DLV: Signing to EXHALE has always been a dream of mine

We are happy to welcome our new guest, DLV!

Vienna-born and Berlin-based DLV is not a blank slate in Europe's techno industry. He defines his music as a realm of sinister peak-time Techno.
A strong focus on productions and his DJ career made him score an underground hit called "Rave Instructor". This heavy dance-floor weapon achieved some big support coming from techno royalties such as Amelie Lens, Regal, and many more.

Today we are talking to the techno mastermind about his new single "Der Pakt" on Amelie Lens' trailblazing brand EXHALE which presents the label's fourth compilation.
Find out more below!
— Hi DLV! I hope you're good? What is going on in your world at the moment?
— Hi there, thanks for having me! The days are getting warmer and brighter, which is a huge relief after the long, cold winter. Berlin is such an energetic city, and it always feels wonderful to see the sun again. The city just comes alive when the weather gets warm. I can really feel the difference in mood, and it makes me feel amazing and energized!
— For our readers who may not yet be familiar with you, can you tell us a bit about yourself and your sound?
— I'm originally from Vienna, but I moved to Berlin about two years ago. It's been quite the adventure, and a lot has changed for me since then. But, even though I'm not in Vienna anymore, I kept my residency at Grelle Forelle and stayed involved in Vienna's nightlife as a promoter. I always tried to give back to the community by not only contributing with my own music but also creating opportunities for the younger generation to showcase their talent. Where you come from plays a big role in shaping who you are as a person and an artist. Both Vienna and Berlin are amazing cities that have inspired me in different ways. While I have always loved electronic music, it was in Vienna where I developed my love for Techno - especially thumping kicks, whipped drums, and dark basslines. Moving to Berlin only intensified my appreciation for these aspects of Techno, and I was exposed to a more diverse range of artists and sounds that broadened my perspective on the genre. Through this exposure, my sound became what it's known for: dark, energetic, and heavily dancefloor-oriented.
— Massive congratulations on your huge new single 'Der Pakt'. Can you talk to us through the release and what fans can expect when it drops?
— Thank you so much! My track 'Der Pakt' will be part of a massive various artist compilation, alongside many other great artists such as AIROD, Carla Schmitt, Tigerhead, and many more. I made this track almost a year ago when one of my best friends from Vienna visited me to join me for some gigs. Right before we went on tour together, he asked me if I could show him what I was currently working on. At that time, I only had the kick drum and parts of the percussion laid out. My friend encouraged me to show him how I would proceed from there, and it ended up in a big live jam. In that moment, I came up with the main synths and overall theme of the track. 'Der Pakt' was born, and it is intended to be a follow-up to my track 'Der Teufel', which was released two years earlier. Since I played this track for the first time at my Boiler Room debut last summer, so many people have been asking for it. Now, I am more than excited for its release on May 5th.
— Signing to EXHALE is a massive move for you! How did that come about?
— Signing to EXHALE has always been a dream of mine. As an artist, I have always admired the label's vision, the quality of their releases, and the community they have built over the years. It was one of my goals to become part of this project, and I am truly grateful for the opportunity to contribute a track for the upcoming VA. Amelie Lens has played a significant role in my musical journey, and I have always admired her as an artist. When she played my music for the first time, it was an unreal experience. Her support has been invaluable, and her feedback has helped me improve my productions over time. I always made an effort to send her music that I believed she would appreciate. Having 'Der Pakt' included on the VA alongside other talented artists means a lot to me. It is recognition of my hard work and dedication, and I am grateful for the chance to showcase my music on EXHAL E's platform.
— How is everything going with your Acid Techno Techno Club project?
— Acid Techno Techno Club is thriving. We recently celebrated our fourth anniversary and are expanding our club shows to major cities across Europe. In addition to our shows in Berlin and Vienna, we have recently been to Budapest and Glasgow, and we are now gearing up for showcases in Paris, Istanbul, and Barcelona. It's incredible to see how an idea among friends has brought so many people together and is reaching new audiences. P.S.: We're currently working on a new collection of merchandise, and there will be news about this very soon!
— Who are your biggest musical influences and why?
— My musical influences come from all over the place. I used to listen to a lot of Metal and Hip Hop and always admired artists and bands like Limp Bizkit, System Of A Down, Wu-Tang Clan up to Falco, and Bushido. In terms of Techno, I would say people like SLAM, Dax J, and DJ Rush have been my biggest influences until today.
— Where can we see you perform over the coming months? Any big tours planned?
— This year will be my first season playing at some festivals, such as Melt and Feel festival in Germany, as well as bigger shows in the Netherlands and Spain. I am particularly excited to join the VOXNOX 10th Anniversary World Tour and perform my first shows in the USA.
— Thank you for chatting with us today and congrats again on the release. To round things off, is there anything else upcoming from yourself that you would like to share with us?
— Thank you so much for having me! I really enjoyed answering your questions. I can't reveal too much, but I'm excited to announce that I have just signed a collaborative EP with two of my favourite French producers to one of my favourite labels.