In a music landscape where authenticity often takes a back seat, Florian Picasso stands out as an artist on a mission, not just to redefine his sound, but to reconnect with his core. With nearly two decades of experience in the electronic scene, the French producer and DJ is undergoing one of the most transformative moments of his career.
His latest chapter is not just about evolving his style; it’s about stripping things back, taking risks, and creating from a place of truth rather than strategy. We catch up with him during Paris Fashion Week, a fitting backdrop for a conversation about creativity, energy, and artistic reinvention.
It's a busy time for Florian. His latest single When I Saw U was recently released on Hot Meal Records, his Dekadance event with Dure Vie was a massive success, and he’s just dropped a bold new EP, Booty, on Solomun’s Diynamic label. But beyond the headlines and releases lies something even more compelling: a deep shift in perspective that’s reshaping everything, from his sound to his identity as an artist.
Hello Florian, welcome to METAL! How are you?
I’m doing really well, thanks for having me. I’m currently in Paris, right in the middle of fashion week. There’s so much creativity in the air, and it’s inspiring to see what other designers are doing. I feel lucky to be here, especially after our Dekadance event with Dure Vie, which turned out to be a huge success.
These past few weeks have been very intense and exciting for you. Earlier this month, you released When I Saw U via Hot Meal Records. The idea for this track came during a writing trip in Los Angeles, right?
Yeah, the idea for the track started to take shape not long after summer, just before ADE. We ended up finishing it in Los Angeles, which is a place that always inspires me creatively. Shooting the video there tied everything together in a really natural way, and it gave the whole project a fresh wave of energy.
The single radiates happiness and emotion, and represents a bold sonic and emotional pivot in your career. Could you tell us more about the rebrand you've been working on for the past year?
This shift in direction came from a real need to reconnect with my values and create something that felt honest. I knew I had to leave my comfort zone and start from scratch in some ways. Over the past year, I’ve been building a sound that feels true to me, drawing from the roots of house and techno, but also letting my instincts guide me more than ever before.
And how would you define your current musical project in just one sentence?
Authentic and reflecting my core values.
Combining fearless electronic experimentation with hard-hitting beats, When I Saw U highlights your growing depth as an artist. Do you feel much different from when you started your musical career?
Very different. Back when I was making EDM, I was still trying to figure out what I actually wanted to say. Now, I feel like I’ve found that voice. The music I’m making today feels like it’s coming from a much more grounded and honest place. That shift has changed everything for me — not just how I sound, but how I move through the world as an artist.
And has the scene changed much since you took your first steps in the industry almost twenty years ago?
The energy is different now. A decade ago, it felt more about the community and pushing boundaries. Unfortunately, these days, the industry can be more focused on metrics and financial success. But there are still artists out there who really care about the music and the culture, and they inspire me to keep going.
A few weeks after the release of this track, you presented your Booty EP via Solomun's prestigious Diynamic label. Why is this project so special to you?
Booty means a lot to me because it represents artistic freedom. Releasing on Diynamic was a big moment, and I’m grateful to everyone who believed in what I was trying to express. It’s a playful, bold EP, and it marks a point where I really allowed myself to take risks.
What would you like people to feel when listening to this EP? What feelings predominated during the development process of Booty?
The process was full of joy and curiosity. Being in LA definitely helped, as I was surrounded by people who brought new ideas and energy into the studio. I hope people feel that same sense of openness and fun when they listen. It’s a reflection of a moment where I let go and just created without overthinking it.
You said that your music and art collective, Dekadance, started as a way to fuse music and visual art, and now you're building it into a proper label. What can you tell us about your future plans for this project?
Dekadance has grown into something much bigger than I ever expected. It started as a collective, but now it’s becoming a full label and a platform for like-minded creatives. It’s a space for freedom of expression, both musically and visually. We want to keep growing, collaborating with artists we admire, and continuing to build a strong, inclusive community.
And what makes Dekadance different from other collectives and labels? What are its most significant values?
The main focus is on creating experiences that feel raw, intimate, and high-energy. Whether it’s a warehouse party or a festival stage, we want people to feel like they’re part of something genuine. It’s not about hype but rather about connection and staying true to what we believe in artistically.
You've mentioned that the unique blend of emotions we find in your new sound, which reflects your passion for both spontaneity and introspection, is rooted in your personal journey. Could you tell us more about it?
That mix of spontaneity and introspection really comes from the journey I’ve been on over the last few years. I’ve had to strip everything back and ask myself why I make music in the first place. That process helped me unlock a new kind of honesty in my sound. Now, my team and I are working to translate that into live experiences that feel as immersive and alive as the music itself.
What do you like most about being a DJ? And least?
What I love most is the creative process — being in the studio and building something from nothing. That moment when an idea becomes a real, emotional track never gets old. What I like least is the industry pressure to constantly perform or stay visible. It can sometimes distract from the art itself.
What's your biggest dream?
Right now, I’m focused on finding a balance between personal fulfilment and artistic ambition. I want to keep evolving, stay grounded, and build something meaningful over time. When your work is honest, I believe everything else falls into place eventually.
And what can you tell us about your next releases?
We’re working on new music and live elements that really push the boundaries of what a set can feel like. I’m experimenting with ways to keep things dynamic, unexpected, and emotionally engaging. There’s more coming soon, and I can’t wait to share it.
