You Play I Write returns with a podcast by Aawadh, a rich display of textures and sonic nuances that go far beyond techno. Bold yet refined, Aawadh’s sound speaks directly to those who’ve transcended the dancefloor’s potential—or at the very least, discovered there’s more beyond it, without turning their backs on it.
As he explains in the stimulating interview accompanying this podcast, Aawadh is the new alias of seasoned techno producer and DJ JC Laurent, known for his solid trajectory and acclaimed releases. This new path, which runs parallel to his main project while carving out its own distinct direction, allows Aawadh to continue the sonic exploration started by JC Laurent—only now deepening the journey into more introspective, contemplative territory. A new roadmap unfolds here, one in which the French artist reinvents himself to reconnect with his essence, never disowning the past, but firmly committed to moving forward.
Among the releases we touch on during our conversation, the standout is Dyadica, an album released this past May 2025 via Annulled Music—a label that played a key role in bringing this collaboration to life.
I hope you enjoy the listen. And I’ve no doubt that, once you hit play, Aawadh will find a solid place on your electronic radar.
You Play I Write 76: Aawadh
You started DJing around 2010 and two years later, in 2012, got into production. A lot has been going on the techno scene musically speaking, also your own sound has evolved, letting you develop a new aka, Aawadh, which we’re introducing here today.
When did you feel the need of getting one step forward with Aawadh?
I felt it was time to reinvent myself — even if starting from scratch can be time-consuming and a bit of a leap.
I needed to craft a new sonic identity, something more cohesive and intentional.
With my first project, I was exploring a wide range of musical styles. That’s still part of who I am, but this new chapter follows a more focused and defined artistic direction.
Where does the name Aawadh come from?
I was searching for a name that would carry a sense of mystery, introspection, and spiritual resonance —something that would reflect the emotional and sonic landscape of the project.
The sound of the word itself felt ancient and grounding to me —like a forgotten mantra or a distant echo. Aawadh became a symbolic container for this exploration of hypnotic, organic rhythms and emotional depth.
Which are the main creative needs you cover between Aawadh and JC Laurent?
With JC Laurent, I express a need for tension, rhythm, and impact. It’s a more straightforward project, deeply rooted in club energy and dancefloor dynamics and totally spontaneous. It allows me to explore techno from a mental, always with a focus on groove and efficiency.
Aawadh, on the other hand, fulfills a different kind of creative need —one that’s more introspective and spiritual. It’s a space of total freedom, where I can experiment without the pressure of format.
I dive into more organic textures, tribal rhythms, ritualistic or meditative atmospheres. It’s a more intimate project that reconnects me with something deeper.
Let’s imagine we can give JC Laurent a personality, and another one to Aawadh, how would you describe them?
JC Laurent would be like an urban figure — solitary, focused, and precise, always moving. He's introspective and minimalist, his personality is shaped by industrial environments, sharp textures, and a sense of controlled energy.
Aawadh, on the other hand, would be a mystical traveler — more connected to nature, to ancestral rhythms, and to the unseen. It’s an organic, tribal, and intuitive energy. He’s guided by earth pulses, ancient rituals, and a desire to explore the unconscious.
Where JC Laurent turns inward, Aawadh reaches outward toward something greater.
This May 2025 the third release as Aawadh was released by Annulled Music, Dyadica, not necessarily oriented to the dancefloor, rather incorporating other textures, sounds and elements that bring us to different places. Can you describe the creative process, the message, the meaning of Dyadica?
Talking about the creative process — I started working on this album during a very transitional and emotionally intense period in my life. In many ways, it marked a fresh start. Music has always been my safe space — a way to process, to escape, to transform emotions into sound. For Dyadica, I brought in new gear like the Soma Enner and the Eowave Swarm, allowing me to explore more expressive, synth-driven textures. I also experimented with different production and mixing approaches to break out of my habits.
The album wasn’t made with the dancefloor in mind, but rather as a kind of inner journey. I followed instinct, let the process be raw, organic, intuitive.
As for the message, Dyadica is about duality. The name comes from “dyad,” which refers to two elements in relationship. It reflects the tension and harmony between opposites — masculine and feminine, control and chaos, light and shadow. It’s also deeply tied to my own experience of navigating polarities in myself and in my relationships. The album invites the listener to embrace complexity and contradiction, to find beauty in emotional and sonic contrasts.
In Cielo Records, we can see the forthcoming release Unseen Dimension, where Psyk and Casual Treatment deliver remixes alongside a remix by Aawadh from a track by JC Laurent. How would you describe the process of remixing JC Laurent as Aawadh?
As Aawadh, I approached JC Laurent’s track with a completely different mindset: more organic, textured, and rhythmically fluid. The original had a strong, linear energy, and I wanted to reinterpret it through a more tribal and hypnotic lens, while still respecting its core essence. It was about deconstructing without betraying, and creating a kind of bridge between two sonic identities.
Even if you DJ regularly and have been in the scene for more than a decade, you keep your regular job. Does it help to keep you grounded?
