Raven: I’m really interested in collaborating with more artists and pushing the limits of my own personal sound.
We are happy to welcome our new guest, Raven!
Raven is a DJ, producer and vocalist based in Berlin. Raven’s dark, hard-hitting sets are not for the faint of heart. With influences that range everywhere from The Ring to Joey Beltram, Raven’s renegade fusion of acid, trance and rave dissolves the traditional distinction between genres and always maintains an element of the surprise. The Canadian-born artist is by every definition a DJ’s DJ: an artist with an encyclopedic knowledge of techno history, a truly nerdy level of technical skill, impeccable, discerning taste and an authentic commitment to nurturing the underground.
We had the chance to explore her experiences in the industry, discuss her various music projects, and much more. Enjoy the conversation!
Raven is a DJ, producer and vocalist based in Berlin. Raven’s dark, hard-hitting sets are not for the faint of heart. With influences that range everywhere from The Ring to Joey Beltram, Raven’s renegade fusion of acid, trance and rave dissolves the traditional distinction between genres and always maintains an element of the surprise. The Canadian-born artist is by every definition a DJ’s DJ: an artist with an encyclopedic knowledge of techno history, a truly nerdy level of technical skill, impeccable, discerning taste and an authentic commitment to nurturing the underground.
We had the chance to explore her experiences in the industry, discuss her various music projects, and much more. Enjoy the conversation!
RMH:
Hi Raven, it's awesome to have you with us! Can you start by sharing a bit about your journey into the music scene and how it shaped you as both a producer and DJ?
RAVEN:
Hi, happy to chat with you guys! Since I can remember I have always been recoding music, finding my way through different projects, genres and instruments, singing and songwriting. Music was always something I naturally gravitated toward. I guess because when I was younger, I found it difficult to express my feelings. I started DJing because I couldn’t find enough DJs for my events. I don’t think I would have that problem these days, but even though DJing kind of fell on my lap, it turned out to be another way to connect with people.
RMH:
Your latest track, Phone Sex, was released on Sara Landry’s HEKATE. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind the track and how it came together?
RAVEN:
“Phone Sex” is a collaboration between me and Frankie Watch. I love Frankie’s music. One day, over Soundcloud, he asked me if I’d be open to working on a track together. I said yes. We set out with the intention to make a banger. That’s exactly what we did. I think the track perfectly blends each-others own personal sound. Go check it out if you haven’t already!
RMH:
You’ve performed at iconic venues like Berghain and festivals like Awakenings and Terminal V. What has been one of your most memorable sets, and what made it stand out for you?
RAVEN:
Wow, way too many great memories! I remember playing Awakenings for the first time in Summer 2022. The Awakenings crew told me no floor had ever been so packed for an opener that whole weekend. My set was on the last day, Sunday morning. When I got to the backstage, I’m not gonna lie, I shed a couple tears… but they were happy tears! It was a big moment for me. That being said, most of my favourite places to play are not the biggest stages or clubs. I always enjoy smaller cities where they’re still developing their Techno scene. I love to be a part of that.
RMH:
Being part of EXHALE and working with artists like Amelie Lens has solidified your place in the scene. How has that influenced your music and career?
RAVEN:
Playing EXHALE events and releasing my track “Metal on Metal” on the label has been an amazing opportunity. Amelie reached out and asked me for a track after I put out my first EP. She put me in front a massive audience, that’s for sure, and she believed in me. I wouldn’t say her involvement is what ‘solidified’ my place in the scene. But there’s no question Amelie’s support was insurmountable to my career. I spent a lot of time being a local DJ and supporting bigger acts. It’s strange to have local DJ’s that support me now. But I’ll never lose touch with where I started.
RMH:
With a debut release on Oguz’s 808 label coming up, what can we expect from that release, and how does it reflect your current creative direction?
RAVEN:
Oguz and I are fans of early 2000s Hard Groove, like Compact Records. We collaborated on a track that pays homage to that dusty, crunchy sound with a modern edge. You can expect something banging and sexy for sure. I think all tracks on the VA will slap.
RMH:
We know that you're an animal lover. So If you could swap lives with any animal for a day, which one would it be and what would you do?
RAVEN:
It would have to be something nocturnal. An animal that is more of an observer. Has to be cute...maybe some kind of fox. Those sneaky little things are adorable. Would be fab to go out n’ spy for a night.
RMH:
After so much success, what are the next steps for you in terms of new music or projects? Any dream collaborations or goals on the horizon?
RAVEN:
I’m really interested in collaborating with more artists and pushing the limits of my own personal sound. I’ve been working with artists outside of Techno too. I just don’t want to pigeon-hole myself in anyway. My goal is to create great music. I think all music is electronic music in some shape or form and I want to keep pushing fresh ideas.
Editor: Olly Kuskova
