Name: Cee ElAssaad
Nationality: Moroccan
Occupation: DJ, producer
Current release: Cee ElAssaad has several new singles out: "Music is the Cure," featuring Lee Wilson via Sub_Urban; "Cosmic Fusion" via Cacao; and "Great Wise Chief," featuring Dele Sosimi via Fatsouls.
Recommendations: Book: Freedom from the known by Jiddu Krishnamurti; Music: Dhafer Youssef - Street Of Minarets [FULL ALBUM]

If you enjoyed this Cee ElAssaad interview and would like to stay up to date with his music, visit him on Instagram, Facebook, Soundcloud, and twitter. He also has his own bandcamp store. 



When I listen to music, I see shapes, objects and colours. What happens in your body when you're listening? Do you listen with your eyes open or closed?

Listening to music with eyes open or closed is a matter of personal preference. Some people find that closing their eyes while listening to music allows them to focus more on the auditory experience and enhance their immersion in the music. Closing your eyes can also help minimize visual distractions and create a more introspective or meditative atmosphere.

However, personally I prefer to keep my eyes open, enjoying the visual aspects of my surroundings and engaging in other activities simultaneously while listening.

What were your very first steps in music like and how would you rate the gains made through experience - can one train/learn being an artist?

Ever since I was young, I've had a deep love for music.

DJing allowed me to combine different instruments into one. I worked hard and went from being a hobbyist to a professional touring DJ, showing that passion, dedication and hard work make art thrive.

According to scientific studies, we make our deepest and most incisive musical experiences between the ages of 13-16. What did music mean to you at that age and what’s changed since then?

Throughout my childhood, music held immense significance to me, but accessing it was quite challenging, particularly in Morocco. We lacked record shops, and acquiring k7/CDs depended on others bringing them from abroad during summers or searching the internet. These hurdles forged a profound bond with music, as I relished the excitement of the pursuit.

Today, it seems that the youth has lost interest in music, given how easily accessible it has become. With just a simple app, millions of songs are at their fingertips. Unfortunately, this easy access has diminished the sense of excitement and thrill that once accompanied the search for music.

Now, music has transformed into a mere tool for entertainment.

What, would you say, are the key ideas behind your approach to music and what motivates you to create?

To me, music is a fusion of love, passion, dedication, and hard work.

The essence of creating music lies in making it purely for the sake of the art itself. When you craft music to cater to specific individuals or external expectations, it ceases to be genuine musical expression.

True music comes from the heart, driven by an intrinsic desire to connect with the art form and share your authentic self through it.

To quote a question by the great Bruce Duffie: When you come up with a musical idea, have you created the idea or have you discovered the idea?

The answer to this question may depend on one's personal beliefs, artistic philosophy, and understanding of creativity.

Some artists might see their musical ideas as a combination of both creation and discovery, acknowledging the interplay between their creative abilities and the infinite possibilities that exist within the realm of music.

Paul Simon said “the way that I listen to my own records is not for the chords or the lyrics - my first impression is of the overall sound.” What's your own take on that and how would you define your personal sound?

While it's essential to pay attention to each element during the creative process, shifting focus to the musical piece as a unified creation allows for a more impactful, emotionally resonant, and coherent artistic expression that truly connects with the audience.

Music is a captivating blend of organized sounds. Sometimes for example when crafting a remarkable melody, it's crucial to strike a balance by complementing it with a simple bassline. This strategic approach grants prominence to the main melody while preventing any clash that could occur with an overly complex bassline.

Ultimately, it all boils down to finding the perfect combination, where each element harmoniously enhances the overall musical composition.

Sound, song, and rhythm are all around us, from animal noises to the waves of the ocean. What, if any, are some of the most moving experiences you've had with these non-human-made sounds? In how far would you describe them as “musical”?

My upbringing took place in a charming Moroccan city called El Jadida, nestled near the Atlantic Sea. Within a mere 15-minute walk, I could stand in front of the powerful ocean, captivated by its allure. The mesmerizing sound of the waves had a profound impact on me, resonating deep within my being and leaving an enduring impression.

The sound varies, sometimes being a soft murmur as the waves caress the coast, and at other times, a powerful roar as they clash with the rocks, releasing their energy with a thunderous force. There's a timeless quality to the sound, an echo of the sea's ancient rhythm, a reminder of the vastness and mystery of the ocean.

The rhythmic, melodic, and harmonious nature of the sea's sound, along with its ability to evoke emotions and create a sense of connection, leads many to describe it as truly musical.

From very deep/high/loud/quiet sounds to very long/short/simple/complex compositions - are there extremes in music you feel drawn to and what response do they elicit?

I have a deep appreciation for all types of musical compositions, finding beauty in the diversity of sounds. I'm not limited by genres; rather, my musical preferences vary based on my mood and emotional state.

Each piece has its unique charm, and I cherish the way music can evoke different emotions and resonate with my feelings at any given moment.

Could you describe your creative process on the basis of one of your pieces, live performances or albums that's particularly dear to you, please?

My decision to pursue music was driven by the freedom it offers me as an artist. Whether I'm in the studio or performing at clubs and festivals, I don't adhere to a specific creative process. Instead, I rely on my instincts and emotions to guide me. I have my elements and tools, and I trust my feelings to blend them together, resulting in something truly meaningful and authentic.

The beauty of this approach lies in the spontaneous and unrestrained way I can express myself through music.

Do you conduct “experiments” or make use of scientific insights when you're making music?

During my music-making process, I thoroughly enjoy incorporating scientific insights and prioritize conducting musical experiments.

How does the way you make music reflect the way you live your life? Can we learn lessons about life by understanding music on a deeper level?

For me, music is life itself. I've chosen it as a means to express my inner self.

I perceive and interpret everything in life through the lens of music and sounds.

Do you feel as though writing or performing a piece of music is inherently different from something like making a great cup of coffee? What do you express through music that you couldn't or wouldn't in more 'mundane' tasks?

Certainly, at the core of everything I do, whether it's creating music or pursuing other life tasks, I find that love is the driving force. Love infuses my work with a sense of passion and dedication, motivating me to pour my heart and soul into each endeavor.

When it comes to music, this emotion becomes the anchor that guides my creative process. It helps me connect with the melodies I compose and the lyrics I write on a deeper level, allowing me to convey authentic emotions and messages to my audience.

Love fuels my commitment to excellence and my desire to make a positive impact through my music.

Every time I listen to "Albedo 0.39" by Vangelis, I choke up. But the lyrics are made up of nothing but numbers and values. Do you, too, have a song or piece of music that affects you in a way that you can't explain?

The power of music never ceases to amaze me. Whether a composition is intricate or straightforward, its ability to evoke emotions and stir something within me is truly remarkable.

The intricate harmonies and layers of a complex piece, as well as the raw simplicity of a straightforward melody, both have the potential to touch my soul in ways I struggle to put into words.

It's almost as if music possesses a universal language that transcends explanations, allowing me to feel and experience its essence on a deeply personal level.

If you could make a wish for the future – what are developments in music you would like to see and hear?

I hold the hope that people within the music industry could delve deeper into both the beauty and potential risks of music.

While it's a source of incredible inspiration, it's equally vital to recognize its potential hazards when not approached with due seriousness.