R^ST is a man on a mission. Following a brace of successful single releases on his burgeoning HAAI LIFE imprint already this year with ‘If You Wonder Who I Am’ and ‘Sinnerman’, the hugely talented Belgrade-based DJ, producer and label boss now looks to continue his prolific run of form into the second half of 2023, with the announcement of his latest original release and debut extended player, ‘Kilim Weave’ EP.
Out now via esteemed Macedonian imprint Café de Anatolia, the exquisite two-part package marks R^ST’s debut outing on the esteemed Turkish imprint. Up first is the ethereal title track ‘Kilim Weave’. This enchanting and complex composition weaves together diverse cultural influences, delivering a sonic experience that transcends conventional expectations. The track emerges as a tapestry of colours, fusing traditional elements with modern production techniques, creating an enthralling fusion of soundscapes. Drawing inspiration from the intricate patterns of kilim carpets and the vocals of the women that weave them, the track takes listeners on an immersive journey through time and space, unifying various musical threads to form an extraordinary masterpiece.
We caught up with the man himself to find out more…
Hi R^ST, huge congratulations on the release of your Kilim Weave EP. What has the feedback been like so far on the record?
Thank you so much, I really appreciate your kind words! The feedback so far has been humbling. I was able to play these tracks at gigs and both have generated a great deal of love from the audience, especially Kilim Weave.
What’s your studio set up like? Any favourite pieces of gear we should know about?
My absolute favourite pieces of gear are my Model 1.4 mixer which I love to use to run tracks through, and my Audeze headphones which help me work on my tracks at night when the rest of the household is asleep. Other than that I tend to switch between analogue and soft synths, depending on what kind of vibe the track is trying to achieve.
Let’s go back and touch on how you first started in the industry. How did you get into music and what are some of the stand-out moments from your career so far?
I feel like I’ve been a part of the industry for decades. In the mid-90s I would play at gigs and play around with production. But then I decided to focus on my daytime career and the music was left behind – except for the parties. I never stopped going to parties and enjoying other people’s music. Then last year I contacted some of the friends I have in the industry, started some of the gigs, got a great response from them and decided to take it from there. I guess this release is one of the main stand-out moments – it’s the first time I pitched my work to a label and got a positive response. Another one is playing my first hybrid live set in front of a large audience at the end of 2022.
What are some of the more significant shifts you’ve noticed across the House and Techno circuits in your time?
The main trend I see is seeing so many people getting into the game, expressing their unique sound and doing it so consistently. There is so much good music everywhere. The mainstream seems to be veering into visual arts as well, with artists like Anyma leading the way. I enjoy how that inspires more people to enjoy house and techno, but I would also like to see it becoming more interactive.
And in terms of touring, what have you got lined up over the next few months?
I’ve just returned from gigs in Montenegro and Croatia. For the next few weeks I will be focusing on promoting the new release and preparing some new hybrid live sets.
What is the local scene like where you’re based?
Belgrade is a gem for electronic music. We’ve got many local artists who bring their unique sound. At the same time all of the major international names never seem to skip Belgrade while touring internationally. We have a big gig every weekend.
Can you tell us a bit about what other releases you have on the horizon?
I have a collection of near-finished tracks I wish to combine into an album which flows in-between different sub-genres, from organic/downhouse to melodic techno. Right now I’m looking forward to playing the new tracks at gigs and get more reactions before I decide how to best move it forward.
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of music? How do you spend your down-time?
I’m a lawyer and an activist by day. Corporate law is my day job and I also spend a lot of time trying to advance the prospects of school inclusion for kids with autism and other learning difficulties. I love to spend my down-time with my daughter or at the local hub for arts and culture – Silosi!
Thanks for taking the time to chat with us today!
Thanks very much!
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R^ST – Kilim Weave EP is out now via Cafe De Anatolia: linktr.ee/iamrast
