PAWLOWSKI | CAR 2024 #01

From his early days attending underground parties in Paris to his current status as a respected DJ and producer, Pawlowski’s journey is marked by a relentless pursuit of artistic excellence and a passion for pushing the boundaries of sound.

At the heart of Pawlowski’s musical ethos lies a deep reverence for the transformative power of rave culture. It was amidst the throbbing basslines and kaleidoscopic visuals of a Parisian warehouse party in 2016 that Pawlowski first felt the stirring of his musical soul. Surrounded by the energy of the dance floor and the rhythms coming from the speakers, Pawlowski experienced a profound epiphany that would shape the trajectory of his artistic journey. From that moment onward, he embarked on a quest to channel the electrifying essence of rave culture into his unique sonic tapestry, fusing the euphoria of the past with the sonic landscapes of the future.

As Pawlowski’s prowess continued to blossom, he found himself drawn into a partnership with KNTXT. There, Pawlowski discovered a shared vision with label founder Charlotte, who encouraged him to stay true to his distinctive style. This collaboration not only provided a platform for Pawlowski to share his sonic explorations with a wider audience but also catalyzed a period of creative growth and self-discovery. As he continues to chart new territories and push his boundaries, Pawlowski remains steadfast in his commitment to honoring the past while forging a path toward the future.

In this exclusive interview, we delve into the depths of Pawlowski’s creative psyche, exploring the pivotal moments that ignited his musical passion, his collaborative endeavors with esteemed labels like KNTXT, and his aspirations for the future as he continues to evolve his project into uncharted territories of electronic exploration.

Reflecting on his early days, Pawlowski remembered his experience at a rave party back in 2016. Surrounded by an electrifying atmosphere, Pawlowski felt a profound shift in his musical paradigm. It was here that his passion for electronic music was ignited, setting him on a trajectory towards becoming the artist he is today.

“I went to a special party located in Paris. It was the first time I had that kind of event: massive warehouse, crazy showlight with a big screen and a lot of lasers, DJs I didn’t know but the music they played was so good. It was different from the techno I was used to listening to… Faster. It was my first rave party. I think it was the starting point of all this."

At the heart of Pawlowski’s sonic identity lies a deep appreciation for the rich textures and distinct timbres of old-school synthesizers.

“For me, sonority has a big importance in my productions. That is what I mean when I say that it a like taking something from the past to create something new for the future.”

“I take some elements from 90s rave tracks and use them in a contemporary way. I love so much playing some old-school tracks in my set but it’s super complicated to make transition with nowadays productions because of the mix and the mastering.”

By incorporating classic instruments such as the M1 and Juno 106 into his production arsenal, Pawlowski infuses his music with a sense of retro charm and authenticity. While Pawlowski acknowledges the challenges of integrating old-school tracks into his sets alongside modern productions, he remains committed to evolving his signature style to surprise and captivate his audience continually.

“Today, my signature style sounds like that, but I know that it will evolve. You can’t always offer the same thing. It’s important to surprise the audience. That is why you have to evolve.”

The worlds of anime and pop culture have long served as a wellspring of inspiration for Pawlowski, shaping his artistic vision and the immersive landscapes he creates in his music. Drawing parallels between early trance music and iconic works such as Akira and Evangelion, Pawlowski emphasizes the shared portrayal of a futuristic vision.

“I attach crucial importance to the visual aspect of my music. The connection between Early Trance and that kind of anime is pretty easy. They both propose a vision of the future.”

“I always attached the 90s trance to the SF culture because of the sound, maybe. And I remember when I was young, I played video games like “Wipeout” with a completely fast-trance soundtrack. The two styles match perfectly in my opinion.”

Reflecting on his formative years spent playing video games, he noticed the synergy between the tracks within those games and the games themselves. That´s why he takes so much inspiration from that media. Pawlowski’s music transcends mere auditory experiences, inviting listeners on a cinematic journey through evocative soundscapes and visual narratives inspired by the realms of anime and pop culture.

“I’m 27 years old so I never experimented with the generation of rave music. But I always try to discover some old-school stuff on the internet and sometimes in vinyl stores. They are a big source of inspiration for me.

