Keto van Harum
Can you introduce yourself to our audience?
I’m Keto van Harum — a DJ, producer, and passionate music visionary. Born and raised in Romania, my love for music began at a young age, inspired by icons like Armin van Buuren, Carl Cox, Tiësto, and David Guetta. What started as a childhood fascination turned into a lifelong journey.
I studied choral conducting and piano through high school and university, performing on national and international stages both as a soloist and choir conductor. This classical foundation gave me a deep understanding of music’s emotional and technical power — something I still draw from in everything I create.
Driven by a growing passion, I ventured into DJing and music production, blending my classical roots with modern electronic energy. Joining PTDJ Academy was a pivotal step, where I had the opportunity to learn from legends like Pete Tong, Carl Cox, Jamie Jones, and Adam Beyer.
Today, I host two international radio shows: From Paris with Love (broadcast from South Africa) and Chasing the Sound (broadcast from Ibiza). These shows have opened doors to unforgettable performances, including the Annual House Music Festival in Ibiza at venues like Café del Mar.
I also run Sound Sculpture, a YouTube series where I curate Afro, melodic, and deep house sets that aim to take listeners on immersive journeys. Whether behind the decks or in the studio, I’m constantly pushing my creative boundaries with one mission: to share my love for music and inspire others.
What inspired you to pursue a career in electronic music?
Music has always been part of who I am. My early classical training taught me the emotional depth of melody and harmony, but as I evolved, I was drawn to the energy and freedom of electronic music. Artists like Armin van Buuren and Carl Cox showed me that music could connect people across cultures on a massive scale.
What captivated me most about electronic music is how it fuses raw emotion with technology. It gave me the tools to merge my structured classical background with modern rhythms and sounds that reach people on a visceral level. That combination of connection, emotion, and innovation inspired me to pursue electronic music professionally.
How would you describe your style and sound?
My sound is a fusion of Afro house, melodic house, and deep house — layered with classical influence. I always strive to tell a story through my sets, building energy, atmosphere, and emotion in a way that resonates deeply with the listener.
What sets me apart is my musical foundation. With formal training in piano and choral conducting, I bring a strong sense of harmony, melody, and dynamics to my productions and live sets. I don’t just mix tracks — I craft experiences. I often blend organic vocals and instruments with modern production to create cinematic, soulful journeys that stay with people long after the last beat.
ABOUT YOUR RELEASE
Tell us about your latest release.
Fire from Above is a track that reflects my current creative evolution. It’s a blend of Afro and melodic house, with deep Arabic and oriental influences — elements I’ve been exploring more in recent years. I’ve always been intrigued by the emotional intensity of Middle Eastern music, and with this track, I wanted to create something that’s both powerful and hypnotic.
The idea was to offer a spiritual dancefloor journey — with haunting Arabic melodies and deep Afro rhythms that ground the experience. For me, it’s about building bridges between cultures and transporting listeners into a space of unity, energy, and emotion.
What message or feeling do you want listeners to take away?
I hope listeners feel uplifted — that euphoric, spiritual connection you experience when everything aligns on the dancefloor. Fire from Above is about transcendence, unity, and release. It’s an invitation to let go of the everyday and connect with something deeper through rhythm and sound.
Walk us through the creative process behind the track.
I began by exploring traditional Middle Eastern scales and motifs, working with authentic instruments and vocal textures to capture the cultural essence. Then I built the foundation using a deep Afro house groove to give it momentum and soul.
The creative process was all about balance — layering, refining, and ensuring that each element supported the overall story. I tested the track on various sound systems, imagining how it would resonate live, and adjusted to ensure the energy flowed naturally.
How does this release differ from your past work?
While my earlier releases leaned heavily into melodic and deep house, Fire from Above introduces a much stronger ethnic and Arabic influence. It pushed me to experiment with unfamiliar musical languages and techniques, bringing new emotional depth to my sound.
This track feels more cinematic and culturally rich than anything I’ve released before. It tells a story not just through rhythm, but through tradition and innovation combined.
INDUSTRY & PERSONAL INSIGHTS
What do you think is the biggest challenge for artists today?
The biggest challenge is standing out in a saturated market. There are so many incredible artists out there, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or lost in the crowd. Finding your authentic voice takes time and courage.
Balancing the artistic side with the business — managing branding, marketing, social media, and bookings — can also be a lot. It’s important not to lose sight of your artistic vision while trying to “make it” in the industry.
And with technology evolving so fast, we constantly have to learn and adapt. It can be exhausting, but it also brings opportunity.
What role do events, collaborations, and labels play in your career?
(Include Cafe De Anatolia mention)
They’re vital. Live events give me energy and purpose — they let me interact with the audience, feel their response, and refine my sound in real-time.
Collaborations open new creative doors. One of the highlights of my career has been working with Cafe De Anatolia. Their commitment to cultural richness, deep grooves, and organic sound aligns perfectly with my vision. Together, we’re building music that transcends borders — rooted in authenticity but built for modern audiences.
Labels like Audiowave Records (UK) and now Cafe De Anatolia have played a huge role in helping me reach wider audiences, access global platforms, and maintain the quality of my releases.
What advice would you give to aspiring electronic artists?
Be authentic. Develop your own sound instead of copying others. Invest in learning your craft, stay curious, and allow yourself to grow with every release and performance.
Surround yourself with creatives who inspire you, and never underestimate the power of community. Engage, network, and support others — those relationships will carry you far.
And finally, be patient. The journey is long, but with persistence and passion, your music will find its way to the right ears.
LOOKING AHEAD
What’s next for you?
July brings a big performance at Teatrul Gastronomic in Chișinău — it’s going to be an incredible night of music and connection. Then in August, I’m playing at Sunset Sessions at Long Beach Club in Lanzarote, a beautiful venue with unforgettable vibes.
On the production side, I’m preparing for the release of Resurrection, my next track in collaboration with Cafe De Anatolia. This one goes even deeper into organic-electronic fusion — I can’t wait to share it.
I’m also planning a European tour for the end of the year, connecting with audiences in person and expanding my reach. There’s so much more to come — and I’m beyond excited for what’s ahead.
Keto van Harum – Fire from Above (released via Cafe De Anatolia) 05.08.2025