Luhv is an L.A.-based producer blending stunning melodies, heavy-hitting 808s, groovy basslines, and experimental aesthetics for a unique and captivating sound. He has an extensive catalog of impressive self-releases and made his FUXWITHIT label debut last year alongside KUREI with the infectious UKG anthem ‘Know Me.’ As he gears up for another stellar year we are excited to have the opportunity to connect with him for a massive guest mix + interview.
The mix is an hour-plus affair that sees him expertly moving between UKG, trap, 140, DnB, and even some Jersey club with a heavy sprinkling of rap and RnB influences. Featuring IDs from Luhv, Lizdek, Zotti, Hershe, and Klinical, plus bangers from Taiki Nulight, MPH, Hamdi, Saka, Moore Kismet, DMVU, and more, this is a can’t miss. As for our conversation, we dive into what defines his style, his time at Icon Collective, how his relationship with Great Dane evolved from student/teacher to collaborator/friend, what he’s been listening to on repeat, and more.
What should we expect when we press play on the mix? What was your vision when putting it together?
This mix blends my latest inspirations, with UKG and 140 bass grooves at the forefront. It starts fun and danceable, then evolves into heavier vibes, reflecting the energy of my own bass tracks.
I keep it simple, following my intuition—if a track works in the car and on stage, I know I’ve struck the right balance.
Your music often blends emotive elements with a heavy-hitting backbone. How do you go about finding the right balance between the two sounds?
It’s all about allowing both excitement and emotion to thrive without overpowering each other. I keep it simple, following my intuition—if a track works in the car and on stage, I know I’ve struck the right balance.
Success in music is different for everyone, so it’s important to define your own path and stay true to your values.
What’s the greatest lesson you learned at Icon Collective?
Icon taught me to explore various styles and genres of music. When I first arrived, I was only focused on making SoundCloud beats, but by the time I graduated, I had developed an appreciation for pop, hip-hop, R&B, and underground electronic music. It also taught me to truly believe in my vision and embrace what makes my music unique. It’s easy to compare yourself to others, especially in a place filled with so much talent, but the key is to stand out by being yourself. Success in music is different for everyone, so it’s important to define your own path and stay true to your values.
You have had the pleasure of playing some incredible sets including at Burning Man. For those who haven’t been. What makes the festival special? Any wild memories from your time there?
After attending, I wouldn’t even categorize Burning Man as just a festival—it’s more like the world’s biggest party in a city that only exists for two weeks. It’s not just about the party; part of the magic is the endless array of experiences you can have, depending on what you’re seeking. Some of my favorite memories include biking through a sandstorm at night and feeling like a fish in the deep sea as huge glowing art cars would emerge from the dust. I also remember stumbling upon the Sonic Soultribe stage for the first time and wishing I could play there. By the end of the weekend, I was on that very stage—proof of the power of intention. One of the final highlights for me was playing at Camp Q as the sun came up. Burning Man is about the music for me, but I know everyone’s experience is different.
How did you connect with Great Dane? How has your relationship evolved over time?
Dane was my Ableton teacher at Icon Collective, and he hosted these 10-minute beat battles during office hours. I made it a point to attend almost every week during my time there. After graduating, I’d run into him at Lo-End Theory and Hypnothesis shows in LA. We reconnected at Burning Man, and shortly after, we both moved to New York around the same time. We started hosting the Halftime shows in Brooklyn, and after I left NY, I helped set up a mini tour for us in Japan with my friend Kowta (another Burn connection). Over time, our relationship has evolved from teacher-student to close friends, and we’ve had some incredible adventures. We’re also working on a collaboration for a project that will be released on his label, ADBC, later this year.
You’ve been throwing shows in Los Angeles, New York, and Japan. What brought you to each of these locales? Is the vibe distinctly different in each city?
For LA and NY I found myself living in these places for different reasons. LA because it was the hub for music but NY inspired me and left me in awe when I came to visit. All of these places had huge cultural impacts on me from hip-hop to film, anime, fashion, art & more. I felt I wanted to do something to bring the next generation of inspiration to life.
A room of 50 people who align with the vibe of the event is far more valuable than 300-1000 people who might not feel the same energy.
How do you go about building momentum behind an event series in new places?
Having a strong team is crucial. Consistency and well-curated lineups are essential. I focus on ensuring that everyone involved is showcasing their unique skills and production. But honestly, the most important aspect is the people. A room of 50 people who align with the vibe of the event is far more valuable than 300-1000 people who might not feel the same energy. Of course, great sound is also a key component of any successful show.
What’s the best quote or piece of advice you’ve received lately?
Just finished reading Shantaram and this quote really stuck out to me;
“Fate gives all of us three teachers, three friends, three enemies, and three great loves in our lives. But these twelve are always disguised, and we can never know which one is which until we’ve loved them, left them, or fought them.”
― Gregory David Roberts, Shantaram
What have you been listening to on repeat lately? Why has it captivated your attention?
Right now I’m really digging Douvelle19 especially that song with Cesco. Some other artists I play on repeat include Nujabes, Dj Yung Vamp, Megra, Taiki Nulight, Clams Casino, Burt Cope, Kush Jones, Nic Baker, and Sempra.
I made good momentum with cutting out unhealthy habits and cultivating healthy ones. The result sonically was truly rewarding.
Do you have any major goals for 2025?
I have two projects I’m in the process of getting out atm and my main goal this year is to create the best rollout I can for both. Been trying to grow in my personal life along with my music project. Last year I made good momentum with cutting out unhealthy habits and cultivating healthy ones. The result sonically was truly rewarding. I want to continue that momentum into 2025 while stepping back into playing live events and festivals.
Luhv FUXWITHIT Guest Mix Tracklist
Clavish & Fredo ‘Uh Uh’ (Taiki Nulight rework)
Hershe x Luhv x Kurei x Zaterday – TRAP AINT DEAD (UNRELEASED)
MoreNight – GrapeFruit
Kurupt FM – Your Mum Loves Garage (SOULSTATE Remix)
Luhv – ID
MPH – Brainwashing
Klinical – ID
SVDKO – OUR MOMENT
Lake Hills – Picking Flowers
Luhv – ID
1111 – SOS ft. Aya Anne
Chris Stussy – All Night Long
shygirl – 4eva (sasha rome x clearcast remix)
Luhv x Spencer Flores – ID
Luhv x Hershe – ID
Daft Punk – One More Time (Phrva Flip)
Inspect3r – No Chat
MachineDrum – Habits
Lizdek x Zotti – ID
Taiki Nulight x Hamdi – Patterns
Hershe – ID
Nyptane – Heartstop
DMVU – Run It
FEEL SUITE – STOP MOTION
Moore Kismet – Sun Comes Up
Saka – backitup
don’t cha (vexx flip)
Luhv – ID
No Scrubs (Kurei x Luhv Flip) (UNRELEASED)
Dombresky – In My Room (Risk-E Remix)
Way Too Fly (R3LL x West End Tricks Remix)
2024 (MAGUU Remix)
Mysie, £MONZO – Phases
Detre – Let Go
Charles the First – Work While You Talk (w/ Supertask)
Want It x This is why im hot. (oliedit)
Black Carl! – Higher Life
Koherent, GLXY – Darling Sky
MKJAY & Aaliyah Esprit | On & On
Zaterday x Spencer Flores x Luhv – ID
