Know Your DJ - Sean Keating

Interview

1. How did you get started in DJing? What’s your journey been like so far?

Born in 1974, I was introduced to electronic music through bands like Depeche Mode and New Order in the 1980s. As my interest grew, I explored full electronic music with artists like Acen, Aphex Twin, and The Orb in the early '90s. However, the pivotal moment came in late 1996 when I first heard Sasha & John Digweed’s Northern Exposure compilation. That transformative experience ultimately set me on the path to becoming a DJ.

After acquiring basic DJ gear and amassing a vinyl collection, I spent countless hours practicing at home. In the summer of 1999, I recorded my first demo and distributed it among local Halifax promoters. Fortunately, I landed my first gigs, which quickly led to a residency at Baseline Fridays at Reflections Cabaret—an iconic venue for electronic music in Halifax. During the late '90s and early 2000s, I held residencies with major Atlantic Canadian production companies, including Massive Productions and Underdog Productions.

Throughout my career, I’ve had the honor of playing alongside some of the world’s top DJs, including Sasha, Deep Dish, Danny Howells, Armin Van Buuren, and Calvin Harris, to name a few.

My DJ journey has been one of the greatest joys of my life. Reflecting on the events and venues I’ve played always brings a smile to my face. In recent years, things have come full circle—I’m slowing down and returning to my roots as a bedroom DJ, just as I was over 25 years ago.

2. What genres do you usually play, and which ones are your personal favorites?

I’ve always played the sound of the global underground, primarily focusing on Progressive House and its associated subgenres. While genre names have evolved over the years, my style remains a blend of tribal-infused house, progressive house, and progressive breaks. I simply call it “Prog” because, in my view, it takes the best elements from other styles and presents them in a mature, sophisticated way.

3. What does DJing mean to you? How would you describe the role and its responsibilities?

DJing—and electronic music in general—has always brought immense joy and balance to my life. Discovering and listening to new (or old) music that makes me smile is personally fulfilling. Even more rewarding is the ability to share that passion with others and introduce them to new sounds.

I don’t think I’ve ever had specific responsibilities as a DJ, apart from showing up on time and giving my best performance. However, I do believe that if you have influence in your local scene, you have an opportunity to inspire and encourage others on their own musical journeys.

4. Who are some of your favorite producers right now, and why do they inspire you?

Some of my favorite new producers in recent years include Nicholas Viana, Kebin van Reeken, Digital Mess, and Fraser Rix. They’ve joined a long list of talented Organic House and Progressive House artists working to push melodic sounds into the future.

5. If you could only play one track for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?

While I could list several tracks that hold a special place in my heart, the one I always return to is Der Dritte Raum – Hale Bopp. It appeared on my first demo and was featured on Sasha – Global Underground 009: San Francisco, one of my all-time favorite DJ compilations. To me, it’s a timeless, genre-defining track that never loses its magic.

6. What’s the most bizarre situation you’ve encountered while DJing, and how did you handle it?

One of the strangest moments was when I took over for a closing set at Reflections on a Friday night. As I went to plug in my headphones, the mixer’s headphone jack fell inside the mixer! Since this was before mixers had dual headphone jacks, there was no quick fix. Luckily, I had opted to use an Ableton Live setup that night, so I wasn’t as reliant on cueing. I played the entire set without pre-listening to the tracks, and it worked out surprisingly well!

7. Can you share some of your favorite memories from past gigs?

I’ve had many unforgettable experiences, but some of my favorites include playing alongside my heroes. Performing with Danny Howells twice at Reflections was incredible, as was playing with Dubfire from Deep Dish at The Attic. However, my most cherished memory is opening for Sasha at The Attic and later doing a one-on-one tag set with him at a local after-hours spot at 4 AM for about 50 lucky partygoers.

8. Have you ever had a set go completely wrong? How did you manage to bounce back?

Yes—recently, I played a vinyl set using someone else’s needles, which turned out to be a huge mistake. Any vinyl DJ knows the risk of records skipping, but in this case, it was a total disaster. The only solution was to stop, switch needles, and carry on.

9. How do you stay connected with your audience and fans outside of your sets?

I tend to be a bit of a hermit, so I don’t engage much outside of performing. However, I consistently provide my audience with new music through regular DJ mixes on SoundCloud.

10. When you’re not behind the decks, what kind of music do you usually listen to? Any guilty pleasures?

While I mostly immerse myself in electronic music, I enjoy a variety of other genres, including classic rock and metal. That said, due to time constraints and the constant influx of new electronic releases, most of my listening time is dedicated to DJ-related music.

15. Are you a cat or dog person?

I love all animals, but due to their low maintenance, I’d say I’m more of a cat person.

16. Favorite cuisine?

I love bold flavors! Having worked in the restaurant industry as long as I’ve been into electronic music, I’m always seeking new culinary experiences.

17. Favorite drink?

Big, bold flavors are my thing—whether it’s spirit-forward cocktails, wine, or beer, I love drinks that challenge my taste buds.

18. Favorite place to travel?

Costa Rica—preferably somewhere near Tamarindo. 😉

19. What advice would you give to aspiring DJs?

Conduct yourself professionally and find your sound. If you’re looking for gigs, be present in your local scene and build relationships. Learning how to use social media as an electronic artist is also essential in today’s industry.

20. Any exciting new projects?

I’m considering reviving my Chilling Moments mix series as a live format on Twitch or YouTube. I really miss sharing music as much as I used to, so this is something I’m heavily considering.