A French artist who grew up in Paris, Sirus Hood’s love for music started at 10 years old when older friends would pass him mixtapes recorded in the underground clubs of the time. As he grew up he managed to start playing gigs in the Parisian warehouse scene making his own mixtapes, a childhood dream that has become a reality for him. Now released on the likes of Dirtybird and Cuff, with past residences at Sankeys Ibiza, various venues in London and Paris, doors have opened to wider audiences all around the globe. From Europe to Brazil, from Australia to South Africa, Russia to North America, passing by the Middle East, his travel patterns underline his ability to work with different crowds and cultures while illustrating his cosmopolitan, universal side.

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SunCity Paradise: Coming from Paris, France describe some of the city’s beauty. Where would you suggest a first-time visitor to go and see to get a true, non-touristy sense of the city?

Sirus Hood: The architecture in Paris is the most beautiful in the world in my opinion. There is a true charm in every street, it’s like an open museum, full on history and art. I would totally recommend to visit Paris by bike. Everything is flat so it’s not that hard, but I guarantee that it’s a great way to get a dose of Paris’ beauty. To get an awesome panoramic view of Paris, in a non-touristic place, I suggest the view from “Terrasse du Fécheray”, located in Suresnes.

SCP: Was traveling and seeing the world part of your inspiration to become a DJ? How has it broadened your horizons?

SH: It was definitely a big part of my inspiration. Prior to becoming a DJ, my main dream was to be able to travel the globe and discover new cultures. I’m very sensitive to culture, and I always adapt my music to the part of the globe where I would be playing. I have a lot of African influences as I have Algerian origins. Being able to travel thanks to my passion is one of the biggest motivations to me. To me traveling is essential to broaden your mindset in general, to be more open and empathetic in this growing international society.

SCP: How are music and travel intertwined? How wonderful is it to combine the two throughout your career?

SH: Music brings people together, people from all over the world. I feel so blessed to give a part of me to different parts of the globe. It is beyond wonderful, and so amazing to have access to all these pieces of this beautiful home that is our planet.

SCP: You have an upcoming 18-stop run of shows throughout North America in February. Describe your excitement for these. What are you looking to bring music and experience wise to your fans?

SH: North America is truly exciting, such a huge continent with such a melting pot in most of the cities. Playing in North America is almost like playing for the world, the crowd is very diverse and receptive. I’m so looking forward to it. I will try to bring some of my underground culture, from the other side of the Atlantic Ocean. I’m looking forward to go to California, Canada, New York, and especially places where house music emerged like in Chicago and Detroit.

SCP: When searching for a personal getaway, are you searching more for a serene beach or after a more active, adventurous getaway? Why?

SH: I am kind of a chill person. I’m obsessed with the sea, the ocean, the beaches, warmth and the sun. I can be adventurous sometimes when I’m forced to! But, when I go for holidays, I always like to be at a warm country with a nice view of the water. I feel that the ocean recharges me. I get so much energy from it and it feels so good.

SCP: One of our core objectives at SCP is to bring people together while traveling, not only to influence people to see and appreciate our beautiful world, but to also minimize cross-cultural divides. What effect does traveling, specifically surrounding dance music, have on humans in this regard? How has it broadened your perspective of the world?

SH: Music brings people together. No matter the culture, origin or color, the crowd is in sync with the music and I find that beautiful. I’m very sensitive to love and good energy within people, giving music is giving love, and it comes back to you. I’ve learnt to see my crowd as one, and doing my best to please it and make it dance.

SCP: If you had to choose the most picturesque place you’ve played at, what would it be? Describe the scenery a little bit.

SH: The first place that comes to my mind is “U Sbirru Beach” in Corsica. I played on the beach, in a jungle-like scenery, with a panoramic view of the turquoise water, countless stars in a warm, bright night and amazing people.

SCP: Everyone has a list of places that they haven’t seen yet, but want to. What are some of the places you can’t wait to hit? Why?

SH: I really can’t wait to visit Asia, especially the south east, like the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia. I’ve never been there. That is the only part of the world that is very unknown to me. I’ve heard so many good things about it, and the sandy beaches are a big factor to my excitement too. I’m planning to head there this year! You can follow my other Instagram account Hood Trip. That’s only dedicated to traveling and wellness.

© Nicolas Vollmer

SCP: Most destinations have a festival that they’re known for, whether it’s Mardi Gras in New Orleans or Oktoberfest in Munich. Which one would you chose to attend? Why?

SH: Every time there is the Rio Carnival, I am in Brazil playing somewhere, but I never had the chance to experience this parade. I heard it’s amazing and I hope to catch it in 2017.

SCP: Lastly, when’s your tour wraps up, any vacation plans on the horizon? Or, new work you want to highlight from the studio?

I have a small week of break at the end of my tour and I’m planning to go to Tulum, in Mexico. I’m spending most of my time in the studio, and working on my next tours in South Africa, South America, Australia, Asia and Europe.
2017 will be very exciting for me. I will release an EP with my friend Sacha Robotti for our North American tour.

I just released a track on Dirtybird called “I’m House“, and it’s in the top 100 deep house Beatport chart. I am very proud of the track that I will release in March in Ki Creighton’s label Under No Illusion. I will also release a massive EP end of April on Criminal Hype. [There are] many projects are still in progress. Stay tuned!

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For more on Sirus Hood visit his website: