One of the most exciting new talents to emerge onto the US house and techno scene over the past few years, LA-based DJ, producer, and label boss Arash Homampour – a.k.a. The Archer – has the passion, drive, and dedication to rival the best in the business. Successful trial attorney by day, Arash’s unique artistic vision and creative flair have led him to follow an unexpected second path in electronic music, where he looks to push the boundaries of creativity and innovation in everything that he does.
Cutting his teeth as DJ first and foremost, clocking performances at some of the most notable clubs and venues across North America, Arash made his eagerly anticipated production debut in January 2021 with the critically acclaimed release of ‘Lonely Dream’ – a three-part EP released on his newly-formed imprint, There Is A Light. Established as a platform to champion some of the brightest international talents in electronic music – as well as being a home for his own stream of productions – Homampour’s wide-reaching musical knowledge, spanning everything from deep house, new wave, disco, and techno, lies at the heart of everything the label represents, as he looks to deliver a consistent run of diverse and quality output over the course of 2021 and beyond.
Following the recent release of Matt Sassari’s huge ‘Honda’ EP on the label on July 16th, we caught up with Arash from his home in LA to find out more.
Electronic Groove: Hi Arash, welcome to Electronic Groove. How have you been doing?
The Archer: Thanks for the invite. I’m doing great, thanks for asking!
Electronic Groove: Where in the world are you right now?
The Archer: I’m currently based in Los Angeles, California.
Electronic Groove: For those of our readers that may be unfamiliar, please can you give yourself a quick intro?
The Archer: My name is Arash Homampour, a.k.a. The Archer. I am a trial lawyer by day and a DJ, producer, and label owner by night. The Archer’s sound is vocal-based house music at its core, with touches of afro-house, tech house, and techno.
Electronic Groove: Looking back, how has 2021 been for you so far? Any highlights amidst all the doom and gloom?
The Archer: 2021 has been so far so good! I’m happy to say that California is finally free from masks and restrictions. With clubs reopening and live events making a comeback, I’m ready to get behind the decks and play live shows.
“Music, giving back, and connecting with others are three key aspects of my identity and There Is A Light was the perfect synergy of those aspects”
Electronic Groove: You’re in the inaugural year of launching your new label There Is A Light. Congratulations on that. Can you tell us a little bit about this project?
The Archer: Thank you! I started There Is A Light at the end of 2020 to create a platform to release my techno/ house music productions and to help aspiring artists share their music with the whole world. Music, giving back, and connecting with others are three key aspects of my identity and There Is A Light was the perfect synergy of those aspects; a true silver lining to the year 2020. Although there was so much loss during the pandemic, the lockdown pushed me to tap into my creativity, finish my first track ‘Lonely Dream’, start my label, and prepare for my debut release in January 2021. In June we released our second EP called ‘Sides’, by Ron Costa, with a remix by The Reactivitz, and now we have Matt Sassari’s ‘Honda’ EP with a great remix from D-Unity. The label is also looking into acquiring a creative space in the Los Angeles area where we will also host private house and techno music parties.
Electronic Groove: What’s the vision for the label?
The Archer: A portal for music, art, and charity, focusing on timeless tracks of all genres that stand the test of time.
Electronic Groove: What sort of artists/styles of music are you looking to champion?
The Archer: We plan to release any music we love – house and techno with all the sub-genres between.
Electronic Groove: In an ideal world, what will TIAL look like in five year’s time?
The Archer: I hope for There Is A Light to be a label where artists know their best work will be heard and where music lovers know they will hear something they love.
“I hear a lot of people saying to stick to one sound or genre. I believe in the opposite”
Electronic Groove: What other releases do you have coming up this year that you can mention?
The Archer: Our latest release, the Matt Sassari and D-Unity package that I mentioned, followed by a new record from Stiv Hey in August.
Electronic Groove: Sonically, what can we expect from your own style of production now that you have the creative license that running your own label permits? Will you experiment more with different styles than you would have otherwise been able to?
The Archer: I hear a lot of people saying to stick to one sound or genre. I believe in the opposite. I love mixing genres during my sets and taking listeners on a journey. So, I am committed to making tracks in all techno/house genres with the common denominator being good music (it’s always good music).
Electronic Groove: What’s the rest of 2021 looking like for you? Any plans to hit the road and play some shows?
The Archer: Now that clubs are reopening, I’m planning on touring and playing in NYC for sure. I also plan on releasing at least three more tracks and some remixes this year.
Electronic Groove: Any final words for the Electronic Groove readers?
The Archer: We are so lucky to be alive. Always be love and you will attract love. Looking forward to sharing my love for music with each and every one of you.
Matt Sassari’s ‘Honda ‘EP (including remix from D-Unity) is out now via There Is A Light. Purchase your copy here.
Follow The Archer: Facebook | Soundcloud | Instagram
