Forget categories. BARON, once known as Benjamin, exists in a spectrum beyond genre. His journey, like his music, is a blend of cultures and experiences, meshed together with straightforwardness. The “black thread,” an ancient symbol of closure, binds the scars of his past, a reminder that even those who heal others carry their own stories. “It’s metaphorical,” he says with a smile, “It’s a metaphor for a good person who can heal the wounds of others from a past life filled with hardship.” But BARON’s stories isn’t solely about shadows. It’s about the light that music brings, stirring emotions and strengthen bonds between people.
Finding his balance is key. Embracing new trends while staying true to his core, to that spark that makes him distinct. “I believe it’s crucial to keep up with emerging trends,” he reflects, “but also maintaining a unique artistic touch.” And his self shines brightly. His latest EP “Hilo,” is proof, a mix of organic melodies and progressive electronic beats.
In our interview, we talked about the collaboration process with Dorian Craft, the constant push for innovation, and one unexpected source of inspiration.
photography by Matthieu Autier
Hey BARON, great to catch up with you. (smiles) Where are you hanging out these days?
Hello Guys, It’s great to be back home in Cannes, France, after my tour between Mexico and Canada. I decided to take 15 days off to finish some projects before heading out again for a date in Paris and Istanbul.
Let’s start with your new release! The title “Hilo” can have various meanings depending on the language. Did you choose it for a specific meaning or interpretation, or was it more evocative and open to individual understanding?
“Hilo” is the first track of the EP. The name of the piece is in connection with the lyrics written and sung by P.Rivas. In summary… The black thread is the oldest thread known, it simply tells how I close a bad stage of my life with this thread with which I close the wounds that I carry inside, all of this is very metaphorical (laughs). It’s a metaphor for a good person who can heal the wounds of others from a past life filled with hardship.
Tell us about the collaboration process with Dorian Craft on this EP. How did you divide the creative responsibilities and what did each of you bring to the project?
The idea of this project naturally grew out of our yearly Tulum retreat. We wanted an EP that could resonate with a wide range of DJs without sacrificing our melodic, organic imprint. And that is exactly what we have managed.
The opening track “Hilo” features vocals from ARKADYAN & P.Rivas. Love it! How did this collaboration come about?
The Arkadyan group are friends, we always wanted to collaborate with them, we started this when we met again in Tulum and with Dorian Craft we were looking for a Hispanic voice so we contacted P.Rivas who fit perfectly on the piece.
“To stay innovative in electronic music, I believe it’s crucial to keep up with emerging trends while also maintaining a unique artistic touch.”
“Paradigm” offers a deeper, melodic soundscape. If it could be the soundtrack to any film in history, which would it be?
I will say and wish for the film Dune, whose soundtrack was featured by Hans Zimmer, of whom I am a big fan.
Your music is known for its forward-thinking and dynamic quality. How do you stay innovative in the ever-evolving world of electronic music?
To stay innovative in electronic music, I believe it’s crucial to keep up with emerging trends while also maintaining a unique artistic touch.
What creative risks are you willing to take in your future productions?
To merge different styles to create something new and innovative. To work with artists from other disciplines.
What first drew you to electronic music production?
I was drawn to electronic music production by electronic music events and festivals as they are often meeting places where people share their passion for music.
Your music integrates diverse cultures. What personal experiences or philosophies drive this desire to connect worlds through sound?
I have traveled a lot all my life and I realized that music was present everywhere and that it allowed people to enjoy everything they do, it’s a great tool to strengthen bonds between people, no matter where they come from.
“I have a real passion and bond with horses, this allows me to take a step back and recharge in my native region.”
Beyond dance floors, what role do you see music playing in society? Can it be a tool for change or understanding?
Music, beyond dance floors, acts as a cultural and emotional expression, a platform for social change. Music also plays a very important role in education.
As a successful artist in a field often perceived as male-dominated, what are your thoughts on the current gender balance in electronic music? Do you see signs of progress or areas that still need significant improvement?
In my eyes, this profession is just as suited for men as for women, work and a real source of success.
What unexpected source of inspiration has fueled your creativity lately?
I have a real passion and bond with horses, this allows me to take a step back and recharge in my native region, lately this has helped me a lot in the creativity of my artistic projects.
The most important thing in life is ?
The most important thing is to live out my passion and share that feeling with others through my music and DJ sets.
Thank you so much for your time!
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