Feature Focus: SIK&SEM

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Tel Aviv duo SIK&SEM have been quietly building serious momentum. From early edits catching global DJ attention to charting releases and original vocal records landing in peak-time sets, their rise hasn’t felt accidental.

Rooted in groove, live musical elements and Latin-leaning emotion, the pair have carved out a lane that feels both classic and current. With major support, a growing catalogue, and their own TEMA events expanding the vision beyond the studio, this feels like the start of a bigger chapter.

We caught up with SIK&SEM to talk turning points, originality, momentum, and what really moves the needle when things start accelerating.

You’ve had a big couple of years. From early edits getting picked up to charting EPs and major DJ support. How does this chapter feel compared to where you were even 12–18 months ago?

Honestly, it feels less like a sudden leap and more like a gradual process that started long before people saw the results. Around 12 to 18 months ago, we were still in the process of searching and refining our identity, trying to understand what truly represents us musically, not just what works in clubs. Today, there is a greater sense of clarity, both in sound and in professional direction. Support from major DJs and successful releases gave us confidence, but more importantly, confirmed that we can stay true to ourselves and still go far.

A lot gets written about “tech house duos”, but your sound leans heavily into groove, live elements and Latin emotion. What are you actively trying to protect in your music as things start moving faster?

We strongly protect the human and emotional element in our music. For us, groove and storytelling are more important than a big drop or a passing trend. We strive to maintain the use of live instruments and dynamics, and to avoid relying solely on sterile loops. 

We feel we are gradually moving further away from the more generic tech house scene and opening ourselves to more personal musical territories. As things move faster, that is exactly when it becomes important to slow down and make sure every track still feels personal and not like a product.

RISQUÉ RECORDS · SIK&SEM – Dance Desire

At the point where your music started gaining real traction, was there a decision you made that went against what you were seeing work for other artists?

Yes, we chose not to harden our sound toward the trending direction at the time. We saw many artists moving toward a more aggressive, simplified sound to break through quickly, while we focused on deepening the groove and musical elements.

It may have taken longer, but it helped us build a distinct colour and an audience that truly connects with what we do.

You’ve both spoken about not chasing trends. In real studio terms, what does that actually mean when deadlines, expectations, and momentum start building?

It means we do not start a track based on what currently works in the algorithm or the Beatport Top 10. We begin from a musical idea, whether that is groove, chords, or an emotional vibe. Sometimes that means finishing a track even if it feels less instant, but still feels right to us. We also avoid overusing presets or repetitive formulas.

Your tracks feel built around flow rather than big moments. How much of that comes from how you DJ versus how you write?

Honestly, every time we DJ we experience special moments where the flow reveals itself throughout the set, and we take inspiration from those moments. 

That inspiration can show up directly or indirectly in the studio. We constantly try to change the way we approach tracks in order to learn more, experiment more, and ultimately reach better results.

EG · EG AFTER.180 SIK&SEM

How important is testing records in your own DJ sets before release, and what are you listening for when deciding a track is finished?

Testing tracks on the dancefloor is a critical stage for us. In the studio everything can sound perfect, but only in front of a crowd do you truly understand whether the groove works or just sounds good in isolation. We are not only looking for immediate reactions like hands in the air, but more subtle things. 

Does the track translate to people the way we intended? Does it hold energy over several minutes? Does it allow natural transitions between styles? 

We also listen to ourselves. If after several sets we still enjoy playing it and do not feel the need to skip forward, it is a strong sign it is truly ready.

Vocals have become a big part of your identity, especially original recordings rather than samples. Was that a creative decision first, or something you saw as a long-term advantage?

Vocals have always been an integral part of me, and throughout my productions, I have often found myself humming my way toward the perfect vocal.  Once our recent music received strong support and love from artists we deeply respect and from the wider audience, it gave me the confidence to finish music instead of leaving it in the drawer.  I also realised that vocals allow listeners to experience the track in a more intimate and personal way. It changes everything. The emotion and narrative become more alive.

RISQUÉ RECORDS · SIK&SEM – Loca

“Loca” felt like a turning point. What did that EP unlock for you, either mentally or professionally, that wasn’t there before?

“Loca” was a moment where many elements came together, a sound that felt very true to us alongside a strong reaction from both the dancefloor and the industry.  Beyond the success itself, it changed our mindset. We understood that we do not need to adapt to trends to reach a wider audience, and that a unique identity is actually what attracts people. 

Professionally, it opened doors with major artists like Miguelle & Tons and Mason Collective, but more than anything, it gave us the confidence to keep pushing our direction without apology.

A lot of artists get a big DJ play and expect everything to change. What actually needs to happen after that moment for it to turn into real momentum?

Big support is only a starting point. Real momentum is built through smart ongoing work, well timed releases, building a narrative around the sound, and maintaining consistency.  Many artists expect everything to change instantly, but in reality you need to translate that moment into a continuous process.  That means sending new music at the right time, strengthening relationships with DJs worldwide, and making sure each step reinforces your identity and leads you toward where you aim to be.

