Artist Spotlight: agajon

Shot by firascolin

German-Afghan producer agajon is a master at finding sonic sweet spots. Every instrumental pinpoints a mood and flaunts it, enveloping the listener in the musical universe of the 21 year old. Despite his tender age, agajon has developed into one of the most sought after producers in the scene, working with the likes of GIGGS, Selah Sue and Naomi Scott. With a sound influenced by jazz, soul, R&B and hip-hop, the producer is an eclectic talent that is continuously evolving his craft.  

The recent singles from agajon have showcased a growing, splashy and undeniable production skill set. higher creates a hazy, scintillating atmosphere, with a dazzling turn from esteemed Newham native Jay Prince intensifying the trippy and lively disposition. trust yourself is a wistful, soulful concoction of cadence and colour, illustrating agajon’s ability to portray a story and push a narrative through instrumentation alone. His most recent offering, all of that, saw agajon borrow the ethereal vocality of upcoming songstress LAYLA, who serenades agajon’s sparse, emotive beat with her gorgeous crooning voice, encapsulating a dusty yet smooth timbre. All three singles will appear on the producer’s highly anticipated debut album nag champa. 

I connected with agajon to discuss the intricacies of his production, past and future collaborations, and what to expect from his upcoming body of work.

Who and what influences you? 

A lot, mostly my closest friends and of course goats like Dilla, Kaytranada and Kendrick.

How did you first get into producing? 

I’ve always been in love with music and sound, so I started playing drums and beatboxing at an early age. my brother used to have a little studio at home. he was a crazy Ryan Leslie fan so he started to produce and rap. I was always fascinated by those machines and programs. I met my closest friend Qu at the hiphop academy in Hamburg where he used to dance and I used to beatbox. At some point he got injured and switched to producing, he told me to visit the production class and everything took off from there

What is it about producing that you love? 

Being by myself without getting bored for months. also there are really special moments when you feel like you’re floating above everything. for those who don't understand it’s like eating the best food ever, but like really the craziest food haha. you just feel damn good. 

Also I love when people recognise that you put your heart into your art. that's what I'm doing this for. meditation, healing, love

What about your production style stands out from the masses? 

That I just do what I love no matter what. Though It's hard these days If you really wanna make a living from it, considering the industry's mass logic.

Do you think producers are overlooked in the industry? Why?

They are, but I feel like many producers don't really define themselves as artists and see producing more like a job or service to others so I understand why they're overlooked. there are too many.

You’ve produced for some huge names, how does it feel to know your craft is respected at the highest level? 

It feels good. Knowing that I must be doing something right.

How was working with Giggs? 

Actually pretty chill. Pulled to the studio with Farhot, played a few beats. A few weeks later he recorded on it. song done

Who is your dream collaboration? 

I would definitely say Kdot, but my brother rascal just produced for him recently, so it’s a win for the family already. It‘s a tough question but I would go with Tyler.

Talk me through ‘Higher’? Where did the collaboration with Jay come from? 

It’s actually the first song we did together. I just hit him up on IG, started working from then on. We first met for a small show in Hamburg with 2 unreleased songs and then decided to do a video for higher. Here we are.

What are you trying to convey with ‘Trust Yourself’? 

As the title says it’s about trusting yourself. It doesn’t necessarily have to be all that deep. It’s basically about trusting your gut feeling to make the right decision for you no matter how small or big the matter is.

Your recent singles have been really stylistically varied, how are you working on experimenting whilst maintaining your own artist aesthetic? 

I try to not think about it too much, I would go crazy. I just trust the feeling I have while listening to my shit.

How does it feel to be releasing your debut project? 

It’s amazing, it just motivates me more to keep going and think bigger. It’s all a matter of time.

What can listeners expect from the album? 

A sonic introduction to what I’m currently about. Light your nag champa and enjoy

If you were introducing yourself to a new listener, what track would you play them? 

Tough one. Probably unreleased stuff, but If I have to choose from the released ones I would go for Higher.

What’s to come from you? 

Nag Champa is dropping in september and in the meantime I'm sending out shit to artists of course. Also I'm slowly starting new projects and I wanna DJ a lot more, so come to my shows!!!