Staghorns a part of the metropolitan sound of music subculture in Tel aviv talking about Mental health , creative outlets, life and his music ventures.
I’ve been sitting on Staghorns for a couple of months – another great Soundcloud discovery. I connected body, mind and soul with Tel Aviv native-born Staghorns -Shlomi’s track -Outfluence.
The track’s title is the opposite of influence listening to this track conjures colours, soft textures, a breezy summer house tune. It is playful. ‘Outfluence’ and a couple of his other tracks ‘Uneasy Dave’ and another track yet to be released take you on a journey into the very heart of Tel Aviv’s thriving electronic dance music culture.
Staghorns music is inviting the world to enjoy the sounds of Tel Aviv’s music subculture: the message seems to be about Freedom. His sound is infectious without the unwanted side effects of living in a COVID 19 World. Staghorns other tracks are typically optimistic, he experiments with ambient sounds and swings right over the sensual acid synth sounds of electronic dance music.
I love the track Outfluence – it has so much energy and bounces.
Hello Staghorns! Thank you so much for doing this Feature. Firstly I want to say I love the new video for your track ‘Outfluence’. Can you tell me more about how it came about?
A page LoDisco makes videos for hobbies and wanted to make a video and I appreciate it very much.
(LoDisco promotes upcoming artists in the LoFi disco and LoFi House scene -Join channel on LoDisco
How did the name Staghorns come about?
Okay, my family name is Zvi (pronounced Tzvi) which is a stand for Stag and a Staghorn is a very interesting plant.
(Okay I’m going to have to look that one up. I am such a geek haha! )
Me too -lol
What if anything inspired your track and your music?
My interest comes from my own trying to make sense of life and living, through the game of parallel sound channels, learning through a playful process.
When/What made you start playing music?
When I was young, I had a Yamaha PSR e413, which is an entry-level keyboard, it had some cool sounds on it and I learned how to record songs into it.
What genres of music do you like to perform in?
House music
What kind of people connect with you and your music?
Most of the people I know feel open with me, and they also feel open with my music, even though some of them are not familiar with electronic music.
What quote/sentence would you say best describes you and your music?
Looping the loops
Going back to ‘OutFluence’ I was drawn to the Alan Watts-esque sample
Actually in Outfluence I sampled a Psychiatric from YouTube who talks about how to handle with anxiety. but maybe he cited Alan Watt? I don’t know.
Who are your influences in music? And why?
Tiga, Four Tet, Booka Shade – They came through my mind when I thought “wow I want to make something like this!” while listening to them.
When you think/see the two words Creativity & mental health what 3 words come to mind for each one.
Creativity – Art, Sex, Ideas
Mental Health – Anxiety, Depression, Addiction
How does being creative help you?
Being creative helps me express myself.
What are your experiences or views with on mental health issues and the music & entertainment industry?
Music can be something to lean on, especially if you create it yourself…mmm I’ve been struggling with anxiety all my life, 10 months ago I decided to take care of it seriously.
Have you had negative experiences in your life that drew you to a creative outlet like music? And if so how did exploring your creativity help you?
Sometimes when I have bad dreams it affects the mood of my next creation.
(I think I can relate. When a person’s Mental Health becomes unwell -for myself it feels like I’m under the Influence of my Illnesses. Your track ‘OutFluence’ is the opposite of how I would describe the symptoms of Mental Health -isolation, fear, etc.)
Is there a bigger message you are trying to send out and what is your message?
The bigger message is an oldie but a goodie…
Telling my story as a legitimate one and hoping the effect is contagious…
It is a crazy world we live in. What is life like for people living in Tel-Aviv with COVID?
It’s hard to see the city shut down during lockdown, especially after you experience how vivid Tel Aviv is.
Are you trying to do something or create awareness with your music career or hobby?
it’s a work in progress.
I’m figuring out what is in the core of my creative process.
Basically, I’m trying to make myself feel more “at home” in the world.
What is the weirdest job you have had?
I was an Escape Room operator
(Haha! Funny & cool too. That is ironic in the sense that Anxiety is about escaping form what we are trying to feel as opposed to embrace our fears and conquer our goals.
Your new track ‘ Uneasy Dave’ (Big Momma’s House Records) has a great acid sound to it. It’s an intriguing title.
Uneasy Dave is a pun
It’s like Uneasy Daybut Uneasy Dave stands for a character who feels uneasy and shy. if you hear the first 2 seconds of the track, you’ll hear a “heh…” a sound of discomfort
(The first words that came to my mind when I heard the track is that is creative, innovative, sensual – the title seems to tie in with the anxiety and mental health issues yourself and many other people can find deliberating to live with at times…)
Are you trying to do something or create awareness with your music career or hobby?
it’s a work in progress.
I’m figuring out what is in the core of my creative process.
Basically, I’m trying to make myself feel more “at home” in the world.
(I think I can relate.In my opinion when my Mental Health becomes unwell – it feels like I’m under the Influence of my Illnesses. Your track ‘Outfluence’ is the opposite of how I would describe the symptoms of Mental Health-isolation, fear & other symptoms people can find debilitating to live with at times)
(It has been fun and pleasure collaborating with you and finding out something about Israel’s electronic house scene and I appreciate you opening up about your own Mental health issues and how creativity has helped you embrace and improve your Mental Wellbeing).
FOLLOW STAGHORN
Daisy in the willows 
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