It’s highly probable that you’d hear a track from Matt Sassari and think, “hey! I know this song!” With nearly a decade of skin in the game, the French producer and DJ has hit more than a few home runs. His recent penchant for flipping pop music cuts into bonafide dance hits lends itself well to modern trends without sacrificing substance.



Continued support from Carl Cox, Green Velvet, and Nicole Moudaber—to name a few—points to a come-up for Matt Sassari. His recent singles are cruising comfortably on the Beatport charts and making their way into tracklists worldwide. We’re not saying these five cuts are the only Matt Sassari tracks you should know, but they might be a good place to start.



1. Put A Record On





This tech house edit of the track Madonna’s 200 hit “Music” was an instant smash on dancefloors ‘round the world. Released by Cr2 Trax in 2019, this was Sassari’s first #1 on the Beatport charts. It would remain on the charts for more than a year. Though not his first recording success, this would be the world’s first taste of how Sassari’s masterful edits give a nod to pop music.



2. Give It To Me





Another house take on pop music, this viral hit is an adaptation of the popular 2007 Timbaland record of its namesake that featured Nelly Furtado and Justin Timberlake. Both the original and the full vocal mix of this track sit comfortably at the top of Sassari’s top tracks on Spotify and Beatport. His now certified platinum record gives the mid 2000s song a necessary jolt of energy, making it perfect for dancing in the club or in front of your iPhone camera.



3. Dance or Die





In the summer of 2022, festivals and clubs were finally back on their feet but still recovering in the wake of a two-year shutdown. In “Dance or Die,” Sassari and co-producer Green Velvet encapsulate the dire need we all felt to return to the dancefloor. The sinister-sounding techno track rocks in at a perfect 130 BPM before cutting out and giving way to what seems like a universal musing: “Dancing gives me life. Crazy as it seems, I’m a prisoner of my dreams. Music takes me higher. Dancing sets me free.”



4. Step To





A favorite of Spotify playlist curators, this no-nonsense tech house track was released on There Is A Light, a Los Angeles-based record label specializing in premier house and techno cuts. On its own, this track showcases Sassari’s talent as he distills potent dancefloor ammo into a simple, three-minute arrangement. For those looking for more wiggle room, the extended “Melody's Enemy Remix” featured on the single is also a banger.



5. Drake - God’s Plan (Matt Sassari Bootleg)





Sassari may have a knack for instantly recognizable pop music edits, but for this track, listeners might get halfway through before realizing the reference. This bootleg of Drake’s hit is buried three years deep on Sassari’s SoundCloud page. But unsurprisingly, the minimal techno mix has also accumulated over 100,000 streams. Bonus points for our crate diggers out there: it also comes with a free download.

5 Must-Hear Matt Sassari Tracks

France

Matt Sassari

It can take years for an artist to find their groove, make an impact, or simply get their name noticed. French DJ and producer, 

 journey to notoriety has spanned a decade, over 100 releases, and even more gigs worldwide. His trademark sound blurs the lines between house and techno earning support from industry tastemakers and fans alike. After years of consistency, Sassari has become one of the most respected and sought-after names to emerge from the storied French dance music scene.

After beginning his journey as a producer in 2008, it was at least four years before he felt comfortable officially releasing music under his name. He debuted in 2012 with "Wondernuts," and maintained an ambitious string of releases that, even early on, were distinctive, funky, and brimming with low-end flavor. He eventually landed on labels like Defected, Glasgow Underground, Cr2, and Octopus Recordings cementing his place in the upper echelons of underground dance.

While his hometown Marseille isn't the most recognizable of dance music hotspots, it provided a fertile breeding ground for the young artist. He embarked on a parallel journey as a DJ, and on the strength of his boundary-pushing records ended up with a breakthrough performance at Amsterdam Dance Event in 2014. As he slowly ascended the European circuit, his music received consistent support from the likes of Carl Cox and Joseph Capriati.

Everything changed for Matt in 2019 when he scored a massive Beatport #1 hit, "Put A Record On," a thumping interpolation of Madonna's "Music." Since then, he's topped the charts numerous times. In 2022 he launched his label SASS with a monumental debut collaboration with 

United States

Green Velvet

Growing up in Marseille, it seems like you had the opportunity to discover electronic music at a young age. Can you tell us about your first experiences with dance music and what made you fall in love with it?

The first time I went to a club was the night of my 14th birthday at Spartacus near my hometown. It was like a dream for me! Pier Bucci was playing live that night. It was an amazing experience, and started my love with electronic music.

Matt Sassari - 'Put A Record On'

Released 16.08.2019

Stream/Download: https://smarturl.it/PutARecordOn

Off the back of one of 2019's biggest techno releases 'Waitin' For My Baby's Car’, French producer Matt Sassari returns with another tech-house stomper in 'Put A Record On'.

