Habischman

Iman Habibi known as Habischman has also been known under many other recognisable aliases, since cutting his teeth at the Red Bull Music Academy in 2008. He studied alongside the likes of Jamie Woon and Septa, and fast developed a strong standing amongst his peers, with a distinct choice in sound and dominant drive to succeed. Fast forward to 2016, his accumulated skillset covered both studio and DJing platforms, taking to the booth at London’s legendary Ministry Of Sound alongside his long term hero, Dave Seaman for Global Underground’s 20th Year Anniversary. Based between Berlin and Iran where he produces whilst performing at all the key underground clubs further allowing the persona of Habischman to firmly take hold. With a strong discography and a string of new hits released this year already, Habischman shows no sign of stopping. DMCWORLD speak to the man behind the music Iman Habibi about his influences and what else is in store for us all…

 

 

You grew up in Iran, what was it like starting your career here?

I grew up in Tehran, Iran. Well there was no electronic music scene in my country as such and all I picked up was from listening to mix tapes or compilations that I got from my friends who were into the same type of music like me. So it wasn’t easy at all to be honest.

Tell us more about your debut in Ibiza this year?

Sunny weather, beautiful people and great music all gathered in one place. Ibiza is really inspiring and it gives me great vibes and I can turn them all into my next productions. I played a bunch of parties on the island this year and had already played Café Del Mar which was nice. It was great launching the season playing with Hot Since 82.

You are one of a few people still producing in Iran, how do you find inspiration there and pull influence from the West when producing in the East?

Well I travel a lot and it’s easy to find inspiration in every corner on this planet, from going out to even studying other cultures in every country that I visit but over all internet has made my life easier and I can stay updated easily and create fresh bits and ideas, I like making music in my cosy studio in Tehran, but wherever I go I have my laptop with me and I make music on the road too.

Your latest track of Knee Deep in Sound ‘Closure’ hit Beatport Tech House charts at number 11, what other tracks do you have in the pipeline?

Yes, ‘Closure’ is going to be remixed by one of the best DJs in the scene that I wanna keep his name secret for now, I have recently released two remixes one for Yousef on Knee Deep In Sound and one for Pirupa’s Nonstop label and also working on new original material.

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Who are your biggest influencers in the electronic music scene and why?

I started listening to the likes of Danny Tenaglia, Sasha, Digweed, Steve Lawler and to me these DJs played my favourite kind of music and I wanted to do the same with the sound that I loved the most.

How did you first get into DJing and producing and has music always run deep in your life?

I always enjoyed watching DJ battles and I used to breakdance as a kid, then I decided to get myself a pair of turntables and that’s how I got into DJing after couple of years of mastering my DJing skills I decided to push the envelope and started to learn production in Ableton.

What are your top three tracks to watch this year?

There are so many good tracks out there and it’s not easy to pick only three but these are my current favorites :

  1. Einzelkind – Free Savioni Amnesia Pearl Mix
  2. Heartbeast – You Owe Me Gorge Remix
  3. Mele – Scouse Afrika (Original Mix)

What else can we expect to see from Habischman for the end of the year?

I’m working on my artist pack for Sample Magic, also working on a very cool music project in Tehran called Time Code Tehran which will be launched after ADE it’s a community for House & Techno fans and those who wanna learn how to produce music and push their boundaries in this scene and like always finishing more original material for some of my favourite labels that I can not reveal at this stage

Who are your biggest inspirations in music and beyond?

Well for me anything or anyone can help me bring that inspiration that I need to produce music or collect my favourite records, my surroundings help me get inspired a lot, every time I travel I get to produce something different on the road and when I listen back It reminds me of a great memory that I had in that city, like last time I was in Amsterdam for a gig  and I made a re-edit of my ‘Closure’ track and I really enjoy playing it in my sets at the moment.

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What do you enjoy doing outside of music?

I have a notebook that I write my ideas in and I try to create side projects that could be musical or non-musical. I like to read motivational quotes or just watch a nice movie at home. I also swim a lot and go out with my friends.

What is the most rewarding and most challenging part about being a Dj/producer?

One time I was watching an interview by Steve Lawler and he said  “I get paid to travel” which is completely true, on the other side playing music is the real passion. Music is the main reason I’m in this industry and it’s very rewarding, It’s amazing that you get to meet a lot of people in each and every corner of this world who appreciate what you do, people come to your gigs and share their love for the music with the DJ, and if I’m able to give them a good it makes me feel special.  It’s all about the vibe & energy around us and I really believe in that when I’m DJing. The challenging side could be airports and layovers but I also like that lifestyle too cos I make a lot of friends at the airports as well so let’s always look at the bright side.

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