INSIDE THE STUDIO WITH BESH: SAMPLING, SYNTHS AND FINDING HIS SOUND
From collaborating with Bob Sinclar to experimenting with analogue hardware, Dubai-based producer BESH takes us inside his creative process and the sounds shaping his music.
Based between France and Dubai, DJ and producer BESH has developed a sound that moves between house and tech-house, combining minimal grooves, warm textures and a passion for sampling.
Having grown up playing piano and saxophone before discovering electronic music at 17, BESH brings a musical background to his productions, alongside influences from magazines, skateboarding and street art.
In Mixmag UAE’s first print edition, we caught up with the producer to explore his studio setup, creative influences and the story behind his collaboration with house music legend Bob Sinclar.
BESH describes his current sound as energetic and groove-driven, sitting somewhere between house and tech-house while maintaining its own identity.
His early musical education continues to influence the way he approaches production, particularly when it comes to expressing emotion through sound.
“Producing music and composing is like speaking in a new language,” he explains. “The advantage is that the more knowledge you have, the more you can express yourself and emotions.”
Sampling and analogue equipment are also central to his creative process, helping him introduce warmth, rhythm and character into his tracks.
One of BESH’s standout collaborations is ‘Tequila & Ibiza’, created alongside French house music icon Bob Sinclar. The connection came through a mutual friend, with the pair beginning work on an idea that quickly developed into a collaboration.
For BESH, working with an artist who has played such an important role in house music was a significant moment in his career. The track itself was built around a sample from The Latin Brothers’ ‘Sombre Las Olas’, which BESH had kept in his personal collection for years.
After looping the sample and experimenting with the bassline on his keyboard, the direction of the track came together within minutes. Working with Sinclar also reinforced an important lesson about music production: simplicity can often be more effective than complexity.
Rather than overcrowding a track with layers, BESH believes the key is finding the right sound and groove, then giving them enough space to stand out.
BESH’s studio combines analogue hardware with digital production software, allowing him to experiment with different textures and techniques. His setup includes Neumann KH 150 monitors, a Universal Audio Apollo Twin interface, a MacBook Pro and Ableton Live, which he describes as his most important instrument. On the hardware side, he works with a Moog Minimoog, Moog Sub Phatty, Jomox XBase 09 and Elektron Analog Heat, alongside guitar pedals for additional effects.
While he enjoys the character and imperfections of physical equipment, he also values the creative flexibility that comes with working digitally. His approach to sampling is equally open-ended. Whether it is a vocal, melody or unexpected sound, anything that catches his attention can become the starting point for a new production. BESH regularly records sounds directly into Ableton, building a personal collection of samples that he revisits when working on new music.
BESH draws inspiration from a wide range of artists, including Reboot, Stefano Noferini, Oxia, Marco Carola, Jamie Jones, Riva Starr, Dario D’Attis and Butch.
His musical influences also extend beyond electronic music, with hip-hop, Motown, funk, The Notorious B.I.G. and The Temptations all playing a role in shaping his taste.
That combination of influences reflects his approach to production, where unexpected samples and different musical styles can come together within a single track.
Looking ahead, BESH has a remix in the works for Kashovski, alongside two new singles awaiting release.
He also hopes to continue collaborating with artists he admires while releasing music that remains true to his own sound.
With ambitions to release on labels including Crosstown Rebels, Hot Creations and Deeperfect, the producer is focused on developing his catalogue without losing the curiosity that first drew him to electronic music.
For BESH, the process remains rooted in experimentation, discovering new sounds and recognising when a simple idea has the potential to become something bigger.
