Ahead of his highly anticipated return to Coachella, tech-house sensation PAWSA sits down with NYLON House for a rare interview, discussing his musical journey, the power of house music, and the philosophy behind his successful Solid Grooves label.
Key Takeaways
- Tech-house titan PAWSA is set to electrify Coachella with an exclusive extended set at the Quasar Stage!
- In a revealing interview with NYLON House, PAWSA dives deep into his instinctive connection to dance music and his commitment to shaping live energy.
- Discover how his passion for painting taught him to embrace imperfection, a philosophy he applies to his electrifying sets.
- Learn about the meteoric rise of Solid Grooves, the powerhouse label co-founded by PAWSA and Michael Bibi.
Get ready, music lovers! The enigmatic tech-house superstar PAWSA is back in the spotlight, not just for his highly anticipated return to Coachella, but also for a candid, exclusive cover interview with NYLON House! In this must-read conversation, PAWSA pulls back the curtain on his journey, offering a rare glimpse into the mind of an artist who lives and breathes the rhythm.
PAWSA's Unfiltered Vision: Presence, Passion, and Imperfection
From an early age, PAWSA felt an undeniable pull toward dance music, a connection he describes as both emotional and precise. He shares his unwavering commitment to staying present and dynamically shaping the energy in real-time, whether he's commanding the decks at Coachella or igniting the dancefloors of Ibiza. His choice of decks over conventional instruments was deliberate, driven by the sheer impact a perfectly timed track can have on a pulsating crowd.
Perhaps surprisingly, PAWSA reveals how his passion for painting has profoundly influenced his musical philosophy. It taught him the invaluable lesson of embracing imperfection, a unique perspective in a world often chasing flawless execution. This approach shines through in his ability to craft sets that feel both raw and meticulously constructed.
During the interview, PAWSA eloquently articulated his fixation on house music: "It's physical and direct. There's something powerful about repetition and rhythm. It has a particular relationship with the body. If it's done properly, it can feel simple on the surface, but a lot is going on underneath." This insight perfectly encapsulates the deep, intricate layers he weaves into his sound.
The Solid Grooves Empire: A Testament to Curation
By 2014, PAWSA was already a formidable force, taking the London scene by storm. A year later, in 2015, he joined forces with fellow visionary Michael Bibi to co-found what would become the globally renowned label, Solid Grooves. Fast forward to today, and Solid Grooves stands as a testament to their unwavering dedication and sharp curation.
The label has been instrumental in catapulting the careers of incredible talents like Dennis Cruz, ANOTR, Ben Sterling, and Beltran, cementing its status as a tastemaker in the tech-house scene. With over 50 million Spotify streams to its name, Solid Grooves isn't just a label; it's a movement!
In a touching moment, PAWSA also lauded his long-time friend Dennis Cruz. When approached by NYLON House, Cruz enthusiastically shared his admiration: "The simplicity in the way David makes music is something else — it’s so refined but still so effective, and that’s not easy to do. He’s a genius at it, honestly." High praise indeed!
Deeper Discussions: More Wisdom from PAWSA
On What Defines a Record Label:
PAWSA offers a profound perspective on the essence of a record label: "For me, a label is about curation and creating a home for work that fits a certain standard and a certain identity…a label should feel like a language, not just a release schedule." This philosophy clearly underpins the success and distinctive sound of Solid Grooves.
On Set Curation and Flow:
Ever wondered why PAWSA doesn't play 100% original sets? He explains: "I wouldn’t play a set that’s 100% my music — it doesn’t have an arc if I did that…I like to balance it with older music that can support the groove." It’s all about crafting an immersive journey, not just showcasing tracks!
On the Unexpected Influence of Painting:
His artistic pursuits extend beyond the decks. "What painting helped me to do is accept imperfections…you can quite easily wreck a painting by doing too much. You can’t just remove something like you can in music. It taught me how to accept whatever comes out and be less of a perfectionist," PAWSA reveals, showcasing a holistic approach to creativity.
PAWSA: A Global Force in Electronic Music
Today, PAWSA is undeniably a mainstay on the world's most coveted festival lineups and consistently sells out iconic venues like Manchester's The Warehouse Project and Brooklyn Storehouse. His incredible impact on nightlife hasn't gone unnoticed; he's an honored member of NYLON's inaugural Dance 100 list, celebrating the DJs and producers who are truly dominating the scene right now. Don't miss his extended set at Coachella's Quasar Stage – it's guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience!
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