HELANG: Breaking Barriers with 'Flashback'

In a dimly lit corner of E1 London's sprawling dance floor, HELANG stands focused behind the decks, weaving together hypnotic techno rhythms with emotive melodic textures. The crowd responds instinctively to each transition, a testament to her innate ability to read the room. This scene has become increasingly common across influential venues from Brooklyn's Teksupport NYE to DC's Echostage, as the Chinese-American producer continues her meteoric rise through electronic music's ranks.

On March 6th, HELANG delivers her most compelling work to date – the 'Flashback' EP via HE.SHE.THEY. Records. The three-track collection arrives during Women's History Month – a fitting time for an artist who continues to challenge gender barriers in electronic music – and showcases her uncompromising approach to production. Lead single "Flashback" immediately establishes her groove-driven approach, while "The Artist in Me" centers around the defiant mantra: "Being an artist, being me – that's my best excuse to be crazy." The EP closes with "On My Own," balancing raw intensity with atmospheric depth in what has become HELANG's signature style.

For HELANG, this release on the inclusive HE.SHE.THEY. imprint feels particularly significant. Since launching her own Dauntless Records in 2023, she has maintained unwavering commitment to diversity and authenticity – values she shares with the collective known for championing inclusivity. Having already earned support from electronic music's elite including Maceo Plex, Marco Faraone, and Richie Hawtin, this latest EP solidifies her position as one of the scene's most distinctive voices.

In an exclusive interview, we caught up with HELANG to discuss finding her place as a woman in electronic music, embracing her Chinese-American heritage, and the rebellious spirit that continues to define her artistic journey.

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Your new EP 'Flashback' is releasing during Women's History Month. How does this timing resonate with your journey as a female artist in electronic music?

Being a woman in electronic music is a scary, but empowering feeling for me. Growing up I've always been drawn to the things that aren't exactly conventional or conforming. I love a good challenge and I love making a difference, especially if it means empowering my fellow ladies and bringing something different to the table in a male-dominated work industry.

The EP is releasing on HE.SHE.THEY., a label known for championing inclusivity. What drew you to work with a platform that shares your values of breaking down barriers?

I come from a first generation Chinese immigrant family. I have moved countless times throughout my childhood, so diversity and inclusion have been part of my identity and core values from the beginning. It's very important to celebrate inclusivity not just because it is the right thing to do but also because it can encourage people to be open-minded and curious about new experiences.

You've mentioned finding it difficult to follow rules since childhood. How does this rebellious spirit manifest in your current productions?

I approach productions with a fiery soul that doesn't get tied down to any particular genre. I'm not into any cookie-cutter formulas. I love tech house, techno, breaks, trance, and anything in between. I just want to make music for myself and share my emotions and experiences with the world through that. It can be hard because not everyone (the general audience and record labels) will like what you put out, and sometimes I find myself in the gray areas of making tunes to try and fit what I think a label's sound is like but it comes down to perspective at the end of the day. I am my own brand, and I can really position myself in whatever way I want to.

The track "The Artist in Me" includes the mantra "Being an artist, being me – that's my best excuse to be crazy." What inspired this declaration of artistic freedom?

It really is just a mindset at the end of the day. What has always driven me from the beginning is my curiosity. I think most artists can relate to the feeling of not belonging. I think it is a really empowering thing to instead of feeling bad about it, we can use that inspiration and motivation to pull out every ounce of inspiration from the bottom of our souls and turn it into something beautiful. Just like the line, I am an artist because I am just being myself.

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As a Chinese-American artist, how does your cultural heritage influence your approach to electronic music?

It's interesting because electronic music isn't particularly big in China compared to other countries but because I have been heavily influenced by both cultures growing up, I bring my values and interests from both sides together and create my sense of "self" symbiotically. This also ties back to my rebellious approach to my brand and artistry because the cultural differences bring 2 different things together for me and that is something I find beauty and value in.

Both your label Dauntless Records and HE.SHE.THEY. prioritize creating inclusive spaces. How do you see these platforms complementing each other?

HE.SHE.THEY. is such a great label to release on because our visions and values really align with each other's. We both put a lot of effort into highlighting the importance of diversity, inclusion, and authenticity.

Coming from launching Dauntless Records to releasing on HE.SHE.THEY., how important is it to release your message through platforms that champion diversity?

It is essentially my entire brand and vision, and I use that passion and spark to harness Dauntless's mission as a record label and event brand. I pour my heart and soul into everything I do, so you can bet I feel very passionate about the importance of diversity.

In your bio, you mention creating music that "provocatively puts a voice to your experiences." How does 'Flashback' continue this narrative?

Music is self-expression. It is our feelings that can't be put into words sometimes, but a voice. That might sound confusing, but to me it really just means self-expression on your own terms. It means that you, me, and anyone out there should feel empowered to live their life on their own terms and not based on societal standards. It's like, oh they're telling me it's hard for women to get taken seriously? We'll see about that. I like a good challenge and going against the grain.

Your recent performances span from E1 London to Echostage DC. How do different global audiences connect with your music?

I think crowds can definitely vary between continents like the US and Europe but generally speaking it's amazing to see people feel moved by my music. I've gotten lots of feedback about my stage presence and ability to select tracks that create a unique but smooth flow throughout the night. The key is to know how to read a room, then play whatever your heart desires and let the beats, melodies and rhythms take it from there.

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How do you balance the "euphoria and melancholy" you mentioned finding in your sound design?

I focus a lot on the kick and bass first because those are the foundations of a track. I usually like them sounding more on the techier side because that to me is sexy and empowering, especially for a dance floor.

The melancholy side of me comes in when I experiment with synths or live sounds, and that can range in anything from arpeggios to synthwave to orchestral elements. It's quite interesting and sometimes challenging to put those sounds in house/techno music but it all comes together one way or another for me.

Having shared stages with artists like Amelie Lens and Nicole Moudaber, what have you learned about maintaining authenticity in the industry?

It's really important to put your best foot forward without jeopardizing your core values and integrity. What I love about Amelie and Nicole is that they are not only powerhouse women in the industry, but both have something very unique to their voices. They inspire me to be myself. They teach all of us that you can be unique and still have your crowd/fanbase. It's ok to give things time before they come to fruition.

The EP includes club edits of each track. How do you approach reimagining your own work?

I like to take my time with my own work. It's always easier said than done but at the end of the day there is nothing more lovely than putting myself into a trance and zoning out in the studio. It reminds me to appreciate the little things, and that I have always been a musician at heart.

What role do you think labels and artists play in fostering more inclusive dance music communities?

We are at an important transitional period in music because many labels and artists are adapting to this mentality. It's crucial that we continue to share these values with each other and the general public as well. It's also important to acknowledge that we have so much power in our own hands and what we choose to do with it affects our fanbase.

How does your experience as a woman in electronic music inform your role as a label owner?

I always do my best to put out good music, and after doing that for a year I started curating events to bring the community together. My lineups so far have been female focused, and to me that's really empowering as a female record label owner. It goes to show that this industry can have diversity not just from a fanbase perspective, but also the business side of things as well.

Looking ahead, how do you see the landscape changing for women in electronic music?

I definitely think we will continue to see more women on the rise, which is very exciting. I think more women will feel empowered to share their art, and we will see more women on the other side of the business as well, such as ones who hold roles in the manager/agent world.

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Imagens: Divulgação

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