Mike Deni, an American instrumentalist, and synth-pop enthusiast for the band Geographer, is a melodically gifted artist with a sound that transcends a simple synthesizer. Geographer, with roots in San Francisco, features hints of indie rock that effortlessly infuse themselves with Deni’s life experiences while simultaneously displaying his love for experimental music.

Mesmerized by his seemingly cool on-stage persona, I trembled at the thought of having to interview him after catching his set at Outside Lands. But our conversation dove us into an array of topics; how simple hobbies can spark musical creativity, San Francisco’s best spots for writing in solitude, and The 1975. I mean DUH, I had to!

We both find our little corner amidst the chaos surrounding Outside Land's media tent. Our initial greeting leads us to giggles as our introductions go completely unheard as Lil Yatchy’s set, which is a couple of feet away, livens up the Land’s End Stage. Full sound vibrations linger among us as we begin our chat.

It’s Saturday, August 11th and I’m in the media tent for the first time and I can’t believe we’re here at Outside Lands. It’s huge! How does it feel to be back in San Francisco after your move to Los Angeles?

Deni: Well my drummer still lives up here so I still get to come up here to practice, and I honestly love it so much. It’s just a small and beautiful town. I’m so glad I moved out here when I did because it’s very gentle. It’s like inviting and forgiving. It’s just a place for weirdos, you know? I was, I mean, I am a weirdo and I like being around people who make cool stuff. My time here was just so good to me.

I think that’s one thing I appreciate about the city too! There’s so much cultural diversity and inspiration pretty much everywhere. Do you find yourself diving into any special hobbies when you need a little break from music?

Deni: I really enjoy woodworking even though I’m not great at it, but I like the creating part of it. I just really enjoy it. I just don’t understand why people nowadays expect you to have an Instagram page about all your hobbies. It just creates an expectation that you should be great at every hobby, which completely defeats the purpose of it you know?

That's valid. It’s just how social media has developed over the years, people like to document their lives and sometimes forget that it’s okay to do things that aren’t aesthetic. It defeats the point of creativity. Do you feel that your hobbies work at relieving the stress of creating?

Deni: Yeah it generates freedom, where I’m like I can make as many mistakes as I want. I don’t have to worry about how anybody else feels.

I get it. Do you think that also translates into the way you make music? What’s that process like for you?

Deni: I really value my alone time and I love to work alone in the beginning. It helps in feeling less pressure because I’m not thinking about anyone else but myself. I get freedom. But I also find appreciation in having other people’s brains come in at the last minute. I feel like I can only take my ideas so far.

Mike Deni perfoming at the Sutro Stage at Outside Lands, 2023. Photo Courtesy of Alive Coverage

Regarding ideas, where did you find yourself being the most inspired when you still lived in the Bay? Are there any secret spots worth mentioning?

I would love to go to the overlook above Baker Beach. I wrote a lot of songs there, actually. I would park my van there and hide in the back with a guitar and just write. Just staring at the ocean.

I love that! I think being near water in general is super healing and rejuvenating. If you don’t mind me asking what is your sun sign? I feel like you carry a lot of Pisces energy within you.

Deni: I think I’m an Aries! I actually don’t believe in astrology but I love thinking about it. I can’t manage to believe in it, but I do think it's a beautiful idea. I actually wrote a song regarding the topic of how real our universe and its gods are, so I think it’s funny that you’re bringing this up.

Well, I really got that vibe from your album Down and Out In The Garden of Earthly Delights. I’m very into all things astrology and find that as an Aquarius it’s in my nature to ask!

 Anyway, all I know is that at the moment I’m excited to be here and that I get the chance to talk to you. Are there any people you are excited to see tonight?

Deni: I’m actually really excited to see the 1975 tonight! I’m like a 1975 fan, isn’t that funny? I just love the way they look and sound. You can tell Matt is pulling inspiration from art books, which I really like. And then you know the music is just fun to listen to! I also wanted to catch Kendrick’s set but I’m gonna be playing a show during that time. But it would’ve been nice to catch it.

I love that! Do you have any last words before we part ways?

Deni: Enjoy San Francisco and keep it cold for me!

As Dani gets signaled by his assistant, we say our goodbyes, take pictures with our very own BFF.fm pins, and wave each other goodbye!

This interview has been edited and condensed.

If you want to learn more about Geographer feel free to checkout their Bandcamp and Instagram!

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