How did you approach Cry for Kashmir, your first release under the name Aaroon?

This E.P. is the outcome of 2020 and 2021, being locked down in my Berlin home and recording my favorite musicians and instruments from all around the world. I was very free from any distraction because I was not playing shows and traveling, so I got to dig deeper into my own soul to release emotional energy like I have never done before. I also wanted to share a newfound positive view of the world. The title Cry for Kashmir is a reminder of the many forgotten wars and crises occurring around the world. I'm not a particularly political person, but I believe music is powerful. We must hope for a better future where global peace and humanity is a reality.

And the Where The Earth Meets The Sky E.P. came out quite soon after that…

Yes. I felt like I had started a journey with my first E.P. so Where The Earth Meets The Sky was a natural next step, moving with my own creative momentum. Music is the best vehicle for a road trip to the soul, and I was already on the journey. Without being curious, we don’t discover new things anymore. With our music, we try to awaken the inner child, with its endless energy, always eager to try new things and learn about the world we live in.

When you listen to music, do you try to listen intently, or do you have it playing “in the background” as you do something else?

As a producer, it is impossible for me not to pay full attention to the music that is being played around me. I am always analyzing what is happening technically and what emotions it is creating. I can’t concentrate on any conversation as soon as music is playing. It's a blessing and a curse.

Have you ever been musically inspired by a taste, smell, or feeling?

Oh absolutely. To me, it is a 360-degree lifestyle. Everything I do harmonizes with everything else. I choose my perfume for the day depending on what type of music I want to make in the studio, even though no one else is with me in the studio — it’s just for me and the moment I want to be in. Same goes for what and how I eat or dress. It can be anything from being naked to a three-piece bespoke tailored suit, just to help get myself into the vibe.

What importance does live music have in society in comparison to recordings?

I think our memories nowadays are more connected to live DJ events in which we hear, smell, feel, taste, dance and interact with others. This is what keeps the community together, and we can always refresh our memories with digital streaming afterwards to keep the warmth and realness of the gigs and festivals that have passed.

Do you think that music has the ability to play with our emotions?

Yes, most definitely. Music can make us cry and it can make us laugh. Humans, animals, and possibly even plants are most definitely affected by music — whether this is cellular or not, you'd really need to ask a scientist. There were actually experiments looking at how music can even affect crystal formations in snowflakes. The findings are not really accepted by most scientists, but it is an interesting thought. The universe never explains why. ■