Julia Govor is one of those artists who can take the fundamentals of techno and make it sound hers. At this point in her career, the Georgia-born, New York-based artist has established a style that feels half Rome school, half Japanese hypnotic techno, but fully Julia Govor. Her label Jujuka has become a home for the stuff, featuring plenty of her own work along with like-minded folks like EMIT and Victoria Mussi, and she recently put out the biggest and best release of her career with the hefty Laika And Ulka Were Here on Semantica.
Govor's production style carries over to her DJing. Her RA Podcast features over half her own tracks, and the cuts she picks from others match her style: twirling arpeggios, rushing cascades of synth, heavy, groovy kicks. Much has been made of her childhood in a military family, and how she fell in love with techno via her classical musical education, where she felt drawn to the darker, romantic shades of composition. You get some of that here, but to call Govor's style "dark" would be overly simplistic. Instead it's sleek, aerodynamic and fluid, the kind of techno that gets you lost in a wormhole.
What have you been up to recently?
I just concluded my final performance on my tour along the west coast in Vancouver, BC. It's 4 AM here. This was my fourth time performing for the Vantek crew and, I must say, tonight's show was absolutely incredible. It surpassed all my previous experiences. It's truly inspiring to witness the growth and development of the promoters in this region. The event was held in a proper warehouse, featuring other international artists.
During the past ten days, my time has been dedicated to rehearsing for my upcoming performance at Movement Festival. The festival holds immense significance for me as it serves as a cornerstone of my "American dream" performance. The role of Detroit in shaping my career cannot be overstated.
In addition, creating the esteemed RA Podcast, marking a significant milestone in my artistic journey. It has always been a long-cherished aspiration of mine to present my music at the Movement Festival in Detroit and curate an RA mix that highlights my own productions. This opportunity allows me to express my individual musical style and connect with a broader audience.
How and where was the mix recorded? And can you tell us the idea behind it?
The mix was recorded in my home studio in Brooklyn on Ableton Live 12. The final mix and EQ adjustments were made during train rides between Portland, Seattle and Vancouver.
Being an adventurous DJ, the task of selecting tracks for this mix proved to be quite challenging. With an abundance of exceptional music available, it took several days to carefully deliberate and choose the tracks that best embodied my vision.
The mix is divided into four directions, allowing for a comprehensive representation of both classic and contemporary techno styles. This deliberate organisation ensures that the mix captures the essence of the genre in its entirety, showcasing its diverse facets and evolution. I try to maintain my individuality and energy by blending different techno styles to achieve a heightened state and challenge traditional norms.
What's one club or party that had a major impact on you as an artist?
Playing in Tresor had a major impact on me as an artist. Tresor is a legendary club known for its rich history and cultural significance. Being able to perform in such a venue was a significant milestone for me all these years. Tresor's contribution to the electronic music scene and its commitment to elevating the culture resonated with me as an artist. It was an honour to be a part of that legacy and it greatly influenced my artistic journey.
You've stayed in New York instead of moving to a techno hotspot like Berlin. Do you think the New York techno scene is in a good place right now?
The techno scene in New York City is a thriving and ever-evolving community. While it may not have the same renown as a techno hotspot like Berlin, New York possesses a rich history and boundless potential for growth. Every half-decade, there's a noticeable transformation within the scene, ensuring a constant sense of freshness and excitement. For me personally, I firmly believe that New York is the optimal location to be, as it offers a distinct blend of opportunities and experiences.
One aspect that I particularly appreciate about the New York techno scene is the diversity and open-mindedness of the crowd. The audience here is vibrant and varied, comprising individuals from a multitude of backgrounds and artistic disciplines. This infusion of talent and creativity from different artistic mediums contributes a unique essence to the events around the city.
What kind of non-techno music do you listen to or find the most inspiring?
I find immense inspiration in the realm of experimental and avant-garde music, where the emphasis lies on the intricate art of sound manipulation. Artists such as Kamran Sadeghi, Qasim Naqvi and Ka Baird have truly captivated me with their groundbreaking compositions. Being based in the bustling metropolis of New York has afforded me the wonderful opportunity to immerse myself in a rich music scene, where I can partake in unforgettable live concerts and awe-inspiring performances.
What's one social or political cause you want the world to pay more attention to?
The ongoing genocide and humanitarian crisis in Palestine! It's a deeply concerning and urgent matter that requires global attention and action.
What are you looking forward to in the near future?
In the near future, I'm looking forward to embracing each day and being grateful for everything that comes my way. Instead of focusing too much on expectations and future goals, I'm finding joy and fulfillment in appreciating the present moment and acknowledging the blessings that I already have. Taking each day as it comes allows me to fully appreciate and make the most out of every experience.
