There’s a new breed of DJ/producer coming out of Israel. Lior Lahav optimises this: he’s been producing in his home studio for over 10 years, travelling the world playing his own uplifting version of full-on psy trance under the name Solar System and working on his electro house project on the side. Last year he was rewarded for this hard work by being voted No. 85 in the DJ MagTop 100 Poll and he’s kicked off 2009 by becoming Antiworld’s International Resident. Headlining Antiworld’s Psychedelic Academy on Sunday 3 May, he’s looking forward to coming back to London as we discovered…
What made you choose the name ‘Solar System’? Do you have a particular interest in astronomy?
I try always to do my best to bring energy and happiness into my music like the sun always makes people happy. Also my name is Lior and the meaning of it in Hebrew is ‘light up’, so I wanted my stage name to be connected to my real name in life.
Were you into music as a child, or it was it something you grew into over time?
As I remember myself I was into music, taking private lessons in piano for a year and a half, then at the age of 12–13 I started to play at parties for pupils and birthday parties. Then I was already deep into the electronic and trance music. At the age of 14 I started to create music on my own as a hobby and two years later I started to perform in clubs and to DJ.
You’re currently no. 85 in the DJ Magazine Top 100 Poll. How did you come to this point and so young (26) and where do you plan on going from here?
I have to say that reaching the Top 100 DJs list would not have happened without God or without the people who have giving me loving support from all over the world. It’s an amazing feeling to know that after years of hard work, people appreciate my work.
The most important thing for me is that more and more people discover my music and feel connected to it. I think it’s better than any competition.
No doubt that this honorable place is a sign to keep up hard work and go forward. The sky is the limit.
What do you consider the other key achievements in your career?
I consider my belief in God that has gaven me a gift to live and the opportunity to do what I love the most — music , so I think it’s a special key that opens for many achievements .
And I think the other key is my music. My tracks have started to spread around the globe thanks to other DJs, releases went great , then playing from small stages to the biggest. From all of this my stage name became stronger and opened doors for some achievements (DJMag No. 85, Antiworld International Resident, my albums, compilations, bookings , etc..) and these achievements will develop more future achievements.
Who were your main musical influences growing up? And now?
As a child I used to be a rock fan. I still have some rock in my blood like when I use guitars in my music. It fits together well.
These days I listen a lot to rock, bands like Coldplay, U2 and some good Israeli rock bands.
But my main influences these days come from the Jewish holy literary texts. Because when I create a track it has to come from spirituality and with artistic inspiration and that’s where I get my musical influences.
Your style is usually described as full-on psy trance. How would you describe the Solar System sound?
I try to transfer joy and happiness through my music with the presence of a good vibe, strong drive, adrenaline and groove.
Although my style is defined as full on psy trance I’m lucky to find myself playing in places where psy DJs almost have never played. So I’m happy that people that have not necessarily come from this scene can get excited about my music too.
You’ve released your debut album ‘Private Selection’ in 2008. Did it take long to put it together and was there a main concept or theme behind it? And what is behind the name of ‘Private Selection’?
Well, I have done many tracks that were released on different known labels in the world, but then one day my label Sonesta Records together with Goa Records (USA) had the idea to take the Top 10 tracks and give people the opportunity to enjoy them all in one album, in case they didn’t have all of them already.
‘Private Selection’ was named after a hard selection, picking my favourites from all times and it was a really different kind of decision to make — not a usual album: I went for something else; an album that gives the best 10 hit singles together in one place.
In the end, I’m really happy I made this album. It goes well and gets many good comments and support.
You’ve got a home studio that you’ve worked in for over 10 years making music. What software and hardware did you use in the studio to make the album?
Synthesizers & Samplers Korg Micro Korg
Korg MS20iC
Nord Lead 2
Novation Remote 25
Speakers 2 x Dynaudio DA-BM6A
Mixing Yamaha O2R
Microphones Rode
Over the last 10 years you’ve done so many productions. What, in your opinion, makes a great psy trance track?
I think that the most important thing in a good psytrance track is having a story, a special sound, production, variation and a surprise. Each track should begin from one point and finish with another that will feel like a journey with a good atmosphere that can be played everywhere from home/car to the dance floor.
You’ve already finished your second album, ‘Must Be the Music’—that was quick! Can you tell us when it will be released? Was the second album easier than the first or did you become even more of a perfectionist in the studio?
