Picture a late summer night in Berlin, where you fully immerse yourself in the free spirited, untamed and boiling energy of the city. That’s the background of Viken Arman’s debut album, Alone Together, a 9-track musical project inspired by the underground club scene in the German capital — and some personal adventures in the city as well. The album follows the release of five stellar EPs over the last decade, positioning Arman as a versatile and elusive producer.
A kaleidoscope of influences, the record builds a bridge between the masterful beats of J Dilla, the hypnotic grooves of Ricardo Villalobos, the Free Jazz spirit of Sun Ra, and the aura of French House. The tracks have sophisticated compositions, mixing intricate layers and unique sampling techniques to blend familiar elements of house music with unexpected twists and warm grooves.
We caught up with Arman to take a deep dive into his new musical endeavour, get insights on his creative process, and learn what’s next in his career.
Listen to the album…
Read the full interview…
Congratulations on your upcoming debut album! Could you tell us about the inspiration behind the album?
Thank you! The underground Berlin club scene has been a significant inspiration for the creation of Alone Together. This album actually echoes some of my solo adventures in Berlin’s nightlife. I reconnected with House Music and the club culture globally speaking. It’s all about celebrating freedom, authenticity, and the deep connections you make on the dance floor. I’ve met so many fascinating people there, and some of them have become like family to me – a huge source of inspiration! The title itself reflects the power of togetherness that unites all of us through music. It says it all.
How did you first start in music? Can you tell us about some of your musical influences?
I got into music at a very young age, around 5, when I started piano lessons at the Conservatory. I began with classical music and developed a deep love for French modernist composers like Satie and Debussy because of their minimalism and sense of poetry. Growing up in an Armenian family, this culture had a predominant influence on me. Then, I discovered Keith Jarrett, who bridged the gap between classical and jazz, opening the door to jazz legends such as Coltrane, Miles Davis, and Sun Ra. Their improvisational style felt like a form of musical rebellion, so free and expressive.
My dad, a graphic designer, introduced me to Photoshop and computers at a very early age. There was a demo version of ProTools on the computer, and when I opened it, I immediately understood the concept of audio collage. Around 12, I started making hip-hop beats and learning sampling, inspired by masters like J Dilla, DJ Premier and so on. I even produced music for a few French MCs. Later, I crossed paths with DJ Mehdi who taught me quite a lot, leading me to transition definitively from hip-hop to electronic music. I fell deep into this new world, developing a certain obsession from a wide range of contemporary producers like Moodymann or Ricardo Villalobos.
You’ve mentioned influences from various genres in your music. Can you describe your approach to blending these different elements to create your unique sound?
Blending various musical elements is at the core of my creative process. I see it as a form of storytelling, where I combine both old and new sounds. It’s not just one technique; rather, it involves the fusion of sampling and classical compositions, bringing life into my music. My strong attachment to musical background, hip-hop, house, jazz, rock, classical, world music, and modular, pushes me to pay homage to these influences. Merging them is about finding the common threads while staying true to myself. It’s like crafting a constantly evolving collage, where I use a lot of dusty analog machines to paint sonic colors. It’s a delicate balance of honoring the past while creating something fresh and original.
Could you share some insights into your creative process when composing the 9 tracks on Alone Together?
Producing Alone Together was a very spontaneous process. Many of these tracks came to life in Berlin, right after partying. I would go out, immerse myself in the music, and then head straight to the studio, where inspiration would flow instantly. I didn’t want to overthink things. It was all about the moment.
I used a few old tools, like the MPC 2000 XL, to infuse the tracks with a nostalgic warmth. House music and hip-hop were significant influences, and I wanted to revisit those roots in a fresh way. As is typical in my music, I subtly incorporated some Armenian influences here and there, like spices. However, one of the key elements of this project was definitely spontaneity – it had to be real. I didn’t extensively rework the tracks. I left some of the noises and imperfections.
It’s evident that your experiences in the Berlin club scene have had a significant impact on your music. How does the nightlife and the energy of the crowd influence your compositions?
Berlin is so special! By far the most incredible nightlife in the world! Its club scene has had a profound impact on my music and, obviously, on me as a person. The energy, freedom, respect and sense of unity on the dance floor have all influenced my productions. It’s an environment where people can let go and truly be themselves, and I wanted to capture that feeling in my music. This is so inspiring! Such a deep and wide culture. There are so many levels of understanding. I think if Picasso could have witnessed this, he would have painted something spectacular. The pulse, collective movement, and shared experience all find their way into Alone Together.
What emotions or messages are you hoping to convey through this album?
It might sound very cliché, but it’s an invitation to let go, be in the moment, be open, be yourself, get together, and embrace the transformative power of music. That’s what a real dance floor has to offer. It’s the best therapy. Go rave!
How would you describe the sonic essence of this album?
Groove at the service of the emotion. But I would describe it more like a painting, surprisingly. It’s akin to a cubist artwork, reflecting some of my most significant musical influences while capturing the freedom and unity within club culture.
Looking ahead, what are your aspirations and goals as a musician?
I want to explore new musical territories, try new techniques and above all collaborate with artists from different backgrounds. My dream is to work with a film director, and I’m confident it will happen sooner or later. My journey in music has always been about staying true to myself while embracing change and growth. I hope to inspire people in the same way they inspire me…
What do you want listeners to take away from Alone Together?
Go alone, return with friends. Or the other way around. Take risks. It’s worth it. That’s what happened to me and the outcome is just fascinating. I want the album to be a soundtrack for moments of self-discovery and unity. It’s an invitation to let go of inhibitions, be present, and embrace the togetherness that vibrations can bring.
Finally, what’s next for you in your musical journey, and what are you most looking forward to in the future?
I’m excited about various projects on the horizon. I have collaborations with close friends, like a modular Jazz album with Acid Pauli. We’re exploring a lot of creative avenues together. Actually next month, we’ll be performing together in Japan, where we’ll reinterpret some of Ryuichi Sakamoto’s works. But my focus is definitely my live project VIZAR with Cesar Merveille. We have a residency at Club Der Visionaere in Berlin, and our first EP is set to be released in early 2024 with remixes by Luciano and Traumer. I’m also composing for documentaries and commercials, always seeking new creative opportunities. Additionally, I’m in the early stages of composing a new album that may take an acoustic direction with an orchestra and Jazz musicians. I’m looking forward to the unexpected turns my musical journey will take… And I’m ready to embrace every moment of it!