In our latest feature interview, we chat to Finnish artist Lumi about her latest release, and her new label SKADI.
Lumi embarks on the latest chapter of her career with the launch of a new label and single.
Still a relatively new kid on the block, Lumi has been schussing through the European techno scene at a blistering pace. Since her inaugural release in January, she has produced 6 projects on respectable imprints such as Kneaded Pains, HE.SHE.THEY, Turbo Recordings, and Octopus Recordings.
Whilst primarily marketing herself as a techno artist, you can often hear indie dance and electronica elements creep into her productions, and with a background in piano and choir, her seductive vocals and interesting melodies have helped her stand out despite her relatively short time in the scene.
This off-kilter approach is what ultimately led Lumi to her current situation. Her new label SKADI is named after the Norse God of winter and skiing, which makes sense considering Lumi’s love for the slopes. Skadi however, wasn’t known just for her penchant for winter sports. She was also known as a symbol of independence, and one of the few females in Norse mythology who directly confronted the gods.
Becoming frustrated with the bureaucracy and judgement of record labels, Lumi has decided to go the independent route, creating a label that can be a home for her own art, as well as others whose sound doesn’t ‘fit’ into the standard techno soundscape.
Your track ‘Losing My Mind’ will be launching the label on September 20th. Can you tell us a bit more about it? What inspired the track?
I was actually inspired by my love for snowboarding from a young age, which is reflected in the vocal. Also, I love an arpeggio drop—it’s so sexy to me—so naturally, I wanted the track to have that kind of energy, like I’m going hard down a mountain or dancing at the club. I think it’s perfect timing to release this tune as we head into winter. It’s also fitting as my debut for the label since my entire brand is snow-related.
What made you decide to start a label?
I wanted the freedom to release whatever I want without waiting for labels to decide if my music is good enough. I’ve always been someone who creates my own path rather than waiting for someone else to pave it for me. Now, I have full control and can release music that doesn’t necessarily “fit” anywhere else.
Do you work on the label alone or do you have a team?
I have a team that will be helping me out a bit, but from the start, it’s mostly going to be me. We’ll see how things progress as time goes on!
You have said that SKADI is dedicated to discovering and promoting artists that are doing something unique and different. What exactly are you looking for with these artists?
The label’s sound is rooted in techno, but I’m not aiming for the classic techno sound. Im not aiming for a classic sound in any genre. We draw inspiration from other genres like house, indie dance, and electro, so I like a creative blend of those. I’m interested in music that doesn’t necessarily “fit” anywhere else. The unique, weird, wild, and different—that’s what I’m looking for.
Is SKADI focusing on homegrown Finnish artists, or are you looking further afield?
SKADI is definitely open to Finnish artists, but it’s by no means limited to them. All are welcome!
Are there any artists that you would like to shout out?
If I were to shout out any artist, it would be Tiga. I had the honour to release on his label recently, and he coached me through one of the tracks on the ‘Rakas’ EP that came out on Turbo. I really appreciated that experience. The chance to learn from him was invaluable. He has been a big inspiration for me for a long time.
What is your go-to record at the moment?
Another Excuse – DFA Remix by Soulwax and Nancy Whang.
What’s next for LUMI?
I recently took on agents, so hopefully, I’ll be playing more sets in different cities—and of course, releasing more music!
Image credits: Gabriella Bavaro (@aureliavision)