Originally from Liverpool, Dauwd (real name David Hilali) is an exciting new DJ/ producer conjuring beautiful beats with a depth and complexity we’ve not heard before.
An accomplished musician, Dauwd grew up in Wales playing the piano, guitar and drums whilst experimenting with his own electronic productions. The results are complex and brave – a hybrid sound combining house, techno and bass alongside samples as obscure as bird song. Now signed to Pictures Music, Dauwd received early support from Rinse FM as well as approving nods from the likes of Dark Sky, Gilles Peterson and Rob Da Bank, playing alongside Rudi Zygadlo this week to boot. i-D online stopped by for a chat to find out about his unique sound as well as life outside of music. Strap yourself in, but not too tightly, for a mellow ride of audio exploration with a 45 minute mix from Dauwd, just for us.
How would you describe your sound? I would say my music is melodic, with a strong percussive element. I’m into a really natural sounding percussion so sampling plays a key role. I pay close attention to texture, layering sounds from all around, making instruments from oddly sampled field recordings and layering them with synths. I think this can give a sense of nostalgia to a sound, which I look for when making music.
What are your main goals and aspirations for this year? I have a 12″ coming out through Pictures Music on the 7th of November which I’m quite excited about, and DJing quite a lot. I have been working on a live set for a while now, trying to collate ideas and combine my current works into something solid and cohesive.I’m always working on new music so maybe another release before the year is out, who knows!
Do you have any hidden talents outside music? I love cooking, I’ve worked on and off as a chef for almost as long as I’ve been doing music, and I think there’s definitely a similar creative process in both.
Who’s your hero? A toss-up between Andrew Weatherall and Rick Stein maybe.
Have a look at our i-DJ series in full here.
Text: Laura Hinson
