Human Rias, a DJ, producer, and label owner, Iran-born and now based in Munich has been making waves with his hypnotic and emotional brand of melodic techno. In his sets and albums, he mixes influences from many cultures with a focus on dancing.
But Rias has gained a lot of respect for how hard he works to use his art to bring attention to important social and humanitarian issues. From his strong remix of the popular Iranian protest song “Baraye” to his new job as an A&R for the prestigious Exit Festival label, this artist is leaving a lasting mark.
What does Human Rias want to do with his art? He talks about the start of his new 7Rituals label, working behind the scenes at Exit, and a lot more.
For those who may not be familiar, can you start by telling us a bit about your background and how you first got involved with electronic music production and DJing?
I’ve been involved in music from my early childhood. I was in several bands, I learned to play guitar and drums, as well as the violin for over 14 years. Music was always my great escape, and at the young age of 16 I was fascinated by DJing and electronic music, so I started pursuing it, working in every field of this industry to make the transition to a full-time artist today
Your Persian heritage seems to play a big influence on your sound – can you explain how those cultural elements get woven into your productions?
I would say Persians have a very special rhythm and that definitely finds its way into my sets and productions. As well as my big support for a lot of Persian producers.
You’ve launched your own 7Rituals label – what is the overarching vision and sound you want to curate with the imprint?
Music that makes you feel something more than what you hear, has always been my key message on my journey through music. The vision is to unite incredible upcoming artists with already existing ones, and pushing the boundaries of the melodic techno realm.
The ‘Baraye’ remix package had a powerful message behind it. How do you balance using your music for social commentary while still making it work on the dancefloor?
The ‘Baraye’ package is something very important to us, doing our best to spread the message of the people who are still to this day suffering. The idea was to bring It to the dancefloor, to bring it to the techno world, that has rebellion and freedom incorporated into it. Music has to transfer a feeling, and here I transferred the message of suffering and the wish for our normality.
You’ve played iconic festivals like Exit and Sea Dance – which of those big stage moments really stood out as most memorable for you?
I’ve said this in many interviews before and will continue to, EXIT is definitely the greatest of them all. And not any particular EXIT but every single one I was able to be part of.
What was it like playing the massive Core Stage at Tomorrowland 2023? How did you approach that huge platform?
The CORE stage was something incredible, the energy in that forest at Tomorrowland and that beauty of a stage made me dig deeper into my music and yet still give people some key tracks they will know, all in all one of my favourite sets that I played.
As an A&R for Exit Festival’s label, what qualities do you look for when signing new artists and music?
Outstanding artists who fit the ethos of EXIT and who can be part of the big family that EXIT is. I definitely don’t make that decision on my own.
Beyond just the music itself, what role does an artist’s branding, marketing, and overall career strategy play into your signing decisions, if any?
First and foremost it’s always the music, and then what the artist represents. It’s a very natural process.
As the A&R for Exit Festival’s label imprint, what is your typical process like when evaluating new demos or unsigned artists to potentially sign?
I listen to a few tracks a day, as not to overload my ears and to give every track a fair trial. I then pass the fitting ones to the team, with my notes and an intro of the artist.
Can you talk about any specific Iranian artists or collaborators you’re hoping to work with via 7Rituals?
I am working with one amazingly talented artist called X Ashes, and there will be more from us in the future as well.
What has been the most difficult or unexpected challenge you’ve faced in your career so far?
The hardest challenge I believe was the understanding that things don’t happen tomorrow, and sometimes it feels like you aren’t in motion, but when you look back and evaluate you will see the journey you have taken.
When you’re writing new music, do you have a general concept or narrative you’re trying to convey through the tracks?
There is an idea, a spark, or an emotion that it’s based on. I usually look for a vocal or melody and start from there.
What’s your opinion on the intersection of techno and melodic house that seems to be happening lately?
I think that there is a huge intersection between all techno genres right now. There is no hard split anymore but an ever-merging market. Which is good, as it allows new audiences to discover more music.
If you could go back and give advice to your younger self just starting out, what would it be?
Learn to be patient earlier, don’t take on too much at once, and focus on the important bits. Take care of your health and make decisions with care.
Are there any particular up-and-coming scenes or cities you have your eye on as potential hotbeds for new talent?
Argentina and Brazil are definitely at the top.
How do you keep your sound fresh and avoid getting stuck in a particular style as you continue releasing music?
Next to Djing I spend a lot of time listening to music, and listening particularly to sets of other artists, to get inspired by the direction they are taking and to see where trends are going.
What’s on the horizon for Human Rias in terms of touring, releases, or other projects we should watch out for?
There is a lot of new music coming this year and a few very beautiful festivals I am looking forward to. There is a remix of Aname’s ‘Beautiful World’ coming out on Anjuna Beats with my brother FREY, a collaboration with X Ashes on Off World, and a collab with Like Mike later in the year.
Besides production, what other creative outlets do you have or hope to explore more?
I love to cook, cooking is another practical outlet for me, it puts me in a zen state.
How has the role of social media impacted an artist’s career path compared to when you were first starting out?
Social media has just become a necessary tool that I have to use. I don’t like it, and I’d prefer to be without it, yet it’s also what allows us all to connect
No matter if he’s playing in an arena at Tomorrowland or a club in Berlin, Human Rias always brings a lot of energy and purpose to his shows. His energizing and contemplative sounds can take a crowd to new emotional heights.
As he hints, the next few years will bring even more experimental music and well-known projects. He will continue to work at the point where melodic techno meets culturally relevant stories, with 7Rituals as a key stage.
The post Let’s Talk About Human Rias appeared first on The Groove Cartel.
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