SHLOMO | ADE EDITION

When I sat down with Shlømo, aka Shaun Baron Carvais I felt like we were stepping into something deeper than just the usual talk about music. His career, which has shaped the techno landscape for over a decade, is impressive, but what struck me wasn’t just his intense sound or the success of his labels, Taapion and SAIKE. It was his heart—his genuine connection to the community, his passion for guiding others, and the way he embodies both artist and mentor. Shaun´s journey is not just about pushing his limits; it’s about inspiring others to reach beyond theirs.

As we spoke, it became clear that his music is woven from the threads of his life—his personal growth, his struggles, and the deep philosophies that guide him as a creator. He shared how breaking into the scene wasn’t easy, how he had to take bold risks to find his sound, and how becoming a father has completely reshaped his world. His “Daddy Vibes,” as he lovingly calls them, aren’t just about fatherhood. They’re about a new perspective— of nurturing, responsibility, and balancing the weight of both his art and his role in life.

What truly resonated with me was Shaun´s profound understanding of what it means to be part of the techno community. For him, it’s never just about the music; it’s about shared experiences, deeper connections, and creating a platform for others to rise. Whether he’s behind the decks or guiding young artists, Shlømo lives and breathes techno in its purest form—constantly evolving, always reaching out, and staying devoted to the collective spirit that keeps this music alive. It’s this deep sense of purpose that makes his journey so inspiring and heartfelt.

The Attraction to Electronic Music: The Start of Shlømo’s Evolution

When I asked him what drove his shift from more experimental sounds like IDM and ambient to the more straightforward, hard techno he’s known for today, Shaun opened up about his deep, early attraction to electronic music. He recounted the days when he was just another face in the crowd, a raver like anyone else, mesmerized by the performances of artists such as Aphex Twin.

“I wanted to be like those guys,” he told me. “I bought an old synthesizer to look like them.”

But it wasn’t just about mimicking the artists he admired. Over time, his sound began to evolve, not as a conscious decision but as a natural reflection of his growth as an artist and person. His experimentation with different genres, the endless search for new sounds, and a constant reliance on his intuition shaped his path.

“It’s the goal of an artist to evolve,” he said

“I still make ambient and electronica at home, but Shlømo, as a persona, is about taking risks. I started playing hard techno in early 2019 but the genre really gained popularity during COVID-19 because, at that time, I felt like the world needed to party hard.”

And indeed, in those post-lockdown parties, where people were finally free again after months of isolation, there was a sense of liberation in the air.

That first party after COVID-19 felt like freedom for everybody,” Shaun explained. “It was a new era for rave culture.”

For Shlømo, the essence of electronic music lies in its power to be shared by everyone, transcending language and culture. With no lyrics, techno and electronic music build a sense of community that connects ravers on a visceral level. It’s a type of shared experience that goes beyond words, and for Shaun, it’s that community aspect that makes the music so powerful.

Of course, every artist’s journey comes with its milestones. One of the most defining moments of his career was founding Taapion Records in 2013. At the time, the landscape was different for up-and-coming artists. Breaking into the scene felt almost impossible.

“Back in 2012, it was very hard for young artists like me to reach any of the big names. You could only meet them on Soundcloud, and they would never respond,”

Shlømo said with a laugh, reflecting on the frustrating early years. Rather than waiting around for someone to give him a break, Shlømo decided to take control of his destiny by starting his label. He described Taapion’s early days as a labor of love, where the focus was on making every release a piece of art in its own right.

“We concentrated on making pieces of art with every release,” he explained.

“We made 300 vinyls for each release, something that people could store and cherish.”

What started as a DIY operation quickly gained momentum. His perseverance paid off, and soon the very artists/label owners who had once been unreachable were knocking on his door, accepting his release on their labels. Over the years, the label has evolved, moving from a Detroit techno influence toward the hard techno sound that dominates today. But through all these changes, one constant has remained: Shaun´s dedication to fostering a space for the next generation of artists.

“Club music belongs to the youth,” he told me with conviction.

“That’s why I started the ‘Fresh Blood’ initiative in 2021. I want to help the younger generation find their place in the scene. Artists like Peligre and Onlynumbers—they’re incredibly talented, and I see myself as a big brother to them. I don’t want to force them to be like me, but I want to help them make their releases count.”

In 2020, Shlømo embarked on another bold venture: launching SAIKE, a new label, and co-founding Viper Diva, a collaboration with Hadone. I asked him about the inspiration behind these new projects, and his face lit up as he described the playful energy behind Viper Diva’s creation.

“We’re both big fans of Crystal Castles and one day we decided to make a track in a hotel room. It took us only two hours,” he said, smiling at the memory.

“We played it and sent it to a few artists, and everything went crazy from there.”

What made Viper Diva so special for Shlømo was the way it quickly became identifiable.

“The sound of Viper Diva was distinct from the start,” he explained.

