IN CONVERSATION WITH CARV
Interview by Samo Šajn
Frankfurt-born DJ/producer CARV is a force in the hard dance scene, known for his relentless energy and mysterious persona. Following a massive 2024, he’s set to debut on HEKATE with his ‘Make You Move’ EP and start his global tour.
Your philosophy is all about the music, not the person behind it. Why is it important for you to separate your identity from your art?
It’s important to separate my identity from my art because I want the focus to remain entirely on the music itself. By letting the music speak for itself, I remove any preconceived judgments based on appearance or personal background. This allows listeners to engage with the music in a pure and unbiased way, creating a more authentic and inclusive experience for everyone.
You’ve mentioned taking inspiration from Angerfist. What about his approach to music and anonymity resonates with you the most?
Angerfist’s productions have been a major source of inspiration for me, particularly his ability to captivate audiences and create electrifying energy through his music. His approach to anonymity also resonates with me, as it reinforces the idea that the focus should be on the art rather than the individual behind it. That said, I’ve never aimed to imitate him—rather, his work has had a profoundly positive influence on me as both an artist and a person.
2024 was a big year for you with the launch of your label, Masked Rules, and multiple releases. What were some of the biggest challenges and highlights of that journey?
One of the biggest challenges in 2024 was balancing an intense touring schedule with producing new music. However, the incredible experiences along the way made it all worthwhile. Highlights included performing at major events like Verknipt Arena and Hive Festival, as well as meeting so many amazing people throughout the journey. Launching my label, Masked Rules, and releasing new music was also a huge milestone, making the year both demanding and deeply rewarding.
You’re kicking off 2025 with a global tour. How do you prepare for high-intensity performances across different countries and cultures?
Musically, I prepare very little because I primarily play 90% of my own productions. I love to improvise and adapt to each crowd in the moment, letting the energy of the audience guide my performance. Every show is unique, and I thrive on the spontaneity of feeling the atmosphere and responding in real time.
Your debut on Sara Landry’s HEKATE Records drops on February 14th. What makes ‘Make You Move’ and ‘Lights Out’ the perfect tracks for this label?
I believe it’s the combination of groove, melody, and intensity. Sara Landry herself enjoys and plays these tracks, which is a great validation. At the same time, they carry my distinct sound, ensuring that they not only align with the label’s energy but also stay true to my artistic identity.
How would you describe the sound and energy of ‘Lights Out’ to someone who hasn’t heard it yet?
Lights Out is a deep and energetic track with a powerful, euphoric melody that creates a vast and immersive atmosphere. The rhythmic psybass elements add a dynamic groove, leading into a hard-hitting main drop that delivers intense energy. This balance between heaviness and melody makes the track both electrifying and playful—perfect for those who love a fusion of driving intensity and melodic depth.
What’s the story behind the name ‘CARV’? Does it hold any special meaning for you?
CARV stands for Criminal & Rough Version, representing a darker, harder evolution of my musical identity. Before CARV, I was already making music, but when I discovered this particular style, it felt like an extension of me—just in a more intense and raw form. The name reflects that transformation, embodying the heavier, more uncompromising side of my sound and artistic vision.
With techno and hard dance evolving rapidly, where do you see the scene heading in the next few years?
The future depends on how we navigate its growth. We have to be mindful not to oversaturate or push too hard too fast. If we build the scene strategically and sustainably, it has the potential to become something truly massive.
For those who haven’t experienced a CARV set before, how would you describe the energy and atmosphere you aim to create on the dancefloor?
Every CARV set is a story. It’s not about playing the hardest tracks but about taking the crowd on a journey from start to finish. I aim to create an atmosphere where emotions and freedom take over, guiding the audience through a world of intensity, euphoria, and deep connection. My sets are all about immersion—holding listeners by the hand and leading them through an unforgettable experience on the dancefloor.
