Check out our interview with talented Swiss producer Twenty Feet Down.
With a huge wealth of studio experience and an impressive catalogue of internationally acclaimed hits clocked on the likes of Sirup Music, Enormous Chills, Muve and Le Mans Recordings (to name a few), hotly-tipped Swiss artist Twenty Feet Down has the production skills to rival the very best in the industry. Fresh off the back of his huge vocal record Numb with Nino Lucarelli back in April, the legendary Cape Town-based talent – better known to his friends and family as Michel Lüchinger – now returns to Blue Crane Records with another hefty cut, as he delivers his formidable new original single, Animal.
An upbeat and uplifting house offering, beaming with Twenty Feet Down’s soulful flair and atmospheric panache, Animal is everything we could have hoped for and more from the in-form Swiss producer, who delivers rousing basslines, vivacious rhythms and expertly manipulated vocals across the three-and-a-half minute duration. Due for heavy rotation across international playlists and radio airwaves over the weeks and months to come, Twenty Feet Down is a name you’ll be hearing a lot more of over the course of 2021. We caught up with Michel to find out more.
Follow Twenty Feet Down @twentyfeetdown
Please tell us a little about you?
I’ve been in the business for about 25 Years. I was DJ for about 15 years and then started to build my knowledge as producer and build my own studio
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Focused, persistent, honest
We’re sure you have been asked this million times but how did you get in the industry?
Well, it started when i was at a few shows at a great club in Switzerland. I was so fascinated from the guys behind the decks that i started to DJing. I really loved it, but at a later stage i realized that i even more enjoy, to be at my own studio, making my own tracks and productions. So i started to build my studio and knowledge and produced my music. I got a lot of requests to produce for several dj’s and artists which i did then before i decided to stop that and just work for me and my own products again. So, my focus is again in my very own stuff and i love it!
Why the story behind your DJ name “Twenty Feet Down?”
Not a big story. It was a TV series in the past called Six Feet Under which II LOVED! As is was looking for a good name, anyhow I came around with that series in my head and stucked at twenty feet down. I still like it, so, seems to be right
Describe your sound in 3 words?
Emotional, powerful, groovy
Tell us about your new track “Animal?”
I got this amazing Vocals from great Canadien Songwriters and I immediately fell in love. I could hear instantly how i would build my version of that Song, which then took me quite a moment to realize as i’m hardly happy with my product i’m working on. Thats sometimes a bit a problem as i always find things to fix or make it different. But this one was quite quickly done.
Do you ever get nervous?
I get nervous a lot, yes. I think it’s a good thing and you don’t take any situation for granted, whatever it is. To be nervous means for me also to be still excited about what you do.
How is the music scene different from Switzerland to the US?
Difficult to say for me as I live in Cape Town since a few years. But i think, the US market is always a few steps ahead. But not only of the Swiss market, of all markets worldwide
Which artists and styles inspired and influenced you?
Well, 80s and 90s Dance and Disco was my stuff when I grew up!
When all the partying is over how do you like to chill out?
Come home, take a bath, relax and enjoy some «quiet» moments
Best stage you have ever play?
A New Years Eve in Switzerland
Funniest/Crazy thing that ever happened at an event?
Walked into a «DARK ROOM» at a club and didn’t know what it was.
What’s your favorite club to DJ in?
As I don’t tour anymore its difficult to say, but if i would go on tour again, I would love to play in Vegas at Omnia or Marquee Club
Did you had plans/gigs planned and cancelled because of COVID? If so have you done any online events or interaction with your fans?
No, as I didn’t had any tour planes, it didn’t effect me that much. And I also don’t do any live performance atm as I focus on my productions. But that doesn’t mean that I’ll never go back on tour
What is fun and rewarding about what you do? And what’s not?
Well, if you wake up every morning and you are excited to start your day at the studio, that’s really fun as I can do what I LOVE to do. See how the music is performing well, that’s also great and fun! But this «writers or producers block» which has been described million times, this is really annoying. I know exactly what I should do then, but I don’t do it in about 50% of the times as I don’t wanna accept that it happens. That’s not really funny then.
What’s your advice for the newer DJ’s?
Well, it’s an old one, but try to be yourself, try to be unique. Learn from others and build your own style.
What was the first record that you bought?
Phew, I think that was a Jovanotti track, back in the days hahahaha
What’s next for Twenty Feet Down in 2021?
Lots of new music. Next Single will be an Good Feel Anthem called «Low Life» and then a Club Mix of Animal as another Single towards October and A Club Track end oft he Year
What advice would you give to aspiring Producers or DJs?
Well, I learned a lot from others. I watched a lot of videos, listened to interviews, I really loved these things. Still today…I don’t really learn new stuff with all those masterclasses, but I LOVE to watch them, love to hear what the others do and how they do things. Is it different than what and how i do it, what are they doing and how can i improve my workflow or techniques. I think, my advice would be, learn….learn more…..and work hard. Be humble and honest and you’ll get there, wherever this will be
What book should every entrepreneur read?
I don’t really read books except of my studio stuff
How would your best friend describe you?
Hard working, but always fun
Best advice ever given?
Never give up. It doesn’t count how many times you struggle, it counts how many times you get back up!
Name one your strengths?
Persistence
Idea of a perfect Sunday?
Wake up at 9, enjoy the Sun, get a great brunch, surrounded by my family
What is your own definition of happiness?
See a smile in my kids face. THAT is happiness for me
Do you support any charities?
We have a lot of struggles in Cape Town, especially in this times. We try to do our best to help wherever we can. We support the local people as good as we can and have a special family we looking after with two little kids.
What is your favorite healthy food?
Avocado and Salad
And your favorite cheat food?
BigMac
What would be a deal breaker on a first date?
Snotty, ignorant and too much make up
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
I think it would be Avicii. He was such an inspiration and such a good guy. Would love to see him again.
How do you see yourself in 5 years?
Still doing what I love. Producing music for people who love it as much as I do.
How would you describe your fashion style?
Casual, sporty
What do you think of Social Media?
It is like with everything. Too much is not good for you. It’s important to stay in contact with your fans, but it’s not everything in life. Life is real and not social media
Where we can follow you?
Quote: Never give up
Movie: Star Wars
Travel Destination: Maldives
Sports Team: FC Zurich (Soccer Team)