“Also, I think the first thing that made me get into electronic music was Daft Punk’s album « Discovery. I remembered watching the clip of “Harder Better Faster Stronger” on the TV and being intrigued by that kind of sonority and also the visuals. Everything was fascinating in this project, starting with the robots. Still today, Daft Punk is probably the biggest inspiration for me.”

Incorporating cinematic references into his music adds depth and narrative richness, further enhancing Pawlowski’s storytelling prowess.

I’m a big fan of old-school horror movies (The exorcist, Halloween, Freddy…) specifically for their soundtracks. They create an atmosphere during the film. I think that is why I attach big importance to the melody. You can share different feelings and emotions through the melody. They are the central element of my storytelling.”

Pawlowski draws inspiration from their haunting soundtracks to create atmospheric compositions that evoke a range of emotions. He emphasizes the centrality of melody in his storytelling, noting its ability to convey different feelings and moods. By infusing his music with cinematic elements, Pawlowski creates immersive experiences that transport listeners to otherworldly realms filled with tension, suspense, and intrigue.

The genesis of Pawlowski’s collaboration with KNTXT was an unexpected encounter on social media. Recalling the moment when label founder Charlotte reached out to him, Pawlowski expressed a lot of surprise.

“I was really surprised when Charlotte contacted me on social media! I saw her play my tracks ‘Demonic Dimensions’ and ‘Cosmic Sequencer’ a few times but I never imagined that one day she would contact me to join her label.”

His initial trepidation stemmed from concerns about fitting into the label’s sonic aesthetic—a departure from his distinctive style.

“To be honest with you, I was a bit scared because I know that my style is different from what they offer. I asked myself a lot of questions: Will I have to adapt my style? What kind of music can I offer her? - But when I started to work on the EP she told me something that I deeply appreciated - Do what you’re used to do - … I knew exactly where I had to go.”

“It was very touching for me to know that the label wanted me for my style and my productions. I know that Charlotte has a big passion for Early Trance music from Belgium. And I’m also really inspired by that kind of music.”

The partnership with KNTXT not only provided Pawlowski with a platform to showcase his music to a broader audience but also served as a reaffirmation of his artistic identity. Encouraged by Charlotte’s unwavering support for his approach to music production, Pawlowski embarked on a creative journey fueled by authenticity and self-expression.

The realization that KNTXT valued him not only for his talent but also for his distinct style was profoundly touching for Pawlowski. A testament to the label’s commitment to nurturing diverse voices within the electronic music community.

As Pawlowski continues to evolve as an artist, his collaborative journey with KNTXT serves as a testament to the transformative power of creative partnerships in shaping the future of electronic music.

Delving into his creative process, Pawlowski reveals a penchant for meticulous attention to detail. While he typically takes his time crafting tracks, he acknowledges the occasional moments of “inspiration” that propel him into a whirlwind of creativity. Drawing inspiration from a myriad of sources, including old-school horror movies and iconic anime such as Akira and Evangelion, Pawlowski infuses his music with rich narratives and cinematic depth.

“I like to take my time when I produce music. In general, I need 2 months to produce one track. But sometimes, in the creation process, you have some specific ‘inspiration’ moment that I can’t explain. You never know when it’s going to happen. But when it’s there, nothing can stop you. It could be just a sound or melody, and you start to be inspired and the process of creativity can last for hours."

“I remember spending many sleepless nights before exams just to finish some tracks. It’s a very intense moment when the notion of time no longer exists.”

As he reflects on his musical style within the broader context of contemporary trends, Pawlowski sheds light on the complexities of connecting with an audience amidst a sea of productions that seem to follow the same formula all the time

“A lot of DJs play the same tracks and the same kind of music. When you listen to the Hard Techno Top 100 Beatport, 3/4s of the productions are similar: same construction, same sonority. It’s complicated to impose your style on the actual scene.”

“For me, it’s important to have a real personality and a specific sound as an artist. And not just to be the DJ who follows the trends. Of course, an artist evolves during his career, but the role of the DJ as an artist is to make people discover new music, not necessarily to play what people want to hear.”

