Shlømo: The Disco Daddy of Techno Chaos

French techno chameleon Shlømo (real name Shaun Baron-Carvais) has spent more than a decade morphing his sound across techno, IDM, ambient, and melodic rave territories. With roots tracing back to Taapion Records, and now spearheading SAIKE, the Viper Diva project, and his Welcome Back Devil event series, he’s a producer whose depth only expands. His latest single “OK” with KX CHR feels like the beginning of a new chapter. It teases yet another evolution, opening the door to sounds that blur boundaries, moving seamlessly between trance-laced electro, hard techno, and gabber.

We talked with Shlømo about festival firetracks, “Disco Daddy” archetypes, collab chemistry, and what it feels like to throw a rave for 18,000 Parisians.

Shlømo: The Disco Daddy of Techno Chaos

You’re playing Nibirii Festival—what’s the one track in your USB you know will send that stage straight to hell?

“It’s called: Swanny & Reg – All I Want Is You (Shlømo exclusive). They in fact changed the kick for me because I don’t usually play neo-indus techno tracks. The break is incredible by the way.”

What I’m working on now brings together all the different moments of my career - it’s like a blueprint of my journey.

Festivals are turning into both ‘Techno Disneyland’ and spiritual spaces. Which side do you lean toward when you're on stage?

“It depends on my mood. For example, EDC Las Vegas is definitely bringing Disneyland vibes. And at the same time I love the spiritual vibes you can get… completely transcended by the music.”

My music has this type of melancholia

Shlømo: The Disco Daddy of Techno Chaos

From underground clubs to massive crowds—eye contact with sweaty ravers up close, or total faceless annihilation?

“Small venues help connect with the audience, but shaking huge crowds is a unique sensation that I never get tired of.”

You’ve produced across techno, IDM, ambient. What ties it all together, and what’s next?

“I would love to think that my music has this type of melancholia in almost all the genres I went through. I keep producing every type, it keeps me “awake””

What’s the most “Dad-like” thing you do in the studio?

“I’ve always been like a big brother/daddy with younger artists… but the daddiest thing I do is pause production to pick my son up from school—‘daddy duty.’”

So, what kind of Daddy are you?

• Strict Dad – lays down the rules, no phones, no talking, only sweat.

• Sugar Daddy – showers the crowd with euphoric drops, no questions asked.

• Cool Skater Dad – lets chaos reign, brings the energy, still cooler than everyone else.

• Spiritual Dad – half-therapist, half-shaman, guiding you through your rave trauma.

• Tech Dad – nerding out about kicks, snares, and gear while everyone else is tripping.

• Disco Daddy – secretly sliding some grooves into a dark set when no one expects it.

• Coach Dad – hyping up the crowd, pacing the marathon, making sure you survive till sunrise.

Your new single OK with KX CHR just dropped. What did it unlock for you?

“For the record, it’s the first time I worked on a piece someone else sent me. KX CHR sent a project, I loved it, and wanted to create something. It’s a festival track, full of shifting vibes but still one story—it’s a moment for the crowd to go nuts.”

Shlømo: The Disco Daddy of Techno Chaos

Looking back on Taapion—what role does it play for you today?

“When I launched it, Taapion was just a way to release my own music without waiting for other labels. In 2012, it was mostly vinyl, so schedules were long and complicated. As I became more established, I opened it up to young, talented artists to give them a platform. I believe that’s a duty when you’re in my position.”

The turning point?

“2018, with Hadone’s How To Fake Success. It was 150 BPM at a time when nobody was playing that fast. For me, it felt like the sound of the future.”

“In hell but together… during the chaos of a rave, we’re one in the mayhem.”

Shlømo: The Disco Daddy of Techno Chaos

Paris and Welcome Back Devil—18,000 people, one stage. How does that feel?

“Everybody knows how strong my connection to Paris is—not only because I was born here or because I’ve been an ultra for PSG for 30 years, but because my strongest supporters are here. This edition feels like the biggest challenge of my life. We’re doing it our way, XXL, with love and passion. Almost 18,000 people, only one stage—it’s kind of unique. The first edition in May 2024 is already remembered as the best party of the year in Paris, and this one will be even bigger.”

Is techno too aesthetic-driven these days?

“It can be, but I think arts are meant to be connected. It doesn’t bother me—as long as the music speaks louder than Instagram.”

You’ve launched HEADSHOT Podcast. What’s cut behind the scenes?

“We always record 2.5 hours and edit to 40 minutes, so a lot is cut. I know all the artists personally, so they feel comfortable opening up with me and Ibra. But what’s cut stays in the studio.”

Season 2?

“We’ll invite promoters and artists from outside techno. My dream guest is David Guetta—he’s inspiring for everything he’s brought to electronic music.”

Dream guests overall?

“Aphex Twin. Crystal Castles. Burial. They’re my three biggest inspirations.”

Quickfire Confessions

Sneakerhead confession: “I own more than 100 pairs. On tour, I only bring Salomon ASC Pro for comfort.”

Manga cosplay set: “Majin Vegeta, without hesitation. Or Guts from Berserk, with a big sword.”

Therapist, priest, or drug dealer? “Therapist—for the mind and the soul.”

USB dies at afterparty, only your phone works—what’s playing? “French rap. La Mano – 270625.”

Interview by: Amanda Sandström Beijer