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

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

[funkyDavid]

The definition of why one serious part of electronic culture is art.

[Tragamin]

"I guess in four or five years, the new generation’s music will be.. maybe it will be.. it might rely heavily on electronics, tapes… I can kind of envision maybe one person with a lot of machines, tapes, and electronics set up, singing or speaking and using machines."
- Jim Morrison, 1969

[giorgimjavanadze]

Alfred Hitchcock:

"A clear horizon, nothing to worry about on your plate. Only things that are creative and not destructive. That's within yourself, within me I can't bear quarreling I can't bare feelings between people. I think hatred is wasted energy. It's all nonproductive. I'm very sensitive. A sharp word said by say a person who has a temper if they're close to me hurts me for days. I know we're only human, we do go in for these various emotions, call them negative emotions, but when all these are removed and you can look forward and the road is clear ahead and now you're going to create something. I think that's as happy as I would ever want to be."

[jhimelic]

Still come back to this magnificent piece of art from time to time. At the end, I always feel better than I did at the start. 🙏

[michibega]

October 2024. Years go by and this amazing improvisation is still here. Thank you one more time David for giving us this timeless mastesterpiece!

[aurelienbobenrieth]

I used to listen to this every night before going to sleep, it helped me reducing my stress and anxiety at some point in my life. Thank you sir

[angelom.]

David August is my definition of happiness.

[romansemchuk]

Such quality and intelligent music makes you close your eyes and draw pictures in your head...

Brilliant!

[jimbeamgreen]

The ceramic sounds is randomize for first 4 minutes. When Hitchcock says "now you're going to create something" ceramic sounds getting together for the first time and when Hitchcock is done August can look forward and the road is clear and then the ceramic sounds getting together again. David you are a genius and you are the definition of happiness for me. !

[moglinashoba]

What is your definition of happiness?

A clear horizon.
Nothing to worry about
on your plate.
Only sins that are creative
and not destructive.
A sharp word
said by say a person who has a temper.
If they're are close to me
it hurts me for days.
I know we are only human
we do going for these various emotions,
call them negative emotions.
But when all thees are removed
and you can look forward
and the road is clear ahead
and now you can create something.
And thats as happy as i would ever want to be!

Words that changed my life! Thank you so much David August and Daniele you lovely Person!!!!

[fredericdalberto]

I keep coming back to this session year after year. The chosen chords, the texture of the sounds, it takes me back to moments from my youth, it's powerful.

[LianaAkobian]

you know its about to get lit when he stands up

[stevefell]

I never forget you David August
You are my one and only REAL musician...❤❤❤

[Hiiteloe]

No matter who saids and what saids but this is electronic music as its best!
It is so rare these days to find a true artist who is truly passioned for music and performs it with his full heart and soul.
Respect

[effy.]

Still listening in 2020, August is the modern day Mozart.❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[simonsimonhc]

Lost count of how many times I have enjoyed this session

[lfsa]

I am actually very excited for the years to come of Davids work... He is by far my favorite producer.... lucky us that we live in this age! Thanks David!

[drewhenry]

still gives me goosebumps after listening so many times the last 5 years. masterpiece.

[grmnyvs]

David's musical quality is immeasurable,
unprecedented

[girlinagale]

You get the ambient intro, the quote comes in, then the whole rest is your synapses fleeing off into other forms.