Few artists embody the spirit of resilience and reinvention quite like Lavo. Currently crafting his sound from Barcelona after years in Ibiza, this producer is poised to release his emotionally charged EP ‘A New Star in the Sky’ – a touching tribute to his late friend Facundo, featuring the friend’s vocals in the title track.
Photo credit: Lavo – Official
From his roots in Argentina to musical explorations in Mexico’s jungle-inspired soundscapes, Lavo’s journey has been one of constant evolution. Having emerged from the dissolution of his previous project Ark Nomads, he’s now channeling his passion for rock and electronic fusion into deeply melodic productions, collaborating with artists like INPERSEN to incorporate live instrumentation into his work.
As his new EP becomes available for preorder, Lavo joins us to discuss his artistic evolution, creative vision, and the role of authentic expression in electronic music.
EG: Thanks for sitting down with us, Lavo. Where are you right now?
Lavo: Thank you for having me, I’m really glad to be sharing my world with you. After a few years living in Ibiza, I decided to come to Barcelona. At the beginning, it was hard because I used to be an island boy! But now I have good plans for the city, so I am enjoying the time here and in the process of making my own studio.
EG: You’ve got ‘A New Star in the Sky’ coming up, with the preorder set for March 21st. How would you describe this release in your own words?
Lavo: Yes! I’m so excited to be back again on Leisure Music and particularly with this beautiful release. I have been working on this EP since last year and it is super special for me because ‘A New Star in the Sky’ is about my dear friend Facundo who recently passed away and this track was made with his voice. So I want to dedicate this to my great friend and to all his family.
‘Be Yourself’ is the first track on the EP and I worked with INPERSEN on the guitars to give back a little bit of the rock and roll that is running in my veins.
EG: There’s a strong melodic vibe in your music. What initially drew you to those lush, emotive soundscapes?
Lavo: When it comes to music, the melodies come to me in different ways. Sometimes I find them, sometimes they find me. Must be my melodramatic side. With the melodies, I express the mood I’m immersed in during the creation of a musical journey.
EG: Live instrumentation can add a different flavor to electronic productions. What inspired you to incorporate elements like guitars into your tracks?
Lavo: You certainly have a point here. For me, the instruments give the soul to the music and I’m influenced by rock and roll. AC/DC is one of my favorites of all time. So I showed the track to INPERSEN and he instantly got what I was playing in my head — it was a perfect match!
“With the melodies, I express the mood I’m immersed in during the creation of a musical journey”
EG: You’ve lived and worked in diverse musical hotspots, from Argentina to Barcelona. How do these different scenes influence your current sound?
Lavo: I had the chance to live also in Mexico for two years and most of my influence is from the jungle. Deep sounds is what I aim for, and the jungle and its power gives me this feeling of balance between power and beauty.
Now I’m exploring new stuff since I’m no longer attached to my ex-project Ark Nomads where we were two people taking the rudder. I was the only one making the music but I didn’t have the freedom to explore what I’m exploring now. So, yes… I’m really thankful for that!
EG: After going solo, did you discover anything surprising about your creative process or personal style?
Lavo: Well… I have a story to tell. I decided to go solo after Ark Nomads was robbed from me. It was tough being betrayed by my ex-partner Arman Rosul. He stole all our common accounts with Ark Nomads and proclaimed himself the creator and only producer of the brand from one day to another. It hurts being betrayed like this after four years of hard work. I was thinking for a time now about launching myself as LAVO and opening my eyes to the source of inspiration, because I was starting to feel trapped in the directions Arman wanted to give to Ark Nomads. So even if I was robbed, it’s a relief and also a fresh new start as LAVO.
EG: Collaboration is key in electronic music. What do you look for when you decide to team up with another artist?
Lavo: Yes indeed! I love to collaborate and be open to new perspectives. I apply this to every aspect of my life. Collaboration is the key to the greater good. I have a few other projects with really talented artists too that are going to be released very soon, but now I’m more focused on releasing more LAVO originals so people can listen to my true and new sound!
EG: It can be tough to stay grounded while touring and producing. How do you balance your own well-being with your professional life?
Lavo: I found myself much more balanced now. I’m always on the run but keeping the mind healthy is the key here. So for that reason I train every day and, lucky me, I have a dog! So he keeps me busy. I can tell you that.
But I think the main key here is to do everything with passion. If you are passionate about what you do, I can assure you nothing’s going to feel tough.
“There is no secret formula, only hard work and love for what you are doing”
EG: For aspiring producers who might be tuning in, what’s one piece of advice you wish you had when you were starting out?
Lavo: I always say the same, but I think it’s because it is simple: there is no secret formula, only hard work and love for what you are doing.
EG: Lastly, as we await your new release, what do you hope people will take away from listening to your music?
Lavo: This album is made with love and I hope every person who listens to my music can feel the love too.
EG: Thanks for the time and all the best!
Lavo: Thank you again for having me, and thanks to all the readers out there! Also want to give thanks to my friend Inessa, the everything and more behind Leisure Music. I’m always pleased to be part of the family.
LAVO’s ‘A New Star in the Sky’ is set for release on Leisure Music Productions. Pre-order here.
Follow LAVO: Soundcloud | Instagram
