Surrealist wave-trap producer VAVN is a standout in the genre, and is set to make his Los Angeles headline debut June 29th at Catch One.

For the uninitiated, the DEF alumnus incorporates elements from trance, rap, and progressive house genres to create a stirring, dark blend of imaginative, entrancing, and immersive wave music. 

A true rising star in the genre in his own right, VAVN has performed alongside venerated DJ-producers RL Grime, Juelz, and ISOxo; has seen support from electronic dance music peers Hex Cougar, brothel., Barnacle Boi, Knock2, JAWNS; and headlined the first major wave event in North America, Pantheon, which served as the wave artist’s festival debut.

This year alone, the artist has brought his immersive sound to dates on ISOxo’s KIDSGONEMAD tour and the boisterous, party-ready DEF brand, alongside Skeler.

Now, VAVN is teaming up with the Soul Food Music Collective once again, returning to where he says something special began. 

“I went to California [in 2022] to spend my 26th birthday,” VAVN shares.  “I started out in San Diego and linked with [Knock2] & [ISOxo], they showed me their hometown spots; real SD WATER activities.” 

After hitting the skatepark and the “best ramen spot” in San Diego according to Knock2 & ISOxo, the wave producer “hopped on the Amtrak to LA,” proceeding to crash on Disco Lines‘ couch and indulge in a birthday cake gifted to him by trap producer Rossy. “It was honestly the nicest thing and I felt so special,” he said.

The first stop of the night was Soul Food Music Collective’s Homecoming show, VAVN recalled.

“It was an intimate night and I was able to catch up with homies I hadn’t seen in a while like JAWNS. All of a sudden, [ASAHN] asks me if I would like to throw down a little birthday set.”

During the set, VAVN played a track by Alter/Ego founder and label boss Hex Cougar, and “he came up and danced with me,” said VAVN. “Anyone that knows me knows I’m a #RealHexFan. Imagine this kid; bright eyed, bushy tailed, new to the industry and its wonders, just partying with one of his GOATs I could have cried from happiness, but I can’t be depleting aura like that.”

VAVN’s latest single “Bleeding Out,” was released this June on Hex Cougar’s Alter/Ego Volume III compilation. The song “was a long time coming with some special friends,” having laid unfinished for two years and finally released after months of pressing and fervent acclaim from fans, friends, and peers alike, according to VAVN.

That fateful birthday weekend culminated with a madcap adventure through LA’s clubs with Rossy (table service at a stranger’s table included), an accidental lockout at Disco Lines’ house, and a nap in Marina Del Rey. And yes, VAVN said, the birthday cake came along for each stop along the wild ride and survived the festivities.

“When I look back, that was a major canon event in my lore,” he reflects. “I think I just sent it to LA for no reason.”

In the early days of his music career, VAVN recalled hopping on flights out of Denver and going from show to show, back to back.

“[Soul Food’s Homecoming event series] was great because all the homies were there. My experiences with Soul Food make this moment full circle and special,” he said. “Soul Food Music Collective were some of the first people to start supporting me,” with Soul Food residents Falldren and ASAHN being the first artists to ever play a VAVN track in a live set.

Excited to “give his West Coast fans what they’ve been asking me for years,” the talented wave DJ-producer is “ready to rock out.”

“I’m excited to play my first Los Angeles headline show with the day ones. It’s so poetic.”

Reporting by Melisa Yuriar.

Tickets are still available for purchase online. Follow VAVN on Instagram and Spotify for more updates, and be sure to connect with Soul Food Music Collective on Twitter and SoundCloud, and join their Discord community.