Paul Devro
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Paul Devro

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Indeed, ever since the Mad Decent hookup brought Paul Devro into the fold of the prolific label, his career has been on the up and up. “Diplo and I met online on some beat digging forum in maybe 2002-2003,” chimes the DJ and producer. “We both had very similar tastes and as a result we became buds. We continue to send each other cool shit we find through email daily, like odd cites, new music and rare YouTube videos of old psych records; stuff like that.” 


Otherwise, the lad finds himself having a chat from a hotel in Johannesburg, South Africa, of all places. “I’ve just come back from a lion and cheetah hang out session with Dillon Francis and Flosstradamus. And I got some selfies with some cubs so it was really fun.”

In the studio too, he claims he’s just finished the music for the new Adam Selman show – perhaps better knows as Rihanna’s costume designer – whose clothes are world renowned. “I’ve been blessed to soundtrack both of his shows so far,” he explains. And he goes on: “with beats, I’m executive producing LIZ’s LP right now which is coming out really well; we are all really excited about it. From my own side in terms of production, I haven’t been doing anything for a long time now. I really need to start making beats again in my spare time.”

But when it’s all said and done, it’s the Mad Decent hookup that not only takes up a fair chunk of his time it is also probably his greatest love. “Mad Decent is basically Diplo and I coming together and putting out music and doing weird things – like I made a Bong Olympics shirt as a joke last year and now I think we are gonna actually throw a real one,” he says laughing. Though that sells it short: the Mad Decent imprint is almost a lifestyle: music, block parties, productions and debauchery that represents a hell of a lot of energy for what is essentially a group of friends who have a love of music.”

Likewise, with access to much of the music that passes across the desks at the LA studio, the Mad Decent Block Party (2012) compilation highlights Devro’s versatility as a DJ as well. Major Lazer, Joachim Garraud, Diplo and Action Bronson feature on the one compilation – it’s urban, electronic, eclectic, down-tempo and worldly. “What I play and how I play it depends on where I’m playing really; but I am obsessed with Japanese music right now as well as some hyper positive club tunes. My set usually contains a bit of everything, new hood shit, big sad tunes and sparkly tracks.”

In his spare time too, Devro enjoys going to the hot springs and doing a fair bit of camping. “I’m actually buying a cabin near the springs so I can go out there all the time,” he professes proudly. “I will be living in Japan for a month so I’m just gonna be record shopping and digging for old video games in my spare time there. And I thrift shop a lot; I have the most insane spots I hit up in Inglewood every month or so.”

Finally, the lad will be heading back to Australia to rehash some of the good times fans and friends have experienced in the past. “I always love my time in Australia; expect to hear music you’ve never heard before – that you’ll love. I’m really excited about playing.”

BY RK

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