Contributing Writer
California-based electronic artist proppaganda (Bry Stevens) has found his niche as a creative puppet-master who orchestrates death-defying performances that blur the line between reality and artistic illusion.
The self-described “Dance Music’s Daredevil” made waves this summer with his underwater DJ set surrounded by live sharks, and he’s already planning something even more ambitious for the second edition of Sonar Sessions slated to be unveiled by the end of the year. With Dutch roots and a decade of rave culture informing his perspective, proppaganda has spent nine years honing his production skills while developing a philosophy that entertainment should push boundaries and leave audiences questioning what they’ve witnessed.
His Sonar Sessions concept stems from his belief that fans who invest their money and commitment deserve entertainment at the highest level. Drawing inspiration from genre-defining artists like Gesaffelstein, Adam Beyer, and Justice—producers he admires for their distinctive sonic signatures—proppaganda crafts tracks like “AERIAL” and “ALL TALK” specifically to soundtrack his impossible scenarios. With monthly releases planned and major collaborations on the horizon, he’s building a blueprint that other artists and managers are already emulating, driven by his conviction that how you do everything is how you do anything.
We sat down with the rising star to discuss his origins, breakout year, and what he has planned for the rest of the year:
“Aerial” and “ALL TALK” mark your entry into the release circuit as proppaganda. How do these tracks represent your vision for the project, and what drew you specifically to this driving techno sound?
My entire family is Dutch. My grandparents moved here from the Netherlands, and after 10 years of raving, I’ve always been hooked on acid house. I’ve gone through many electronic phases, but house and techno have never gotten old to me.
You’ve mentioned that Zeds Dead’s set at Somerset Music Festival in 2015 was a pivotal moment that inspired you to pursue music. Who are some of the artists currently inspiring your sound and approach?
My biggest influences currently are Eli Brown, Odd Mobb, Dom Dolla, Adam Beyer, Justice, Sara Landry, and Gesaffelstein. I love them all because when you close your eyes, you know who’s playing. They all have their own sound, and I love their branding and live show approach.
Both tracks showcase what you call “highly detailed and inventive production.” Can you walk us through your creative process and what you’re trying to achieve sonically with each release?
My real goal with every track that I make is to have the listener feel something different and not blend in with the norm. Easier said than done, because sometimes ideas take forever to finish, but I truly believe that if I spend more time taking the harder route, it will pan out in the future.
Beyond the viral Sonar Sessions concept, what are your touring plans for proppaganda? Are you planning to bring these tracks to festival stages or club environments?
For now, all that is planned is the Sonar Sessions shows. That’s what feels right at the moment. When I am ready to start bringing these crazy concepts to venues, I will make it happen.
You’ve built a reputation around extreme performance concepts, but how important is it for you that the actual music stands on its own without the visual spectacle?
All I can do is put my best foot forward. I’ve made music for almost 9 years now, and I love what I make. I will let the fans decide if it’s up to par with our amazing productions. I personally think it is, and I spend so much time crafting it all. How you do everything is how you do anything, though. When it comes to this project, we are going all out and hoping for the best.
Looking at the electronic music landscape right now, what do you think is missing that the proppaganda project aims to bring back or introduce?
We have already heard that this content strategy has inspired a lot of managers and artists to go above and beyond to promote their music and shows. We feel that fans deserve to be entertained at the highest level. They spend all of their money on shows, festivals, and merch. I feel like it’s my obligation to do more for them because of their commitment to us.
What’s next for proppaganda musically? Can fans expect more singles, an EP, or are you focusing on perfecting the live experience first?
Monthly releases for now with some big collabs coming up! I like the idea of putting one track out at a time and then sprinkling in IDs and remixes in my live shows.
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