Beyond the Decks with Izhevski
From Burning Man’s open desert to Tomorrowland’s global main stage, from Brooklyn Mirage to intimate club spaces across more than 40 countries, Izhevski has built a career grounded in emotional connection and musical sincerity. Known for his organic, Afro and melodic house sets – often described as “gentle dance therapy” – his approach is guided by flow, kindness and intention.
Ahead of his upcoming performance, we spoke with Izhevski about festivals versus clubs, pioneering organic house, running Ruvenzori label, and why nature continues to shape his sound.
You have performed everywhere – from Burning Man and Tomorrowland to small clubs in more than 40 countries. How does your approach change between large festivals and more intimate dance floors?
Playing at venues of different sizes allows me to explore very different moods. Festivals are energising – it feels like you’re standing in an ocean of energy.
More intimate sets are about warmth and personal connection with each guest. The experience becomes deeper and more individual.
Your sets are often described as “gentle dance therapy.” What does this phrase mean to you, and how do you consciously create that feeling through music?
First of all, it’s about music selection. I spend a lot of time carefully choosing tracks. Searching for music is an essential part of my life.
For me, “gentle dance therapy” means building an improvised set with quality flow – without sharp transitions or sudden mood changes. It’s about smooth storytelling through sound.
You work in organic, Afro and melodic house. What attracts you to these sounds, and how do they reflect your personal state as an artist?
I can rightfully be considered one of the pioneers of organic house. Ten years ago, I played a set at Burning Man for Robot Heart – that recording is still available today.
Those years were the rise and formation of organic house – at the time, it was something completely new. The combination of dreamy melodies and light percussive grooves sounded fresh and unique. During that period, I released many strong tracks, including a remix for RÜFÜS DU SOL.
Today, I’m interested in combining different directions – both in music production and DJ sets. The fusion of Afro, organic and melodic sounds allows me to express a wider range of energy on the dance floor and bring more drive into the experience.
Many people talk about the kindness and sincerity of your music selections. How important is emotional intention when creating a set?
The main principle of my career – and my life – is to bring kindness into the world. I see it as my mission to do this through music.
Emotional intention is definitely important, but most of the time it comes naturally and organically.
Travel seems to play a central role in your creative life. Are there specific places or cultures that have deeply influenced your sound?
Recently, I released a short musical documentary film about South Africa and its sound. I was deeply inspired by the landscapes there – but even more by the local people, who live fully and express their emotions through music.
For me, “Afro” is much more than just a genre label. It’s a way of life and a way of seeing the world – usually from a more positive perspective.
You run your own label, Ruvenzori, which focuses on organic and melodic house. What inspired you to create it, and what kind of artists do you want to support?
As one of the pioneers of organic house, I felt it was my responsibility to create a label and release music from colleagues who started this journey with me. In the beginning, these were mostly musicians from Russia and Latin America. As the genre grew, artists from all over the world joined us.
We create not only music but also a community of people who share a similar lifestyle: love for positive music, an active life position, openness to change, and curiosity about the world. It’s about identity, personal taste, and seeing the world through our sound.
Today, when there are so many DJs and producers, I believe it’s especially important to support the younger generation and give them the opportunity to be heard in a highly competitive environment.
Nature is often mentioned as a source of inspiration for your music. How does it influence your studio work and live performances?
Nature plays a key role in my creativity. It’s one of my strongest sources of inspiration. For me, it’s essential to stay connected with nature and to serve it.
If you watch my video sets, you’ll notice they are filmed in breathtaking natural locations around the world. Most often, they are shot in powerful and scenic places in my home country, but also abroad.
Kamchatka – a peninsula in the far east of Russia – is one of these places. There are hundreds, and according to some sources even more than a thousand, active and extinct volcanoes there. It’s an incredibly beautiful and powerful landscape. I highly recommend watching my set filmed there on YouTube.
Most of my tracks were born from the impression of natural beauty – whether in Bali, South Africa, or Kamchatka.
What do you hope someone feels after listening to an Izhevski set for the first time – physically, emotionally, or energetically?
I suggest everyone discover that for themselves – on a certain date, in a certain place.
I’m very much looking forward to my first set in Byron Bay – it has been a long-time dream of mine.
Izhevski’s philosophy is consistent – flow over force, kindness over intensity, connection over spectacle. Whether guiding thousands at a festival or holding space for a smaller dance floor, his intention remains the same: create an experience that moves people emotionally, not just physically.
His Byron Bay debut marks another chapter in a journey that continues to evolve – shaped by nature, travel, community and the belief that music can be a form of therapy when delivered with care.
