò Riccione, where he played a track by Omar Souleyman to a crowd of 5,000 people. This bold choice demonstrated his willingness to introduce diverse sounds to mainstream audiences and solidified his reputation as an innovative DJ.

His ability to blend traditional music with contemporary electronic beats has set him apart in the industry, earning him a dedicated following and critical acclaim.

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