Ep. #011: Patrick Berardi

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Hey there! Welcome to Guildie, where you get actionable advice from first-rate DJs fueling the GTA’s flourishing electronic dance music scene. (This newsletter is sent out every Wednesday, but we’re trying Thursday morning this week!)

Patrick Berardi is a seasoned raver, DJ, and event organizer creating thoughtful dance music experiences around the GTA. With years of experience on both sides of the booth across the world, Patrick brings a deep understanding of the energy needed to keep a dance floor alive.

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What to Expect 

• Music as a Form of Therapy

• Keeping an Open Ear (and Mind)

• The Importance of Self-Expression

• Making Connections Through Running Events

• Playing for Friends for Experience

Note: Guildie is still in its early stages of development. If any changes or additions could be implemented to improve your reading experience, please message me at [email protected]. I’ll be working to refine the newsletter each week! :)

–Merchant (@ohmymerchant)

Introducing Patrick Berardi

Name: Patrick Berardi
Place of Origin: Scarborough, Ontario
Genres: Techno // Trance // Groove
Affiliations: SEROTONIN FREQUENCIES
——
Socials: Instagram // SoundCloud
Bookings: [email protected]

Overview

“Patrick was born in 1998 and raised in Scarborough, ON, Canada. He comes from a European background: Italian & Ukrainian.

From an early age, he developed a deep passion for Football (soccer), playing competitively within the GTA and earning opportunities to compete abroad in Sweden in 2019 & 2020. His pursuit of professional soccer was fueled by a love for and dedication to the game of Football, and the artistic ideas that athletes everywhere are able to express through their sport & position.

After deciding to retire from Football in 2021, Patrick redirected his creative energy toward music. It was during his time in Sweden that he discovered the profound impact Techno had on his life. What began as a casual hobby with friends during the COVID-19 pandemic quickly became a meaningful form of therapy. Patrick hopes to create that same feeling for his audience.

Patrick firmly believes in the power of music therapy! He recognizes that life's hardships are inevitable, but through Electronic Dance Music, people can use it as a positive outlet; a form of electronic therapy to help resonate with their emotions as we all navigate through this life together. What do we enjoy listening to? How do we dance to songs? Who do we enjoy being with while listening to Electronic Dance Music?

Patrick also strongly believes in, self-expression and individuality—his performances reflect this belief. Patrick's playing style is passionate, intense, vibrant, colorful & most importantly, sexy. Sounds that encourage listeners to embrace life’s hardships through the intensity of songs; yet, rejoice in human connection through colorful, vibrant sounds and frequencies, which play an impact on our moods as we connect on a primal level while dancing to music. The dancefloor is a healing space!

For Patrick, Electronic Dance Music is more than entertainment—it’s a way to heal and connect! Not only himself but the world around him.

As long as we have music, we can get through anything <3
—Patrick Berardi”

Q&A

Q: When did you begin your journey as a DJ? Why did you decide to start?

A: “2021, as a form of therapy.”

Q: How do you go about building a set that keeps the crowd engaged? Does this differ depending on the type of gig?

A: “The type of gig is crucial to keep in mind. This is your audience. The 2 things I focus on are genre/song selection and BPM/energy levels. You should understand what type of performance you are trying to deliver to your audience. This should help transitioning between songs 1 & 2."

Q: How do you manage to stay current with music trends and discover new tracks?

A: “I'm always listening to music #1. But truthfully, I always try to submerge myself within any particular genre I'm focusing on. I want to properly educate myself. Discovering and appreciating new music is so important to the creative connection you build with different genres you play with as a DJ, especially when it comes to mixing the two.”

Q: What were the most significant challenges you faced early in your career? How did you overcome them?

A: “Finding the time and energy to play... People need to work long hard hours to make their money. And I felt I struggled because I would only have the confidence to play when I was in the right mood/ headspace to be able to ‘play well.’

Q: What strategies have you found effective for building a personal brand as a DJ and establishing a fan base?

