A chat with IZA ahead of his Lower Tones release...
Lowertones is back after a period of inactivity, marking the beginning of a new era with Reference Number 05. Their latest release comes courtesy of Frenchaman IZA, courtesy of his brilliant"Spektrüm" EP, which also includes a killer mix by gimenoleix. A compelling mix of dark synths and intricate broken beats, it creates an immersive and mind-bending sonic journey of the type we love at Nightclubber HQ. We caught up with IZA recently to learn more.
Can you tell us more about your latest release on Barcelona label Lower Tones? What was the inspiration behind it?
First of all you should know that Lower Tones has made some magnificent releases, it's an honour to release my music with them.
The inspiration was simple, as always in my music the drums are quite minimalist, everything is in the sound design, also minimalist but which creates the mental aspect that I want each time, the particularity with this release is the hint of acid!
Is Barcelona a place that inspires you musically? Where else on your travels has?
Barcelona is a very lively, cosmopolitan city. Some places inspire me more than others, notably my last trip to Hungary, Budapest to be exact. I loved this atmosphere through the culture, the monuments...
How did you first connect with the Lower Tones guys and get involved with the label?
I first proposed a first model because I really wanted to be part of this prestigious label! Aleix liked my style but that didn't fit with the LowerTones vision I then worked for.
In your opinion, how does the French electronic music scene compare to other scenes around the world?
Electronic music has an important scene in France, particularly in Paris and a few other cities, however minimal/techno still remains, I find a niche.
I had the chance to play at a nice event recently in Paris, the 10th anniversary of LA CLAP, where I was able to share the dj booth with Olivier Romero (Psykoloco), Alisonn, Stan Yaroslavski! Other cities in other countries leave even more space for this scene!
Can you share a bit about the creative scene in your hometown in France and how it has shaped your music career?
Orléans is a small city, however certain places inspire me, for example: the Loire, the beautiful forests...
Who are your DJ idols, and how have they influenced your style and career?
Rhadoo! definitely ! I like listening to his productions but especially his DJ sets which inspire me enormously. When I see him playing one of my sounds, it’s an immense joy, an HONOUR!
Other artists inspire me, friends Cesar (ROOT) boss of the SARAW label who has trusted me for a few years now, Marino boss of IUNSUB with whom we have a common project as well as SAAV.
ARPIAR, Dubtil, Margaret Dygas, Ricardo Villalobos, Priku, Emi, RAHA... The list is long and ultimately very eclectic since I also really like classical music!
How does it feel to have the support of renowned artists like Arpiar and Mihigh?
An immense joy!
What has been your all-time favourite gig, and why was it so special?
It was in 2011 I think, at the Rex Club WHERE I was able to play on a Thursday evening. The atmosphere was incredible. I remember peak time when I played "Ame-Rej" the dance floor was turned upside down! the anecdote - the sound engineer danced in the cabin and asked me to play louder in the DJ booth haha.
Your latest release includes a remix by Gimenoleix. How did the remix collaboration come about, and what was the creative process like?
Aleix was immediately hooked on “Spektrum” and was quickly inspired by the piece. I simply sent him the stems with carte blanche.
Could you walk us through your production process? What tools and techniques do you use to create your music?
When I start a track, I have difficulty stopping the production process because I am absorbed by the music. my productions are very often the result of a long session, very little retouching, or only for the mixing.
What do you find most challenging and most rewarding about the music production process?
The most difficult thing is definitely inspiration, I sometimes cut off for a moment; when the most rewarding: that the piece resonates as I imagine it, I close my eyes and imagine the piece resonating in a club, if I tap my feet and nod it's OK.
Are there any specific locations or venues that you dream of performing at in the future? As a DJ/producer, do you think about what constitutes success for you?
Obviously, I dream of playing at Sunwaves, Fabric (London), Supermarket (Switzerland), Nordstern (Basel), as well as the Panorama Bar just after Steffi.
What are your thoughts on the evolution of electronic music over the years, and where do you see it heading in the future?
I'm 34 years old, I've experienced parties and clubs without a smartphone, I would love for this atmosphere to come back. Electronic music is experiencing its glory days. Like all fashion, it will return to the shadows of a new genre, becoming underground again. For purists only.
Ok one more - can you tell us about your future plans and upcoming projects?
I'm proud to have some great vinyl and digital releases with renowned remixers. I can't say more but anyone who likes my style will not be disappointed.
I have a project with Marino which is in the process of seeing the light of day "Mirza" you will undoubtedly hear about it, a few other projects with my brothers Abel Soleil, Paul K, Matje, that I would like to complete, each in a different style but still hypnotic!
Keep up with IZA on Bandcamp and Soundcloud
Keep up with Lowertones on Bandcamp and Instagram
Buy/listen to IZA's Spektrüm EP here