Img Cred: Kares Le Roy
Some artists treat music discovery as part of the process, others treat it as a way of staying connected to why they make music in the first place. That mindset sits at the heart of AWEN and Daniel Rateuke’s latest release, Hustler, launching on Kanté. The record leans into storytelling, rhythm, and emotion in a way that feels intentional. It arrives not only as a single built for movement, but as the first statement from the newly formed label.
In this interview, AWEN explains how inspiration comes from everyday routines, from listening to music with his son in the morning to conversations with friends that spark new ideas. He speaks about discovery as something personal, fuelled by curiosity rather than pressure. That mirrors the spirit behind Hustler and Kanté as a whole. The focus is on feeling, community, and the purpose behind creating in the first place.
As the label begins its journey, Hustler sets the tone for what Kanté aims to represent. Music that values connection over noise. Art that comes from lived experience rather than strategy. The record’s vocal storytelling and Daniel Rateuke’s production form a clear statement of identity, one grounded in tradition yet open to new paths.
This conversation offers a closer look at how that kind of music is found, protected, and shared.
Interview with AWEN
Do you make music discovery part of your regular routine? What does that look like for you?
Yeah, definitely. For me, music discovery isn’t always about finding tracks for my sets, it’s more about looking for inspiration in unexpected places. Every morning, I listen to music with my son before he goes to school, and that’s actually become a really special part of my day.
We’ll go from soul to indie to world music, and I love how unpredictable it is. I don’t set any rules about genres or styles. I just let myself enjoy whatever catches my ear. Keeping it playful like that helps me stay inspired and connected to why I love music in the first place.
Where do you usually dig for new music—online, in stores, or through your own archives?
Mostly online and through my own archives, but honestly, my favorite discoveries usually come from friends.
I love when someone shares a song and tells me why it means something to them. It’s not about the sound or the genre, it’s about the emotional connection. I feel like there’s a kind of universal truth in that, because even though everyone’s taste is different, music connects us on this deeper level.
That’s something I’m always trying to tap into, the feeling behind the sound.
How do you keep everything you find organized so it’s easy to use later on?
A DJ friend gave me a great tip once: organize playlists by genre, but also include notes about the mood, tempo, or key elements, like whether it’s piano-led, vocal-heavy, or purely instrumental.
I started doing that, and it completely changed how I work. Now I can easily find what I need without having to remember every track by name. It keeps things practical, but also makes me think more intentionally about why I connect to certain tracks and where they might fit into my sets.
Has digging consistently changed how you approach your sound or identity as an artist?
For sure. The more I dig, the more I notice patterns in what I gravitate toward, certain rhythms, moods, or textures. It’s like holding up a mirror to my own taste.
Being exposed to so much new music pushes me to try new ideas in my production, to experiment, and to see where my sound can evolve. At the same time, it helps me understand myself better as an artist. My identity doesn’t really change, but I get clearer about who I am and what kind of feeling I want to create through my music or stories I want to tell.
Do you carve out dedicated time for digging, or fit it into smaller moments during the week?
It depends. If I’m getting ready for a big show or a special set, I’ll definitely set aside time to dig with a specific intention. But most of the time, it’s something I do more casually whenever I feel inspired or when I stumble across something new. I like to keep it spontaneous.
The moment it starts to feel like a chore or too mechanical, it loses its magic. So I try to keep it light and let my own curiosity lead the way.
Have you gone through times when you were finding tons of music but none of it sparked anything for you?
Oh, absolutely. It happens all the time, especially now with the sheer amount of music coming out every week. It can be overwhelming, and sometimes I just stop feeling that spark.
The same thing can happen when I’m touring a lot. It’s harder to filter through everything and find what truly moves me.
When that happens, I take a step back and go back to the basics: the tracks that always hit me no matter what. Those songs remind me why I started doing this in the first place and help me reset.
What’s one habit or ritual around discovery that’s stayed part of your process over the years?
One thing that’s stayed with me is listening to music in the morning. It’s kind of my reset button. Whether it’s with my son or just while I’m having coffee, that time of day feels perfect for discovering something new. My mind’s clear, and I’m not overanalyzing or thinking about production, I’m just listening.
That simple ritual keeps my relationship with music pure and reminds me to always stay curious. I wouldn’t want music to become a “product”, it will always be art aka food for my soul.
The post AWEN on Discovery, Ritual, and the Story Behind “Hustler” appeared first on Magnetic Magazine.