A: “Playing for my friends. Many of my close personal friends enjoy the music I play and it’s important to have that support as a new performer when you are trying to express yourself as a DJ. When playing publicly, you are confronted with ‘pressure to play well’, so playing for your friends can make for some great low-risk practice"

Q: Can you share a memorable gig experience where something unexpected happened? How did you handle it?

A: “At my first official gig in Nov 2023, I was the opening artist, and I discovered 30 minutes before the doors opened that my USB wasn’t formatted properly. I had to perform emergency USB CPR and luckily, I was able to play a small selection of music I had in mind, plus performed using tracks from another artist’s music library.”

Q: What do you love most about the current scene? Is there anything you hope to see improve over the next few years?

A: “I've seen a growth in popularity when it comes to Techno in North America, particularly from Toronto. I'm happy we are improving and growing. But I hope that as more people listen to Techno/ Electronic Dance Music, they are able to connect with their inner selves, and allow the music to connect with them!”

Q: What role has mentorship played in your journey as a DJ? How can new DJs find mentors or guidance in the industry?

A: “Regardless of rank, anyone who DJs is forever a student. Don't be afraid to ask questions to your local artists, have practice sessions with friends and other artists. Learn content on Youtube, or in-person workshops, community chats, etc.”

Insights

Genre Can Pre-Define Your Audience. Choosing a genre helps create a cohesive vibe and guides the flow of your set, making transitions smoother. When your sound has a clear direction, it’s easier to connect with the crowd and build momentum throughout your performance.

Express Yourself Through Music Regularly. Consistent practice isn’t just about refining technical skills—it’s an opportunity to channel your emotions and experiences through sound. Whether in the studio or behind the decks, each session helps you develop a personal style that resonates with both you and your audience.

Prioritize Your Health. Mental and Physical. DJing can be mentally demanding, especially with late nights and creative pressures. Taking care of your well-being—through rest, exercise, and downtime—ensures you stay energized, and focused, avoiding burnout.

Play Small, Private Events for Practice. Low-pressure environments like house parties or private gatherings are ideal for experimenting with new mixes or genres. These gigs let you refine your skills while receiving genuine feedback without the high stakes of a club setting.

Listen to New Music for New Ideas. Staying inspired requires constant exploration beyond your usual playlist. Discovering fresh tracks across genres keeps your sets dynamic and helps you evolve, giving your audience something unexpected every time you perform.

Mixes & Productions

INTERGALACTIC TECHNO MIX #1 // “Hard, Nasty, Soft & Beautiful all at the same time !!”

Recommendations

Recently Played

Junkie Kid, Per Plex - BLOW YA SPEAKER // Released October 20th, 2023.
Shane Nolan - Like a Rockstar // Released December 8th, 2023.
Storm - Time to Burn // Released October 15th, 2010.
FORZ4 - t e s t p r e s s // Released September 1st, 2023.
T78, D72 - Throw This (Extended Mix) // Released June 7th, 2024.

Favourite Artists

Danny Wabbit // For deep, dark Techno grooves.
Junkie Kid // For hard kicks and Hard Dance.
Funk Tribu // For high-energy, soulful grooves.

Top Organizations

SEROTONIN FREQUENCIES // For “local electronic artists & connecting people through the power of EDM🌈”
Rave the Planet // For Berlin-based EDM culture and events.

Learning Materials

Hosting EDM Events // Video by Back n’ Body Hurts Podcast.
Properly Formatting Your USBs // Video by The DJ Connect.
Finding New Music (For DJs) // Video by Nick Spinelli.
Best Storage Devices for Music // Discussion on r/DJs.
How to Express Yourself During Sets // Blog by Sage Music.

And a final note from Patrick: “I have channeled my passion for bringing people together through listening to Electronic Dance Music + supporting local electronic artists from around the GTA and allowing them to perform their skill set on a unified platform in front of a collective electronic community and the public, ‘SEROTONIN FREQUENCIES’.”

As always, if any improvements could be made to the newsletter, let me know about them at [email protected]. I greatly value your time and readership.