RA Sessions: David August - The Definition of Happiness | Resident Advisor

Visit the Resident Advisor feature page: Improvisation and Alfred Hitchcock form the core of the German artist’s standout performance. In preparation for his RA Session, David August sourced a voice sample of Alfred Hitchcock and composed some bass sounds. He then took the words of the revered film director as inspiration and built a completely improvised piece—one he’s never performed before, and will never perform again. It was only a few years back that August was a DJ with a vague idea that he’d like to just play live. These days he’s one of the biggest draws in dance music, finishing 2014 as the #4 live act on our annual list. August has got there through the strength of his live show and a compelling signature sound. His sets blend musicianship with technical nous in a way that makes his efforts obvious to the audience—far from “pressing play,“ in other words. As for his style, August made his name through a run of melodically rich club tracks for Diynamic Music and, most recently, Dixon and Âme’s all-conquering Innervisions label. As on last year’s “Epikur,“ he conjures emotions without resorting to clichés, delaying gratification until the moment is just right. Credits: Director - Sim Higginson Producer & Editor - Debbie Butts Camera - Sim Higginson, Stephen Dunn, Adrian Hylton, Guy Clarke, Debbie Butts Sound Engineers - Rich Cufley, Guy Clarke Colourist - Adam Clarke