Hailed as one of the most exciting new labels to emerge onto the US techno circuit following its launch in January 2021, LA-based imprint There Is A Light now gears up to celebrate its fifth huge EP of the year, as it warmly welcomes iconic Milanese producer Stiv Hey for his eagerly anticipated label debut. Out now, Stiv Hey and There Is A Light now proudly present the colossal two-part Flavours EP.
Celebrated globally for his inimitable blend of mind-bending techno and dark, driving soundscapes, Stiv Hey’s imminent debut on TIAL follows a prolific run of critically acclaimed releases on some of the biggest labels in techno over the past few years, including Octopus Recordings, FORM Music, Sci+Tec, Tronic, Set About, Prospect Records, Respekt Recordings and Unrilis.
Hello Stiv! Thanks very much for your time to talk to us. How are you today?
Hi guys, my pleasure.Ii’m feeling great thanks, the sun is shining here in Barcelona and I’m really excited to talk with you about my new release on TIAL.
Please introduce yourself to our Only Techno readers.
Hi guys I hope you’re having a great time. My name is Stiv Hey, for the ones of you who do not know me yet I’m a DJ & producer from Italy, founder of Memories Events and Sounders. Oh and I’m a techno addicted boy haha
Where are you answering this interview from?
I’m answering this interview from the Barcelona airport, while I wait for my flight to a destination I don’t know lol (this travel is a bday surprise!).
How would you describe your particular brand of techno?
I’d describe my kind of techno as Sexy. I play with a lot of vocals and melodies keeping the rolling groove in the back that really makes you move (and jump ahah)
How does your creative process start when making a record?
I always start with an idea in mind, it could another track I use as a reference, the way I feel, a particular photo or painting that captured my attention and i want to transform into music.
We’ve just checked out your amazing new Flavours EP on There Is A Light. Can you talk us through the release and how it came about?
Thank you guys, I’m happy you like it. Well composing these tracks was a long work, it was not easy to find the right direction with a new born label. When they first contacted me for this EP i was not sure if i should do it, as working with new labels is not the easiest thing to do. But at this point i’m more than happy that i joined the TIAL family. The guys are very professional and for sure TIAL will soon become a recognized label in the techno world.
We understand this is your debut release on the label. How did you connect with the The Archer for this epic new EP?
Yes you are right. A friend and great DJ & producer named Sian connected me with the label.
What’s the music scene like where you currently live? Are things beginning to open up again?
Yesss! Finally, here in Barcelona things are moving up. Clubs are open with no mask, no limited capacity, no early closing time. The parties are back in full mode. I have been at Input last Saturday and I felt right again. I’m not sure if you get what I mean.. but these last 2 years without parties took a lot of meaning out of my life (as it happened to a lot of you I guess). So finally coming back to a club with no restrictions made me feel like wow, here is where I belong, like a refresh of all the memories, who I am and what I live for. Amazing feeling.
Beyond the EP release, are you planning some other new music and projects soon that you can tell us about?
Yes I have a lot more music coming out in the next months, unfortunately I can’t announce the labels yet but expect some great ones. I’m working really hard on my Sounders project, the first community, academy and network of Italian DJ & producers, which is really growing lately. Also finally some shows are being confirmed for the next months: Italy, Spain, Czech Republic and more to be announced.
Do you have any final words for our Only Techno readers?
Guys, thank you so much for reading my interview. I’m feeling really excited lately and I’d like to share some of that vibe with you. Our techno world is finally coming back. Stay strong, be confident. We’ll be back to dance together, again and again. Big hugsss to everyone and see you soon at some party.