Despite these challenges, Pawlowski remains steadfast in his commitment to authenticity and individuality as an artist. He emphasizes the importance of cultivating a genuine personality and a specific sound that sets him apart from the crowd. For Pawlowski, being a DJ transcends merely following trends; it is about forging a unique sonic identity and leading listeners on a journey of discovery. As he evolves throughout his career, Pawlowski sees his role as an artist as one of introducing audiences to new and diverse musical experiences rather than simply playing what is expected or popular.

Central to Pawlowski’s approach is his love for events where experimentation with different electronic music genres is embraced. He finds inspiration and joy in curating sets that span a wide spectrum of styles, from trance and techno to hard techno, acid, hard groove, and hard house. Pawlowski relishes the opportunity to introduce audiences to lesser-known tracks and genres, fostering a sense of exploration and discovery within the dance floor.

“I love it when I go to an event and I know that the crowd will experiment with different kinds of electronic music with different DJs (Trance, Techno, Hard Techno, Acid, Hard Groove, Hard House, etc.).”

In navigating contemporary trends, Pawlowski’s philosophy is clear: authenticity and creativity are paramount. By staying true to his artistic vision and embracing a diverse range of electronic music genres, Pawlowski not only distinguishes himself from the crowd but also fosters a deeper connection with his audience. As he continues to push boundaries and challenge conventions, Pawlowski invites listeners to join him on a transformative sonic journey—one that celebrates the rich diversity and boundless possibilities of electronic music.

Pawlowski’s artistic journey was guided not by rigid plans, but by a spirit of openness and curiosity. In a candid reflection on his approach to both professional and personal life, Pawlowski revealed a willingness to let himself be guided by the currents of life, embracing the unknown and allowing for evolution and new beginnings.

While he remained deeply committed to his musical craft, Pawlowski harbored aspirations of venturing into other creative mediums and interdisciplinary collaborations. At the forefront of his dreams was the desire to create music for the cinema—an opportunity to infuse the silver screen with his distinctive sonic landscapes and evoke emotions that transcended the boundaries of language and culture. The prospect of composing an anthem for a movie represented a pinnacle achievement for Pawlowski, a chance to leave an indelible mark on the world of visual storytelling.

“One of my biggest dreams is to make music for the cinema. I always wanted to create an anthem for a movie. Creating an anime is also one of my projects. Pawlowski is not just a DJ project, I mean I want to make it evolve through the years and the different cultures. Let’s see what the time has in store.”

With a deep appreciation for the art form and a passion for its immersive storytelling potential, Pawlowski sees the creation of an anime as a natural extension of his creative vision. By combining his musical talents with the visual medium of animation, Pawlowski aimed to transport audiences to fantastical worlds filled with wonder, adventure, and boundless imagination.

Yet, Pawlowski’s vision transcended mere creative endeavors; it encompassed a broader mission to make his project a vehicle for cultural exchange and exploration. Pawlowski envisioned his work evolving over the years, adapting and resonating with different cultures and audiences around the world. Pawlowski’s project is not just a DJ project; it is a dynamic and everevolving expression of artistic vision—a conduit for bridging diverse perspectives and forging connections across borders.

“Whether in my professional or personal life, I’m not the kind of person who plans everything. I like to let myself be guided and see what life has in store for me. I don’t want to make the same sound for my career so I know that the project will evolve, and I think it’s a good moment for a new beginning.”

In Pawlowski’s world, the future is an open canvas, waiting to be painted with the vibrant hues of creativity and possibility. With each new endeavor, he embraces the unknown with a sense of excitement and anticipation, confident that whatever the time had in store, it would be a journey worth taking. As Pawlowski continues to push the boundaries of his artistic expression, one thing remains certain: his project will be a testament to the power of creativity, collaboration, and the endless potential of the human spirit.

Credits:

Editor: Sergio Niño

Text: Sergio Niño

Photography: Samuel Nogues, @ontheshoots (On IG)

Design: Dante Salas

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