Up until the end of 2024, the Parisian duo Pureblast were known as Baraka. Over the past year or so, the band has stepped up to the challenge of that name reset, dropping a grip of singles that, with a punk edge, traverse through a variety of electronica modes. I shipped over a few questions to the duo, composed of Cristofeu and Sarah Gamrani, about everything from their Rinse France show to the trials and tribulations that come with a name change. They also, as is noted in the dek above, give us a hot tip on one of the best places to cop a pastry in Paris. Read the interview, and listen to their single “White Flag,” below.

You had to change your name for legal reasons. Did that feel like a reset for you in any way? Have you taken anything positive away from that ordeal?

Pureblast: Changing our name felt like an impossible challenge at first. The following few months were weird, as we kept touring under our new name, and we were pretty empty in terms of creativity. But once we digested it, we quickly switched to a new energy. At the end of the day, nothing changes, just the name. It was not an occasion to rethink or reset anything, just a way to search within ourselves, express ourselves more deeply, and reconnect with what genuinely excites us.

Would you consider “SSX” to be a drum and bass tune? What is your relationship with that genre?

Definitely a drum and bass tune with emotion. We’ve been exploring drum and bass, as well as jungle, since the very beginning. We’ve always felt comfortable with this genre. Sometimes we start an idea with the BPM divided by two, which gives a trip-hop or pop attitude to the song, but when we double it and add that d’n’b beat, it brings the power and energy that immediately makes it feel like us. We love how it lifts up the crowd when we’re on stage.

What’s the scene like in Paris right now?

We feel like the Paris scene is constantly growing, and the programming is very bold and eclectic. There are also some very cool alternative parties and raves, which is where we find excitement. However, the coolest places and venues are struggling, even though they are what really makes Paris special. The ecosystem is vibrant but very fragile, especially with the upcoming elections. The Paris electronic scene is very much alive, but it’s not a given. We have to support it and actively help it exist. Overall, less nonchalance and seriousness would have a positive impact on the general vibe. We need to feel things and have fun!

Who is the best Parisian rock and roll band of all time? What about currently?

Of all time, not a band but probably Brodinski. We had the chance to get in touch and start working on projects together, and honestly, he has the most rock and roll sound, mindset, and career of all the artists we’ve met. Currently, we both love Rendez-Vous. We went to their show in Paris, and it was insanely good. Their sound and aesthetics are amazing.

Crowdsurfing at raves: Yes or no?

Why not, if the energy demands it. It might feel a bit brutal at raves, but it’s all about building the right atmosphere for people to embrace it. It all depends on the soundtrack really.

Could you talk a bit about your Rinse France show?

Our monthly residency at Rinse FM is where we can show all sides of our musical identity. From one month to the next, we might play more techno-driven sets, tech house, progressive, rave, or even explore trip-hop, jungle, or multigenre mixes. It’s a space to share what truly inspires our productions, but also what we genuinely love playing as DJs. It’s a kind of ritual that keeps us digging, searching, and evolving. It also gives us the opportunity to invite friends and artists we love.

Do you prefer super long studio sessions or quicker blasts of creativity? 

We prefer quicker blasts. Neither of us is the type to obsess over details during creative sessions. We like to preserve the raw intention of the first vocal takes, for example. Sometimes we even sample small “accidents” that later turn into real hooks and become our best songs. We spend time locked into a groove that feels right, sketch a structure around it, and only dive into the details later so we don’t lose the moment. We both have our own process when it comes to the groundwork, whether it’s writing lyrics, finding toplines and melodies, creating loops, or building ideas.

Who makes the best pastries in Paris?

Everything that comes out of Boulangerie Mamiche is an absolute killer. We’d happily make a detour across Paris just to grab a cookie, a babka, or a cinnamon roll. Pure obsession level.