Interview: Parisian Trap Producer Aazar

In the few short years that he's been active, up-and-coming trap producer Aazar has worked with major figures like UZI, Skrillex and DJ Snake and performed at Coachella and Electric Daisy Carnival. The Paris-born musician first played China thanks to trap purveyors SHFT, and this weekend they are bringing his club-friendly, melodic beats back to Shanghai and Shenzhen. That's spoke with Aazar before the shows to learn more about his previous China tour and the global appeal of trap.

What are you looking forward to about coming back to perform in China? Do you have any memorable moments from your last tour?
I'm looking forward to seeing old fans and can't wait to meet the new ones! The last tour I did in China was actually my first time visiting the country, and it was so exciting. This time I want to learn more about the culture, discover and meet new artists.

When you were growing up in Paris, what sparked your interest in making electronic music, and trap in particular?
I was a DJ before I was a producer, and in order for me to play music that I liked, I needed to create it first. I listen to all types of music, but trap has hip-hop drums and electronic sounds. That’s when I realized that’s what I wanted to make.

You’ve performed at Coachella, EDC, and many other major festivals. What is one of your favorite/craziest memories from a festival performance?
Coachella was insane! It was my first time attending that festival, so it was cool that I got to play it as well. EDC - wow that festival is like another world! It’s a huge festival with fireworks everywhere and their stage productions are something that I have never seen before.

Trap has a huge following in China. Why do you think trap has appealed to so many people over the past few years in countries all over the world? 
Trap is like a hybrid of genres. People who like hip hop and like electronic music, this is where they usually meet. I think trap, regardless of what mood you’re in or language you speak, makes you want to get up and vibe out.

How did it come about that you worked with UZ on your first track and what was it like to work with such an established trap artist when you were first starting out?
UZ is a friend that has been around since I started AAZAR. I played him a rough demo and he really liked it. He was down to work on the track and it was super exiting. I called all my friends to tell them how UZ wanted to work with me. It was definitely an honor to have him work on the track.

In the few years that you’ve been active, you’ve worked with major producers like UZ, Skrillex, DJ Snake and released on Mad Decent. Why do you think your music stood out compared to so many other up-and-coming producers?
I think about this all the time. It’s something that I remind myself of constantly. I stay true to myself and create the music that I like to hear and play. Plus all the artists that I keep meeting on the road inspire and motivate me to push myself further.

What’s next for you? Are you working on any new music?
Everything. I have a huge summer world tour coming up that I'm really excited about, and a track with Cesqeaux that was just released. I have a lot of new music coming out, too. I'm always ready for whatever is next!

Shenzhen: July 7, 10pm. Club Sector, see event listing.
Shanghai: July 8, 10pm. Arkham, see event listing.