Get Ready, Set and Go read what Luke Dean has to say about working with Enzo Siragusa, FUSE and LOCUS Rising talent Luke Dean sat down with Simon Tillotson to chat about building on his success this year as he looks forward to a productive 2025

FOR most people, December is a chance to slow down after a busy year – for Luke Dean, he’s just getting started.

As he drops his raucous new “Ready Set Go” EP on Enzo Siragusa’s LOCUS imprint, we catch up with the producer to chat about the new music, his relationship with FUSE, and the inspiration behind his exhilarating new release.

 

Hi Luke, thanks for joining us at The Night Bazaar. Feels like it has been a big year for you – what changes will there be for you heading into 2025 compared to this time last year?

Thanks for having me! It’s been a whirlwind this year but it’s good to feel that things are moving in the right direction. Compared to this time last year, I’m definitely making and playing some very different styles of music – though still within house, obviously. I’m having more fun with it – it’s been cool to be able to test out new styles that I’ve been enjoying creating and that’s leading me to be playing some bigger shows in 2025 that I’ve been aiming for.

 

Let’s get straight onto the new music; your “Ready Set Go” Ep is out on LOCUS – how would you describe it to someone who has never heard it before?

The EP really came together organically – some of the tracks I made a while ago, so it’s definitely got a good variety of different styles within it, but somehow they all come together in the right way to make it a complete package. All of the tracks have catchy vocals, and the synths are on the deeper side, and there’s a little bit of a garage influence in a couple of them. But as a whole, they’re all peak time tracks and it’s the perfect example of where I’m at right now as a producer, so I’m really happy that this release is how I’m finishing the year off.

It feels like you’re really having fun with the music on this one, were there any particular genres, albums or artists that influenced you on this sound you’re associated with? Anything that might surprise people?

There was no pressure on me while making this release, so hopefully that sense of freedom comes through in the music. I’d say there’s a strong garage-house influence, maybe a bit of hip-house on some of the vocals. But it’s mostly a garage-house vibe – artists like Grant Nelson and MJ Cole are producers who definitely inspired this one.

 

There’s always a danger of producers sticking to a formula – how do you keep your productions sounding fresh and original?   

I don’t really have a set way of working so I definitely don’t have a formula; I can only work when I feel inspired and that inspiration comes in waves. It might be a riff or sound on the radio that sparks something, then I jump in the studio to get that idea down. You can’t force something to work if you’re not feeling it, so in the studio I just play around and see where it takes me. Seems to be working so far!

When you’re working on new music, do you have a vision in your head of how they will sound in a club and how the audience might react? Does this lead you in different directions creatively?

Sometimes I can visualise what I’m making being played in the club, but most of the time I freestyle it and see where the process takes the track. I always know it’ll never sound as good in the studio as it does in the club, you have to take that into consideration when you’re working on any project. Once you have a rough idea and lay down the basics, you generally have a good understanding of the way it’s going to go; sometimes, you can add a synth and it changes the entire vibe of the track – that creative journey and discovery is what leads the process though, not the vision of it being played out in the club.

I imagine that critical feedback from listeners is important – who do you turn to first when trying to get an opinion on a new project? Is there a piece of advice which has stuck with you above others?

I know a lot of producers can be very private and work in isolation, but I really value feedback and suggestions from other people. I’m in a group chat with close friends who are all producers, when any of us have an idea or a track that we’re not sure about, we drop it in there and get feedback. We’re all in the same position of making music and it’s good to get other input and opinions. Another set of ears from people who do the same thing. Sometimes they wouldn’t change a thing – that’s when you know you’re onto something and that second opinion just reminds you that perhaps you’re just being really particular and need to let the track breathe.

 

You’ve got a strong connection to FUSE and Enzo Siragusa, is that something we will see more of in 2025 do you think?

Definitely. Recently I’ve built a really good relationship with him, he’s helped me a lot and I’ve got a lot of respect for him. It’s a big validation when someone like Enzo gives you his approval – FUSE and LOCUS are two really strong brands right now so it’s exciting to be a part of it. You’ll defo see a lot from us in 2025.

Was this always the dream career? Are you working towards a specific goal?

To be fair it was never a dream career, I didn’t even know it could be a real career! I’ve been making music since I was 11 and I got decks at 14, but I was always just messing around and having fun. I always loved it but never thought I could make it a career. It was when I saw Max – my older cousin – who was playing out and making money, that’s when I realised there was potential in music. The thing I loved doing in my spare time could then became a real job.

 

What do you think is the most important thing producers can do to get noticed in 2025? Any advice you can share from your own experiences?

I don’t think there’s a shortcut, it’s just about getting your music out to as many people as possible. Even if you’re not completely happy with it, use socials to get it out there. Send it to people for feedback, even if you don’t necessarily love it. Feed it to people and get that feedback – if you’re sending it to the same people for two years and listening to their advice, and they see you grafting and developing, they will respect you. It’s about laying strong foundations and learning as you go.

And finally, anything that we should be keeping an eye out for next year from you?

Just lots more music, and different styles too. This year has been a big focus on touring so next year is about getting back to making and releasing music.