Q&A with Deer Jade: The Story Behind I AM YOU

Deer Jade has spent the past few years becoming a recognizable name in electronic music, but 2025 marked a shift—from rising talent to creative lead. The Swiss-French DJ and producer has built a strong reputation through appearances at institutions like Circoloco at DC-10, Pacha Ibiza, Zamna Festival, and Lollapalooza, along with releases on respected labels like Innervisions, Diynamic, Kompakt, and Rose Avenue. She now steps into a new chapter with the launch of her own label and event series: I AM YOU.

The project isn’t just about releasing music. It’s a vehicle for building community, prioritizing presence over spectacle, and creating spaces where both artist and audience dissolve into the experience. It’s a natural progression for an artist whose values have always guided her choices—whether it’s her preference for long-form storytelling sets, her grounded lifestyle within nightlife, or her belief in music as a tool for connection.

In this interview, Deer Jade opens up about her early influences, her new creative direction, and why a six-hour sunrise set in Panama reminded her of exactly why she does what she does. She also talks gear, food, unexpected gigs in deserts, and what a dream session with The Beatles might sound like. What follows is a closer look into the world she’s building—and the philosophy behind it.

You’ve played some iconic venues like Circoloco at DC-10, Pacha Ibiza, and Lollapalooza. Which show recently left a mark on you and why?

A recent show that really stayed with me was an extended sunrise set on the beach in Panama at a lovely festival called Ad Sidera. I played for 6 hours straight—it was absolute magic. The crowd was fully present and engaged. Playing long sets is my favorite because we’re able to go through a much more diverse sonic landscape, tell a full story, and explore a wider range of emotions. Those moments remind me why I do this: when time dissolves and the music becomes the language connecting everyone in the room.

You recently launched your new label, I AM YOU, and we’re honored to host part of that journey with you at The Roof at Superior Ingredients. What inspired the creation of the label, and what does this new chapter represent for you?

I’m so excited to launch I AM YOU in NY with you guys—thanks for having us! I AM YOU came from a desire to create a space that allows transformation and elevation. A space rooted in empathy and community. It’s about giving full freedom of self-expression for all.

About dissolving the barrier between artist and listener. Recognizing that we’re all mirrors of each other, and that the only way forward is to treat everyone else as a part of ourselves. This chapter feels like stepping into full creative expression, trusting my intuition, and building something that extends beyond releases into shared experiences for collective remembrance.

Connection and community seem to be core to the label’s mission. What kind of experiences or energy do you hope to bring to this event in New York, and how does it tie into the ethos of I AM YOU?

I want people to feel held by the music—like they belong. The energy I’m aiming for is open, deep, and collective. I AM YOU is about remembering our shared humanity, and New York is the perfect place for that exchange of cultures, stories, and rhythms.

You’ve lived in 10 cities by age 22. How has that nomadic experience shaped your sound or perspective as an artist?

Living nomadically taught me adaptability and curiosity. Every city left a fingerprint—different tempos, emotions, and traditions. My sound became a collage of movement, always shifting, never fixed.

What’s a musical influence from your childhood that still sneaks into your sets today?

From my mum, I got a lot of high-energy rock inspiration. From my dad, more house, melodic music, and early electronic experimentation—sounds that felt emotional before I understood structure. That sense of storytelling still finds its way into my sets.

As someone who doesn’t drink and lives a vegetarian/vegan lifestyle, how do you stay grounded in nightlife-heavy environments?

I try to stay connected to my body as much as possible. Hydration, food, rest, and quiet moments.

What’s the most unexpected track you've dropped in a set that totally worked?

I once played yodel—traditional Swiss music from the mountains—in the middle of a peak-time set. It was so much fun seeing all the smiles, laughs, and bewildered faces. I wish I could play it more often—ahaha.

Studio vs. stage — what part of the creative process do you find most fulfilling right now?

Right now, the studio. It’s where ideas are born without expectation and without any limits. The place where everything is possible. That said, I’m still the biggest lover of playing shows and connecting with the crowd—that’s what has inspired my music. It fulfills me so much; I couldn’t live without it either! :)

How do you recharge creatively between nonstop travel and performances?

Silence and nature. I try to disconnect from input so inspiration can return organically.

What’s one misconception people might have about your music or persona?

You tell me! I don’t really pay attention to what other people might think. I just do my thing and make sure to have as much fun as possible meanwhile!

If you weren’t in music, where do you think life would have taken you?

Something artistic, definitely! Growing up, I always wanted to be a film director. I was always making movies and taking photos. I’d also love to paint and just make all kinds of art.

What role does spirituality or personal philosophy play in your creative output?

It’s foundational. Music is a form of meditation for me—a way to explore presence, impermanence, and connection.

Which artist or producer (dead or alive) would you love to collaborate with, and what would that session sound like?

The Beatles! I love the universal messages they shared and how their music brought people together in such a timeless way. We’d hang in nature, jam, have tons of fun, and record the magic. It would be some psychedelic, funky electronic rock sound :)

What’s the last piece of gear or plugin that genuinely inspired a new idea?

Granular synthesis plugins—they made me rethink texture and time in sound.

How do you balance curating a sound while still surprising your audience?

By trusting intuition to lead me to totally unexpected new places while still sounding like “me.”

What advice would you give to emerging artists trying to break into the scene on their own terms?

If you can dream it, you can do it! The universe wouldn’t have put a dream that big in you if it wasn’t possible to reach it :) Never stop believing. Be consistent and stay true to yourself. Take small steps each day and build strong foundations. Community matters more than hype. Being grateful for where you are now and appreciating every part of the journey is key.

What’s the most unexpected place music has taken you?

Remote natural settings and off-the-beaten-path countries are my favorites. I played a festival once in Uzbekistan, in the middle of a desert that used to be the Aral Sea. It had dried out and was full of old boat carcasses—a totally lunar setting. The energy of the people on the dance floor there was absolutely incredible.

If you could create a set for a totally non-dance event—say, in a forest, art gallery, or even a planetarium—what would your vision be?

In a jungle at dusk—surrounded by speakers hidden among trees, blending organic sounds with deep atmospheres so nature and music breathe together.