Interview: David Lowe

Meet David Lowe, the London-based producer whose high-energy sets contain heavy drums and unique samples. Travelling between London and Ibiza this year, David will be performing at some of the iconic spaces, including Gallery with Noir on the 3rd of May, and Hï Ibiza this summer. We spoke with him to find out more about how he prepares for his sets, his most recent EP and what drives his inspiration.

You’re returning to the Club Room at Hï Ibiza this season. How does it feel to be back at one of the island’s most iconic clubs?

It’s an awesome feeling to be invited back by Paco and the Nowhere team for a second year. The energy in that Club Room is unreal, and it’s something that really sticks with you as a DJ.

There’s always an extra buzz playing in Ibiza, but Hi is on another level. It pushes you to raise your game. There’s a reason it’s consistently ranked as one of the best clubs in the world.

Last year was definitely one of the most memorable sets I’ve played. Sharing the stage with Rafa and Paco, who I’ve looked up to for years, made it even more special.

This year, I’m also on the lineup with my good friends RSquared, which is going to be a lot of fun.

How do you prepare for high-energy sets like that?

Preparation for me is about knowing the music on my USB inside out and having a rough direction in mind. But the reality is, once you’re in the booth, it’s all about instinct. You have to read the room and react in real time, which is the fun part for me.

I spend a lot of time digging for new music and going through promos leading up to shows. I always want my sets to feel unique, like people are hearing something new, not just the same rotation.

Keeping energy high is key. How do you decide what makes it into your sets?

Every set is completely different; it depends on the club, the time, and if I’m not headlining, then who else is on the lineup. I always try to sit within that context while still pushing my own sound.

Reading the crowd is everything. That connection dictates where the set goes next.

I also try to play a lot of unreleased music, edits, acapellas, and drum loops into my sets. That’s what keeps things dynamic and gives people something they can’t hear anywhere else.

David Lowe

You recently released your EP Big Boss with J Young. What’s your process for creating a sound that’s recognisably yours?

I nearly always start with drums. If the drums hit right and can carry the track on their own, everything else tends to fall into place naturally.

I spend a lot of time digging for samples, then taking small elements and rebuilding them into something new. It’s about creating grooves that feel unique rather than relying on stock sounds.

I also use a lot of my own sample library across tracks, which helps keep everything cohesive. The goal is for someone to hear a track and instantly know it’s mine.

What inspires you creatively?

Going out and hearing music live is a big one. It always gives me that spark to get back in the studio straight away.

I also make a point of listening to a wide range of genres. Sometimes the best ideas come from completely outside house music.

How do you balance time between producing and performing?

I try to block out proper studio time each week where I can fully focus on production. But if I’m lacking creativity in that session, then I’ll switch it up and spend time digging for music or building my sample library instead.

One of the biggest challenges right now is balancing everything with content for social media. It’s not the part I’m most drawn to, but it’s a growing part of being a DJ today, so it’s something I’m putting more focus on this year.

What can we expect from you going forward?

More music and more shows!

I’ve got several releases lined up this summer that I’m really excited about, which I think are some of my strongest works to date. I’m also working on new collaboration EPs with some seriously talented producers, as well as finishing a lot of ongoing projects.

On the gig side, I’ll be between London and Ibiza this summer, playing spots like Gallery, Ministry of Sound, Tantra, Hï and more. My next show is on May 3rd at Gallery with Noir.

Written by Drew-Alexandra O'Keeffe