In November 2022, he released Emerald EP on Anjunbeats. His Ruby and Amethyst EPs, which followed in early 2023, were the next stages in an expanding and evolving body of work. Now, seventeen years after his first release on Anjunabeats, Sunny Lax brings fans his debut album, Crystals.
Crystals is inspired by his increased spiritual awareness due to the pandemic. “Everything is a vibration, and there’s an organizing pattern behind everything. Certain crystal structures can elevate and heal, some can impact your mood.”
Levente Márton, known worldwide as Sunny Lax, calls his debut album “a musical journey as colorful as the different minerals found in the earth”. He goes on, “Let the music take you on a journey and create memories that will last a lifetime.”
I’ve been writing about Sunny Lax for years, first when he was featured on LTN’s “People I’ll Never Forget (Remixes)” compilation. He hasn’t stopped releasing singles, and I was excited for his debut album. After listening to it 3 or 4 times and having never sat down with the man, I reached out for an interview. It was time to dive down the rabbit hole and learn more about Levente. I encourage you to listen to this album while reading this interview. It is my absolute pleasure to introduce you to Sunny Lax.
Tell me more about Crystals, your debut artist album.
Crystals is a musical journey that I’ve been waiting to share with the world for a while. It’s a collection of fourteen tracks in a continuous mix. Each with its own unique properties, “colors”, “shapes”, and “vibrations” just like different minerals or crystals. Producing music and merging sounds together almost feels like we’re transforming energy and crystallizing it into songs. Sometimes, when I finished creating a track, I thought, “Ah, this one feels like a ruby track!”, so this idea and approach started the whole concept.
I wanted to create an album that takes listeners on a sonic adventure and touches their souls and it’s been an incredible experience bringing these tracks to life.
You released Crystals seventeen years after your first release on Anjunabeats. What took you so long?!
I think I wasn’t really ready for it for a while. It might seem like a long time, but throughout these years, I’ve been honing my craft and growing as an artist. I wanted to make sure that when I released my debut album, I have something to “say”. It truly reflects my musical evolution and captures the essence of who I am as Sunny Lax. Crystals represents years of passionate work, and the right moment to share this musical chapter.
Where did the name Sunny Lax come from?
The name came from the Los Angeles airport! I came up with it when I was about thirteen. I visualized myself as a busy DJ traveling through the “sunny LAX” airport many times because of touring. And then it really happened.
The last few years have been interesting to say the least. How did the pandemic impact your life and your work? And I hope you and your family didn’t suffer as so many others did.
The pandemic certainly brought some unexpected challenges, but I’m grateful that my family and I remained healthy and safe. Like for many artists, the absence of live shows was a significant change, but it also provided me with an opportunity to focus on producing new music. I also did a lot of livestreams on my Twitch channel during the lockdowns, where I was able to connect with my followers, spread positive vibes, and discover a lot of new music, new genres. That part was so much fun, and many people still tell me how those streams helped them get through the most difficult times in their lives—and it was mutual! The extra time and the discovery of so much new music during the streams helped experiment with fresh ideas, which ultimately influenced the creation of Crystals.
You’ve released a lot of singles over the years. Possible to pick a favorite?
Oof, that’s a tough one! It’s like asking a parent to pick their favorite child. Every track I’ve released holds a special place in my heart because they represent different moments and emotions in my life. If I had to pick one, though, “Enceladus” would definitely be up there. It’s a track that came together so effortlessly, and its success took me by surprise. The way it resonated with the audience and the support it received from fellow artists was truly humbling.
Your sister worked in the city library. How did that influence you as a DJ? What a neat story!
She would bring home various artist albums and compilations on CDs for me to listen to, exposing me to a wide range of artists and genres. But it was the trance/dance compilations that really struck a chord with me. Artists like ATB, Paul van Dyk, Armin van Buuren, Ferry Corsten and of course Above & Beyond were on heavy rotation in my foam headphones, and their music deeply influenced my taste and passion for trance. It’s funny how such small moments can shape our entire lives, and I’m forever grateful for my sister’s musical gift.
How has your sound changed since releasing P.U.M.A. / Cassiopeia back in 2006?
