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.