Pammi Pasqual, the Greek-born, London-based DJ and Producer behind Playdance Records, has emerged on the Electronic Music scene with determination and passion, putting forward a unique blend of House, Deep House, and Dance music. With over a decade of experience within the genre, he continues working towards refining his approach, balancing modern electronic elements with a distinct sense of musicality as he delivers new releases, collaborations and live performances.
Now, in this interview, he takes us behind the scenes of his creative process, sharing insights on everything from his production setup to the methods that help him stay focused.
Hi Pammi, how are you?
Hi, I am doing very well, thanks! I’ve recently released a new song, and I couldn’t be more excited about it. I’ve been a bit quiet in terms of new music releases, but my new song, ‘Riders on The Storm’, is out now, and the feedback has been amazing! I feel like I’m finally back at it, and I’m currently working on several new songs that will be released in the upcoming months.
To start, how would you describe your signature sound?
I’m mainly into Deep House, House, and Dance music. I enjoy writing songs and lyrics in my spare time and turning these into Electronic Dance tracks. I like to keep my sound melodic and a bit darker, often blending synths with heavy basslines, 4/4 beats, acoustic instruments, and original vocals. These days, I find inspiration in artists I admire, such as NTO, Jan Blomqvist, Camelphat, Claptone, Bicep, and Bonobo.
Can you walk us through your typical approach when starting a new track? Do you begin with a melody, beat, or something else entirely?
These days, I tend to start with the song. As I mentioned, I often write lyrics and record voice memos on my phone, so I usually begin by diving into these ideas and seeing what resonates most. Once I’m happy with the song’s structure and lyrics, I move forward with production.
How much of your music production is spontaneous versus pre-planned? Do you leave room for experimentation?
That’s a good question! I miss the days when I’d sit down with a blank FL Studio project and just experiment with no plan or direction. While I still enjoy experimenting, these days, I usually go into the studio with a plan, which helps me stay focused and make the most of my limited time. However, I still allow room for experimentation within each project.
How has your DAW setup evolved from when you first started producing? What is your current go-to piece of software?
I started with FL Studio as a teenager, relying mostly on its default sounds and a few sample CDs. Later, during my university years, I upgraded my setup. I use ProTools, which we were taught at SAE Institute. Though ProTools isn’t often the first choice for Electronic Music, it’s worked well for me. I also love my Moog Subsequent 37 for basslines and my Maschine MK2, and recently, I’ve enjoyed exploring the Arturia VST library. My favourite FX plugins are from the Soundtoys bundle.
When collaborating with other artists, how do you ensure that your individual production style still shines through while blending with their input?
I love collaborating, and most of my songs are a product of partnerships. In recent years, I’ve worked harder to define my sound, starting collaborations with a clear creative direction and a demo of my ideas. I usually record a rough demo of myself singing, which guides the featured artist and keeps the final result closer to my vision.
What’s your approach to sound design? Do you create your synth patches from scratch or lean on presets to start?
I often start with VST presets, especially if I’ve already written a MIDI melody. This helps me get inspired quickly, though I rarely leave the preset as is. I enjoy modifying the sound, using FX creatively, and even layering multiple sounds to create something unique.
Do you have a specific routine to get yourself into the creative zone, or do you find inspiration strikes at random moments?
Songwriting inspiration often strikes randomly—whether I’m watching a movie, on a bus, or even trying to fall asleep. I’ve learned to record my ideas immediately, so they aren’t forgotten. Then, when I’m ready to start a project, I have a bank of ideas to choose from, which helps me stay focused and prevents distractions.
What are some plugins or VSTs you find indispensable in creating your tracks?
I rely heavily on Native Instruments’ Komplete library, especially Massive, FM8, Session Horns, and Battery. For FX, I love the Soundtoys bundle, which lets me reshape sounds in exciting ways. For mixing, I use a mix of ProTools plugins and Waves plugins, particularly H-Delay, Doubler, and Vitamin for vocals. Valhalla and Trueverb reverb plugins are also a must for my mixes.
How do you experiment with new sub-genres in your productions without losing the essence of your sound?
I usually stick to certain elements like a 4/4 beat, a 120 BPM tempo, and a deep bassline, which create a consistent base for my sound. From there, I can layer other influences and experiment with different genres in the instrumentation and sound design. For instance, ‘Riders On The Storm’ features an electric guitar solo, which blends Rock influences with my usual House sound.
Lastly, if you could go back and give your younger self one piece of advice about music production, what would it be?
Practice daily, be consistent, and prepare for the long run. Mastering a craft takes time—about 10,000 hours, as they say. I wish I’d followed these principles earlier, but it’s never too late. These principles now guide both my music production and my career as a whole.
As our conversation wraps up, it is clear that Pammi Pasqual remains an Artist who is deeply committed to his craft and constantly evolving his sound. With his thoughtful approach to production and a strong vision for his music, he continues to bring fresh ideas to his work, driving his creativity forward to ensure he offers something unique within his music. As we look forward to seeing where his creative journey takes him next, Pammi Pasqual appears worth taking note of, so make sure to follow him via social media to stay up-to-date on the exciting projects he no doubt has in store.
Pammi Pasqual Online
