Trained as a classical pianist, French electronic music producer, DJ, and musician draws inspiration from a diverse range of genres, including jazz, house, minimal, hip-hop, and world music.
Photo credit: Viken Arman – Official
Arman’s approach to music is both progressive and grounded. He skillfully combines different influences to create a cohesive and captivating experience. Using innovative sampling techniques, modular grooves, and acoustic compositions, he crafts hypnotic tracks that leave a lasting impression.
We caught up with Viken Arman to delve deeper into the creative process and discuss his debut album ‘Alone Together.’
EG: Hi Viken! Welcome to EG. It’s a pleasure to have you here with us. How have you been? Where are you right now?
Viken Arman: Thanks for having me! Pretty busy! Actually on my way to London to join Acid Pauli for our back-to-back at Koko.
EG: First of all, congratulations on the release of your new single ‘Can’t Do Without You’, which is out now via !K7! What has the initial reception been like? Do you remember the first time you played this one live?
Viken Arman: The initial reception has been fantastic. I remember the first time I played ‘Can’t Do Without You’ live vividly. It was in February at Cabaret Sauvage in Paris during my ‘All Night Long’ party. I was introducing my new project, ‘Alone Together,’ which had a completely fresh sound. At the end of the show, I decided to drop ‘Can’t Do Without You’ and the crowd’s reaction was incredible. The DJ booth was right in the middle of the room, so the crowd surrounded me, jumping, dancing, and smiling. The track has this nostalgic vibe, paying tribute to the beloved French House era, and the audience connected with it. We all grew up with this sound in France, so all of a sudden, we were all teenagers again. It was truly an unforgettable moment.
EG: So, what can your fans expect to find on ‘Can’t Do Without You’? How does it fit into the grander scheme of your debut album ‘Alone Together’?
Viken Arman: I would say that this track serves as an homage to an entire generation of French producers who profoundly influenced my artistic identity, with a special nod to the iconic figure of life, Philippe Zdar better known as Cassius, who taught me so much, togetherness, freedom, spontaneity, generosity, and a delicate sense of humor—to allow yourself, to inspire others to shine. Within this track, you’ll find a fusion of diverse flavors, including subtle Armenian samples tucked away in the mix. That might sound surprising but I’m so glad I allowed myself to compose that song.
EG: Speaking about ‘Alone Together’…what can you anticipate on that front? What was the creative and recording process for the album like? How does it stand apart from your previous body of work?
Viken Arman: ‘Alone Together’ just flowed naturally and spontaneously. I moved to Berlin 4 years ago and I must say that this city played a big role in that project. It helped me reconnect with something that’s been a part of me for a long time: the rave scene. I’d hit the parties solo and then head straight to the studio, all pumped up by the dance floor’s energy. Just watching someone lose themselves in the music was, in itself, a deep lesson in authenticity. I wanted to translate this into my music, to share the powerful inspiration and the source of renewal that I found in those moments. This album was a chance for me to break some rules. People tend to associate me with a certain sound, but I didn’t want to be boxed in or follow a formula. Back when I started my career, my Armenian roots were front and center, but this time, I switched things up. It’s not the main focus anymore; it’s more like a subtle spice. I’ve hidden a bit of Armenian influence in every track, and you really have to dig deep to hear it. It allowed me to showcase different sides of my musical background and create something fresh and original. It’s how I keep the musical journey exciting, for me and for the audience.
“This album was a chance for me to break some rules. People tend to associate me with a certain sound, but I didn’t want to be boxed in or follow a formula”
EG: How did you approach production for ‘Alone Together’ in general? Do you follow some sort of ‘blueprint’ by now? Do you just chase an emotion?
Viken Arman: I’m always trying to challenge myself as much as possible, both technically and philosophically. As I mentioned earlier, most of these tracks came to life right after some epic nights of partying, capturing all these raw emotions. There’s a crazy story behind each one. To translate those moments into music, I had to switch up my setup a bit, which made the creative process a lot more spontaneous. I wanted to get back in touch with my Hip Hop roots, so I brought out my MPC 2000 XL, and it became a crucial part of the production. House Music and Hip Hop are somehow very close to me in terms of sounding. I’ve had this deep obsession with J Dilla, just as much as I’ve had with Moodymann. It’s a connection that’s been there for me, and I’ve missed it so much.
Nostalgia for a particular sound is like nostalgia for a specific time in life, so I decided to go back to my old workflow. I create music using vintage analog equipment, keeping digital processing to a minimum. This approach gives my music a unique texture that glues everything together. I guess it’s my craft signature – imperfections make perfection.
EG: Usually, an album stands as a chance to make a “statement”. What would you like listeners to take away from the album? What would you say is the perfect setting to listen to ‘Alone Together’?
Viken Arman: Be free and go rave. Or the other way around. I think the main idea was to be in tune with who I am now and not be afraid of embracing that. Trusting yourself, just letting go. The club, it’s like this haven of freedom where everyone collectively channels those positive impulses. We are alone together. So, as time went on, I figured out how to build this honest connection between the music I create and who I am at that particular moment in life. It’s a continuous evolution. As I grow and change as a person, my music naturally evolves too. I’m always trying to stay true to myself, keep a bit of that naivety alive, so the story remains genuine, unique, and not caught up in passing trends. We just go on. Freely. Together. So, to be honest, if we follow this philosophy of freedom, there’s no one perfect setting to listen to ‘Alone Together.’ It’s all about the moment and being in sync with yourself and the music.
EG: Social media seems to be playing a very prominent role in an artist’s development. But is it taking too much away from the actual music and making it more about numbers and the visual aspect?
Viken Arman: Yes that’s for sure… But, well, maybe that’s the evolution of music. As we belong to a generation born before the internet, this issue has become increasingly relevant. However, for the younger generation growing up with iPads and smartphones, it’s almost a given. Sometimes, a quick 10-second video might appear more efficient than crafting a meticulously composed track. But that’s a short-term vision. Good music stays forever. That is why we are still listening to Chopin or James Brown! We just have to find a balance. To be fair I’m still trying to figure out how to deal with social media. Plus, I have a conflictual relationship with my phone, which doesn’t make it any easier! But I think I found my rhythm: I only post a few times a year when there’s something truly meaningful to share so I keep a sort of honest link with my fanbase. And then I try to protect myself. I’ve disabled notifications so I don’t look at numbers. Because these toxic dudes are killing creativity and creating fear or even depression.
EG: Have you come across any good books, movies, or records recently that you’d personally recommend? Where do you look for inspiration?
Viken Arman: I could give you a ton of references! I’m an avid reader, and I’m a big fan of cinema, so there’s a world of inspiration out there. But I recently came across a book full of wisdom, and I can’t recommend it enough: ‘The Creative Act’ by Rick Rubin.
Speaking of movies, just yesterday, I rewatched one of my all-time favorites, ‘Eight and a Half’, translated as ‘Otto e Mezzo’, by Fellini. It’s a masterpiece. And right now, there is Floating Points and Pharoah Sanders with the London Symphonic Orchestra ‘Promises’ playing in the background. Inspiration can come from just about anywhere. It could be a machine, a movie, a record, the beauty of nature, a piece of art, or even the everyday experiences we take for granted. But what really captivates me is people. A simple conversation can be a goldmine of ideas and emotions.
“I think the main idea was to be in tune with who I am now and not be afraid of embracing that. Trusting yourself, just letting go”
EG: What’s next for Viken Arman? Where can your fans catch you next? What new milestones are you looking forward to in 2023
Viken Arman: I’m currently juggling several projects, many of which involve collaborations with close friends. One exciting project is a modular Jazz album with Acid Pauli, and we’re exploring other creative avenues, including a techno project. My main focus now is VIZAR, a live project with Cesar Merveille, bringing me back to my minimal house roots. We have a residency at Club Der Visionaere in Berlin, and our first EP is set for early 2024 with remixes from Luciano and Traumer. I’m also composing for documentaries and commercials but waiting for the right film director to create something unique. Lastly, I’m in the early stages of composing a new album, possibly taking an acoustic direction with an orchestra and Jazz musicians. Patience is key; I’m in no rush to see where it leads.
For now, I’m incredibly excited about going on tour to present ‘Alone Together.’ Next month, I’ll be heading to Japan for the first time, with Acid Pauli and Hermeto Pascoal. Legend. Afterward, I’ll continue my tour in Asia and the US with special shows in Los Angeles on November 22nd, and New York at Elsewhere on November 30th. Amongst 20 other gigs keeping me busy until the end of the year.
EG: Thank you for your time, Viken! We’re excited to see what’s in store for you. Take care!
Viken Arman: Thank you! Hope to see you on the road!
Viken Arman’s ‘Alone Together’ is now available via K7 / Denature. Download your copy here.
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