PREMIERE + INTERVIEW — Lavan – Daamn [Ascension on Wax] [MI4L.com]

Hi Lavan, Great to meet you! What’s happening with you at the minute? 

Nice to meet you guys too. Just recently got back from a DJ gig in Prague which was real fun. Now just trying to wrap up some loose ends before the year comes to a close.

Congratulations on releasing ‘For The Love EP ‘ on your own ‘Ascension on Wax’ label. Talk us through the release? 

Thank you! This release is essentially my spin on the Ascension sound that myself and label partner Max outlined when starting AoW. Probably more instrumentation and synth influence than my previous work yet still groove driven since I can’t resist getting funky with the drum programming.

Tell us more about the label and what made you want to start your own imprint?

Back some 5-8 years ago Berlin didn’t have that many house music parties other than the big established clubs which had a house room. Everything was very techno driven. Ascension started as a party in Berlin 2019 to provide an intimate party with quality house music. After one memorable rave in the forest which ended with police shutting it down and us being fined we put the party on hold. During this time Max then came up with the idea of starting the Ascension on Wax label building on the same ethos as the party.

For those who are just discovering your music, what do you hope they feel or experience when they listen to your productions?

Essentially I try to channel some of my pain into the music whilst still keeping it uplifting. I hope people get that feeling of being able to tap into their own pain but then feel this energy of moving forward. The beauty of music is no matter what my intentions are creating it, people hear it in their own way and it becomes their own interpretation.

We hear you’re a fan of MPC sampling… where do you tend to find cool samples? And are there any interesting ones used on this EP that you’d be happy to reveal?

Sampling has been my jam since young as I was raised on hip-hop. My sampling sources are quite random. I used to dig for samples in record stores for years then sometimes I would listen to the radio and then hear something that catches my ear. Could even be mixing at home preparing for gigs then I notice part of the record that is isolated and note it down for potential use in a beat. One subtle element of the percussion on Folk Song is this cow-bell-ish type sound which I sampled from some compilation of traditional Malaysian music. It was a nod to my Malaysian heritage which gave a touch of spiritual essence to the track.

What has been the highlight of your career so far? Can you talk about a specific moment or accomplishment that stands out as particularly meaningful to you? 

There are a couple places in Berlin where  I used to be on the dancefloor imagining what it would be like to spin there. A couple of those places I played over the past year and that felt super rewarding. Then getting featured in the DJ Mag print magazine was dope. If I tell my mum about playing to a room full of intoxicated ravers at 7am on a Sunday she might question how she raised me but when I show her a physical magazine she understands that I am working hard haha. 

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? 

One of my main rituals that has transferred into my DJ gigs too now is burning incense. It really helps me get in a spiritual zone and detach from the things going on in my head or around me. Then pen and paper is super important in my process since my mind is so chaotic. I write out my plan/ideas for the day before getting started.  I also write things down when I’m on the train or whatever since inspiration usually hits when my mind is elsewhere. The main lesson I have learnt is how effective distractions are. If you are too immersed in your art that’s when you can get stuck and disengaging is just as important as engaging. 

As someone deeply rooted in the house music scene, what state is it in right now? What notable artists are emerging?

This is a sensitive topic but I will give my 2 pence nonetheless. The state of so-called underground music along with the DJ scene has essentially lost a lot of its essence. Whilst it can be a bit disenchanting being surrounded by people chasing popularity and a DJ lifestyle it’s best to focus on those around who continue pushing that true house music spirit. I think that I probably romanticize the older times a bit too much as I am sure there were always politics that came with being a house music artist/DJ yet I kinda wish I could have experienced being in that scene. But I can’t live in the past and thankfully there are still people who keep that authenticity in the house scene today. Some notable emerging artists that are true to the sound include Stefan Ringer and Musclecars. 

When you are not busy with music, what might we find you doing?

Outside of music you might find me working on some house dancing or in a boxing class. I also love traveling back home occasionally to kick it with my 2 little nephews.

Finally, feel free to plug anything else…

I have another vinyl release in the works with +98 label for next year along with a +98 label takeover in January at a Berlin club that is unfortunately soon to close. Keep an eye on my insta for updates.

Thanks for taking the time to speak with me. Peace.