Lara Sweeney a.k.a. Bklava is a Lebanese-Irish London-based DJ/producer/vocalist who has quickly solidified themselves as one of the most unique talents in electronic music after dishing out irresistible tracks for buzzing dancefloors since 2019 – with a heady blend of garage, house, breaks and captivating live vocals.
Bklava’s journey into the industry ignited from childhood, fueled by their father’s passion for classic rock and folk and their mother’s pop and 90s house hits. This blend, enriched by their Irish and Lebanese heritage, exposed them to a diverse array of styles and cultural sounds. Their passion for powerful vocals and ethereal melodies, influenced by icons like Kate Bush, Amy Winehouse, and Imogen Heap, merges seamlessly with their love for club anthems from Kaytranada, Joy Orbison, and Disclosure. The result? A unique and irresistible sound that’s unmistakably Bklava.
Fusing singing and songwriting with high-energy club bangers, Bklava was quickly named as a “multifaceted, multitalented” rising star and a “quadruple threat” with their 2020 self-titled debut EP for Ministry of Sound. Since then, their rise has seen them fascinate worldwide audiences, from the iconic Ibiza Pikes and Glastonbury to the dynamic stages of Boiler Room and AVA Festival.
Bklava’s remix repertoire boasts reimaginings of tracks by heavyweights like Jessie Ware and Todd Edwards as well as featuring their own curated singles, further showcasing their versatile artistry. Most recently Bklava shared “All Around Me” – a summer-ready collaboration with garage pioneer, MJ Cole, taken from Bklava’s forthcoming mixtape titled c u l8r, dropping on July 5th. Drawing on Bklava’s early inspirations – UK garage and US garage house, powerful vocals and sugar-sweet y2k aesthetics, the sunkissed UKG bop sees the duo blending classic old skool flavours with a new-gen twist. Made with the dancefloor in mind, c u l8r promises to pay homage to club culture and its originators, drawing from Northern UK Bassline culture, 90’s NYC house, garage, UK rave, breaks and beyond.
In a kiki with Bklava below, Broke Magazine get an inside look into the life of this unique Lebanese-Irish artist on the rise…
Hey Bklava! Give us a glimpse at your childhood and how that shaped you in the music world.
I was just the biggest kid. My time at school was weird cos I felt like I was in a year full of kids who were trying to be older and cooler than they were whilst I was, always blissfully, a child. I was bullied most of that time so I spent a lot of time in solitude with my head in the clouds. Constantly daydreaming, my mind was always wondering and I wanted to venture into greater things- music was always that pull for me to lean into. I went to musical theatre classes in Mitcham and started guitar lessons in school.
This was probably always an influence from my dad who is also a singer/songwriter. This led me to want to write songs of my own with my guitar and put my time into something that would later mean a great deal to me.
My home time was spent with family including my uncle and grandparents. I was particularly close to my Teta (Nan) a lot of the time who was my second mum, really. I think my curiosity about my identity and culture really came from her and her adoration for Lebanon where she grew up. My family were always close and my childhood years were inspirational being in a dual heritage household, infused with all the best food and music.
Where do you go for inspiration?
I’m a big overthinker haha, so I always have inspiration in terms of what emotions I want to get out onto pen/paper or in logic.
If I’m on my own then I’ll start getting down some chords/ pads to allow room for vocals before bringing in any bass/drum parts and then the lyrics can follow. If I can’t draw on l current societal issues, my ‘situationships’ or general life’s ups and downs then I’ll look back at all my past experiences and hone in on something I feel like I can write about in that moment.
However, it changes every studio session I have! I’ve gone into some sessions with the lyrics and the music already written and the structure takes shape fairly easily after that.
I also listen to music daily and make playlists all the time so I don’t think I can allow myself to get stuck. The inspirations are always there and therefore, there’s always an opportunity to create something- even if it’s out of a short phrase or loop. It’s worth it because that can potentially develop into something later down the line when ya revisit. However, when I do get stuck, I hone in on some other creative ventures like crafting bits! If it’s studio time- then a lil walk or fresh air helps and I highly recommend that! You’d be surprised what 5 mins away from the box can do!
What are your top tips for being a female in a male-dominated industry?
Always trust yourself. If something feels wrong or like someone is trying to dominate your narrative, it’s probably just that! Men have always led the narrative and it’s time for the rest of us to shine and show that we aren’t just trying to blend into what’s out there, we’re trying to break barriers and create a more open and safer industry for doing so.
Find others who care about your beliefs and values. Especially those within your team! These people represent you!
What are your favourite moments about being an artist? (I love a good anecdote)
Looking into the crowd and seeing the individuals feeling themselves and being lost in that moment. It’s a mirror of those moments I’ve had from a punter’s perspective. When I tell people how I want others to feel about my music, it’s that hahaha.
What drives you to create music?
I think I’m constantly thinking of little me and that I owe her this dream and this vision I’ve always had for myself. I can’t imagine doing anything other than music or musical theatre really!
How do you want people to feel when listening to your set or seeing you live?
Music should always be therapeutic. If my music can connect to people and resonate with them for whatever needs, I’m happy.
Festival season is approaching, what have you got planned?
Ooooo we got Hijacked, Forbidden Forest, El Dorado, Defected Croatia, and Sundown to name a few!
Name three DJs you would like to B2B with.
I’ll take a handful out of my ever-growing list but top of my head would be: Ben UFO, Skream, Peach, Joy O, Overmono, Oneman, Sally C, Anna Lunoe, Anz, Cinthie, Karen Nyame KG and Flava D (I did actually do a b2b with Flava D a couple years back at Boardmasters but was shaking like a leaf so round 2 with confidence plz xoxoxoxox)
Final words of wisdom for our brokerz?
Free Palestine!!!
Photography – Gray Brame
Stylist – Phoebe Butterworth