“Charlie” has already landed on major stages before release. When you hear your own voice coming back at you in rooms like that, does it change how personal the record feels?

It is a very special moment because something created in the intimacy of the studio comes back to you through hundreds or thousands of people.  On one hand it feels more personal, because you hear how people connect to the lyrics or melody, but on the other hand it creates a certain distance.  The track is no longer only yours, but also the audience’s. That experience makes us appreciate even more the power of music as something shared.

The collaboration with Classmatic came together through an Instagram clip rather than a traditional session. What makes a collaboration worth saying yes to for you?

The first thing is chemistry, both musical and human. We look for someone who brings a different angle but still understands our language.  Sometimes it comes through a short conversation or even an Instagram clip that sparks an idea. It is important for us that the collaboration feels natural and not just like a strategic connection between names.  In our case, working with Classmatic was amazing. He truly knows what he is doing, and we are very happy and proud of that collaboration.

Looking back, what’s worked better for you: planned collaborations or organic ones, and why?

Most of the time, organic collaborations work better because they start from genuine curiosity rather than a schedule.  When there is no external pressure, the result sounds more free and the sound develops naturally. 

Planned collaborations can also work great, but they require preparation and coming ready with several starting ideas that we believe can work during the session. Otherwise, the collaboration can easily go to waste.

HARMONIZZ · SIK&SEM – Pistaman (Extented Mix)

Tel Aviv has a busy electronic scene, but you’ve carved out a clear lane. How has the local scene shaped you, and where do you consciously push against it?

Tel Aviv is a very intense environment. The crowd is sharp, open minded, and not afraid of unexpected combinations.  It taught us how to balance underground energy with accessibility. At the same time, because the scene is so active, it is important to find a personal voice and not get lost within local trends.

TEMA feels like an extension of your sound rather than a party brand. What experience are you trying to create that you weren’t finding elsewhere?

With TEMA, we aim to create a more intimate and human nightlife experience, one where energy, emotion, and narrative lead the event and the audience feels part of something alive and meaningful.  Each event is built around a clear concept that defines its atmosphere and identity, making it much more than a standard party. The idea began to take shape after our experiences at private parties in Ibiza, where we felt a sense of uniqueness and exclusivity that does not always exist in the commercial scene.  That is where we understood how important it is to create a space where the connection between the crowd and the moment is preserved, rather than lost within the feeling of just a show. Through this project, we also allow ourselves to fully express our sound, color, and musical identity.

As things move faster, what are you deliberately choosing not to do anymore to protect your focus and energy?

We try not to say yes to every opportunity out of fear of missing out. Over time we realized that focus is more important than being everywhere.  That means carefully choosing releases, performances, and collaborations, while leaving time for deep creation rather than constantly chasing exposure.

SIK&SEM · MIKA – Love Today (SIK&SEM Edit)

Looking back over the last two years, what’s the one thing you did consistently that had the biggest impact on your growth, even if it felt unglamorous at the time?

The most significant thing was consistency, even when there were no immediate results.  Showing up in the studio, finishing ideas, learning from mistakes, and continuing with our musical belief system instead of chasing trends that sometimes looked very tempting.

What’s the most common mistake you see newer producers making that you had to learn the hard way yourself?

Trying to sound like someone else. It is a very common mistake today. Many young producers compare themselves to others’ final results instead of understanding the journey behind them.  This leads to productions that feel technically correct but lack identity and character, which is exactly what creates trends.

If someone has strong music but feels stuck at the “almost there” stage, what do you think they should stop obsessing over first?

From our personal experience, when we were in that phase we felt our sound was not good enough. Only after receiving support did we understand that music is more than good sound or a perfect mix. It is the energy and content that truly make the difference. 

Our advice to producers is to believe in themselves more, trust their ears, because that ultimately defines your color as an artist, stay connected to your inspirations, and continue sending music to artists you love in order to receive feedback.

With releases lined up across different labels and collaborations, what’s the common thread tying the next year of music together?

The connecting line for us in the coming year is original vocals. Many of the important upcoming tracks were written and originally performed by Sik (Tal Siksik), which gives a very strong color and uniqueness to the productions and the music that is about to be released. A year of new music coming straight from the heart awaits.

If someone checks back in on SIK&SEM in two years’ time, what do you hope feels different, not just bigger?

Not just a bigger scale, but maturity. We want people to feel that the sound has evolved into a complete world, not just individual tracks, but a clear and immediately recognisable identity.  When someone listens to our music, we want them to instantly know it is us and recognize our color. That is our biggest goal, differentiation and uniqueness.

When everything gets noisy, what keeps you grounded and excited about making dance music in the first place?

In the end, everything comes back to the moment when a dancefloor connects to a single groove. When we see people lose themselves inside the music, it reminds us why we started.  Beyond any strategy or industry aspect, it is still the simple magic of movement and human connection. 

Our approach for the coming year is to create real music, combining original vocal musicality, live instruments, and deep emotion with dance music, and creating a blend that truly feels like a winning combination.

Check them out:https://soundcloud.com/siksemhttps://www.instagram.com/sik__sem
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