In a saturated industry, true originality often feels like a rare currency. Yet, for LA-based Armenian artist DAVI, standing out has always been a matter of instinct. Known for his immersive, atmospheric productions and carefully curated DJ sets, DAVI has carved out a space in the progressive house and deep house scenes that’s distinctly his own. His sound, at once cinematic and introspective, reflects a journey that began in the late ’90s and continues to evolve today. This is the sound of our Artist Of The Month. This is the sound of DAVI.
Photo Credit: DAVI – Official
David ‘DAVI’ Khanjian’s first encounters with electronic music were during an era defined by acts like The Prodigy, The Chemical Brothers, and The Crystal Method. “However, it wasn’t until around 2003 that I developed a deep passion for progressive house and progressive trance,” David recalls. His earliest years weren’t shaped by the club scene, as he was too young to attend events, but by his growing obsession with production. “From the start, my focus wasn’t on becoming a DJ but rather on producing music. I was fully immersed in the creative process—it was the act of making music that captivated me far more than performing it.”
His early inspirations included iconic names like Paul Oakenfold, Sasha, John Digweed, and Carl Cox, artists whose influence can still be traced in the intricate, layered sound that defines DAVI’s releases today. Despite not yet performing live, he could sense that the scene of that time was more about artistry than ego, a sentiment that shaped his approach as he began to produce music on Ableton Live 4, exploring the creative depths of his chosen craft.
His career breakthrough came between 2012 and 2015, a period that saw him release two pivotal EPs—’The Bay 6’ with Anjunadeep and ‘The Gates of Babylon’ with Rebellion—within the same year. Both releases marked a turning point for the artist, signaling his arrival on the international stage. “Releasing two EPs with such respected labels was a defining moment for me,” DAVI reflects. “The response from listeners was overwhelming, with people telling me how unique my sound was. The best part was that none of it was planned—it all just flowed naturally.”
This organic creative flow was one of the highlights of DAVI’s career, but he’s quick to acknowledge that the music industry has shifted since then. “We no longer live in a time when a strong EP can reshape your career within a month,” he observes. Nonetheless, David remains grateful to have experienced that kind of success, noting that for him, production is still the pinnacle of his career.
Throughout his journey, DAVI has been committed to creating music that resonates with him first and foremost. He no longer feels compelled to produce tracks tailored to what labels or prominent DJs might expect, a mindset that once dominated his creative process. Now, his focus is on artistry over commercial appeal, and this evolution is reflected in his recent projects.
“Recently, I launched a new project called Two Suns In The Sky,” he shares. “It’s a label where I release carefully curated music that tells a story and carries a cinematic touch. This artistic direction is what excites me most these days. Treating music as a form of art, rather than solely focusing on what works on the dance floor.”
This shift represents not only a maturation in his sound but also in his mindset. DAVI is no longer interested in simply following the patterns that brought him early success. Instead, he’s more focused on expressing his own vision, even if it means moving outside of the conventional expectations of the electronic music scene.
For DAVI, DJing is about creating a narrative. His sets are carefully crafted journeys, where each track is chosen with intention. “I never play random tracks; everything in my sets must blend seamlessly,” he explains. “Each mix needs to be flawless, with a journey that unfolds naturally. This is one reason why I’m not particularly fond of back-to-back sets—it’s rare for me to fully connect with another DJ because I prefer to create my own narrative.”
His approach to DJing is rooted in building trust with the audience. “Once I feel that connection, when I know the crowd trusts where I’m taking them, that’s when I have the most fun,” he shares. His sets often combine new releases with old favorites, a mix that speaks to his deep understanding of how to balance nostalgia with innovation. While his sets might appear effortless to the listener, they are the result of years of practice, trial and error, and a dedication to perfecting his craft.
Much of DAVI’s artistic identity is shaped by his desire to stand out. This instinct for originality has driven him from the very beginning. “I’ve always had a strong desire to be different. Even back in high school, if I saw someone wearing the same shoes as me, I didn’t want to wear them anymore,” he admits. It was this same desire for uniqueness that led him to electronic music in the first place when everyone around him was listening to rock.
That need to break away from the mainstream is still what drives him today. “I get bored quickly with repetitive routines,” he confesses. “After a while, it all felt like it lacked the spark it once had. Lately, I’ve found myself asking bigger questions: What breakthrough am I working toward? Will what I’m doing now matter in a year?”
These reflections prompted DAVI to take a step back from touring, allowing him to reevaluate his goals and recharge creatively. While many artists might find comfort in the routine of producing, releasing, and performing, David is constantly searching for new challenges and creative avenues. He recognizes that he may never fit neatly into any established scene—and he’s perfectly content with that.
For DAVI, music has always been about more than just crafting beats for the dance floor. It’s a form of expression, a way to challenge both himself and the industry, and ultimately, a means of connecting with something deeper. His career is rooted in the power of staying true to one’s artistic vision, even in a rapidly changing world. As he continues to evolve, pushing boundaries with his label Two Suns In The Sky, DAVI remains an artist in constant motion—forever chasing the next step in his creative journey.
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