ONYVAA talks transformations, the US underground, and Valley of Fire.
LA-raised, Parisian-based techno artist ONYVAA graces Charlotte De Witte’s sub-label RPM with Valley Of Fire. Her previous project, Lost Angeles – released on parent label KNTXT – was inspired by her time back home in the big city of LA and featured four tracks of acid-laced melodic techno. Since then however, she has spent time touring across Europe and exploring the underground rave scene in the US.
There may be some misconception between Europeans regarding the state of US scene but things have been bubbling under the surface. Detroit-based Movement Festival of which ONYVAA recently played is now in its 17th iteration and featured a healthy list of European and US talent. It’s a promising insight to the work that is being put in to keep the spirit of the cities electronic heritage alive.
Additionally, promoters such as San Diego collective SD Renegade continue to mix it up with their 90’s illegal rave inspired run of events. I asked her about her experiences playing for SD Renegade back in March: “It was such a pleasure playing this kind of party. It took place in an underground tunnel and had a very industrial vibe and aesthetic. It was reminiscent to something that would take place in Europe or other parts of the world. I found it so refreshing to see something like this happening in Southern California. There was no cell reception either which meant that people were completely present and into every moment. It was a really special experience!!”.
Whilst the inspiration for her previous EP and the action she has seen touring have been found in cities, Valley of Fire was drawn from more rural settings. “Valley of Fire came from some modular jam sessions I did in nature; I find it really inspiring and fun to take my gear outside the studio.” ONYVVA tells us.
It’s been 2 years between the releases of Lost Angeles and Valley of Fire, and in that time ONYVVA has gone through what she calls transformative experiences. “I took the time to explore, find new inspirations, and allow this creative flow to open myself up to the next chapter in my career. I have also educated myself on new modular equipment and production methods so that I can have a wider range when it comes to creating captivating music. I have found that this has helped my live performance greatly, as it truly allows me to express myself instead of being confined to limitations of what’s trendy or expected.”
An example of this substance was seen in her performance at the now closed Printworks which saw a packed venue let out audible cheers after every transition of her live set. The transformation ONYVAA has gone through has transcended into her productions too. One track shorter than Lost Angeles, Valley of Fire ditches the acid focused aesthetic for a more melodic approach. The first track Don’t Ever Stop features a mix of catchy synth lines, driving bass, breakbeats, and a singalong vocal line.
The rest of the EP follows in a similar fashion. The tracks Valley of Fire and Vision Quest both swap out the powerful low end rumble kick from previous releases and instead rely on strong melodies to carry the tracks forward. Maybe the openness of nature had subconsciously softened ONYVAA’s sound, as the concrete of LA’s streets may have influenced the heavier sounding Lost Angeles. Regardless, switching things up doesn’t seem to be anything new.
From her dub inspired releases on PASSEPORT!, to her heavier, big room techno releases on KNTXT, her ability to step away from trends and add new elements to her arsenal of artistry is what has kept ONYVAA’s music interesting: “Stay true to what inspires you deep down, forget the trends and fads.” she proclaims. “Follow your intuition always. Make the music you love, and the right audience will resonate and find you.” This philosophy is also bleeding into her future plans as she talks about the relaunch of her label PASSEPORT!: “I want to highlight more range in what I have to offer as an artist, as well as provide a platform for similar minded artists.”