Interview with Karasu Merodi

What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today? Music helped me manage my emotions, understand them better, and explore them more deeply. When I started with drums, it was mainly to learn rhythm before moving on to guitar, but I used to — and still do — release my energy by playing metal or hard rock tracks on the drums. Music helps me channel my emotions and turn them into something creative, which is what led me to start producing music. The turning point was seeing Martin Garrix convey emotions through his music — especially with Animals during a festival. I think that if I hadn’t started producing music as Karasu Merodi or never played an instrument, I would still have done something creative like writing short stories or poems. I’ve always had that artistic side in me and this need to transform my emotions into something creative — something people might relate to through my work.

What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity? I’m naturally a homebody. When I’m not making music, I spend a lot of time at home watching series, movies, or anime. These stories often spark something inside me — a strong emotion, an atmosphere, a memory, or a feeling. It’s like certain scenes or soundtracks awaken something deep within me that I feel the need to express. And the most natural way for me to release that is by turning it into music. Watching these works allows me to travel without moving, to explore different worlds and different ways of feeling. It feeds my imagination and pushes me to create in return. I often feel this almost vital need to translate what I’ve experienced into a track — as if it’s a way to release energy, emotion, or a message. It’s a huge source of inspiration for me, and it’s what drives me to compose in a sincere and instinctive way.

How long have you been making music? I’ve been producing music under the name Karasu Merodi since around 2018 or 2019, but my musical journey started much earlier. I began playing drums when I was five years old — that’s where everything began. Later on, around the age of ten, I discovered artists like Martin Garrix and Avicii during what I’d call my EDM awakening. Hearing their early tracks and seeing them perform on the biggest stages in the world at such a young age really struck me. The emotions they managed to transmit through EDM made me realize that I wanted to do the same — to share emotions with an audience, to see people move, feel, and vibrate to the bass and melodies of my own music. That’s what pushed me into music production and what continues to inspire me today.

Where are you based and how did that influence your music? I’m based in Chaumont, a small town in the northeast of France. Living in a quiet place like this has definitely shaped the way I create music. The calm and isolation push me to dive deeper into my emotions and imagination, since I don’t have the same distractions or fast-paced life as someone in a big city. That gives me space to reflect, to dream, and to build my own universe without pressure. At the same time, the contrast between my peaceful surroundings and the powerful energy of EDM makes me want to create tracks that feel like an escape — for myself and for the listener. Through music, I try to turn that contrast into something beautiful and emotional, like opening a window from my small town into a much larger, emotional world.

Tell me about your most memorable shows, if you haven’t played live what is your vision for a live show? I haven’t performed live yet, but I already have a very clear vision of what I want my first shows to feel like. For me, a live performance shouldn’t just be about playing tracks — it should be an emotional experience, a visual and sonic journey. I want the audience to feel like they’re entering my universe the moment the first note drops. There would be strong visual storytelling with lights, colors, dreamy or surreal animations, and emotional transitions. I imagine a stage setup that mixes high-energy drops with calm, intimate moments — so people can dance, cry, and lose themselves completely. I want people to come out of my set feeling like they’ve been through something meaningful. My dream is to bring something that’s both powerful and sincere to the stage — not just music, but something you can feel in your chest and heart. And when the time comes, I’ll be ready.

What is your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already? I haven’t performed in any venue yet, so I can’t say I have a favorite — but I definitely have dreams. One of the biggest is to play at Tomorrowland, either in Belgium or at the French edition. That festival represents everything I love about electronic music: the emotion, the scale, the community, the storytelling. It’s like a fantasy world brought to life through music. I would also love to perform at festivals like Lollapalooza Paris, or even in Japan someday — the culture and energy there resonate deeply with me. Playing in Tokyo or Osaka would be a dream, especially since some of my tracks have already charted in Japan. Ultimately, I want to bring my music to places where people are open to feeling something — whether it’s a big stage or a small, intimate venue doesn’t matter as long as the connection is real.

If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket? I would dream of sharing a lineup with Martin Garrix, Petit Biscuit, DJ Snake, and Avicii. Each of these artists represents something unique that inspires me deeply. Martin Garrix brings that unstoppable energy and connection with the crowd, Petit Biscuit offers delicate, emotional soundscapes that touch the soul, DJ Snake injects raw, powerful rhythms that make people move, and Avicii was a master of blending uplifting melodies with heartfelt emotions. Playing alongside them would be like combining the best parts of electronic music’s soul and energy, creating a journey full of contrasts and feelings — something I always try to reflect in my own music. What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into making music and some advice that you would give to your younger self? To someone just starting out: don't try to sound like everyone else — your uniqueness is your strength. It’s tempting to chase trends or copy what works, but what truly lasts in music is authenticity. Even if your sound feels strange or fragile at first, embrace it. Let your emotions speak louder than your technical skills. It’s okay to be unsure — the most powerful tracks are often born from vulnerability. Surround yourself with people who lift you up, not those who make you doubt your worth. And never forget: music is not a competition — it's a form of expression, of healing, and of connection. To my younger self: I would say, “I know you’re scared, and I know the world feels heavy right now. But the things that make you different — your hypersensitivity, your inner voices, your struggles — they will one day become your greatest creative force.” Stop hiding who you are just to fit in. Don’t be ashamed of the pain you carry — transform it. Every breakdown you’ll live will shape a song. Every tear will feed the light in your melodies. Trust the process, even when it feels like nothing is moving. You’re not broken — you’re just becoming.

