"I’m always looking for authenticity." In Conversation with Florian Picasso

Some interviews you genuinely look forward to — and this one with Florian Picasso was exactly that. Of course, part of that excitement comes from his name. There’s something about it that instantly pulls you in, makes you curious. As I press play on Till I’m Dead, the bass rolls in, groovy and round, pulling me under like a current. It’s addictive. It makes you want to dance. And I realize again how much I love this kind of beat.

Florian may carry the legacy of one of the most famous artists in history, but his own story unfolds far beyond that. Adopted and raised in a world of creativity and privilege, with his home and studio nestled in the light of Cannes, he’s always been surrounded by art — yet for a long time, he didn’t feel fully comfortable with the weight of his last name. “Now I’ve found a way to embrace that legacy while also building something of my own,” he shares in our conversation.

This past year has marked a powerful shift in Florian’s journey. And as we all know deep down, there’s a certain magic in the new — in shedding old layers, taking risks, and stepping into something that feels more real. With a renewed sense of direction, he’s let go of old structures and leaned into instinct, rebellion, and emotional honesty. His new releases — from When I Saw U to the Booty EP — feel playful, raw, and undeniably driven by feeling. “My new sound is rougher around the edges, bolder, more instinctual. That rawness makes space for honesty,” he explains.

With the launch of DKD Records, and DEKADANCE evolving from a collective into a global movement, Florian is now building platforms for others, too — spaces where authenticity and artistic vision matter more than algorithms. “The artist doesn’t have to be the most technical producer, but I need to feel that their intention is genuine,” he says.

In our interview, we spoke about reinvention, family legacy, flirtation on the dancefloor, and the freedom that comes when you finally start living on your own terms.

header photography by Jesaja Hizkia

Florian, happy to have you here! How are you, and what’s been filling your days lately? (smiles)

Thanks for having me! It’s been a busy but really exciting time. Between Fashion Week in Milan and Paris, working on new music, and throwing our own Dekadance parties, life’s felt full of motion. I’ve been surrounded by inspiring people and moments lately, and that energy is really fueling everything I’m doing right now.

You’ve described this past year as a kind of rebirth—and I can totally feel that. Sometimes, it’s just time for a new chapter and to move forward. Was there a moment when you realized: this version of me—the one I was before—no longer fits?

After COVID, I realized I wasn’t fully aligned with what I was doing. I needed something more challenging and culturally rich. I spent years digging into music, and eventually, I had the courage to leave my management so I could follow my true vision and align my work with my morals. Now, I’m truly happy and proud of what I’m doing.

Your new sound feels more hypnotic, raw, even exposed. Did letting go of polish or perfectionism allow something more honest to emerge?

Definitely. I’m still a perfectionist at heart, but I’ve let go of the need for everything to be super polished. My new sound is rougher around the edges, bolder, more instinctual. That rawness makes space for honesty. It also just feels more fun, and I think you can hear that in the music.

“I believe you can fall in love multiple times, even in brief moments, and I wanted to capture that feeling in a song that’s fun and a bit sassy.”

The Booty EP feels both playful and a little rebellious. What was the energy behind it—and what did the process of creating it look like?

The ‘Booty’ EP was a bit of a playful rebellion, both in sound and spirit. It’s cheeky and almost explicit at times, and it captured the energy I was feeling during that phase of my evolution. Even though I’m now exploring faster genres, I wanted to show the range of my influences and how far you can go when you let your instincts lead.

Is “When I Saw U” about someone specific—or more about a feeling you’ve carried for a while? (smiles)

‘When I Saw You’ isn’t about one specific person but about that instant crush we all experience. I believe you can fall in love multiple times, even in brief moments, and I wanted to capture that feeling in a song that’s fun and a bit sassy.

I love the video for “When I Saw U” —it’s such a burst of energy, and also colorful and sexy. Can you tell us more about it?

The video really reflects the vibe of the track, it’s energetic, playful, and unapologetically bold. We wanted something that felt spontaneous and full of personality, and I think we achieved that. It’s a visual celebration of confidence and desire.

“Being Picasso’s great-grandson definitely draws a lot of attention… Now I’ve found a way to embrace that legacy while also building something of my own.”

With DKD Records, you’re curating music that pushes boundaries. What do you look for in a track or artist when signing something for the label?

With Dekadance Records, I’m always looking for authenticity. The artist doesn’t have to be the most technical producer, but I need to feel that their intention is genuine and that they have a unique voice. I’m not focused on numbers, I care more about building a community of artists who bring something personal and fresh to the table.

DEKADANCE started as a collective and now feels like a movement. What are you most proud of about how it’s grown?

What makes me proud of our collective is that we’ve stayed true to our vision from the start. We’ve worked with people we’ve always dreamed of collaborating with and built a small, dedicated community. It’s still early days, and we have a lot to learn, but we’re incredibly excited about the journey ahead.

So, your next single is already on the way—Sissy Walk. What can you tease about this one?

‘Sissy Walk’ is a track I’ve been playing in my sets and it’s been getting a great reaction. It’s got this gnarly bassline, kind of like Kylie Minogue on steroids! I wanted something that pairs catchy vocals with a beat that hits hard. It’s coming out on Perfecto Records, Paul Oakenfold’s label, which makes it even more special.

“Over time, I’ve earned respect for my work, and that’s made all the difference. Now I feel like I’m finally being seen for my own merit.”

Most people might imagine that being the great-grandson of Pablo Picasso comes with a kind of surreal glow. But what is it really like in day-to-day life—how present is that name in your mind, your work, your interactions?

Being Picasso’s great-grandson definitely draws a lot of attention, and for a long time I didn’t feel fully comfortable with it. Now I’ve found a way to embrace that legacy while also building something of my own. The name is part of my daily life, especially in conversations with my mother, who has her own art collection. Sometimes people see it as a brand or expect something specific from me. But over time, I’ve found balance. I’m proud of the name, and I’m just as proud of what I’m building on my own terms through music.

Have there been moments in your life or career where you wished you could be seen without the context of your last name?

For sure. Especially at the beginning, I really wanted people to see me for who I am and not just a name. There were moments when people took advantage of it or didn’t value what I was actually creating. But over time, I’ve earned respect for my work, and that’s made all the difference. Now I feel like I’m finally being seen for my own merit.

What do you wish people knew about you beyond the DJ booth?

That I’m a multifaceted artist. I’m passionate about visual art, fashion, and I have a lot to say about life and culture. I want people to come along on that journey and not just through music, but through all the things that inspire me creatively.

The most important thing in life is?

Love and health, no question. Without those, it’s hard to go far. And of course, being financially comfortable helps too, I won’t pretend it doesn’t. But at the end of the day, it’s about being surrounded by people you love and feeling good in your body and mind.