Absolutely — overall, I live a pretty normal life. Having to go to work every morning pushes me to put even more effort into my artistic side. It forces me to stretch my limits, even if sometimes I wish I had more time for the creative process without having to sacrifice too much of my family, social, or personal life.
It seems that many upcoming DJs expect to live entirely from music, a thing that many of us know is almost utopic. Do you think the techno world —amongst other electronic music genres— has practically collapsed?
I don’t think we’re running out of steam —quite the opposite. In France, techno is becoming ultra-mainstream. Several rappers have recently collaborated with DJs and producers, which shows a new momentum for a genre that was heavily criticized in the past, especially by the rap scene.
Even if it’s not entirely my thing, I think diversity is important. And in the end, it just proves that techno fans have always been ahead of the curve.
When it comes to the underground scene, there’s no doubt we’re in a pretty challenging era. You really have to double down on your efforts to carve out a place and build strong connections within the community. It takes time, consistency, and knowing the right people definitely helps.
Is there any realistic advice to be given to those who are starting now, like you did 15 years ago?
Stay curious and keep learning new techniques regularly. Listen to tons of music —not just your favorite genres— and stay deeply passionate about what you do, because without that drive, it gets tough. Be patient with your journey; results will come faster than you think if you stay consistent. And most importantly, believe in yourself. Don’t give up when things get rough —because they will— but that’s exactly where growth happens.
How do you picture yourself in, let’s say, 5 years from now?
In five years, I see myself as a better version of who I am today —both artistically and personally. I hope to have grown creatively, to keep evolving my sound and refining my identity. I’d also like to find a better balance between my artistic life and my personal life, and continue surrounding myself with inspiring people. The goal is to stay true to myself while pushing my limits.
Musically speaking, which is the evolution as a DJ you see in yourself since your beginnings till now?
With 15 years of experience, I’ve witnessed an evolution that’s not always reassuring for the future of DJing. The rise of artificial intelligence could eventually take over certain aspects of the craft and once again reshuffle the deck — much like what happened during the COVID period, which was a major turning point for the music industry, and not always in a positive way. That said, I still believe there’s space for authenticity and human connection, which are things technology can’t replace.
Has your taste changed?
Not drastically. I’d say my musical taste has evolved in a more refined and expansive way over time.
With experience and maturity, I’ve become more open to subtle nuances and textures, and I find myself drawn to deeper, more timeless sounds. It’s less about trends now, and more about emotion, atmosphere, and intention.
Has your technique improved in a certain way?
Absolutely — and thankfully so. My technique has evolved naturally over the years, through constant learning, experimentation, and curiosity. I believe the pursuit of new skills and approaches is essential to staying inspired and avoiding creative stagnation. Without that evolution, things could quickly become repetitive — both for me and for those who listen to and support my work.
What are the challenges you feel, if there are still any?
Definitely. The more you grow, the more you realize how much there’s still to learn — creatively, technically, and personally. Each new project comes with its own challenges, whether it’s pushing boundaries in sound design, staying true to your vision, or finding balance between artistic life and everyday responsibilities. The journey doesn’t get easier, but it becomes more meaningful. And I think that’s what keeps it exciting.
Last but not least, still talking about music but going beyond techno, which other genres or styles nurture you and your daily life?
I try to limit my electronic music intake on a daily basis, just to keep my ears fresh and avoid getting tired of it too quickly. I often go back to old school hip hop — artists like Mobb Deep, Wu-Tang, or Cypress Hill. There's something timeless in the raw energy and atmosphere of that era that still resonates with me today. I also dive back into my teenage influences, like nu metal — Limp Bizkit. It's loud, it's chaotic, but it still gives me a certain kind of drive and also some House from the 90-2000 era. It really depends of my mood!
To conclude, in order to please those diggers that will explore the making off of the podcast, could you please share the tracklist you followed for You Play I Write?
Sure, here you go!
01. Neel — Storm In Stickney
02. Unknown Artist (Soundscape Versions) — Röd Måne
03. tobias. — Phoon
04. Tiferet — Lunar Bodies To Solar Bodies (Mown Remix)
05. Konsudd — Stretch
06. Silent Era — Dark Energy
07. Yogg — Mainstay
08. NTOGN — Root 12 (Qitula Remix)
09. Hooverian Blur — Red Scare
10. Marco Shuttle — Bella di Giorno
11. Sindh — Kohe Mondi
12. Aawadh — Dyadica
13. D.K. — Inertia
14. Space Drum Meditation — Yacu
15. Spekki Webu — m.iii
16. Harald Uunk — Authen
17. Anechoic — Refractive Sculpture
18. Archypness — Dakin
19. monosym — Oxidrone
20. Konduku — Karinca
21. AINT.S — Measure
22. Kvn23 — Adapt
23. Mohamad Kafarsoussa — Mount A Rebellion
24. Fonzo — Tundra
25. HAUMEA — Chain Breaker