Formula Indie Sessions _ Interview with Dimitri von Büren
Introduction of the project
My name is Dimitri von Büren, I’m an independent artist based in Paris. I write and produce music that sits somewhere between indie pop, groove-driven rhythms and mellow jazz influences.
Melody has always been at the center of what I do. My songs often start with a simple chord progression on guitar, and then I build an atmosphere around it, something warm, rhythmic and a little dreamy.
For me, this project is really about creating music that feels both intimate and alive.
What is your earliest memory connected to music?
My first strong connection to music came from classical music. I started playing the violin when I was about eight years old, and I remember being very sensitive to melodies even at that age.
There was something fascinating about how a melody could carry emotion without any words. I think that early exposure to classical music shaped the way I listen to and write melodies today.
How did your passion for creating music begin?
When I was around seventeen or eighteen, I completely fell into rock music. That was the moment when music stopped being just something I played and became something I wanted to create.
I picked up the guitar, started learning songs I loved, and very quickly began writing my own ideas. From there it became a kind of obsession, experimenting with chords, melodies and grooves and slowly building songs.
What’s the story behind your current music project?
My project grew organically over time. I’ve been based in Paris for years and have played in many venues around the city, which helped me develop my sound and confidence as a songwriter.
Gradually I started blending different influences, indie pop, groove-oriented music and some jazz touches, and building a sound that feels natural to me. Each new release is part of that ongoing exploration.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?
I would describe it as groove-driven indie music with a strong melodic core.
There’s a mix of laid-back rhythms, warm guitars and melodies that hopefully stay with you after the song ends. I like music that feels relaxed but still has movement.
What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?
I learned that the groove is just as important as the melody.
At first I was very focused on chords and harmony, but over time I realized that sometimes a simple idea can become powerful if the groove feels right. That realization really changed the way I approach songwriting and production.
What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?
The guitar is definitely the center of my writing process. Most of my songs begin there.
On the production side I work mainly in Logic Pro, where I experiment with arrangements, textures and rhythm. I like combining organic instruments with modern production to keep the sound warm but contemporary.
Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?
I really enjoy artists like Brad Stank, Mac DeMarco and Tom Misch. They all have this ability to create music that feels effortless while still having a very distinctive sound.
Lately I’ve also been listening to a lot of flamenco. It’s a completely different musical world rhythmically and emotionally, but it’s incredibly inspiring.
How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?
Living in Paris and being surrounded by different cultures and musical influences definitely shapes my sound.
A lot of my songs also come from everyday moments. Relationships, late-night thoughts, conversations, the atmosphere of a place. Often a song begins with a mood or a feeling rather than a specific story.
What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?
I hope people feel something genuine.
Sometimes the songs are more introspective, sometimes more uplifting, but overall I want the music to create a space where listeners can connect emotionally or simply enjoy the atmosphere.
What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?
Probably patience.
Building something meaningful in music takes time, experimentation and persistence. But when a song finally comes together, it makes the whole process worth it.
What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?
Playing at La Cigale in Paris would definitely be a dream. It’s such a legendary venue with an incredible atmosphere.
I would also love to open for artists I admire in larger venues. Those moments where you play to an audience discovering your music for the first time can be really special.
If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
I would love to collaborate with Brad Stank because I really admire the atmosphere and musical identity he creates in his songs.
On a completely different side, collaborating with a flamenco guitarist like Yerai Cortés would be fascinating. Blending indie songwriting with flamenco textures could lead to something really unique.
Where can our listeners follow and support your music?
You can find my music on all major streaming platforms, especially Spotify.
I’m also active on Instagram where I share updates about new releases, videos and live shows.
Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?
My dream is to keep developing my sound, reaching new listeners and playing more live shows.
Music really comes alive on stage, so growing that connection with audiences is something I’m very excited about.
What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?
I hope they discover an artist who genuinely loves melody, groove and atmosphere, and someone who is constantly exploring new influences while staying true to his musical identity.
Link my latest music video, Why, Oh Why?
