One of the most exciting new talents to emerge onto the US house and techno scene over the past few years, LA-based DJ, producer, and label boss Arash Homampour – a.k.a. The Archer – has the passion, drive and dedication to rival the best in the business. Successful trial attorney by day, Arash’s unique artistic vision and creative flair has led him to follow an unexpected second path in electronic music, where he looks to push the boundaries of creativity and innovation in everything that he does.
Cutting his teeth as DJ first and foremost, clocking performances at some of the most notable clubs and venues across North America, Arash made his eagerly anticipated production debut in January 2021 with the critically acclaimed release of Lonely Dream – a three-part EP released on his newly-formed imprint, There Is A Light. Established as a platform to champion some of the brightest international talents in electronic music – as well as being a home for his own stream of productions – Homampour’s wide-reaching musical knowledge, spanning everything from deep house, new wave, disco and techno, lies at the heart of everything the label represents, as he looks to deliver a consistent run of diverse and quality output over the course of 2021 and beyond.
We invited Arash to take part in our Prima Lux mix series and got the chance to catch up with him from his home in LA in the process.
WWD: Hello Arash, and welcome to When We Dip. Fantastic to have you chatting with us for the first time.
Thanks for having me!
WWD: How has 2021 been for you so far?
So far so good! Now that people are vaccinated and the world is slowly reopening, I’m ready to get out there and play some live shows.
WWD: Starting at the beginning, can you tell us how you got into electronic music?
I cannot remember a time when I was not into electronic music. There is something about the limitations and infinite possibilities of technology that made music that my ears liked without evening understanding why. I’ve been going to clubs since I was in junior high school. Electronic music is club music. So, whether it was Kraftwerk, the Human League, early Madonna, early Hip Hop or whatever was produced using an 808, I was into electronic music as an essential part of my existence.
WWD: How would you best describe your brand of electronic music for those who may not be familiar?
I would describe my sound as vocal-based house music at its core, with touches of Afro house, tech house, and techno.
WWD: Who or what were your biggest musical inspirations growing up?
Everything but the Girl, Duran Duran, and the Smiths.
WWD: Thanks so much for putting this mix together for us. Can you give us an idea of what to expect?
All of my mixes are organic and never planned. I include some new tracks and old tracks that fit the vibe. As I was just in Tulum and Cabo San Lucas, my current mood is more percussive and funky, and this mix reflects that. I love playing music most people have never heard before but love on first listen. I love music that transports you – wherever you are – to a more magical place. This set should accomplish that.
WWD: Can you share some memories from the days you started raving/DJing?
Underground raves have been around forever and will be here forever. I remember what I love to this day. Friends and strangers dancing and connecting in a cavernous, dark, sweaty, smoke filled venue through pulsating music and the vibes that go along with it.
WWD: You’ve just released a new EP release from Ron Costa on your label There Is A Light. Can you talk us through the release?
The idea behind the EP was to explore several genres that Ron is influenced by. He programmed the track to follow house, techno, and electronic grooves. We thought The Reactivitz would be the perfect fit to add his own spin and remix the track.
WWD: How did you connect with Ron for this release?
My good friend and excellent DJ/producer Graham AKA Sian helped make the connection.
WWD: This is the second big release on TIAL. Tell us about the creative outlook for the label and what plans you have for the imprint moving forwards?
Our plan is to release music we love – house and techno with all the sub-genres between. The label is also looking into acquiring a creative space in the Los Angeles area where we will also host private house and techno music parties.
WWD: What do you like to do in your spare time when you’re not touring the world or making music?
I am a trial lawyer by day, but when I’m not working, I love traveling, yoga, and listening to music.
WWD: What’s your favourite part of being an artist?
Creating
WWD: And your least favourite?
There is nothing truly bad about being an artist; it’s all part of the process.
WWD: Do you have any other releases planned in the coming months? Can you give us a sneak peek?
Besides the Ron Costa and The Reactivitz EP, we also have an EP by Matt Sassari with a remix by D-Unity coming out in July.
WWD: Any final words for our When We Dip readers?
Hope you enjoy this mix and long live techno!