CARV: “There’s no real formula; it just comes naturally”

Enter the world of CARV, a mysterious figure in electronic music who embodies humanity’s darker side through hard-hitting techno beats. Concealing his identity behind a golden mask, CARV has swiftly risen to prominence with his blend of hardcore, gabber, psytrance, and rave influences.

Photo credit: CARV – Official

As the mastermind behind Masked Rules—a label already making waves in the industry—CARV isn’t just forging his own path; he’s also paving the way for emerging talents.

Following the release of his latest EP ‘Ruler Vibes,’ CARV sits down with EG to discuss his creative process, the philosophy driving his label, and his thoughts on AI’s role in music production. From intimate clubs to grand stages, CARV’s signature sound is leaving its mark, and he’s only just begun.

Join us as we peek behind the golden facade of this rising artist.

EG: Hi, CARV! Welcome to EG. It’s a pleasure to have you here with us. How have you been? Where are you right now?

CARV: I’m doing very well, thank you! Thank you for having me. I’m currently at home in the studio and busy producing again.

EG: First of all, congratulations on the recent release of your latest EP, ‘Ruler Vibes’! You must be excited to have this one out. What has the initial reception been like so far?

CARV: Thank you very much! The feedback from fans and my colleagues has been very positive. I think the stylistic mix means that everyone can find something they like in the tracks.

EG: So, what can your fans expect to find on ‘Ruler Vibes’? What’s the emotional trigger here? Is there a thread connecting both cuts?

CARV: I think it’s a combination of many sub-genres. When I was in my teens, I listened to a lot of hardcore and gabber. I also really liked psytrance and rave music. So, it’s a mix of all those influences, which means everyone can find something they like.

EG: What was the creative process for these cuts like? Do you have a ‘formula’ or ‘blueprint’ that you usually use to get things going?

CARV: I sat in the studio and just jammed. That’s how the melody of ‘Ruler Vibes’ came about— it totally reminded me of some old-school hip-hop tracks I had been listening to the days before. I liked the melody so much that I decided to turn it into a techno track. The combination of old-school vibes and psy basslines really grabbed me. There’s no real formula; it just comes naturally.

“It’s a mix of all those influences, which means everyone can find something they like”

EG: And ‘Ruler Vibes’ is out now via your own Masked Rules imprint. Where is Masked Rules at the moment? Is there anything you can anticipate on that front for the coming months?

CARV: We started Masked Rules in January 2024, and we’ve been releasing one track per month. We’ve already made it into the top 40 labels on Beatport, which is great for such a short time. We’re focused on supporting young, talented artists.

EG: What are some of your expectations for Masked Rules in the long run? In which ways would you like to stand out from other labels?

CARV: We value respect for each artist’s individual work, which is why we only release one track per month. This gives us enough time to focus on each release. We’re also building a roster with the artists we’re signing, so we have the chance to host label showcases in the future. But most importantly, we prioritize respect and quality in how we work.

EG: Now, stepping outside of the studio… When did you start wearing the golden mask? What was the reason for this? Was it for the show, the clubbers, yourself?

CARV: I think it was January 2023 when I decided to put the mask on. I wanted to let the music speak and decided to keep my identity out of the spotlight. The idea was to create a figure that always looks the same and expresses itself through its music. Of course, Angerfist was also an inspiration for this. I’ve had a lot of fun slipping into this role right from the start.

EG: And regarding AI, which seems to be such a hot topic these days… What’s your stance on this? Do you see it driving the scene forward? Has any form of AI been used in ‘Ruler Vibes’?

CARV: I’ve already worked with AI, though not on ‘Ruler Vibes,’ but on other productions, mostly in creating vocals. I think we should be less afraid of it and see it more as a tool to get inspired. It always depends on how you handle such innovative things. Of course, there’s more music as a result, and the scene changes faster. But as long as you stay true to yourself and use everything in a positive way, it won’t be a problem for you.

“We prioritize respect and quality in how we work”

EG: Finally, what can we expect from CARV in the next few months? Where can your fans catch you playing live?

CARV: In fact, great things happen every week, like playing on big stages or producing new tracks. The most important thing for me in everything I do is being together, meeting great people, making wonderful memories, and creating something big. I’ll never lose the fun of putting a smile on people’s faces with my music.

As for touring, there are a lot of festivals and stages planned. I’m playing at the Terminal V Halloween festival, at Elrow, Verknipt, and Blackworks, just to name a few. There’s also another South America tour planned for the end of the year. On Masked Rules, there will be more cool releases from Luna Fields, IGDA, as well as Vendex, and many more. I’m also constantly working on new productions. Next up is a release on Verknipt Records, as well as my new single ‘Fire The Bass.’

EG: Thank you so much for your time, CARV! We wish you all the best for the future. Take care!

CARV: Thank you so much, guys, for having me! It was a pleasure to speak!

CARV’s ‘Ruler Vibes’ is now available via Masked Rules. Stream and download here.

Follow CARV: Spotify | Soundcloud | Instagram | TikTok