DJ and producer LUMI talks influences, creativity, and the future

Scandinavian, Seattle-based techno DJ and producer LUMI joins Headliner for a chat about her life in music so far, influences, creativity, and what the future holds.

With her unique blend of dark, intense techno, Finland's LUMI has established herself as one of the music exciting new talents in the business. Recent performances alongside the likes of Pan-Pot, Marie Vaunt, Korolova, Tiga, Teenage Mutants, and Will Clarke have further highlighted her reputation as a burgeoning star, while her debut release, Look The Other Way, on esteemed techno label Octopus Records charted at No.3 on Beatport’s Indie Dance charts, accumulating over 50,000 streams and 13 editorial playlists.

Here, LUMI opens up on her origins in music, the influences that have shaped her, the biggest challenges facing DJs and producers today, and what fans can expect in the future...

When did music first meaningfully enter your life?

When I was in middle school, I learned how to play piano and sing Taylor Swift songs. I would also perform Miley Cyrus covers with my sister and friend around the same time, and the lyrics in the songs really spoke to me. I was very shy when I was that age, but I remember turning to lyrics in those artists’ songs to help guide me. I enjoyed starting to write my own lyrics then too. Although they weren’t great, it was an outlet for me to write and rhyme.

What inspired you to start creating your own music?

During the pandemic, there was a lot of uncertainty and anxiety around what was going to happen in the world, or even if it was going to be the end of humanity as we know it. I was doing my master’s degree in Helsinki at the time, and I had a realization - if we came out the other end of this, I sure as hell wouldn’t be spending my time doing something I don’t absolutely love with a burning passion. I knew the corporate world and school wasn’t for me - I just genuinely had no interest and trouble focusing on it.

I got my first taste of electronic music back in 2014 when I graduated high school and started raving. I had toyed with the idea of learning how to DJ and make music for a while, but after my revelation during the pandemic, I packed my bags, left Finland, came back to Seattle to live in my parents “basement.” I finished my degree remote from the U.S. and haven’t looked back since. I dove in headfirst and began my journey with DJing, production, and vocals all at the same time. I luckily had some early mentors that guided me on the programs to use and early production tips, so I had guidance on how to get going. After that I was genuinely addicted to learning and bettering myself at the craft. I was kind of insane about it, probably an ADHD thing.

What were your earliest musical influences?

My earliest musical influences were Miss Kitten, Tiga, and Soulwax. I also loved (and still love) the track Bilingual by Jose Nunez.

When did you first connect with electronic music?

I first connected with electronic music when I was graduating high school. I went to some of my first raves and my life was changed forever. I was a bit of a rebel. I smoked cigarettes and snuck out past curfew to go to parties and would just be M.I.A. for an entire weekend. My parents would call me and I would just watch it ring until it stopped and be like oops! I just wanted to have fun and be out. I lived in the moment. I remember liking Deadmau5 and Above and Beyond. Wild to think back on it!

Talk us through your creative process? And has this process changed over the years?

It’s actually not linear, sometimes I start with a vocal and that gives me an idea of where I want to take the production. Sometimes I start with a simple groove, some drums, a bassline, and then a vocal idea will come to me. I like using cool references that I’m really into at the time and sometimes I start with one of those and that gets creativity flowing or at least a general theme or direction. Since there’s endless possibilities, it’s kind of nice narrowing it down into a lane so you’re not using all your brain power to think, “well would this fit with a track like this?” It frees it up and gives you space to play in a certain zone.

Talk us through your career progression? What have been some of the key moments that have led you to where you are today?

A key moment of mine would probably be opening for Tiga at the substation for NYE last year, which ultimately led me to signing records to his label. I also played Day Trip Festival in LA and had three sets in one day which was an incredible opportunity to get some recognition and visibility in LA. I just played Boo here in Seattle which was my first time performing at a stadium. Each time gets better and better and I look forward to seeing what else comes to fruition. I am truly so excited for the future; I have big goals!

What are the biggest challenges facing DJs and techno artists today?

The environment is constantly changing, so getting recognized and remembered is a constant battle and a full-time job really. Which is kind of where social media comes into play. I would say growing there is a slow process and it takes time and it’s one of the means to which we keep ourselves relevant as artists.

What does the future hold for you?

The future definitely holds live vocals in my sets. I feel like I’m ready to take that step especially since a lot of the music I have coming out is really vocally driven with intricate lyrics and I believe that’s the direction I’ll be going in musically as I continue to build and progress. I really like where my sound is headed right now and am excited to share the new music I’ve been working hard on.