Inside Five: Ceri talks influences, supporting Kerri Chandler, being a tutor and more

Welsh DJ/Producer Ceri’s diverse DJ style was crafted by playing nine-hour sets during her residency at Corsica Studios in Jaded’s second room. She carved out her distinctive reputation by moving from deep, moody, atmospheric grooves via heavyweight peak-time house to psychotropic techno abstractions.

She has since graced the decks in places such as; Fabric, Oval Space, Percolate, XOYO, Lion & Lamb and Pickle Factory in London, Back To Basics in Leeds, Hidden in Manchester, Bristol In:Motion, and Paradise DC10 Ibiza.

Alongside her DJ career, Ceri’s also been immersed in production for many years. Early releases garnered support across the scene, with support from everyone from Richie Hawtin to Jamie Jones.

Her label, ‘Find Your Own’ Records, launched in 2017 with her sold-out and repressed Life Holstee EP, featuring a remix from Fred P. Early support for the label came from Ben UFO, Midland, Move D and Paranoid London. Label parties at the Lion and Lamb in London and Renate in Berlin were followed by a second release featuring bonafide dance music legend Mr. G, with early support coming from Ryan Elliot, Steve O’Sullivan, Jackmaster and K-HAND, amongst others.

We recently caught up with the blossoming talent to get to know her better, diving into some of her influences and exploring her efforts to help other artists. Here’s how it went: 

Hey Ceri, thanks so much for joining us at Mr. Afterparty. Let’s start by exploring your background as an artist and your influences. 

My background is just that I have always loved music. I wanted to be a dancer ‘when I grew up,’ but back then, I didn’t have many creative people around me, so I didn’t think it was a viable option. So I went to uni to get a ‘proper’ job, and it was there that I fully immersed myself in dance music and started DJing. I am heavily influenced by proper Chicago House and Detroit Techno sounds and music that feels timeless. I love the rawness of it and the message of the music, too. The history of the music is very important as it stands for inclusivity and acceptance. Yes, there is still great music being made today, but there is also a lot of disposable music being made as well. I like music that I think will still be getting played in 10 or even 20 years’ time. 

You recently warmed up for Kerri Chandler at KOKO in London. What about that more authentic house sound draws you in so much, and why do you think it’s so crucial to the landscape of dance music? 

It IS the sound of Dance music. It’s what started it (in addition to the Detroit and New York sounds). Yes, the roots were in disco, but it was clubs like the Warehouse that fully championed the sound, which was very new at the time. A sound that still sounds as good today as it did then. 

Aside from your work as a DJ & Producer, you’re also an increasingly popular tutor for other artists. Can you tell us more about this?

Yes, I started an online Music Production Course called ‘Find Your Own Sound’ because I like to help up-and-coming and struggling producers improve their music and also find their unique and original style. It’s aimed at anyone who is struggling to finish music or get it signed and help them take it to a higher level whilst also accessing their own uniqueness. You can find out more at findyourownsound.com 

What one thing are you most proud of on your career path so far, and why?

Probably launching my record label with remixes from my two favourite producers of all time, Fred P and Mr. G, who are both absolute legends. The label, also called Find Your Own (Records), is for a mixture of all things Chicago and Detroit influenced, a mix of House and Techno. And I was sooo happy when they agreed to do the remixes. K-HAND was meant to be doing the third release but sadly passed away, and due to that and other covid related factors, the label was put on hold. 

Lastly, what can we expect from Ceri in 2023?

The re-launch of my label. Some collab’s which I am very excited about with not one but TWO absolute house Music Legends, as well as a collab with another one of my favourite producers, and gigs in Berlin, Rotterdam, Amsterdam, France, Switzerland, London and more.

Ceri has kindly shared an exclusive discount on her production course for our readers. Use the code “AFTERPARTY” for 20% off at findyourownsound.com

The next masterclass begins on Wednesday 1st March.

Follow Ceri:

facebook.com/cerimusic | soundcloud.com/ceri | instagram.com/cerimusic/ | residentadvisor.net/dj/ceri | twitter.com/CrazyCeri | discogs.com/artist/3173031-Ceri-3