Direct from Tel Aviv, DJ/Producer Guy Scheiman has cracked the code on making classic circuit and house sounds, but at the same time, keeping them ultra current. Scheiman combines classic house sounds with vocalists like the always stellar Inaya Day (their track “Deeper Feeling” was a smash on dance floors worldwide this summer) to craft stunning original anthems. His remix work has been seen on numerous artists, and everyone from Lady Gaga to Alicia Keys has gotten the “Guy Scheiman” treatment on their tracks. As he prepares to release a brand new production with a Latin flair, Scheiman sat down with me to talk about how he got his start in the business, what he considers his biggest career highlights, and how dance floors differ all over the world.
Michael Cook: Right off the bat Guy, how did you get into the world of DJ’ing?
Guy Scheiman: It was during my third year of Physiotherapy school (fifteen years ago) when I started to get into DJ’ing, I had a good friend that spun in a local gay party here in Tel Aviv, Israel who inspired me and taught me how to do it. He gave me a few lessons and I started practicing beat-matching at my local gym; six hours a day, six days a week. Back in the days, local gyms had two CDJ 100’s and a couple of turntables, so I could practice both CDs and vinyls
MC: For those that have never heard your sound, how would you describe it?
GS: I always say it’s a strong melody, high energy music, I try to use lots of different elements from different genres, so I can’t really define it as pure circuit or house.
MC: It’s hard to climb the ladder and become one of the premier DJ’s in the industry today; you have spun everywhere from the Middle East to Orlando, FL What do you think the secret is to your success?
GS: I think it is very hard to be a successful DJ today without the complete package of music, looks, social media fan base, and an amazing networking skills; all of these have to be combined and synced perfectly, In the gay world unfortunately, the music isn’t the primary key for a successful DJ career nowadays.
I started building my name when music still played a major key for a DJ/Producer career. There was only Myspace, no Facebook nor Instagram; how you looked (though it helped) didn’t play a major role in getting gigs. I was very lucky to be spotted by my previous agents in the United States who gave me A – List artists remix opportunities that helped push my name all over the world, I still use my music as my calling card, but am well aware of all the other factors I mentioned and try to master them as well.
MC: What have been some of your career highlights thus far?
GS: My first #1 Billboard remix, I think it was Ellie Goulding’s “Anything Could Happen”. My gig at Winter Party Palm Springs in 2015, my first international gig in Berlin in 2007 and my six hour set at the Original Brazilian pool party in Rio during Carnival 2015. My first gig in China three years ago, and of course starting my label GSM and paving the way to many circuit labels that followed. Finally, my return to spin in Tel Aviv two years ago at the Beef Party and many more!
MC: From Lady Gaga to Amy Grant to Charo, your remixes definitely run the gamut. How do you choose the perfect remix project? Is there anyone that you are dying to do the perfect “Guy Scheiman Remix” for?
GS: They usually choose me (laughs) ! I’m actually super blessed and thankful for that. I would have loved to make an official remix to Whitney Houston or maybe Madonna, iconic singers like them; something memorable and unique.
MC: “Deeper Feeling” with the incomparable Inaya Day was a summer sensation this year. Tell me about this masterful project!
GS: I have always loved Inaya. She is an amazing singer with so much experience, talent, and soul, yet so humbled and modest Our first track ‘Special Love’ was rocking hard on iTunes and the radio charts, especially in Australia. I had to do a second song, summery with a happy vibe. She gave me a few acoustic songs she recorded and I chose ‘Deeper Feeling’; I just loved the lyrics and vibes. I made the production, sent it back for re-recording, and we had our track.
MC: How do you choose the projects you work on? Any favorite mixes of yours that stand out? Anything super fun coming that you can talk about?
GS: Actually I just released my Pride Collection 2019 last month. A new hot & high energy Latin track that’s coming out officially at the end of September also. As we speak, the remixes for ‘Dancing In The Dark’ are being made. I get ideas for projects in different situations really. It could be while listening to the radio or doing my gym workouts. I get remix/original projects offers via my social media and website that I check and I always try to be aware of new upcoming talented singers to possibly work with.
All of my mixes are like my children each has its own uniqueness and special touches, but like children in one family they have their connections. It’s hard to say which one is my favorite they all have their magic and special time during a set.
MC:You are truly what many would consider a global DJ who has spun all over the world; is there any one country that you get a bigger charge DJ’ing in than any other and why?
GS: First of all, thank you so much for the kind words I really appreciate it! I think in Latin America/South America, the crowd really gets into the music and party. They scream and really show enthusiasm, that’s super cool for a DJ to experience, DJing for an audience is like dancing with someone when the energy is reciprocal and synced; it’s just wow!
MC: What’s next for Guy Scheiman?
GS: Lots! I’m just about to head to Nice, France for a gig, I had a great summer in Europe with different new exciting places I worked at, I’m gonna start re-touring the US starting in October at Tracks Denver for their Halloween party. I’m planning on also moving to Denver with my husband Jeff Vance, so I’m guessing you will be seeing me perform way more in the States. Regarding GSM, we got “Dancing In The Dark – The Remixes” coming up and I’m in the process of making more hot tunes with my favorite singers!
MC: What would the Guy Scheiman of today tell the Guy Scheiman who was just starting out as a DJ/Remixer?
GS: STAY HUMBLE! Be a human being first and for most, have respect anyone and everyone, especially your fans/followers who will be the reason you’ll go far. Many artists forget that stars exist only in the sky above, nothing should be taken for granted and always appreciate what you have.
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