Track By Track: Viken Arman - 'Alone Together'
Following the release of five renowned EPs over the last decade, elusive producer Viken Arman delivered his long-awaited debut album ‘Alone Together’ via !K7 towards the end of last month. A kaleidoscope of influences, the record builds a bridge between the masterful beats of J Dilla, the hypnotic grooves of Ricardo Villalobos, the free jazz spirit of Sun Ra and the aura of French house.
Immersed in the Berlin club scene in the run up to his new project, Arman reconnected with the nightlife from the other side of the booth. Fuelled by these purest emotions, the producer translated the electrifying night life experience into music that resonated with raw energy. This creative process birthed the 9 tracks that comprise ‘Alone Together'. Below, Arman breaks down each track.
YOU WITH ME
"While I was making 'Lonely Raver,' I found another cool pattern on my MPC using the same sample. I ended up with two tracks within the same song. Then it became quite clear that it would be the perfect intro for the album. The vocal sample 'You With Me' says it all, and it introduces the following track perfectly."
LONELY RAVER
"This song means a lot to me as it shaped the direction of the album. Probably the most important track of the album actually. I was partying at Heidegluhen, one of my favourite clubs in Berlin, which has been decisive in my musical journey. I ended the last one leaving the dance floor. Unforgettable and inspiring night. I was kind of nostalgic of my old hip-hop / house workflow so I immediately turned on my MPC that I hadn't used for so long. There were some random amazing chopped samples already in it that I completely forgot about. It fitted my mood so well. So I started composing the song straight away. Everything made so much sense while doing it. And here it is."
VIBRATIONS
"I had just left Berghain and was heading straight to my studio when I came across a long speech by Sun Ra discussing Vibrations. This inspired me to create a track about it – something edgy, nasty and groovy with a distinctive character. I used all analog equipment, focusing on real low frequencies and raw sounds. For example the bass line is a gong that I recorded with contact microphones to capture real vibrations. This is somehow my first banger ever."
A NIGHT IN TUNISIA
"A few years ago, I performed a live show on France TV with the legendary saxophonist Michel Portal to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Charlie Parker at the iconic Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. It was a moment of pure magic that I will cherish for the rest of my life. That night, we reimagined the standard 'Night in Tunisia' and transformed it into a wild, techno-inspired version. I've always loved that reinterpretation. So, I decided to rework it, although I didn't have access to Michel's parts since I didn't have the stems."
LAST NIGHT
"The crazy story goes like this: during an epic party in Berlin, I crossed paths with a remarkably eccentric guy who eventually became like a brother to me. After a weekend of non-stop partying, I headed straight to the studio, and this guy joined me. While I was working on music, he started rambling nonsensically, but to my amazement, his words somehow perfectly fit the beat I was crafting. I couldn't resist hitting the record button. I took care of him the next day, and when he finally returned to reality, he grabbed his phone, called his friend and said those words, 'Last night...'. It was as clear as day: I had stumbled upon the perfect hook!"
KIKI
"It was a spontaneous jam recording, done entirely on the fly. Fully analog. I incorporated weird tape loops and old compressors into the mix, aiming for a unique sound and structure. Nothing about it followed the usual conventions; each element had a different time signature, yet it all somehow felt just right. This track holds a special place in my heart because it represents a moment where I successfully achieved something truly distinctive in a single take."
CAN'T DO WITHOUT YOU
"This song is somehow a tribute to a generation of French producers who shaped my identity and,
more specifically, to this artist of life, Philippe Zdar from Cassius, who taught me so much. Spontaneity, generosity, and a delicate sense of humour — to allow yourself, to inspire others to shine. So many flavours are merged in this song; and of course some
Armenian samples hidden here and there. The taste of childhood inspired the creation of this homage full of passion and light. Time flies but the music stays."
ALONE TOGETHER
"This modular ballad concludes the opus, delivering the final message. This never ending modular melody serves as a soundtrack to illustrate a certain feeling of togetherness on a beautiful morning walk after an inspiring night where I realised that this is it: there is nothing more to add."
