There Is A Light – the brand new imprint from LA-based DJ, producer and label head Arash Homampour (a.k.a The Archer) – has officially launched with the eagerly-anticipated release of The Archer’s debut EP, Lonely Dream. Established as a platform to champion some of the brightest international talents in electronic music – as well as being a home for his own prolific stream of productions – Homampour’s wide-reaching musical knowledge, spanning everything from Deep House, New Wave, Disco and Techno, will lie 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. DMCWORLD caught up with the man himself from his home in Los Angeles to find out more…
Hi Arash, pleasure to be connected. How are you today?
Hey DMC! I’m doing well, thank you!
Let’s get straight to it. Who is The Archer?
A DJ/music producer who makes and plays timeless, authentically good music. The actual ‘Archer’ name is a natural one because my real name is Arash, which is also the name of a heroic archer-figure of Iranian mythology. I was also born on December 8 – making me a Sagittarius, which is symbolized by the Archer. Sadly, I cannot actually slay anyone with an arrow but I do my best on the dance floor.
How would you best describe your sound?
House music with a techno foundation.
You’ve just dropped your debut EP ‘Lonely Dream’. Please can you tell us about the release?
I wanted to make a chic vocal track that had a more exotic vibe and did just that. I was also lucky enough to attract some of my favorite techno producers Matt Sassari and Drunken Kong to create their unique visions and put a spin on my original mix.
What do you use to produce music? Can you talk us through your studio set up and some of your favourite bits of gear?
I use Ableton as my DAW. I also play guitar and bass and have acoustic, electric and bass guitars. For hardware, I have the Roland TR8s, Jupiter X, Novation Summit and Moog Grandmother. I also use a lot of VSTs/plugins (Serum, Sylenth, Massive, kick 2, tweak, Arturia, Omnisphere, Kontakt Komplete, Diva, Spire, Ozone 9, etc.) I also use a lot of samples and chopped up loops. But, you really don’t need all this stuff. Ableton, Diva and a few good sample packs should be enough to get you going.
Your new label ‘There Is A Light’ has been making some noise lately. What can you tell us about your vision on where it’s heading?
I have a distinct business model, in that the label’s goal is not to make a lot of money. Obviously, it should pay for itself at some point. But, my purpose in starting the label is get my music out there (so I can play out at bigger venues and soon enough Coachella’s Yuma tent) and, more importantly, to help other artists pursue and live out their dream by sharing their music with the rest of the world. Nothing makes me happier than other people’s success. There is a Light is all about manifesting a platform for talented artists whose music should be heard.
What’s next on the label after ‘Lonely Dream’?
Another vocal track by me and releases by other artists in sub genres like tech house, hard techno and melodic techno (my personal favorites).
If you could choose one favourite artist (past or present) to release on the label, who would it be?
Everything but the Girl. I can’t think of a better band that made legitimately amazing music that successfully crossed over through so many genres from jazz to folk to electronica.
Outside of electronic music, what are some of your favourite tracks on rotation right now?
I am a big fan of alt folk, alt rock and alt urban. Some of my current favs are Cub Sport’s ‘I’m on Fire’, Fazerdaze’s ‘Lucky Girl’, Morrissey’s ‘King Leer’ and Father John Misty’s ‘I Love You, Honeybear’.
How have you found the last 12 months? Has the global situation impacted your personal inspiration or motivation?
It actually gave me the precious time I needed to finish music and start the label. As strange as it sounds, there was a silver lining for me personally. Given the pandemic’s truly tragic toll, I am grateful for the health of my loved ones and that I was able to emerge with a new passion that can help entertain and inspire others.
What are your plans for the rest of the year?
Make, play and release tons of music.
Thanks Arash and good luck with the launch!
Thanks!
The Archer — Lonely Dream EP (including remixes from Matt Sassari and Drunken Kong) is out now via There Is A Light...
