DJ and musician Tim Enso joins us on Close-up Culture to talk about growing up in Russia, meeting David Guetta, moving to LA, and much more.
Q: Can you tell us about your upbringing in Moscow and your early memories of performing?
A: I was born in 1995 in the family of hereditary teachers, and nobody could even imagine that I would take the other path, totally different from my family’s. I remember that day when I came to my parents and said: “I want to play the violin.” Everybody was in shock and surprised at the same time, but nobody told me no. Just for the record, my family have supported me all my life, and I’m really grateful to them for this.
I would never forget my first ‘big’ performance as a DJ. It was a harsh Russian winter, I was about 16 years old and I got an invitation to play at the nightclub in Ufa (city in Russia, the capital of the Republic of Bashkortostan, which is approximately 1140 kilometers from Moscow), and I went there on my own by train. When I finally got there, the owner of the club welcomed me warmly: he sent a car to pick me up from the train station, provided me the best hotel in town, and organised a fancy dinner with his friends. I felt like a real rockstar.
Truly speaking, of course I was a little bit nervous, as it was my first time playing outside from Moscow, but fortunately people were having fun, and everybody enjoyed their night. Funnily enough, I was playing the saxophone and DJing at the same time, and the owner came to me after the performance and told me he was really impressed and didn’t believe that I could play the instrument while mixing the songs. Not to mention, I was really exhausted, but it was an unforgettable experience.
Q: While at college, you had special meeting with DJ David Guetta. What happened and what impact did it have on you?
A: I always was a big fan of his music, but when I first saw David, I couldn’t believe my own eyes. Can you imagine it, I was so inspired watching his performance just a few minutes ago, and now I have a chance to talk to him in person. Magic. David is a great guy though, a very kind and down-to-earth person. After the concert I said to myself: “One day that will be me.”
Q: There are some great pictures of you on Instagram enjoying the nightlife on offer in the States. How have you adapted to life in LA since your move last year?
A: I love LA! The atmosphere here is amazing, let alone the weather. I have already met a lot of cool and talented people. As for me, LA is the best place to live, especially if you are a creative person.
Q: You are also working on your own project called ‘Lost Capital’. Can you tell us about it and the direction you want to take it in?
A: We already signed a deal with major record label, and big news are coming very soon! Can’t disclose the details… yet!
Q: What is next for you? Any ambitions or plans to share with us?
A: Keep working hard. Right now, I’m focusing on producing music for me, my band and artists I work with, and of course I can’t imagine my life without performing as a DJ and saxophonist.
I always post about upcoming events on my Instagram. Stay tuned.