Artist Spotlight || Leiel

Growing up in the storied streets of Israel, Leiel Hazut was sonically cultured directly at the source of the trance circuit. It’s almost as if the music chose him first. Reared by a mother who is a dance music enthusiast herself, Leiel was exposed to the then burgeoning genre during his formative years. At the ripe age of eight, he was already attending some of the most prominent festivals in his native land. It was there he was able to tap into the insane amounts of talent by which he was surrounded.

Currently based out of Los Angeles, the steadfast selector has never been one to shy away from his roots, which to this day continues to shape his ever-evolving sound. Heady and propulsive, Leiel’s sets are as equally unparalleled as they are transcendental. Aural stimulation is what to expect whenever he takes his reins behind the decks, and quality tunes are always in surplus. Having mesmerized heads at EDC Las Vegas, Nocturnal Wonderland, Beyond Wonderland, and Escape: All Hallows’ Eve as one half of Sweet & Low, Leiel is now bringing forth a potent mélange of old-school and modern-day progressive trance.

You can catch Leiel during EDC Week opening at Dreamstate’s event at TAO Nightclub Thursday night and opening EDC on Friday with a full-on psytrance set at the Wasteland stage!

What was your inspiration in becoming a DJ?

I’ve always been a fan of electronic music. Ever since I was a kid it’s all I’ve listened to. My mother used to always take me to festivals and nightclubs when I was growing up in Israel, and that was definitely a huge influence. I think it really all started at a house party when I was about 15. My friends were already DJing back there and were kind of showing me the ropes. One of them gave me an old midi controller to practice on and here we are!

Having a specific “sound” is important in the EDM world. What would you describe your sound as?

As Leiel, my sound is geared towards trance and psytrance. I am also part of a duo called Sweet & Low and we play house and techno. I enjoy all kind of music and I never wanted to limit myself as a DJ. I’ve always messed around with producing but never actually sat down to finish something of quality I can actually put out.

If you could play a b2b set with any artist, who would it be and why?

I would probably have to say Markus Schulz. His 12 hour open to close sets are one of my favorite times of the year. I think the longest I’ve had a chance to play for was maybe 4-5 hours but I would love to try a 12 hour b2b!

Do you have a favorite event that you’ve been able to play?

EDC Las Vegas definitely has to be my favorite. Just being on a stage of such scale is a total different feeling than anything else.

What about the Electronic Music Scene specifically speaks to you?

I moved to America when I was 11 and started going to events when I was about 15-16. When I first joined the scene it was absolutely magical. The people, the vibes, the atmosphere, it’s something you really don’t get to experience on the day-to-day. Soon enough, I started going to events either on a weekly or bi-weekly basis.

If you could pick 3 artists to listen to for the rest of your life, who would they be?

Markus Schulz, Oceanlab, and Adam Beyer.

Which artist was your introduction to Electronic Music?

I think it was when I was watching MTV as a kid (when they used to play music videos). Dirty Vegas’ “Days Go By” was always playing and that’s the first artist I can recall that I’ve listened to.

What is your favorite event that you have attended?

EDC 08 is probably my favorite event of all time!

What is your favorite ice cream?

Definitely vanilla!

Follow Leiel on Social Media:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud