Askari / London, United Kingdom
Can you introduce yourself to our audience?
Hello, I’m ASKARI (UK). I was born and raised in London, and I am currently based between London and the Middle East. I first entered the electronic music scene through DJing, which eventually led me into music production. I will touch on that more in a bit.
Music has always been present in my life. Growing up, my mum would play house classics from the 1980s and 1990s like Technotronic, Frankie Knuckles, Robin S, and SNAP! while cooking or doing chores. Those sounds stayed with me and definitely shaped what I was drawn to as a teenager. One of my earliest memories of falling in love with electronic music was when I came across Tiësto’s Sensation White 2005 set on YouTube—if I remember correctly, at the age of around eleven. I would watch it almost every night, imagining what it would feel like to be part of something so powerful.
Nearly a decade later, while working as an accountant in central London, I found myself in a high-stress environment with little creative outlet. One evening, I stumbled across that same Tiësto set again. Watching it brought back all the memories and emotions. I thought to myself, how amazing it must be to bring people together through music—allowing them to escape for a night and just enjoy the moment. That was when I decided to take DJing classes at SubBass Academy, one of the top DJ schools in London at the time, to keep my evenings busy. From there, I started practicing at home with a Pioneer controller and began playing live shows not long after.
Eventually, I performed at iconic venues such as Ministry of Sound, EGG London, Fire & Lightbox, and even South West Four Festival. My style evolved from house, deep house, and tech house into progressive house and melodic techno around 2020.
What inspired you to pursue a career in music, specifically in electronic genres?
It is difficult to put into words, but what drew me to electronic music was the feeling it gives—not just to me, but to everyone who listens to it. Each track carries a unique energy and tells a different story. There is something incredibly powerful about how a melody, layered with drums and bass, can speak directly to people and create a shared emotional experience. I have always admired how welcoming and connected the electronic music community can be, especially within the trance and progressive scenes. There is a real beauty in how people come together over this shared love for sound.
The inspiration really began when I discovered Tiësto’s Sensation White set as a kid. It planted a seed. I didn’t know it at the time, but it was the beginning of something much bigger. That performance captured everything I would later fall in love with—unity, emotion, and pure energy.
The moment I truly realised I wanted to pursue music seriously was when I saw people reacting to the tracks I produced. Watching strangers on the dancefloor connect with something I created felt surreal. It is in those moments I feel most alive and most at peace.
For me, music is a form of escape. It is a way to connect with yourself and with others on a level that words cannot always reach. You can go to a festival like Anjunadeep’s Open Air completely alone and end the night surrounded by new friends who feel the music just as deeply as you do. That is the magic.
Music is more than just sound. It is a companion. It reflects every emotion—from joy to sorrow, from excitement to reflection. It is ancient and timeless. Across cultures and centuries, music has always been a part of the human story. That is what inspires me—being able to add my voice to that story and take people on a journey through sound.
How would you describe your style and sound?
I would describe my sound as emotional, driving, and fun. Whether I am behind the decks or in the studio, I always try to take people on a journey. That journey can involve moments of joy, release, or simply the need to dance and forget everything for a while.
At heart, I am a DJ first. That is how it all started for me, and it remains the part of music I feel most connected to. After taking a short break from music, I am now returning with a focus on live performance. For me, DJing is more than just playing tracks. It is about building a story in real time. My goal is for people to leave my sets feeling lighter, happier, and free—like they’ve just gone through something that made life feel perfect, even if only for a moment.
My productions reflect that as well, but each track has its own narrative. I never want to force an interpretation on anyone. I prefer to leave space for people to connect in their own way. Some tracks may make you smile, some may move you to tears, others make you want to dance and forget the world—but as long as they make you feel something, then I have done my job.
What also sets me apart is my cultural background. Being born and raised in London by parents who are from different parts of the world—while also spending some time in the Middle East—has shaped how I see and hear the world. I try to bring that into my music by blending sounds and atmospheres from different regions. Music is a universal language. In a world that is often divided, I want my music to feel like a bridge—something that unites people, no matter where they are from or what they believe in.
At the core of everything I do is storytelling. I build experiences through sound, always aiming to create moments that people carry with them long after the track fades.
ABOUT YOUR RELEASE
Tell us about your latest release.
My latest release is a single called The Colony, coming out on 3rd July 2025 through Cafe De Anatolia. It is my first release with the label and I am really excited to share it as part of a larger story I have been building through music.
The track is part of my ongoing sci-fi inspired music series, which explores the idea of the human race travelling through space and discovering new worlds. I have always been fascinated by sci-fi stories, films, and games, and I wanted to translate that curiosity into sound. The Colony represents the moment when humanity finally manages to build its first self-sufficient settlement on another planet. It is a moment of triumph, peace, and celebration after years of struggle and exploration.
Sonically, the track is upbeat and full of positive energy. It is meant to reflect the happiness and relief of achieving something once thought impossible. It has a vibrant, danceable mood without being too heavy, keeping the focus on joy and movement.
At its core, this release, like the others in the series, is about storytelling. I want to take listeners on a journey beyond the dancefloor, into a world of imagination and feeling. While there is a narrative behind the music, I always leave space for people to feel it in their own way. If it brings them joy or a sense of escape, then it has done what I hoped for.
Can you walk us through the creative process behind this project?
For The Colony, I imagined the journey of humanity as it explores and expands into space. In many classic sci-fi stories, there is a moment when humans finally establish colonies on other planets. That idea became the foundation for this track. A lot of the inspiration came from the atmosphere and emotion of sci-fi films, where scenes of survival and struggle are often followed by peace, celebration, and reflection.
I started with the drums, which I wanted to feel like the heartbeat of the colony—a steady, grounding pulse that represents life and structure. From there, I layered in melodies and textures to express the beauty and inspiration of what the colony symbolises: a new beginning, hope, and unity.
Compared to previous tracks in the series, this one has a slower, more relaxed energy. It is meant to reflect the calm after the storm—the idea that after all the chaos and searching, we have finally found peace.
It was refreshing to build something that feels uplifting and light while still being part of a larger narrative. I wanted the mood to be celebratory, but also thoughtful—something that lets people pause, breathe, and enjoy the feeling of arrival.
How does this release differ from your previous work?
Compared to my earlier releases in the series, The Colony takes on a much calmer and more uplifting tone. While the previous tracks focused more on the challenges and intensity of exploration—reflecting the struggle, uncertainty, and tension that comes with venturing into the unknown—this one represents the moment of peace that follows. It is the feeling of finally arriving, of building something new and beautiful after all the chaos.
This track has a slower vibe and a feel-good energy. It is meant to create a sense of joy and emotional relief, almost like a reward after the journey. While it is not the first time I have explored this type of sound, it has been a while since I released anything that captures this level of happiness and lightness.
From a creative point of view, it gave me the space to focus more on emotional expression through melody and atmosphere, rather than intensity or tension. It is still part of the larger sci-fi narrative, but it adds a new chapter that invites people to pause and enjoy the moment.
INDUSTRY AND PERSONAL INSIGHTS
What do you think is the biggest challenge for artists in the electronic music industry today?
I think one of the biggest challenges today is how much the industry has become driven by social media and algorithms. Visibility is no longer just about the quality of your music or the depth of your sets. It often comes down to how often you post, how many views your content gets, or how well it fits a trend. That shift has made it harder for artists who are focused on storytelling, craft, and emotion to break through—especially when much of the attention goes to influencers or viral content that may not always reflect the true depth of the scene.
But despite all of that, it is important not to lose sight of why we create music in the first place. Music is not just content. It is not a trend. It is art. It is a form of expression that speaks when words cannot. If you are making music that is honest, meaningful, and true to you, then you are already doing something right—and trust that the right people will feel your sound. In a world that moves quickly and often rewards the superficial, authenticity stands out more than ever. Stay patient, stay grounded, and never forget that real connection through music will always matter more than numbers on a screen.
What role do events, collaborations, or labels play in shaping your career?
Events, collaborations, and labels all play an important role in shaping an artist’s journey. Each one offers a different kind of growth, connection, and exposure. Events are where the music truly comes to life. They are not just about playing tracks—they’re about reading the crowd, sharing energy, and creating moments that people carry with them. Playing at venues like Ministry of Sound or festivals like South West Four gave me the chance to build confidence and connect directly with those who love the music as much as I do.
Collaborations and label support are just as important. They open the door to new audiences, fresh perspectives, and creative challenges. My recent collaboration with Cafe De Anatolia is a great example. Releasing my upcoming single The Colony with them has been a meaningful step for me. It is not just about their global reach but also about the way they approach music. Their focus on cultural fusion and melodic storytelling reflects exactly what I aim to express through my sound. It is more than just club music—it is music that speaks to emotion and identity.
Working with labels and performing at events reminds you that you are part of something larger. It gives you a sense of belonging, but also pushes you to evolve and refine your voice. Every opportunity adds another layer to the journey, and I am grateful for each step that continues to shape who I am as an artist. I’d like to thank Cafe De Anatolia for being part of it.
Do you have any advice for aspiring artists looking to break into the scene?
My biggest advice is to stay true to yourself and your sound. It can be tempting to follow trends or copy what is popular—especially when you are just starting out. But the artists who really connect with people are the ones who bring something honest and personal to the table. Let your music reflect who you are—not who you think you need to be.
Take your time. There is no need to rush the process. Growth comes with patience and consistency. Keep learning, stay open to feedback, and always keep pushing yourself creatively. Do not be discouraged by setbacks or slow progress. Everyone’s journey looks different, and that is part of what makes it meaningful.
Surround yourself with people who inspire you. That could be fellow artists, mentors, or friends who believe in what you are doing. And remember, visibility might be harder now with how fast everything moves online—but that does not mean your work is any less valuable. Social media is just a tool. What really matters is how your music makes people feel.
Last but not least—enjoy it. Make music because you love it and not because you are chasing numbers or fame. When the intention is pure, people can feel it. Stay focused, stay grounded, and trust that your sound will find the right ears in time.
What can your fans expect next?
I am planning to release more music later this year. There are also a few exciting festival opportunities in the Middle East currently in the works, which I am really looking forward to. After taking some time away, I am now fully focused on music again and feeling more inspired than ever. I cannot wait to share what is coming next and connect with people through sound once more.
The Colony by Askari / 3rd July 2025 released via Cafe De Anatolia