Matt Sassari Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Matt.Sassari/
Matt Sassari Twitter: https://twitter.com/MattSassari
Matt Sassari Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattsassari
Matt Sassari SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/matt-sassari

Follow Cr2 Records on:
Cr2 Facebook: https://bit.ly/Cr2Facebook
Cr2 Twitter: https://bit.ly/Cr2Twitter
Cr2 Instagram: https://bit.ly/Cr2Instagram
Cr2 SoundCloud: https://bit.ly/Cr2SoundCloud
Cr2 YouTube: https://bit.ly/Cr2YouTube

Despite an immense amount of musical talent coming out of France over the years, like Tchami, DJ Snake, Guetta, and Polo & Pan, to name a few, it still seems to be a country that dance music fans don't think of first when they think of hot spots for dance music. How do you feel the dance music scene in France has grown over the years, and where do you see your place in it?

Dance music is growing very well in France and becoming more accessible than before. And it will become bigger and bigger, I'm sure. In France, they see me like a foreigner [laughs]. One day they will respect me like all the DJs you mentioned... Or not (laughs). They will wake up when it will be too late.

Cabaret Aleatoire, where I'm doing my event called SASS.

You started putting music out in an official capacity around 2012. What were those first years like as you discovered your sound and style?

I've been making music since 2008, but it was really amateur. Once I found my sound in January 2012 with my first release called "Wonder Nuts" under Matt Sassari, I was sure about my style—something dark and groovy. Less than two years later, I got my first international gig at ADE with Deeperfect, and it was unreal for me. After that, I knew which direction I would take for my career.

In 2015 you dropped an incredibly deep and techy three-track EP on Dubfire's Sci+Tec label. It was probably one of the larger and more known labels you had released on at that point. And, of course, a sign-off from an incredibly influential figure in our scene. How did you feel when you got the response back from Dubfire saying he wanted to sign the track?

Yeah, it was the best. I think because it was my favorite label and my goal to be on board. I remember speaking with Ali on Skype [and] he told me, "yeah, let's sign it!" After that, there was no response for a month, and I was like, "noooo, he doesn't want them anymore!" But finally, I got the release out, and it was one of the best accomplishments in my career. I miss this era when the techno was funky!

Matt Sassari - Barglom

Provided to YouTube by K7 Records GmbH

Barglom · Matt Sassari

Barglom

℗ 2015 SCI+TEC

Released on: 2015-12-04

Music  Publisher: Copyright Control
Composer: Matthieu Piacentile
Lyricist: Matthieu Piacentile

Auto-generated by YouTube.

Barglom

Do you find that the studio is a happy place for you? Is there something cathartic about creating music that you love?

Yeah, it is a happy place when you find the right groove. Otherwise, it's a stressy place [laughs] when I create a song I love, it is one of the best feelings, really!

In 2022 you released a sample pack for Beatport. Although this might not seem like a big deal to outsiders, it is a mark of respect for many in the industry. A sign that your sound is one that people want to replicate. Take us through this process and what it meant to you to undertake this project.

I got a lot of messages about how I make my sound, so a sample pack is the best way to give them some of my stuff, but not too much [laughs].

In 2019, you released "Put a Record On." A smashing Beatport #1 and a top 20 song of the year. How did your career change after that?

Yeah, this one was an unexpected number one. When I did it, I didn't think it would be crazy because it was a cover tune. More commercial, you know? After all, the tune is getting bigger and bigger, even now! This track [impacted] my career in a good way, but didn't change, just the confirmation that "I'm here."

You followed up with "Give it to Me," a remake of the classic Timbaland song. Many of your bigger tracks benefit from clever vocal samples. Why do you feel these samples are so effective and what's the process for you to pick the right one?

I had to choose between going more techno, like everyone else, or making my own groove with cover vocals that nobody had taken already. So, I preferred this way, and I love it. Since I released "Put A Record on," it was the start of the RNB/tech house crossovers. "Give It To Me" is really special. The groove is unique. That's why it works. I don't think it works the same now when you mix a super hit with a classic tech house groove.

Matt Sassari - Give It To Me

Released 04.06.21 on Cr2 Records

Download / Stream: https://smarturl.it/MSGiveItToMe

Matt Sassari returns to Cr2 Records with yet another tech-house weapon! 'Give It To Me' is out everywhere now.

Follow Cr2 Records on:
Cr2 Facebook: https://bit.ly/Cr2Facebook​​
Cr2 Twitter: https://bit.ly/Cr2Twitter​​
Cr2 Instagram: https://bit.ly/Cr2Instagram​​
Cr2 SoundCloud: https://bit.ly/Cr2SoundCloud​​
Cr2 YouTube: https://bit.ly/Cr2YouTube

Matt Sassari - 'Give It To Me'

Tell us about the label, Sass. Why did you want to start one?

I had one called Panterre Musique before, but I had only self-released on it. I wanted to start something totally new and more for my underground stuff. The first release with Green Velvet is just another huge achievement. I have to thank him a lot for accepting it!

Our goal now is to release only my tracks in collaboration with other artists I love, like Will Clarke, Dense & Pika, and more. Soon we'll have SASS showcases all over the world that include the artists supporting the project.

It can take years for an artist to find their groove, make an impact, or simply get their name noticed. French DJ and producer, Matt Sassari's journey to notoriety has spanned a decade, over 100 releases, and even more gigs worldwide. His trademark sound blurs the lines between house and techno earning support from industry tastemakers and fans alike. After years of consistency, Sassari has become one of the most respected and sought-after names to emerge from the storied French dance music scene.