“Even though Hadone has since left the project and it’s just me now, it holds a really special place in my heart. I’ll come back to it when the time is right, and I know it will be amazing.”

For Shaun, these ventures are not just about releasing new music—they represent a deepening of his connection to the techno community.

He thrives on the energy of collaboration and the ability to create something that resonates not only with him but with fans across the globe. Whether it’s through his work with Taapion, SAIKE, or Viper Diva, Shaun is always looking for ways to innovate and push the boundaries of the genre.

If there’s one thing Shlømo is known for, he can command a crowd with his dynamic live performances. Blending rave energy with melody, breaks, and IDM influences, his sets are not just about playing tracks—they’re about creating an experience. I asked him how he translates the emotions and thoughts he feels on stage into something visceral for the audience.

“For me, live sets are special,” he said.

“But DJ sets are where the real magic happens. When I’m DJing, I only know my first and last tracks. Everything else in between is an exchange between me and the crowd.”

This improvisational approach lets him feed off the audience’s energy and create a unique set every time. But there’s more to it than just reading the crowd. His performances are a reflection of the deeper, emotional connection he feels to the music. As someone who has been on both sides of the dance floor—as a raver and now as a DJ—he understands the cathartic power of techno.

“Techno is therapy,” he told me. “There’s a little bit of that in every raver, I think.”

The “Daddiest” Persona: Guiding the Next Generation,

One of the more playful aspects of Shlømo’s public persona is him being “The Daddiest” moniker, which he has embraced with open arms. But beyond the humor, there’s a deeper meaning to the term.

“Being the daddiest means I’m a dad,” he said proudly.

His son, born almost four years ago, has had a profound impact on how he views his role not only as a father but also as a mentor to younger artists.

“It’s not our generation that should dictate the rules,” Shaun said thoughtfully.

“It’s the younger generation. They’re the ones pushing the boundaries, and I have nothing but respect and appreciation for that.”

He spoke of his struggles as a young artist, trying to navigate a scene that often felt closed off to newcomers. Now, as someone who has cemented his place in the world of techno, he sees it as his responsibility to guide and nurture emerging talent.

Welcome Back Devil: Building Community Through Events

In 2022, he took his community-building efforts to the next level by launching the “Welcome Back Devil” event series. These massive parties have taken place in cities like NYC, Berlin, Medellin, Rome, and Paris, attracting thousands of ravers and injecting new life into the global techno scene. The name itself comes from his most famous track, released on Ellen Allien’s label in 2019.

“I love making these parties because they allow us to build a community around a project,” Shlømo explained.

“It’s not just about the music—it’s about creating a platform for young talent and bringing people together.”

As our conversation wound down, I asked what techno means to him now, after more than a decade of shaping its sound. His answer was both personal and profound: “Techno is a blessing in my life. It changed my life even before I started playing. My job is to listen to techno, produce, and deliver techno. I love my passion, and I want to leave my mark on the scene.”

But more than anything, he is focused on the future—on the new generation of artists and ravers who are redefining the genre.

“I’ve been part of two of the biggest French techno movements,” he said, reflecting on his journey.

“But for me, it’s not about being a legend. It’s about nurturing and inspiring the next wave of talent.”

Shlømo’s legacy, it seems, will not only be measured by the tracks he’s released or the crowds he’s moved. It will also be marked by the impact he’s had on the lives of young artists, fans, and ravers who have found their way into the world of techno.

As our conversation came to a close, I couldn’t help but reflect on the depth of Shlømo’s journey and how it mirrors the evolution of techno itself—raw, relentless, yet constantly seeking new dimensions.

He spoke often about being “The Daddiest,” a playful yet deeply meaningful term that captures both his personal and artistic transformation. Becoming a father changed more than just his daily routine; it gave him a new perspective on his role in the world, both as an artist and as a mentor to the younger generation.

Fatherhood has shaped his approach to music, not just in how he creates but in how he nurtures, guides, and empowers those around him.

Being “The Daddiest” is more than a shift of identity it represents Shaun’s desire to pass the torch, to make space for new voices in a genre that thrives on evolution.

He’s embraced the role of a protector and a guide, understanding that while he has built a legacy, the future belongs to the younger generation. His humility is refreshing in an industry often driven by ego.

He sees himself not as a gatekeeper, but as a big brother, helping others find their path without imposing his style.

It’s this philosophy that has not only defined his career but also deepened his connection to the community that surrounds him.

In the end, Shaun´s optimism for the future of techno is infectious. His belief in the next generation, in their ability to shape and redefine the genre, is unwavering.

As we parted, I realized that what he’s building isn’t just a musical legacy but a lasting impact on the hearts and minds of those who share his love for the scene. In a constantly shifting world, Shlømo remains a grounded figure, both a visionary and a guardian, reminding us all that music is about more than just sound—it’s about connection, evolution, and the beautiful, unpredictable dance of life.