Florian Picasso: “DJing is about connection, not the spotlight”
As the co-founder of Dekadance, a music and arts collective, Florian Picasso has established himself as more than just a DJ—he’s a visionary building bridges between different artistic disciplines.
Photo credit: Florian Picasso – Official
Based in Geneva, with roots stretching from Cannes to Vietnam, Picasso has recently made waves with his performance at Berlin’s iconic HÖR and his innovative work as a sound curator for Patek Philippe’s historic watch launch.
In this intimate conversation, Picasso discusses his evolution from using DJing as a shield against personal insecurities to discovering music’s true power as a collective experience. He shares his ambitious plans for Dekadance’s global expansion while offering candid insights about the electronic music scene and his role as an anti-conformist in an evolving industry.
EG: Hi, Florian! Welcome to EG. It’s a pleasure to have you here with us. How have you been? Where are you right now?
Florian Picasso: Hey guys, it’s so nice to chat! I’m doing really well — feeling really energized. I’m back home in Geneva now, but we were just in London for our last Dekadance event of the year with our friends at ForeverGood. And right before that, I was in Los Angeles working on new music.
EG: That’s cool! Congratulations on the launch of Dekadance this year, by the way. Can you tell our readers what is about? What was it that drove you to create it?
Florian Picasso: Dekadance is a music and arts collective rooted in club culture, but it’s so much more than just that. My co-founder, Alexia Capt, and I envisioned Dekadance as a creative hub — a place where multidisciplinary art and music intersect. We’re building a vibrant, inclusive community where creativity can truly flourish, and everyone feels like they belong.
EG: What are some of the plans for Dekadance in the coming months? Where would you like for Dekadance to be in 5 or 10 years?
Florian Picasso: This year we focused on events in Europe, but in 2024 we’re going bigger. We’re planning to expand our reach globally and experiment with even more collaborative projects. In five to ten years, I really see Dekadance becoming a global name synonymous with creativity — a platform where art and music push boundaries and inspire people worldwide.
EG: By the way, you have just ticked off one from the bucket list with your recent performance at Berlin’s HÖR. Congratulations, again. What was that experience like? What did that set mean to you?
Florian Picasso: It was like a dream. It’s one of those milestones I’ve always hoped for but wasn’t sure would happen. Playing there felt like a validation of my journey as an artist. I’m super grateful to HÖR for giving artists the opportunity to showcase their music in such an iconic space.
“With Dekadance, we’re building a vibrant, inclusive community where creativity can truly flourish, and everyone feels like they belong”
EG: Having been appointed as a creative and curator of sound for events like Patek Philippe’s first watch launch in 25 years, what inspires you? How do you find a connection between watches/time and music?
Florian Picasso: Time is music. And if you think about the similarities between these two disciplines there are many. Tempo, rhythm, sound — everything is intertwined. Being part of Patek Philippe’s historic watch launch was very important to me — the brand’s emphasis on risk-taking resonated with me. It was like stepping out of my comfort zone to create something entirely unique, just as they did with their new collection.
EG: And what were your first interactions with dance music like? What does the clubbing scene look like in your hometowns?
Florian Picasso: I first started DJing to overcome my insecurities — I thought being the center of attention would help. It didn’t — but over time, I fell in love with the craft. I realized DJing is about connection, not the spotlight. Music is a collective experience. I grew up and still live between Geneva and Cannes. Audio Club in Geneva gave me my first real platform, and I’m so grateful for that. But in Cannes, I wish there were more opportunities and diversity in the scene. And in Vietnam, where I was born, it’s challenging because the market for the kind of music I play is still developing.
EG: How do you feel about the sound that you have found by now? Are you making the music you thought you’d be making when you first got started?
Florian Picasso: I feel amazing — just breaking free from the chains and doing what I had in mind from the beginning. What I’m doing now is more than a genre of music, it’s about being true to myself and listening to my gut.
EG: Also, how do you feel about the current state of the scene in general? Have we strayed too far from our origins, or is everything just a part of the normal course of evolution? Is the line between DJing and entertainment blurring even further?
Florian Picasso: I think there’s a scene for everyone, and I appreciate that diversity. That said, I do think some trends, like the TikTok-driven techno and Afro house trends, stray from music’s deeper purpose. Right now, I do feel like there’s a divide in the scene. Personally, I stand with the anti-conformists — those who, like Picasso did with his own craft, challenge norms.
“What I’m doing now is more than a genre of music, it’s about being true to myself and listening to my gut”
EG: Finally, what can we expect from Florian Picasso in the next few months? Where can your fans catch you next?
Florian Picasso: I’m going all in on Dekadance with my partner, CAPTNNN. We’re working on launching a radio show and a music label, which I’m really excited about. On top of that, I can’t wait to release the new music I’ve been working on — it’s time to share what’s been brewing in the studio.
EG: Thank you so much for your time, Florian! We wish you all the best for the future. Take care!
Florian Picasso: Bisous bisous Electronic Grooves, je t’aime.
Florian Picasso’s ‘Me Gusta’ is now available on La Californie Musique. Stream and download here.
Follow Florian Picasso: Spotify | Soundcloud | Instagram
