Riding high off the back of one of his most prolific years to date, internationally celebrated DJ, producer and Joy Records label boss HEVI LEVI now begins 2023 with a worthy charitable musical initiative, as he unveils his latest multi-faceted project, Mad World. An impressive cover of Tears for Fears’ iconic 1983 hit single of the same name, the new single is accompanied by a poignant music video highlighting the desperate on-going plight of the Ukrainian people, following Putin’s illegal invasion of the country in February 2022. Released via HEVI LEVI’s very own Joy Records imprint, the single and music video release will also be accompanied by the charitable sale of a run of newly designed ‘Mad World’ T-shirts, with all profits for the campaign being donated to UNITED24 – a global initiative which collects donations in support of Ukraine. We caught up with the man himself to find out more.
Hello HEVI LEVI, welcome to Techno Mood.
Hi, It’s a pleasure to be here.
Please can you introduce yourself for our Techno Mood readers?
I’m an electronic music DJ & Producer from Tel Aviv, Israel, owner of the record label Joy, a family person and a tech geek 🙂
Where in the world are you right now?
I’m in my studio as always, Israel.
Looking at your formative years as an artist, who or what were your biggest musical influences and inspirations growing up?
I’m a late 80’s kid but my main influence comes from rooted electronic music, Pink Floyd, Depeche Mode, Faithless but also Armin Van Buuren, Paul Van Dyke and Paul oakenfeld. Music with true passion and emotional melodies.
And some of your biggest supporters?
My biggest supporters along the years are David Gueta, Tiesto, Armin Van Buuren. Lately when I make more house / melodic techno music so more underground artists are supporting my music.
Talk to us about your new single Mad World on Joy Records…
Mad World is more than a single. It’s a whole project that I made to raise awareness to the world situation and what is happening in Ukraine, the track will be supported by a video clip
and T Shirts and all profits will go to Ukraine. As for the track itself, I sampled a cover version of the song Mad World originally made by Tears For Fears and made a new Melodic Acid Techno track, a very experimental yet super straight forward track.
We understand that the profits for the project will be going to UNITED24? Why did you pick this particular charity?
My management did research about the different Ukraine support organisations and UNITED24 have a specific campaign to help build schools and libraries for kids. I think it’s a very important cause and our hearts chose it.
What else is coming up on the label that we should look out for?
Musically our artists have an interesting year with a lot of eclectic releases, we will also release some tracks from big names outside of Joy that chose to release with us. As you know Joy is more than a record label, we have our own parties and fashion brand TN1!, we plan to kick off our first fashion line this Spring and continue making our parties/festivals in Europe throughout 2023. We are also launching our music for shops platform KLICK and expanding our DJ school.
If you could collaborate with any artist in the scene right now, who would it be?
CamelPhat, Jerom Is-ma, Space Motion, Rüfüs Du Sol and for old times, Armin Van Buren. I’m also open to collaborating with anyone that music is his passion and has got a unique style. I’m also constantly looking for vocalists and top liners.
Top 3 favourite records you love to play out at the moment?
HEVI LEVI – Mad World 🙂
Space Motion – Silver Screen
Spada, Mardraüs – Cycles
Can you tell us about some of your favourite non-electronic music artists?
I’m a huge fan of Pink Floyd, so this is my go to music, I also listen to Eminem and 90’s Hip Hop when i’m in the mood or when I kickbox.
What have you got planned for the rest of the year that you can share?
My next release will be The Moon (already supported by top DJs), my Symphonic EP, some super interesting collabs and shows around the world.
Do you have any parting words for our Techno Mood readers?
YES! Support your local artists. They need you. Any download, like, comment, stream or PM means the world to us, this is what gives us the fuel to make more music.