Of your songs which one means the most to you and why? "Let You Go" is the song that means the most to me, not just musically but personally. It marks the beginning of a new era — a new direction for my artistic identity. With this track, I fully embraced the duality of who I am: the light and the shadows, the softness and the storm. My new artistic direction is about diving deeper into emotions, no longer being afraid to show my fragility, my dreams, my wounds — and "Let You Go" is the first step on that path. I wrote it during a time when I had to accept that some things — and some people — are not meant to stay. It speaks about loss, yes, but also about liberation. Letting go of someone you loved deeply is one of the hardest things in life, especially when that person once gave you a reason to hold on. But sometimes, healing begins with goodbye. Through "Let You Go", I wanted to blend a floating, melancholic atmosphere with powerful drops — like a storm inside a dream. It’s the embodiment of my emotional universe: a space where even sadness can be beautiful. When I hear it, I don’t just hear sound — I hear closure, courage, and clarity. That’s why it means everything to me.

Which songs are your favorite to play and which get requested the most? Even though I haven’t performed a live set yet, I know that "You Want" would absolutely set the vibe on fire during a concert. It has this explosive energy that feels made for a stage — something that would make people jump, scream, and completely let go. There’s an emotional build-up, but also a raw, powerful drop that represents the bold side of my sound. It’s also one of my most streamed and requested songs on platforms, which tells me that people connect with it even without the live experience. That track carries the intensity I often feel inside — a mix of desire, tension, and release. It would definitely be a highlight in my future sets

What is your creative process, and what inspires you to write your music? My creative process always starts with a feeling — something I can’t explain with words. Sometimes it’s a dream, a memory, a silent moment of pain, or even a voice in my head. I usually begin with a melody that reflects that emotion, then I build around it layer by layer, like telling a story without needing to speak. Every sound, every texture, has to mean something. I’m inspired by everything that moves me emotionally: my own mental health journey, the people I’ve loved or lost, and the idea of escaping reality through sound. Music is a form of therapy for me, a way to reconnect with who I really am when everything feels fragmented. Sometimes, it’s also my way of surviving the noise in my mind and turning it into beauty. That’s what I want to share — not perfection, but truth.

Do you have messages that you like to get across in your music? if so please tell me about them. Yes — my music is a message in itself. I want people to feel seen, even in their most hidden emotions. A lot of us are used to masking what we feel just to survive the world around us, and I want my sound to be a space where those masks can fall off — even just for a moment. Whether it’s sadness, hope, longing, or inner chaos, I want my listeners to know they’re not alone. My songs are often a conversation between light and darkness, between the self and the voices inside. I don’t pretend to have answers — I just want to create a safe place where people can reconnect with the parts of themselves they’ve had to bury. At the end of the day, if my music helps someone cry, breathe, or dream again, then I’ve done something real.

Do you have any new singles, videos, or albums out that you would like to tell me and your fans about? Yes! My new EP Astral Light is on the way, and I truly hope to release it soon. It’s a very emotional and immersive project that reflects my evolution as an artist. The sound blends melancholy, softness, and cinematic energy — like drifting through the stars while processing what’s hidden deep inside. One of the key tracks on the EP is "Let You Go", which has already been featured on STMPD RCRDS Radio. This track marks a new chapter for me — it’s both a goodbye and a rebirth. I’m currently looking for the perfect label to sign it with. I want to build this project the right way, with the right artistic direction and a strong creative collaboration with the label. My goal is to make Astral Light more than just a release — I want it to be a true emotional experience, supported by visuals, storytelling, and possibly even live performances.

What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up? Right now, my priority — with my manager Laury — is to find the right label to release my EP Astral Light and build a strong artistic universe around it. We’re focused on creating a full creative direction — including visuals, storytelling, and a live show concept that aligns with the emotional depth of the project. I also plan to perform live for the first time, and I want it to be an immersive experience — something that blends light, sound, and emotion in a powerful way. In order to share more of my universe, I’m also planning to shoot music videos. I want to visually represent the stories and emotions behind my songs.

How can your fans best keep up to date with you, any socials you want people to check out? The best way to stay connected with me is through Instagram @officialkarasumerodi — I post updates, sneak peeks, and behind-the-scenes moments there. I’m really active on socials and love interacting with my fans, so don’t hesitate to reach out