Berlin-based producer, songwriter, and composer Raz Ohara has just released his mesmerising new single ‘Beyond and Deep Down’ via House Of Frequency, the first track from his forthcoming album Memories of Tomorrow – a body of work built on layers of vintage analogue synths and rich, time-warped textures. With over 30 million streams across platforms, acclaimed collaborations with artists including Apparat, Chilly Gonzales, Luomo, Acid Pauli, and Oliver Doerell, and projects like The Odd Orchestra and Feathered Sun under his belt, this boundary-pushing musician continues to defy categorization with his distinctive, genre-fluid sound that draws from influences ranging from Nina Simone to ambient music. As he prepares for a summer residency at Babel in Ibiza and celebrates his 25th anniversary as an artist with his 10th studio album, we caught up with Raz Ohara to discuss his creative evolution, mystical inspirations, and the intricately-crafted sonic landscapes that transport listeners to otherworldly realms of consciousness.
Listen to ‘Beyond and Deep Down’ while you read our interview with Raz below.
Paint us a picture: what sparked your passion for the arts in the first place? Was there a single moment or experience that solidified your decision to pursue this path?
I was singing for dolphins playing along the ship when traveling by sea as a young boy, with my father, a freightship captain. Arriving on the riviera of South of France, I hung out by the boardwalk and watched rich and famous people drinking and eating in the sun. It was then I started to consider becoming a musician. That was at the age of six.
When you create, what leads the way – a feeling, a story, or the sound itself?
yes, I am provoked by a feeling, a story, a sound. Or an idea… e.g. what can I do to inspire others – how can we inspire each other to become the gods we worship.
What’s in your toolkit? Share the gear, gadgets, or software you can’t create without.
Logic (software), a microphone, a soul
What’s your go-to ritual or trick for getting into the creative zone?
A new setting and scenario. Engaging beautiful and talented musicians, recording their instruments as a starting point for a new concept and project. New Gear, such as found in the studio collected by the mastermind of House Of Frequency, which is the label and creative hub where this album was written and produced.
What’s the one item you always keep within arm’s reach while creating or performing?
A nylon string guitar
How did you ultimately end up defining your sound?
I am an explorer of frequencies and full of curiousity on what I will find around the next calling tree
How has your creative process or perspective shifted since you started your journey?
After wanting to find my own voice and sound in solitude and isolation, I opened the doors for other people to come, for inspiration and co-creation.
Walk us through a recording session: what’s the most memorable moment you’ve had in the studio?
The set-up for the production of my new album Memories Of Tomorrow was outstanding. Meaning the collaboration with the whole label team… the sound engineer, the studio at House Of Frequency with a remarkable collection of rare vintage synths. I jumped right in there into this pool of treasures, it was an instant organic work-flow, songs came up while producing – the album was done within 21 studio days, from January to March 2025.
Any side projects you’re working on?
Yes, I [have been] working on a jazz album [for] a couple years – I happened to record the most gifted Portuguese free jazz musicians during a week in a studio in Lisbon, in summer 2023. We recorded several improv takes, each musician (piano, sax, upright bass, percussion) positioned in a separate room – to prevent bleeding of microphones, and for me to be able to edit in post – for me to create a completely new piece of art in post. It will be a rather experimental album with meditative soundscapes and poetry. However, the original recordings of the band are of such high quality and artistic excellence, that we decided to release selected takes of the improv recordings, free of any cuts or editing. The production will yield two albums.
Who’s an emerging artist you think deserves more recognition right now?
Raz Ohara
What’s the strangest or most surprising song currently on your playlist?
Yma Sumac – ‘Birds’
Which song, album or playlist do you never get sick of no matter how many times you listen to it?
Albums by Oliver Doerell, Yma Sumac, Joni Mitchel, Nina Simone
Are there any unexpected hobbies or projects you’re exploring outside of your main work?
I am in the course of learning a tantric bodywork method to give healing sessions for trauma release and emotional detox.
If your life and career were an album, what would its title be, and what’s the hidden track only your fans would know?
The ups and downs of a squandering magician. Hidden track: ‘You’re just about perfect’
Give us a glimpse into the future – what surprises or milestones are coming up for you this year?
This is the 25th anniversary of Raz Ohara – the release of the album Memories Of Tomorrow will be the 10th studio album I have produced and released.
Famous last words?
The cracks are there for the light to shine in.
Follow Raz Ohara:
Instagram – Soundcloud – Youtube – Spotify
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