Breakthrough DJ Jaryd Farah (33) is making waves in the local music scene, creating beats across a variety of genres with a primary focus on techno.

Jaryd explained that he began learning to DJ in 2014, starting with an old iMac, Traktor software, and a mouse, mastering the skill through clicking and dragging.

“My entry into DJing was at yoga events, where the instructor and I would guide the class on a journey through sound and movement. Eventually, I moved into producing because I wanted to make my own music. I had a few solid releases on overseas labels, then started experimenting with other styles and genres,” he explained.

“I’ve always loved music. As kids, my parents would take my brother and me shopping for clothes, but I always came home with more CDs than clothing,” he added.

Jaryd describes music as transcendental, capable of transporting you to a time, place, memory or fantasy.
“On the dance floor, when everyone feels that in unison, it’s an experience like no other.”

Versatile sound and style

He plays a wide variety of genres, spanning melodic techno, festival techno, psy-tech, deep house, tech house, downtempo, disco, and indie dance.

“I don’t stick to one type – if we vibe, we vibe. I always sprinkle something unexpected into my sets to keep it interesting,” he said.

For Jaryd, his sets are designed to tell a story.

“I want to take listeners on a sonic journey. Sometimes it’s upbeat with drop after drop; other times, it’s introspective, allowing a pause. I might even play a track that makes people step away for a breather before the next peak – it depends on the show. Whether in a set or a new track, there’s always an emotional hook,” he explained.

How he makes music

Jaryd creates music using his laptop, drum machine, and other instruments, mostly working in Ableton Live, a digital audio workstation that connects to his instruments.

“Creating is something I have to do. Sometimes it’s the only way I can express something. Even if I never release it, it’s there for me to return to,” he said.

He acknowledges that being a DJ can be hectic, with late nights, long hours in the studio, and constant setup and teardown.

“I’m fortunate to have people in my life who understand and support me. It makes balancing everything much easier.”

Highlights of his career include crowd reactions to his tracks, receiving encores, and seeing people dance to his music. “I love music and want to share that passion with the world,” he concluded.