Few producers in the modern deep house landscape craft music as soulful and evocative as Gene Siewing.
As the head of Intent Recordings, Siewing has built a reputation for delivering punchy, emotive house tracks infused with wide-ranging, jazz-laden atmospheres, a genre of music he was introduced to and surrounded by growing up in St. Louis. His music carries a sense of exuberance and deep feeling, a testament to his expansive musicality and ability to blend catchy rhythms with moments of deep thought and profound introspection. Each of his records feels like a step further into a world where jazz, gospel, and house are one and the same.
His latest EP, “I’ve Been Blessed,” highlights his signature approach. Centered around the stirring vocals of The Voice of Germany alum Ingrid Arthur and the 100% Gospel Choir, the title track is a radiant celebration of life and connection, inviting listeners to share in its warmth and message of gratitude. Accompanied by remixes like the groove-heavy one by Luv 2 Do and the sax-infused “Saxy Dub” featuring Fuasi Abdul-Khaliq, the EP is an uplifting addition to Siewing’s impressive catalog.
With “I’ve Been Blessed” releasing today, we wanted to sit down with Gene and learn about his background, his inspirations, and his thoughts on the current state of house music. Hit play on the EP and read on!
Hey Gene, great to meet you! What’s happening in your world at the minute?
Howdy! I’m doing well, thanks! In my world at the minute I’m concentrating on music production for my label, Intent Recordings.
Congratulations on releasing “I’ve Been Blessed.”
Thank you! I’ve Been Blessed is very dear to my heart.
How did the collaboration with Ingrid Arthur come about?
I’m always on the lookout for powerful soul singers here in Berlin. That’s where I met her—at A-Train, this cozy little jazz club. Her Gospel performance completely blew me away, and that’s where our collaboration began.
Where did you grow up, and how did your environment shape your relationship with music?
I grew up in St. Louis, Missouri, surrounded by the rich sounds of Blues, Jazz, and Soul. In the ’90s, as the rave scene began to emerge, the city became a vibrant stop for incredible talent, thanks to pioneering promoters like Superstars of Love, M.A.R.S., That Girl, Merlin, and Terry Mullan, to name a few. We were also heavily influenced by the energy coming from nearby party hubs like Chicago, Memphis, and Detroit. It was all so new, so electric—and I was instantly hooked.
You’ve recently moved to Berlin, what were the reasons for the move and how are you finding it?
I moved here in 2007—so not exactly recently, haha—but I still absolutely love it. I was fortunate to connect with Jan Driver and Siriusmo early on; their support was instrumental in helping me find my footing. Honestly, without the incredible group of friends I met here, integrating into the culture and learning the language would have been much more challenging.
Can you describe the connection between your music and your US roots, and how they continue to influence your music today?
Growing up in St. Louis deeply shaped my musical identity. The city’s rich legacy—home to legends like Chuck Berry, Fontella Bass, Oliver Sain, Donny Hathaway, Jimmy McCracklin, Ike and Tina Turner, Miles Davis, and Clark Terry—still pulses through my veins. With such a soulful and rhythmic foundation, transitioning into Soulful Funky House felt like a natural evolution for me.
Can you share some insight into your creative process when producing music? Do you have any particular rituals or methods that help you stay inspired?
I’ll be real with you—House Music holds a special place in my heart. It gave me direction, purpose, and a sense of belonging when I needed it most. Growing up in St. Louis, a city where one wrong turn can lead you down some dark paths, the light of House Music was a guiding force. For that, I’m eternally grateful.
Staying inspired and my goal with Intent Recordings is simple: to give back to something far greater than myself. If even one person feels uplifted or inspired through the music and carries that vibration on, then I’ve done my job.
And, of course, getting real funky on that dance floor, and sharing those good things with our brothers and sisters.
As someone deeply rooted in the House scene, what state is it in right now? What notable artists are emerging?
House music is alive and well. While the sound has evolved over the years, its energy and spirit remain as strong as ever. I’m really enjoying the label Athens Of The North, also artists like Linkwood, and the East Coast Love Affair crew. At the same time, the originators—M.A.W., Sandy Rivera, Cajmere, Dajae, and other greats—continue to be a major influence on me.
What’s been the highlight of your career so far?
I would say forming Intent Recordings is a great achievement.
If you could play B2B with any DJ, who would it be and why?
This isn’t an easy one, as I have a list of Disc Jockey’s I hope to share the stage with one day. One of the first that comes to mind is my man, Sadar Bahar! The idea of playing alongside him would be an absolute thrill. He’s perfectly in tune with my vibe—no ego, just pure love for the music. As a serious crate digger, he’s dedicated his life to unearthing incredible, often forgotten gems that have shaped the entire scene. His knowledge is vast, and it’s an honor to be influenced by his deep understanding of the culture.
When you are not busy with music, what might we find you doing?
Cooking is another passion of mine—I’m always on the hunt for new recipes. It’s a lot like DJing, honestly! My wife is Italian, so when we visit Italy, I’m totally captivated by the rich culinary culture. The art of the Italian chef is something truly special. There’s nothing better than great food; it’s hard to put into words. It’s a complete experience, and the chefs take it to another level. You can taste the love! And that’s what I truly appreciate.
Finally, what do you have coming up in the next few months? Feel free to mention anything!
Working with my wife on the artwork for the next releases. Studiosintagma designs all the aesthetics for my label and I’m so blessed for the collaboration. I’m also looking forward to getting out there—DJing and scratching records has always been my first passion. I’m all about finding new spaces with like-minded people who want to create something special on the dancefloor—moments for the memory banks, not just for the iPhones. I’m constantly digging for forgotten jams and diamonds in the rough to add to my ever-evolving vinyl repertoire.
My next project is with the incredibly talented Tosin from Nigeria—her voice is something else. Another singer who’s going to change your DNA. Keep an eye out for this one!
Stream “I’ve Been Blessed” here.
The post Intent Recordings Label Boss Gene Siewing Releases Jazz and Gospel Inspired EP “I’ve Been Blessed” appeared first on Magnetic Magazine.