We catch up with selector / producer Arnav in light of his recent move from Berlin to London, leaving one home to find himself in another.
First off, can you tell us a little bit about the energy behind this mix? Any artists or tracks you wanna give a shout-out to? What activity would you prescribe doing while listening?
Energy wise I was just going for something high energy and fun! I had some higher tempo high energy tracks that I wanted to try mixing together and this mix was the end product of that. I definitely want to shout out INVT, Qemist, Surusinghe and Krithi whose tracks are in the mix. Not sure what activity I’d prescribe but maybe this mix would be best to listen to while exercising or getting ready for a night out.
Congratulations on the move to London land! You’ve been jetsetting all year! How are you settling in so far and who or what are some people/venues you’re keen on checking out?
Thank you! Moving to a new city is always a complex wave of emotions but so far I've been really excited to check out the wide range of events here. My first two weekends here I checked out Yung Singh’s Phonox residency and heard some really inspiring sets from Talvin Singh, Anu, Riva and Kikelomo. One of my best nights so far was catching DJ Swisha at Venue MOT, really fun venue with a good vibe!
You’ve been producing a little in the past year, can we hope to see an EP in the not too distant future? If so, how would you like to describe your sound? Ah Track is fucken sick!
Thank you, so glad you like that one!! Honestly producing has been a difficult journey for me, I’ve been wanting to release an EP for years but can never seem to get something together that I’m happy with. Lately I’ve been trying to get better about sharing my tracks with people for honest feedback. I’m hoping that leads me to getting some tracks in a good state to release! Honestly I don't have much of a sound I try and go for, it’s really just a matter of what I’m feeling inspired by in that moment. I generally lean more to bass and rhythm oriented genres since I have a hard time writing melodies and chord progressions.
“Lately I’ve been trying to get better about sharing my tracks with people for honest feedback. I’m hoping that leads me to getting some tracks in a good state to release!”
What has been the best set or party you’ve been to this year?
That’s a really hard question haha, this summer has been my “Eat Pray Love” summer of sorts so I’ve been really lucky to attend a lot of really great parties in the past few months. If I can mention two, I’d say: the last Einhundert party before I moved and Akua’s set at Berghain.
Einhundert is easily my favorite party in Berlin with a really amazing crowd and music - I find myself staying till the very end every time. The last one was a bittersweet one, getting to dance and enjoy with so many friends but also say goodbye. For Akua’s set, I had a really solid group of friends together (including some visiting from out of town) to enjoy THE best techno set I’ve heard in that space. Both really special memories of the summer!
Finally, what’s next for Arnav? And where can we catch you spinning?
Nothing really on the horizon for me at the moment! Just getting settled in here and immersing myself in the scene, hoping to get some opportunities to play here and back in Berlin in the near future. Also hoping to play some gigs in the states when I’m back there around the holidays.
Stay up to date with Arnav here!