Momus: Parisian House Alchemist Brings Underground Soul to New York
Amaury Meunier, better known as Momus, didn’t just fall into DJing—he chased it. Born in France and now holding down the underground in New York, Momus bought his first turntables in 2004 and began digging through Paris’ rich house and disco crates. What started as a passion soon evolved into a mission: to play the kind of music that moves people, not just fills dancefloors.
Since then, he’s become a staple at NYC’s BLK Market, Sheik n Beik, and YMEE, where his sets blend raw analog grooves, hypnotic minimal, and Italo disco flair. But Momus isn’t just a DJ—he’s now crafting his own productions, promising even deeper sonic explorations in the near future.
We sat down with the French selector to talk early influences, the magic of after-hours sets, and why New York’s firetrucks are his biggest nemesis.
Ninu Nina: What first drew you into electronic music?
Momus: My first real party changed everything. A Parisian DJ, W.A.R.R.I.O., was playing this Freak n’ Chic sound—tech-house that was catchy but not obvious, like Schatrax, Spirit Catcher, DJ T. That style stuck with me. Even now, those records sound fresher than ever, especially with today’s deep house saturation.
Then, a weekend at Panorama Bar opened my ears again—Perlon, Poker Flat, Innervisions. Later, I fell in love with raw, analog sounds from Detroit (FXHE, Metroplex) and Canada (New Kanada). And of course, Ricardo Villalobos and Bruno Pronsato taught me the power of true minimal.
But I’ve always had a soft spot for Italo disco—Giorgio Moroder’s “The Chase,” Donna Summer’s “I Feel Love,” Charlie’s “Spacer Woman.” Those tracks never leave my playlist.
Most memorable DJ moment so far?
The later I play, the better. The last ones standing at a party are always the most receptive—and I’m more in the zone by then. Electronic music is subtle; it needs the right moment. That’s why my best sets have been private afterparties, where the energy is raw and the crowd is locked in.
Who’s catching your ear this year?
Art Department—they were unmissable this year. Their sound is this perfect mix of nasty basslines, disco beats, and haunting vocals. It works for everyone—newcomers and underground heads alike.
San Proper—my latest obsession. A true artist who can compose, play, and love any kind of music as long as it’s good.
The Parisian scene is also exploding, with labels like Hold Youth (Seuil + Le Loup) and Makesense Records pushing fresh sounds.
Best DJ duo you’ve seen?
Kenny Glasgow + Jonny White (Art Department)—the perfect example of 1+1=3. Their chemistry is unreal. I also love watching Cem n’ Rg and Clockwork—two duos who just click musically. I hope I find my own creative partner like that soon!
Best (and worst) part about living in NYC?
Best: The diversity and energy. You can find anything here—underground parties, jazz bars, experimental music.
Worst: The lack of good cheap food, the polar-vortex cold, and those monstrously loud firetruck horns—seriously, they’re dangerous for human ears! Oh, and cockroaches… though I’ve seen fewer since moving to Brooklyn.
What’s Next for Momus?
With original productions in the works and a growing presence in NYC’s underground, Momus is poised to become a key voice in house music’s next wave. His sound—warm, textured, and deeply rhythmic—bridges the gap between Parisian sophistication and New York grit.