After beginning his journey as a producer in 2008, it was at least four years before he felt comfortable officially releasing music under his name. He debuted in 2012 with "Wondernuts," and maintained an ambitious string of releases that, even early on, were distinctive, funky, and brimming with low-end flavor. He eventually landed on labels like Defected, Glasgow Underground, Cr2, and Octopus Recordings cementing his place in the upper echelons of underground dance.




While his hometown Marseille isn't the most recognizable of dance music hotspots, it provided a fertile breeding ground for the young artist. He embarked on a parallel journey as a DJ, and on the strength of his boundary-pushing records ended up with a breakthrough performance at Amsterdam Dance Event in 2014. As he slowly ascended the European circuit, his music received consistent support from the likes of Carl Cox and Joseph Capriati.




Everything changed for Matt in 2019 when he scored a massive Beatport #1 hit, "Put A Record On," a thumping interpolation of Madonna's "Music." Since then, he's topped the charts numerous times. In 2022 he launched his label SASS with a monumental debut collaboration with Green Velvet, "Dance or Die."









Growing up in Marseille, it seems like you had the opportunity to discover electronic music at a young age. Can you tell us about your first experiences with dance music and what made you fall in love with it?







The first time I went to a club was the night of my 14th birthday at Spartacus near my hometown. It was like a dream for me! Pier Bucci was playing live that night. It was an amazing experience, and started my love with electronic music.










Despite an immense amount of musical talent coming out of France over the years, like Tchami, DJ Snake, Guetta, and Polo & Pan, to name a few, it still seems to be a country that dance music fans don't think of first when they think of hot spots for dance music. How do you feel the dance music scene in France has grown over the years, and where do you see your place in it?







Dance music is growing very well in France and becoming more accessible than before. And it will become bigger and bigger, I'm sure. In France, they see me like a foreigner [laughs]. One day they will respect me like all the DJs you mentioned... Or not (laughs). They will wake up when it will be too late.







What is your favorite club in Marseille?




Cabaret Aleatoire, where I'm doing my event called SASS.



You started putting music out in an official capacity around 2012. What were those first years like as you discovered your sound and style?




I've been making music since 2008, but it was really amateur. Once I found my sound in January 2012 with my first release called "Wonder Nuts" under Matt Sassari, I was sure about my style—something dark and groovy. Less than two years later, I got my first international gig at ADE with Deeperfect, and it was unreal for me. After that, I knew which direction I would take for my career.






In 2015 you dropped an incredibly deep and techy three-track EP on Dubfire's Sci+Tec label. It was probably one of the larger and more known labels you had released on at that point. And, of course, a sign-off from an incredibly influential figure in our scene. How did you feel when you got the response back from Dubfire saying he wanted to sign the track?




Yeah, it was the best. I think because it was my favorite label and my goal to be on board. I remember speaking with Ali on Skype [and] he told me, "yeah, let's sign it!" After that, there was no response for a month, and I was like, "noooo, he doesn't want them anymore!" But finally, I got the release out, and it was one of the best accomplishments in my career. I miss this era when the techno was funky!






Do you find that the studio is a happy place for you? Is there something cathartic about creating music that you love?




Yeah, it is a happy place when you find the right groove. Otherwise, it's a stressy place [laughs] when I create a song I love, it is one of the best feelings, really!




In 2022 you released a sample pack for Beatport. Although this might not seem like a big deal to outsiders, it is a mark of respect for many in the industry. A sign that your sound is one that people want to replicate. Take us through this process and what it meant to you to undertake this project.




I got a lot of messages about how I make my sound, so a sample pack is the best way to give them some of my stuff, but not too much [laughs].






In 2019, you released "Put a Record On." A smashing Beatport #1 and a top 20 song of the year. How did your career change after that?




Yeah, this one was an unexpected number one. When I did it, I didn't think it would be crazy because it was a cover tune. More commercial, you know? After all, the tune is getting bigger and bigger, even now! This track [impacted] my career in a good way, but didn't change, just the confirmation that "I'm here."




You followed up with "Give it to Me," a remake of the classic Timbaland song. Many of your bigger tracks benefit from clever vocal samples. Why do you feel these samples are so effective and what's the process for you to pick the right one?




I had to choose between going more techno, like everyone else, or making my own groove with cover vocals that nobody had taken already. So, I preferred this way, and I love it. Since I released "Put A Record on," it was the start of the RNB/tech house crossovers. "Give It To Me" is really special. The groove is unique. That's why it works. I don't think it works the same now when you mix a super hit with a classic tech house groove.










Tell us about the label, Sass. Why did you want to start one?




I had one called Panterre Musique before, but I had only self-released on it. I wanted to start something totally new and more for my underground stuff. The first release with Green Velvet is just another huge achievement. I have to thank him a lot for accepting it!




Our goal now is to release only my tracks in collaboration with other artists I love, like Will Clarke, Dense & Pika, and more. Soon we'll have SASS showcases all over the world that include the artists supporting the project.







