Kultshur #5 Feat. Primărie

( The Signature Artist of the Microhouse World )

An Episode with an exclusive Tzinah Records unreleased mix by Primărie

Kultshur Vol.5 Feat. Primarie

We're thrilled to share this special interview with Dan Primaru, the visionary behind Tzinah Records, as part of Kultshur Vol.5. Tzinah Records has been a beacon for the Romanian minimal and microhouse movement, and Dan's dedication to nurturing emerging talent is unparalleled.

As the mastermind behind this iconic label, Dan has carved out a unique niche in the Romanian underground scene, known for his kaleidoscopic blend of psychedelic influences and future-fractal sounds.

With years of experience in shaping the Romanian minimal and microhouse landscape, Dan has established himself as a visionary in the dance music scene. His well-crafted sets, often featuring tracks from Tzinah Records, ensure that every performance is a transformative experience, guiding listeners on a spiritual journey of self-exploration and connection.

It was a pleasure to host Dan Primaru for this episode!

The Mix and interview series:

Featured artist: Primărie

Join us for this exciting episode as we dig deeper into Dan Primaru's world of music and enjoy his 100% unreleased mix!

Q1: Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you first became involved in music? What sparked your passion for Primărie and electronic music? Tell us more about how you chose your stage name too?

I've been immersed in music from a very young age, absorbing every sound I could find. In the ’90s, I would memorize songs from TV channels, and when the internet became widely accessible, I was fortunate enough to have a computer, which opened the door to even more musical exploration. My journey into electronic music began with trance, but when Richie Hawtin and the minimal movement emerged, I was instantly captivated.

Around that time, I met someone who was a DJ and ran a DJ school. When he offered to teach me, it felt like stepping into a whole new world—I didn’t hesitate for a second. That was back in 2006, and from that moment, my passion never wavered. By 2007, I was playing on radio stations and in clubs more frequently, and in 2010, I took the next step by launching my own label, Tzinah Records—a platform that has since become a cornerstone of the underground minimal and microhouse movement. The rest, as they say, is history.

My stage name, Primărie, originates from my last name, Primaru, which translates to "The Mayor" in Romanian. However, as a child—even before I started school—people naturally nicknamed me Primărie, which means "City Hall." It felt only right to embrace that name as my DJ alias. While it can be a bit tricky for those unfamiliar with Romanian, the name stuck, and over time, it became synonymous with my sound and vision in the underground electronic scene.

Q2: How did you develop your signature sound, and what led you to focus on microhouse within the broader Romanian minimal scene? What elements do you believe set your style apart?  

Arriving at microhouse was a natural evolution for me. As I mentioned earlier, my musical journey began with a wide range of influences. In my childhood, I listened to everything I could get my hands on, and as I grew older, Romanian hip-hop played a big role in shaping my taste. That, in turn, led me to explore electronic music—starting with trance, then moving through electro, and eventually discovering minimal.

Around 2010, the Romanian minimal sound began to take shape—a deeply refined style that blended diverse influences into something organic and highly musical. From this foundation, microhouse emerged—a stripped-down yet groove-heavy interpretation of minimal house. This is where I found my true sonic identity.

My signature sound is all about the groove—a constant flow of good vibes, often with a funky and organic feel. What sets my style apart is the psychedelic influence I incorporate. Psychedelic textures have always been embedded in minimal music, but for me, they do more than add character—they act as a portal to higher consciousness. This sound has the power to awaken something within us, creating a sense of wonder, much like a sci-fi movie that makes you dream and look toward the future. Through my sets, I aim to take listeners on a transformative journey, where sound becomes a tool for exploration and connection.

Dan Primaru A.K.A Primărie

Q3: What does your studio setup look like? Do you prefer working with hardware or software, and why? How do you think this choice impacts your creative process?

For DJing, my setup consists of three or four CDJs and an Allen & Heath Xone:92 mixer, which I find to be the perfect combination for creative expression. This setup allows me to layer sounds, build tension, and craft immersive journeys on the dancefloor with precision.

When it comes to music production, I take a minimalist approach—I work exclusively on my computer. I believe that creativity is not about how many tools you have, but how you use them. By keeping my setup streamlined, I focus entirely on the essence of the music: the groove, the flow, and the emotion.

Whether behind the decks or in the studio, my philosophy is the same—I shape sound as a form of sonic alchemy, transforming frequencies into an experience that connects and elevates. The choice to work digitally allows me to stay fluid, adaptable, and fully immersed in the creative process without distractions.

Q4: Tzinah Records is renowned for its commitment to authenticity and supporting emerging artists. Can you share more about the label's mission and how you manage to maintain such a strong focus on nurturing new talent?

