Home Featured The Archer discusses main influences, latest single ‘Say Your Grace’ and more: Interview
The Archer discusses main influences, latest single ‘Say Your Grace’ and more: Interview
The Archer
Rex Yu/Courtesy of Unfolded PR

The Archer discusses main influences, latest single ‘Say Your Grace’ and more: Interview

Home Featured The Archer discusses main influences, latest single ‘Say Your Grace’ and more: Interview

Paving his way in the dance scene in the most distinct of manners, LA-based DJ/Producer and entrepreneur The Archer continues to positively impact our community through both his music, as well as his philanthropic work. Multifaceted in every sense of the word, this is one interview you most certainly do not want to miss out on.

Leaving a lasting impact within the dance scene and not only, The Archer (real name Arash Homampour) is the epitome of an act that has not only been mastering his craft to the utmost of perfection, but at the same time, has been ensuring that with each endeavour, he is giving back to people in need, through both his music and live sets, as well as through his philanthropic work. Multifaceted in every sense of the word, The Archer has been captivating audiences through his distinct style of play, with house his prominent genre of choice, leaving fans alike begging for more either through original tracks or collaborations. Garnering support by the elite acts within our community, as well as performing at the most prestigious of clubs, events and festivals, The Archer is well and truly on his way towards global dominance and we of course are all for it. With this in mind, we could not be any more thrilled to be joined by the man of the moment, as he discusses main inspirations and influences, the significance behind a versatile nature, co-owning Octopus Recordings alongside techno icon Sian, founding There Is A Light label and foundation, his latest single ‘Say Your Grace,’ future plans and so much more.

Hello and thank you for joining us! Could you provide us with an insight on the main inspirations/influences that led to your chosen career pathway in music?

“Music has always been an essential part of my existence. I’ve been drawn to electronic music since I was young, going to clubs even in junior high school. Artists like Kraftwerk, the Human League, early Madonna, and early Hip Hop all played a role in shaping my musical journey. I’ve been DJing professionally since 2016, and I started producing a few years ago. The decision to pursue a career as a producer came from my desire to share my point of view and love affair with music with the world.”

With versatility a key aspect in the dance scene, we would like to know your approach towards music production and the wide variety of genres that are on offer, as well as the origin of your style of play?

“I’m influenced by good music in all genres. My style is primarily house music with a techno foundation, but I love to experiment with different sounds. When I DJ, I typically play a mix of techno, tech house, melodic techno, afro house, deep house, and even some disco. In production, I start with a melody and lyrics – a more traditional songwriting process – and then construct the track around that, trying to match the vibe I’m going for. I’m always open to exploring new sounds and pushing boundaries within the electronic music spectrum.”

The Archer
Rex Yu/Courtesy of Unfolded PR

Finding Octopus Recordings alongside Sian, could you provide us with a further insight the label’s creation, what it offers, as well as the core values and ethos that you set out portray for up and coming acts in the dance scene?

“As a co-owner of Octopus Recordings alongside Sian, I’m proud to be part of this innovative label. Over the last 15 years, Octopus has consistently discovered and launched new artists while remaining fiercely independent of typical trends in House and Techno. We never shy away from taking risks. A key ingredient in the longevity has been a hunger for new sounds, rather than relying on what’s popular. We prioritize originality in new artists above all else, which has led us to launch the careers of so many chart-topping acts.”

Advocating “educational opportunities” through your non-profit There Is A Light foundation, we would like to know the overall vision behind this endeavour, the progress that has been made, as well as the significance behind such foundations?

“The vision of There Is A Light Foundation is to empower talented individuals with financial need and support meaningful causes across various fields. In 2023 alone, we distributed over $500,000 through charitable donations and scholarship grants towards tuition’s. The significance of There Is A Light Foundation lies in its ability to turn dreams into reality for talented individuals who might otherwise lack the resources to pursue their goals. We believe in the power of giving back, and hope that by supporting these individuals and causes, we’re inspiring a ripple effect of positive change in our communities.”

Providing scholarship programmes through your foundation, could you talk us through this initiative, the impact it has had thus far, as well as your own view on the significance of education and partnership in the dance scene?

“Our scholarship program has made a significant impact in the dance music scene. We’ve partnered with top music production schools like IO Music Academy and Icon Collective in Los Angeles, running scholarship competitions and granting individual scholarships. This has allowed many aspiring producers to access high-quality education they might not have otherwise afforded. The impact is clear – we’re seeing these students develop their skills and launch promising careers in the industry. I believe education and partnerships are crucial in the dance scene. They provide the necessary skills, knowledge, and connections for success. By supporting education and fostering industry collaborations, we’re helping to keep the scene innovative and accessible to talent from all backgrounds. This combination of quality education and partnerships is key to the continued growth and dynamism of dance music.”

The Archer
Rex Yu/Courtesy of Unfolded PR

Boasting a truly immersive musical catalogue, could you talk us through your latest single ‘Say Your Grace,’ the main thought process behind its production, as well as the message that it sets out to portray?

“‘Say Your Grace’ is a collaboration with the talented Kenyan singer-songwriter Lisa Oduor-Noah. It’s an organic house anthem with a downtempo beat and touching lyrics. The track is both hypnotizing and soothing, embodying a spiritual essence. The main thought process behind its production was to create a testament to the spiritual power that guides and saves us during our human experience. It also fulfills my passion for showcasing incredible talent from African artists, bridging cultures through the universal language of music and spirituality. The message it portrays is one of faith, gratitude, and the interconnection of our human experiences.”

Leaving your own mark within the dance scene, we would like to know what the future holds for The Archer, always in terms of new music and upcoming live performances?  

“My focus for the foreseeable future is on music production. I’m dedicated to honing my craft and creating high-quality, authentic music that resonates with listeners. My goal is to get great, real music out to the world. I’m spending time in the studio, experimenting with new sounds, and collaborating with talented artists. While I don’t have plans for live performances in the immediate future, I’m channeling all my energy into producing tracks that will make a lasting impact on the dance music scene.”

Remarkable in every sense of the word, we will most certainly be keeping a close eye on The Archer and all his future endeavours within the dance scene, but for the time being, be sure to stay fully up to date by following this immersive act on Facebook, Instagram and Spotify!

Mariana Bo
Mariana Bo
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