Prisma Deer moves like a signal between worlds. Costa Rica born, House and Disco at the core, but never boxed in—Deep, Jackin, Acid, Nu Disco, Indie Dance, even flashes of trancey heat slipping through the seams. He runs Cross Fade, holds down a weekly transmission on Amplify 95.5 FM, and treats the dancefloor like a living blueprint.
His records have landed everywhere from Scruniversal to Mole Music, Dynamite Disco Club to Lisztomania—pressed to wax, coded in digital, always built with intention.
By day, he’s an architect. Not metaphorically—literally. His thesis mapped the soundscape of San José, tracing how cities hum, clash, and breathe. He’s worked with environmental noise, studio acoustics, club builds, sound installations. It all feeds the same obsession: space, frequency, structure.
Prisma Deer doesn’t just make tracks. He designs environments you move through.
With his latest release Fou de Joie landing on his own Cross Fade imprint, Prisma Deer continues to refine a sound rooted in melody, groove, and late-night emotion. The track leans deep into cosmic Nu Disco territory, pairing an upfront Moog bassline with evolving synth harmonies and sensual French vocals — a joyous, uplifting cut that reflects years spent absorbing dancefloor culture from across the spectrum.
To celebrate the release, Prisma Deer takes us back through Records That Shaped His Sound — a personal selection of tracks that influenced his journey as a DJ and producer. From early Nu Disco discoveries to timeless House classics and modern deep cuts, each record comes with a story: where he first heard it, why it stuck, and how it continues to inform his approach to music today. This is a snapshot of the moments, melodies, and memories that helped shape Fou de Joie and the artist behind it.
1. Moullinex – Flora [Discotexas]
I first listened to this track around 2012, just as I was starting to get into electronic music. The whole Nu Disco movement driven by the record label Discotexas really defined my sound back then, and this track, in particular, really hit me. Moullinex is a master at creating melodies, and this is one that never leaves your mind.
2. Midnight Magic – Beam Me Up (Prins Thomas Diskomiks) [Razor-N-Tape]
The original version is a modern classic, but this particular version by the master Prins Thomas works magic on the dancefloor. I really love that even though it is 8 minutes long, it keeps the dynamic and energy going. It also works really well for transitions at different moments of the track, allowing you to be playful while mixing.
3. T.U.R.F. – Sneaky Ways [Exploited]
This track really showcases how good sampling is done to create a House track. It has a 90s filter French House vibe that I really like. I always try to play new music in my sets, but this one keeps sneaking in between tracks every now and then.
4. Fouk – Truffles [Heist Recordings]
I was already a huge fan of Fouk when this track came out. I took a trip to Amsterdam in 2019 and saw they were playing at a boat party there. They did a giveaway for a vinyl copy of the EP, and I happened to be chosen. I got to meet them in person, so this record meant a lot to me back then.
5. Purple Disco Machine – My House [OFF Recordings]
This one was a big hit back in the day. At the time, I was just getting into electronic music, and in a way, this was a gateway for me to explore and discover more House music.
6. Johnny Corporate – Sunday Shoutin’ [Defected]
For me, this track represents a very classic House style. The combination of the bassline, vocals, and saxophone works really well. It’s a track I have played a lot during peak-time sets, and it always gets a good response from the crowd.
7. Hollis P. Monroe – I’m Lonely [Stickman Records]
This classic 90s underground track has all the elements a good track needs: good percussion, a groovy bassline, an acid section, and iconic vocals that never feels tired. I think this track could be played in the year 3000 and still get the crowd going. If someone asked me what House music sounds, this is the track I would show them.
8. Felipe Gordon – Tell Me Something True (Pontchartrain Remix) [Razor-N-Tape]
The Colombian artist Felipe Gordon is the definition of modern Deep House. His unique style really started a wave of new artists worldwide, and this remix by the Detroit legend Pontchartrain makes it even better. I keep coming back to this track as a reference for the type of music I want to create.
9. Fusion Groove Orchestra Feat. Steve Lucas – If Only I Could (Liem Remix) [Classic Music Company]
I played this track once as the final track of a set that ended just as the sun came up, and it captured the energy of that moment perfectly. I had been feeling quite low that day, but the atmosphere this track produced reminded me exactly why I love playing music. It became my definitive closing track for a long time.
10. COEO – Like It Is [Razor-N-Tape]
There are many tracks that sample known classic songs but sometimes just feel like simple edits. This track is certainly not that; it’s a perfect example of how to take a classic and make it even better. I have played this track during sunset DJ sets, club warmups, or as a break to breathe in the middle of a set, and it always seems to work.
