Rohaan has always had a mystical air around him. Even going back to his early days in the world of experimental trap and deep bass, releasing on CRAZY ZOO and Vagrants. His style has that indistinguishable quality that artists like IMANU, Current Value and Amon Tobin have, which certainly transcends genre, but also seems to transcend space and time. A powerful manifestor and creator of some of the most interesting beats of the last seven years, it seems inevitable that he will eventually release it on VISION.
With his genre-less take on deep bass, Rohaan's first release with the Noisia boys was actually on his former “various bass” label, Division. He made a funky, loud dubstep remix of Tek Genesis' “Cloud Kingdom Theme” that seemed like a departure from even his own diverse style. But if we expect anything from Rohaan, it is the unexpected. His debut EP, child in a dream, which came out earlier this month on VISION is certainly that. With everything from techy, subgenre-defying clubby D&B to almost jungle-like ameny, to video game mid-tempo to techno-infused bass house, fans shouldn't be surprised if samples of an actual kitchen sink were thrown in alone to make a point clear.
Due to the diversity (even for Rohaan) of this EP, YEDM wanted to catch up with the Manchester artist to find out how on earth this extremely interesting work came together. Food to go? It is a love letter to the club. Rohaan's advice for making D&B? Don't listen to D&B. Keep reading.
Let's start with the VISION tagline used in their promotion: “2 years ago I wrote 'Vision Recordings' on a note and stuck it on my bedroom wall…and now here we are.” What does achieving this goal mean to you?
That's why every year I write four key goals in a note. These are usually written at a time when that target is in my line of sight but very far away. So, being here, with the EP made and released, is a wonderful place to affirm my career. I've admired VISION since I was in school studying music, my best friends and peers love the label, so it's definitely a wonderful place to know that my sound fits perfectly.
Some fans might be surprised to know that child in a dream is your debut EP on Vision, as your sound always seemed right for the label, especially in recent years. Why do you think now is the right time or what do you think made this EP stand out among them?
I've had multiple releases with them in the past, doing three remixes for artists like Noisia, The optimists and Iciclethen a single in collaboration with Tom Finster. This is my first solo release with them. We actually started working on the idea of an EP in September 2022, so it's been a long process of many demos and many weeks of refining my sound to get here. Very excited to bring it to life.
It seems clear on the EP that you didn't necessarily have a specific label in mind; How did you go about putting it together, especially in terms of all the styles?
In terms of this release, we had many conversations with VISION to refine the huge list of demos and bring them to the final 6 you'll hear today. Some of these were just fun things I started, others were made specifically for VISION, so it varies. My style and sound are quite eclectic, so I wanted to showcase them on this EP.
While many fans think that you suddenly reach the big time with shogunBefore that, you released some great avant-garde labels like Deadbeats, Mad Zoo, and Unchained. How do you think your experience working with gnarlier beat labels shaped your style as it started to become more popular?
With each release, I'm learning and evolving, both through outside life experiences and seeing the response to my music from the fans' point of view. My style has definitely evolved in two parts. Pop/most compatible with streaming and club music. My recent single “Run Away” with Kelbin is a great example of the pop side. My child in a dream EP is a great example of my club influences. It's been amazing to see my name and my friends' names gain so much popularity over the last few years. That we can host headline shows and make music for a living is a wonderful thing.
In terms of style, where do you feel you take the most influence from? Did you really focus on curating your style at first or was it more haphazard?
My influences are from all parts of music except D&B. I don't really consume the genre anymore, and if I do it's the music of my close friends, like IMANU, Buunshin, The Caracal Project ,etc. I mainly listen to people like Leon Vynhall, Joy Orbison, A TRIP, Jasper Tygner, O'Fylnn, Frazer Ray and SBTRKT to name a few.
I have a patreon page where I posted a video recently on “how to find your sound and create something original”. I talk about the importance of expanding your creative contributions and horizons and the career-changing results it will have in the long term. I'm passionate about that, for sure.
All of your previous EPs, despite the complexity and diversity of sound, have been honed around a specific concept. Were you thinking about the concept EP for Child in a dream? If so, what was it?
To be honest, this is more of a collection of club tunes. There is no deep story with this one. Each track is its own world, its own universe for people to explore. My Bleach The EP was an EP based on a true story, but this one felt great giving it its all to the club scene. I've been on tour for almost a year and a half, all over the world, so my input is mainly club music and my energy leans in that direction, hence the result of this EP. I am a child living his dream.
Each individual track seems to have its own mini theme or concept within the EP. How do you go about creating a vibe for a track? What was your goal for some of your favorites on the EP?
I really try to say one thing through a song and say it the best I can. So each track is a refined version of your demo. Each track has a clear theme from start to finish and says it as best as I could with my current creative self. Each track has a different purpose.
Conceptualization aside, do you think fans will be able to recognize the vein of your style that runs through all the tracks?
It's not something I really think about. Everything has Rohaan's name on it, it's a more refined version of my sound and it gives you a taste of everything. If you come to a show of mine, you'll see the full scope of my style.
What do you want listeners to take away from the EP as a whole?
I want them to play it as loud as possible and for as many people as possible. This EP is for the club and the house party, so enjoy it!
Is there anything more interesting on the horizon? What can fans expect from you next (aside from the unexpected)?
Many things! I'm just about to finish my four-week North American tour and I already have a lot of singles lined up for this year. I'm playing Tomorrowland, Lightning in a Bottle and some bigger festivals I can't say yet. But what a journey so far! I am very grateful and full of gratitude for every person who comes to my music. They just gave me a watch in New York! So I'm really taking it all in.
Thanks for having me and be sure to come to one of my upcoming shows. They are special!
child in a dream is now available on VISION and can be streamed on Spotify or bought in Beatport.
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