Finnish DJ and producer LUMI has quickly established herself as a rising name in the world of techno, blending her Nordic heritage with a distinctive flair for high fashion. Known for her cerebral and introspective soundscapes, LUMI’s music resonates with a dark, ethereal quality that sets her apart in the electronic music scene. With her debut EP “Look The Other Way” charting at #3 on Beatport’s Indie Dance charts and her latest release, “Rakas,” pushing the boundaries of dance music on Tiga’s Turbo Recordings, LUMI is proving that she’s not just another name in the crowd.
In this interview, we delve into the creative processes behind her acclaimed releases, the profound influence of her Finnish-American background, and how fashion plays a crucial role in shaping her artistic identity. LUMI opens up about the challenges and rewards of using her own vocals in her productions, and what fans can expect from her as she continues to carve out her unique path in the global techno landscape – read all about it below:
Your Finnish heritage and fashion sensibilities are central to your artistic vision. How do these elements influence your music and visual presentations?
They are a really key part of who I am. I do take pride in where I come from and the fashion I follow and wear. I think Fins tend to have a darker side to them that comes from such dark winters juxtaposed with the light bright summers, so sometimes I like to write music that’s really dark, while other times I want to write something insanely happy. So in that sense just like with fashion it’s always changing and one thing I don’t want is to be put in a box and to just stay there, I always question what was previously a label of mine, just to prove there’s more to me than that.
Your debut release “Look The Other Way” on Octopus Records quickly gained traction, charting at #3 on Beatport’s Indie Dance charts. Can you share the inspiration and creative process behind this EP?
It was a really fun EP to write, along with The Unknown. I loved writing the lyrics especially because they came straight from the subconscious. I went into the studio with no preconceived notions, sound or even topics in mind. Everything I wrote wasn’t to try to sound like anyone else but to just create what sounded like me and what came naturally.
The “Rakas” EP on Turbo Recordings marks an evolution in your sound. Can you talk about the themes and sonic explorations in this release?
It does, it’s definitely different from my other releases. This EP encompasses more of a whining synth sound that really takes over the entire track, and on top of that the vocal is so simple, while the other tracks have had more lyrics to them. It’s oddly dark but light at the same time.
Fashion plays a significant role in your identity as an artist. Which fashion brands or style icons inspire you, and how does your style influence your music and performances?
I love Jean Paul Gaultier, Dion Lee, Helmut lang, Alix Studios, Heron Preston, and MISBHV just to name a few. I think those are some of my go-to’s but in the German market I really like Marios Collective, Keta Gutmane, and Kreuzberg Kinder. It influences how I’m feeling in the moment and allows me to get into my performance character. I love dressing up for a performance.
Having lived in both Finland and various US states, how have these diverse cultural experiences shaped your adaptability and creativity in the music industry
They have definitely impacted my adaptability and creativity. Since I’ve moved around so much, I’ve always had to pick up and meet new people and adapt to my surroundings. This hasn’t been easy, but it taught me a lot of valuable skills. My creativity and musical sound has inspiration from different parts of the world and I strive to make something unique every time I step in the studio.
Your music often features your own vocals. What challenges and rewards do you find in using your voice as an instrument within your techno tracks?
I love writing and recording vocals. It’s the best for me, I think the voice can morph into so many different sounds, styles and instruments, that’s what makes it so cool. I can be a feisty little bitch or a sweet innocent girl. It’s whatever vibe you’re feeling that you want to portray in music.
Your track “In Ether” from the “Rakas” EP has a distinct EBM-type beat with methodical breakdowns. Can you elaborate on your inspiration and production techniques you used to achieve this sound?
The meaning of “In Ether” is for something to be communicated from place to place with no specific location and that to me is what being and existing in the quantum realm is. Communicating by sending signals into the ether through strong sensations, emotions, and ideas. At the time I wrote this I was experimenting with this and seeing what I could accomplish with the subconscious mind and lucid dreaming, there’s a lot that is real in the energy world that we can’t necessarily see. I was doing deep energy work along with meditation, hypnosis, and sound healing when I wrote this track and I feel like it shows in the production as well.
What can fans expect from your upcoming performances and releases? Are there any exciting projects or collaborations on the horizon?
New music in the works as always but it’s a secret, you’re going to just have to wait and see. What I can say is I’m starting a record label so keep an eye out for that!!
