Exclusive Interview: HEVI LEVI

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HEVI LEVI is an electronic music DJ & producer from Tel Aviv, Israel. One of the most well known artists in Israel for the last 15 years, he founded and owns Joy Group – a record label, a recording studio, a school for DJs and producers and more. Throughout his career he has played at some of the most prestigious underground clubs and music festivals around the world, including the likes of Tomorrowland, Laundry Day, Escape, Sensation, Space, Futurami, IT, Ministry Of Sound and Pacha to name a few. Now he produces his own unique blend of techno and progressive house, and his latest tracks have received noteworthy positions in the Beatport and Apple Music charts, and got into some important editorial playlists on Spotify. As he gears up to drop his brand new release Mad World on January 27, we caught up with HEVI LEVI to find out more.

Hello HEVI LEVI, Happy New Year and a very warm welcome to We Own The Nite! How are you today?

Happy New Year, I’m great, thank you for hosting me.

2022 was a big year for you. Are you excited about the New Year ahead? What can we expect from Hevi Levi?

I’m super excited for 2023, I’m working on few interesting singles alongside a Symphonic EP which combines electronic music and classical symphonic music that I write especially for this project. I’m also intending to be on some international shows around Europe and South America, basically a year full of fun.

Starting at the beginning, can you tell us how you got into electronic music?

I was always a fan of electronic music as a kid. I fell in love with Pink Floyd because of the electronic motives in their music. Depeche Mode also had a big influence on me but Faithless was the sound that changed my life forever. RIP Maxi Jazz.

Where did you grow up and what was the music scene like where you lived, at the time?

I was born in Tel Aviv to a rock and classical music family but my heart was always seeking the electronic sounds and these dancefloor vibes.

Can you share some memories from the days you started raving/DJing? Were there any particular parties or events you attended that sparked your interest?

There is a funny story. The gay community was the most welcoming and open for electronic and house music so I found myself playing in the biggest clubs in the 90’s in Tel Aviv. Back in 97 I was playing at a big gay party and a super drunk guy came to me and said “you are the best DJ ever” and gave me his business card. I was like “thank you” while also thinking ” you are drunk lol”. The next morning I saw his card on my desk and decided to give him a call, he answered and booked me for my first 
international gig in his club in Hungary. I came to Hungary played 2 gigs in his club and then another super drunk guy came up to me. Same story, different accent (British this time). He gave me his card, and the next day I looked at it and it said “Manchester United Entertainment Manager”. This guy gave me a dream job to be MUFC DJ for 2 years all over the world from 1998-2000.

You’re kickstarting the New Year with a huge new single, “Mad World”. Can you tell us more about the project?

Yes, I made an electronic cover track using the old anthem “Mad World” by Tears For Fears. This song will be followed by a music video, T-shirts and a donation campaign, with all profits going to Ukraine. The project will be live on 27 of January and it involves a big team; fashion designers, street art designers, video makers etc. I’m excited that I have the option to help. I know I can’t solve the Russia – Ukraine situation but I can show people that creating art is way better than fighting, and although this world is not perfect it is full of beauty.

What’s your favourite part of being an artist?

Shows! I love being on stage, I have played both in huge festivals (Tomorrowland etc) and super underground parties. Being able to play music to people and make them smile is my goal in life.

And your least favourite?

Politics. I’m not good at this part of the job. I can’t be close to people just to get a gig or a collab. If you are talented and cool we will make music together. I don’t care how famous you are or how many followers you have on your IG.

Top 5 records in your collection the moment?

HEVI LEVI – Mad World 🙂

Space Motion – Silver Screen

Spada, Mardraüs – Cycles

A new promo (ID) I got from Vintage Culture

HEVI LEVI – The Moon

What do you like to do in your spare time when you’re not touring the world or making music?

I’m investing time in my family and thinking how to make Joy (my label) better.

After the release of “Mad World” what’s next for Hevi Levi in 2023?

My next release will be The Moon (already supported by top DJs), my Symphonic EP, some super interesting collabs and shows around the world.

Any final words for our We Own The Nite readers?

YES! Support your local artists. They need you. Any download, like, comment, stream or PM means the world to us, this is what gives us the fuel to make more music.

Thanks so much for taking the time to chat to us HEVI LEVI, wishing you all the best for 2023!

Thank you and likewise

HEVI LEVI – Mad World will be released on Friday, January 27, 2023.

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