Get to know: Lumi
Seattle-based DJ and producer LUMI is rapidly making a name for herself in the international music scene. With an exciting summer schedule that includes shows in Helsinki and Berlin, LUMI thrives on the challenge of understanding and connecting with diverse audiences. Her unique approach to preparing for gigs involves deep immersion in the local music culture, allowing her to tailor her sets to the distinct tastes of each city’s crowd.
LUMI’s recent releases on prominent labels such as Octopus, Kneaded Pains, and HE.SHE.THEY showcase her authentic and deeply personal creative process. Her music is a reflection of her current life experiences and emotions, prioritizing genuine expression over trends. This commitment to has earned her significant recognition, including being on the cover of Amazon Music's Breakthrough
As LUMI continues to expand her reach, she shares with us this amazing interview, where she remains dedicated to promoting inclusivity and diversity within the music scene. Her upcoming debut EP on Turbo promises to offer fans a unique listening experience with its unconventional structure and innovative sounds. With aspirations to perform at iconic events like ADE in Amsterdam and a Boiler Room set, LUMI is poised to connect with audiences worldwide, sharing her passion for music and cultural exchange.
LUMI, you're currently based in Seattle but have a busy summer schedule with shows in Helsinki and Berlin. How do you prepare for such international gigs, and what are you most looking forward to in these cities?
It’s definitely very exciting. I love playing in different cities because each city has a slightly different musical style and taste so trying to get a feel for what the crowd likes there is almost like an exhilarating puzzle I’m trying to solve. I really enjoy preparing for gigs in these cities because I get to crate dig and immerse myself into that world for a bit. I also love meeting new people in these cities, it’s truly the best!
Your recent releases on Octopus, Kneaded Pains, and your HE.SHE.THEY EP has been well-received. Can you share the creative process behind these tracks and how they reflect your evolution as an artist?
My writing process generally comes from the subconscious and what’s currently happening in my life and relevant for me at the time. When I start writing music it’s a sacred experience and whatever flows will not be judged and I try to truly write what I’m authentically feeling and experiencing at the time, vs. writing what I think would be cool or what I think would do well.
You also remixed for Pan-Pot on Second State this year. How did that collaboration come about, and what was it like working on a remix for such a well-known act?
It was an incredible experience! I’m still so excited and honoured that I got to remix their track. I was asked to open for them at Kremwerk a while back which is where we initially met. Sometime after that I figured I would ask if I could remix their track and they said yes!
Congratulations on being on the cover of Amazon Music's Breakthrough
Thank you. It was definitely a very pleasant surprise and something I truly wasn’t expecting. I got on a few different playlists which was really incredible being alongside incredible artists that I really look up to.
With a debut EP on Turbo set to release in late June/early July, what can fans expect from this project, and how does it differ from your previous work?
This EP is a bit of a weirder, less conventional piece of work. Two of the tracks “Hey!” and “Don’t Stop” are structured in a very non-traditional way which I did for a reason. Rakas has a very interesting whining synth in the melody, and a Finnish vocal. I really feel this EP is unique in a lot of ways.
https://turborec.lnk.to/LumiRakas
Playing a show with Tiga at About Blank in Berlin is a significant milestone. How did this collaboration come about, and what does it mean to you to perform alongside such a renowned artist?
Tiga is the best. I was able to open for him for the first time for NYE in Seattle which was when we first met. Getting to open for him again in Berlin was just great. His sets are always inspiring to me and seeing him work a crowd is the best part of the night after I’m done with my set. Getting to watch and learn from him is an incredible experience for me.
Your music spans various influential labels. How do you decide which label to release your music on, and what role do these labels play in shaping your artistic identity?
I love the labels I’ve released on so far, and I have a list of labels I would like to release music on. The list comprises artists who I really respect and with music that I find intriguing and different. I think that the labels that I release on tell my story as an artist to my listeners.
Seattle is known for its vibrant music scene. How has living there influenced your sound and artistic approach, and how does it compare to other music hubs like Berlin and Helsinki?
Yes it’s great, the community in Seattle is incredible, I’m grateful to be a part of it. I think that every city is different and has a slightly different sound that gets favoured there as well as the culture is slightly different sometimes very different, this makes it fun to visit, I would never want everyone to be the same.
Your work with labels like Her HE.SHE.THEY focuses on inclusivity and diversity in the music industry. How important is it for you to support these values through your music and collaborations?
I find that very important, I’m grateful that currently we are promoting artists of all genders, races, and cultures in the music scene, more than ever before. I’m happy that this is the direction currently and I hope that it only continues to go in the right direction where inclusivity is at the forefront and the music is what drives the industry.
As you continue to gain recognition and expand your reach, what are some of your long-term goals and dreams for your music career? Are there any particular festivals or collaborations you aspire to be a part of?
I would absolutely love to be a part of ADE in Amsterdam, and doing a Boiler Room set is a dream of mine. I really can’t wait to hopefully experience every single country and see how the styles and sounds differ there, and how playing to different crowds differs. I find it so fun connecting with people through my music and seeing how to build a relationship with them during a set. It’s exhilarating.
Talking to LUMI was an absolute delight. Her passion for music and genuine love for what she does shines through in every word. It's not just about the beats and rhythms for her; it's about connecting with people, understanding different cultures, and expressing her authentic self. Her preparation for gigs in places like Helsinki and Berlin shows how much she values that connection, diving deep into the local music scenes to create something truly special for each audience. Being on the cover of Amazon Music's Breakthrough
What struck me most about her is her dedication to inclusivity and diversity in the music industry. She’s not just making music; she’s making a statement, and that’s incredibly inspiring. Her willingness to push boundaries and experiment with unconventional sounds, like in her upcoming RAKAS EP, shows her fearless creativity.This, promises to be a unique experience, featuring tracks like “Hey!” and “Don’t Stop” that break away from traditional structures, as well as the intriguing “Rakas” with its Finnish vocal and distinctive synth melody are going to be an absolute banger this August.
She will be back in Berlin playing on the 3rd August at Ritter Butzke; so I’m genuinely excited to see where her journey takes her next. With her talent, authenticity, and drive, I have no doubt she will continue to captivate and inspire audiences around the world.