These days I’m working on my third album and waiting for the second one ‘Must Be The Music’ to be released on Spun Reconds soon. It took me a year and half to finish this album and I’m doing it at the same time as my other productions like electro and progressive house for my other project under my own name, Lior Lahav.
The second album wasn’t easier to make than the first one because I had higher expectations from me and high standards. I have always been a perfectionist about my work, I’ve never released a track quickly just to have one — not until I have the best version. I try to bring up the level in each track and album.
You’re now Antiworld’s international resident. Congratulations! How did this come about and what made you decide to work with Enrico?
Thanks! I’m very excited about it and I think it’s really an honour to work with a guy like Enrico. Antiworld is the best team in Europe that make quality events of a high standards and I’m glad and proud to be a part of it. I’m really looking forward to it!
In the next couple of months you’re playing everywhere from San Francisco to Stockholm, Gothenburg to Aurora Festival in Greece. What’s been your favourite place to play over the years? And where haven’t you played yet that you’d like to?
The truth is that one of the best places I’ve been to and played for was in London. I enjoyed it so much because of the people. Besides that, UK is my favourite country after Israel and I’m so happy to be coming back there again. This year I’m expecting to play three shows for Antiworld on May 03, Oct 10 and Nov 28.
I haven’t played in Ibiza yet. It’s an amazing place! But I’m suppose to get there soon and play in an event named after my new track ‘The Wonders Of The Universe’ that will be released on my ‘Must Be The Music’ album.
What are your top five tracks to get the party going at the moment?
My tracks: ‘Summer Rain’, ‘Sublime’, ‘Must Be The Music’, ‘The Wonders Of The Universe’, ‘Majestic’ (Remix)
What are your classic five tracks that never leave your CD case?
Sun Project — ‘Let It Burn’ (Solar System remix)
Xerox & Illumination — ‘The Vision’ (Solar System remix)
Solar System — ‘Dark Star’
Solar System — ‘3 Days’
Cosma — ‘The Time Has Come’
What kind of music do you like to listen to in the car? And chilling at home?
I chill out with Israeli music. I really love Hebrew songs very much.
What do you like to do when you’re not DJing and producing?
I love spending time with my family and my girlfriend. I really enjoy playing with my little nephews and seeing them grow up slowly. And I go to the synagogue a lot, the place where I draw spirituality into my life. I also watch football games and play sometimes with my friends.
Your tracks are incredibly powerful and inspired by some very intense and inspirational events in your life. Can you tell us the story behind ‘Sublime’? And ‘Summer Rain’?
‘Sublime’ was written about a good friend in life that died. Right after his funeral I felt so many emotions that I had to transfer through music so I made this track and dedicated to him.
‘Summer Rain’ was created in the summer in the days of war. When my city was under massive bombs, and many citizens ran away from home I thought the right thing for me to do was closing myself in my studio and transferring that experience from my point of view into my music.
If you weren’t a DJ and producer, what could you see yourself doing?
I used to be a professional soccer player till I was 17.5 years old. I really loved it but when I got a big offer to play in the first league in Israel I told myself to reject it and follow my heart and dreams to the music industry. But I believe that if there wasn’t so much passion for music in my life I would have stayed a soccer player.
You’re playing Antiworld’s awesome Psychedelic Academy events in London 3 May. Given that this is your first London set for a while, what do you have in store for your fans?
I intend to bring new fresh music and sound, building an interesting set with excellent productions and let them enjoy the most from the great vibe. I will use this opportunity to say to all the people who’re coming on May 3th — get yourself ready because we’re going to have a wicked night!
Finally, what advice do you have for bedroom DJs and producers reading this who want to make it in the music industry?
I just believe in hard work. Hard work with diligence produces good results. Also lots of willpower and patience is needed.
Music isn’t an easy profession for making a living, but I think with a natural talent and a real love, it’s possible to make it.
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From: Mariaon 28th Apr 2009 17:48.11 Fantastic interview! Hope you will enjoy your first set at Antiworld Events!!! Have fun...greetings from Sao Paulo/Brazil!!!
From: Frank Eon 29th Apr 2009 03:23.24 Looking forward to this.
From: Ashley Jameson 13th May 2009 16:34.56 Add your comments here !
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