Interview: HEVI LEVI

HEVI LEVI is an electronic music DJ & producer from Tel Aviv, Israel. One of the most well known artists in Israel for the last 15 years, he founded and owns Joy Group – a record label, a recording studio, a school for DJs and producers and more. Throughout his career he has played at some of the most prestigious underground clubs and music festivals around the world, including the likes of Tomorrowland, Laundry Day, Escape, Sensation, Space, Futurami, IT, Ministry Of Sound and Pacha to name a few. Now he produces his own unique blend of techno and progressive house, and his latest tracks have received noteworthy positions in the Beatport and Apple Music charts, and got into some important editorial playlists on Spotify. As he gears up to drop his brand new release Mad World on January 27, we caught up with HEVI LEVI to find out more.

It’s a pleasure to have you here with us HEVI LEVI. How have you been and where are you answering this interview from?

Pleasure to be here. I’m from Tel Aviv Israel

First things first, please can you introduce yourself for our readers? 

My name is Shlomi Levi and my DJ name is HEVI LEVI, I’m a father for 2 boys, I was born and raised in Israel. More than anything else in life I’m a DJ, I was born to make people dance, although I have 2 masters degrees (Mathematics & Computer Science and Technology Business) my true passion is playing and creating electronic music. I’ve been a DJ for a long time now with a super diverse career; all the way from Trance, EDM, and even pop and Hip Hop, until I found my sound in Techno & Progressive House.

How did you get to where you are now?

A lot of hard work, mistakes and also doing the right things at the right time. It took me quite some time to discover my sound, but being where I am now comes from understanding my sound and being persistent on it.

Who or what were your biggest musical influences and inspirations growing up?

Something like this Pink Floyd -> Depech Mode – > Faithless -> Pink Floyd

Can you tell us about the electronic music scene in Tel Aviv right now?

Tel Aviv is a super vibrant city and it’s always in sync with the world’s trends. Right now a lot of big names are coming to the city on a weekly basis from all over the world and the electronic scene is great here.

Where are some of your favourite places to hang out in the city?

Most of the good parties are moving from venue to venue based on availability and capacity. Some of the best venues right now are: Capella, Bside, Mata, Forum (outside of Tel Aviv), Bavel, Rabbit and Sheket Club. There are obviously more than that, but those are the ones that popped in to my mind at the moment.

Talk to us about your record label and brand Joy. What does the brand encompass and what is your mission?

Joy is a musical business group, our mission is to make people happy, our means of distribution is music, we have record label, DJ school, Bookings, Musical based startups, Distributions services and more, in a nutshell we are a hub for music and happiness.

You also have an associated event company called TN1! – can you tell us more about the concept behind that?

TN1! = Together, Not One.
The idea is to be the output of Joy in everything that is physical, Parties, festivals, fashion and radio. This is how we take the Joy to the streets. In the near future we want TN1! to be involved in physical shops, barbershops, fashion shops, restaurants and more. It’s our way of bringing Joy everywhere and anywhere at any time.

We understand you have a new record out early next year called ‘Mad World’, which will be released alongside a music video and some merchandise, in aid of the war in Ukraine. What made you want to embark on this project?

Yes, this is my way to give and help other give and help to does who can’t, without going deep into politics, as an Israeli I know how it is to live in a constant war situation, what is happening in Ukraine right now is crazy and looking at it from the side just makes you understand how mad this world is. This project will donate each time to a place or situation where politics and leaders fail. We will release music, sell merch, make parties and use this money and donation money to help those who are suffering. Right now the Ukrainian people are our focus.

If you could collaborate with any artist in the scene right now, who would it be?

CamelPhat, Jerom Is-ma, Space Motion, Rüfüs Du Sol and for old times, Armin Van Buren and Faithless. I’m also open to collaborating with anyone that music is his passion and has got a unique style. I’m also constantly looking for vocalists and top liners.

Top 3 favourite records you love to play at the moment?

Silver Screen (Space Motion)
The Sign (CamelPhat, Anyma)
The Moon (My own feature release)

Can you tell us about some of your favourite non-electronic music artists?

Pink Floyd is my go to music, I find it super technical and super emotional at the same time, Lately I also love Rüfüs Du Sol.

What else have you got planned for 2023? 

I’m planning a series of releases that will incorporate Techno and orchestral music, I also plan to travel a lot and play everywhere I can bring happiness to and in general make a lot of happy people.

Any final words for our Only Techno readers?

Support your local artists, follow them on socials, buy tickets to their shows, listen and playlist their music, book them to your private events, and in general let them feel loved and appreciated. They need your support to go on and make music.

Thanks Hevi, we wish you all the best for the year ahead!

Thank you

Hevi Levi – Mad World will be released on Joy Records on January 27. For more information, stay tuned to https://linktr.ee/hevilevi

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