The music landscape has evolved so much since then, and my sound has naturally evolved with it too. Back in 2006, I was focused on creating high-energy, fast uplifting trance tracks. Over the years, my releases constantly became a little bit slower, more progressive, and I think more polished and complex, but still remained emotional. Collaborating with talented artists and being part of the Anjunabeats family has also played a role in shaping my sound. I like to think of it as a continuous journey of growth and experimentation while staying true to the emotional and uplifting essence that defines Sunny Lax.
I LOVE the album cover. What inspired that design and who designed it? I hope you have a poster hanging in your house!
Thanks, I love it too! And I think all the previous EPs’ artworks look amazing. The concept was to place these monumental gemstones in various breathtaking locations around the world, which goes well with my livestream concepts where I performed DJ sets in different amazing locations. Adam and Jordan from the Anjunabeats art department took on this challenge. Because it turned out to be quite a task to create and render these artworks and animations with all the colorful shiny surfaces. They even had to purchase new software and dedicated a lot of time to it. I am truly grateful for their efforts, and I believe it was totally worth it, haha! And yeah I gotta put them posters on the walls for sure!!
You played Crystals live from Anjunabeats Miami. Was that the first time you played it live? And what a setting! LOVE The 305.
I’ve been road testing all the tracks for a while, but Miami was the first time I played the whole album from start to finish. It was amazing to witness as the people, who were enjoying an afternoon of poolside cocktails and fun, gradually caught the groove and gathered around for a proper party. Miami proved to be the perfect location for this, and the crowd’s reaction was absolutely awesome!
What headphones are around your neck?
I’ve been using the V-MODA Crossfade M-100 headphones for many years now. I love their sound, but I appreciate their durability even more. On the very first day, I accidentally dropped them quite hard, and someone even splashed some vodka and orange juice on them. Rough night. However, they have been with me everywhere since then and continue to work flawlessly. I think it’s about time for a new pair, but I will definitely choose V-MODA again!
I follow you on Instagram. It seems like you’re living your best life. Not really a question, just keep it up. Makes me happy seeing others crushing it out there!
Thank you so much for the kind words and for following my journey! I’m truly grateful for the love and support from my followers. I’m living my dream, doing what I love, and connecting with amazing people through music.
It seems like every DJ has a podcast. Any plans to produce your own show? You know I’d subscribe!
Aww, thanks! Actually, I used to have my own radio show called “Sounds Of Elysium” for years. But honestly, I feel like maintaining that level of consistency every week puts a bit of pressure on me, and it starts to feel a bit laborious. I couldn’t do it every week the way I wanted to. I think what I should continue doing is the livestreams on Twitch. That would be more fun for me.
There are fourteen songs on Crystals but it’s like you’re telling a story. The album just climbs one track after the next. Was that by design? And what is your process like when setting out to release an LP?
Absolutely! When I set out to create Crystals, I wanted it to be more than just a collection of individual tracks. I aimed to craft a cohesive musical journey that takes the listeners on an emotional ride.
Starting off with an ambient track, setting the mood, creating a sense of tranquility. And from there, we embark on a musical adventure that gradually builds up. I intentionally created the album to progress from brighter and easier tunes, gradually weaving in mystical and even darker vibes. And just when you think you’ve explored the depths, we transition into proper uplifting music towards the end, giving that final burst of energy and leaving you on a high note.
As for my process when releasing an LP, it’s a mix of artistic vision and careful curation. I had a “skeleton” of ideas in the beginning and my lovely A&Rs and I spent a lot of time selecting and refining each track, ensuring they flow seamlessly together and tell a cohesive story. It’s like piecing together a puzzle.
What’s next for Sunny Lax? A tour to Southern California, I hope!
100%! A proper album tour is currently in the making, and I won’t be missing out on visiting my favorite cities, that’s for sure! I’ll also have the honour of performing at two amazing festivals this year: Above & Beyond Group Therapy Weekender The Gorge Amphitheatre and Tomorrowland, and I’m really looking forward to these!
We’ve talked about a lot today. What else can you tell me about Crystals and Sunny Lax?
I’m just grateful for the support and love I’ve received from my fans, and I can’t wait for everyone to experience Crystals live! Thank you for taking the time to chat with me and for your interest in my music!
Thanks for doing this, man. That was fun! In all of the interviews I do I always the give the artist the last word. Go.
Spread LOVE and listen to Crystals! <3