In the beginning, Tzinah Records was simply about having a label—creating a legacy and giving something back to the community. We started releasing music, and soon, we began receiving incredible feedback. Established DJs were playing our tracks to massive crowds, and we started seeing videos of our sound reaching audiences worldwide.

At that time, most of the artists we were releasing weren’t well-known; they were friends and like-minded creatives. That’s when I realized that Tzinah could be more than just a label—it could be a platform to elevate emerging talent, helping them reach bigger stages and spread the essence of Romanian minimal music.

From then on, I became more and more focused on discovering artists at the beginning of their journey, guiding them, and building long-term relationships. As Tzinah’s reputation grew, more up-and-coming producers recognized what we were doing and reached out to us. It’s something I’m deeply grateful for—being in a position to support those who might not get the same opportunities elsewhere.

This has become a core part of my mission in life—to help artists who deserve to be heard, providing them with a space to express their vision and bring fresh energy to the underground scene. Tzinah is not just a label; it’s a movement, a family, and a testament to the power of authenticity in music.

Q5: How have you grown artistically over the years, and what strategies do you use to present your work in a unique way? What advice would you give to fellow artists looking to build their brand and grow within the music scene?

This is probably the hardest question to answer because everyone has their own unique journey to take. Growth as an artist is deeply personal, and for me, it has been about refining my ear, intuition, and understanding of sound on a vibrational level. Over the years, I’ve developed a heightened sensitivity to frequencies—I don’t just listen to music; I feel it. If a track carries even the slightest hint of negativity, I discard it immediately. For me, music is a tool for healing, for uplifting the spirit, and for expanding consciousness. It’s about spreading good vibrations into the world and using sound as a force for transformation.

When it comes to presenting my work in a unique way, my approach is simple: authenticity. I don’t follow trends—I follow energy. Every track I select, every set I play, and every release on Tzinah Records is chosen with the intention of creating a deeper connection. I see music as more than just entertainment—it’s a vehicle for self-discovery, joy, and transcendence.

I don’t like giving direct advice, because everyone should follow their own passion and inner voice. But if I had to say one thing to fellow artists, it would be this: If you have a gift, use it for the greater good. If music is your calling, practice relentlessly, refine your craft, and stay true to your essence. Don’t chase recognition—chase the feeling that drives you. The right people will recognize authenticity, and your sound will find its place in the universe.

Q6: You've showcased Tzinah Records' events in Berlin and other major cities. Can you walk us through the logistics of organizing these events? How do you curate the lineup and create such memorable experiences?

Most Tzinah Showcases are organized within a budget set by the club, which usually gives us a certain level of freedom in curating the lineup. Some venues prefer to have final approval on the artists, while others give us full control, allowing us to truly showcase the Tzinah sound and its community of artists.

When I have the opportunity to curate the lineup, my priority is always the artists who have contributed significantly to Tzinah Records—those who have released multiple tracks with us, those I have built strong relationships with, and those who embody the spirit of our sound. That’s why I often say that Tzinah is more than just a label; it’s a family. The connections we create go beyond music, and that energy translates into the experience we bring to the dancefloor.

Another way Tzinah Showcases come to life is when our artists take the initiative to organize events in their own cities, booking lineups that feature Tzinah artists. This happens organically, and I am always deeply grateful to those who help spread this sound in new places. It’s through this kind of passion and dedication that Tzinah has grown into an international movement, creating memorable experiences that stay with people long after the music stops.

Q7: We're honored to have one of our tracks featured in your upcoming VA "Bright Magicians". Thank you for taking the time to listen and provide feedback. How do you see the role of collaboration and mutual support in fostering a healthy and vibrant music scene?

Your track carries a great funk attitude, full of good vibes, groove, and dancefloor energy—exactly the kind of sound I love and support. It’s a pleasure to have it featured in "Bright Magicians".

For me, music has always been about helping others and uplifting the scene, and whenever I have the opportunity to do so, I do it wholeheartedly. Collaboration is essential—not just for pushing creativity forward but for learning from each other. Every exchange of ideas, every shared moment of inspiration, adds something valuable to the artistic journey.

Likewise, mutual support is the foundation of a strong, thriving music scene. Without it, we wouldn’t be where we are today. The underground grows through connection, through artists supporting artists, labels nurturing talent, and collectives working together to shape something greater than themselves. That’s what keeps the scene vibrant, innovative, and constantly evolving.

Thank you once again for this great interview and for the opportunity to showcase the Tzinah sound through your podcast. I truly appreciate the platform and the support in sharing this conversation with your audience. It’s always a pleasure to connect with like-minded people who value underground music and its deeper essence. Looking forward to more collaborations in the future!

Much respect and good vibes!

Tzinah Records // Tzinah Family // Underground Romanian Music //

Music | Tzinah Records

Enjoy!