By: Alva Ree

In an era where music travels across the world instantly through streaming platforms and digital playlists, it is easy to forget that for many artists, music was once an act of courage. For Georgian DJ and sound director Levan Iashvili, known professionally as Lemix, music was not only a passion—it was often a quiet form of resistance.

Born in the Soviet Union, a time when Western culture was tightly controlled and creative freedom was limited, Lemix grew up in an environment where even listening to certain music could lead to consequences. In those days, enjoying contemporary or Western sounds was often perceived as a political statement against the regime. For some, it could result in interrogation, exile, or even imprisonment.

Yet it was precisely within that environment that Lemix’s lifelong relationship with sound was formed.

“Music has been my lifeblood from an early age,” he says. “I honestly cannot imagine a day without it—whether I’m in a good mood or a bad mood. Music has always been there, constantly playing in the background of my life.”

A Childhood Surrounded by Sound

Music was not simply a hobby in the Iashvili household—it was the family language.

Lemix’s mother was a first violinist, while his father was a renowned sound director and engineer, widely recognized during the Soviet era for his mastery of sound. Growing up surrounded by instruments, recordings, and technical discussions about audio, young Levan absorbed the language of music almost instinctively.

“My father was a true music lover,” Lemix recalls. “He introduced me to the deeper world of sound—not just listening, but understanding it.”

But this exposure came with risk. Jazz, Western rock, and contemporary international music were often banned or discouraged. Still, many music lovers in Georgia quietly built an underground culture around it.

“My father loved jazz,” Lemix explains. “He secretly listened to American broadcasts, especially the famous ‘Jazz Hour’ hosted by Willis Conover on Voice of America. It was dangerous at the time. Because of this, he once nearly faced imprisonment.”

Decades later, Lemix would have the chance to meet Conover himself—an encounter that symbolically closed the circle between forbidden music and creative freedom.

The First Mix at Age Nine

Lemix’s journey into DJing began long before he ever stepped into a club.

At just nine years old, he experimented with his first homemade mix using a cassette recorder and a turntable. Fascinated by how sound could be manipulated, he took The Beatles’ track “This Boy,” trimmed it, and blended the introduction with the ending.

“It was spontaneous,” he remembers. “I just wanted to see if I could create something new.”

When he played the result for his father, the reaction was unforgettable.

“He was surprised—and impressed. That moment gave me a sense of satisfaction that I had created something unique.”

That early experiment planted the seed for what would later become a career built around sound design and DJ performance.

Radio, Sound Direction, and the Birth of Independent Media

Beyond DJing, Lemix also pursued a professional path in sound directing, combining his artistic instincts with technical expertise.

His career took a significant step forward when he began hosting live music shows on Georgian State Radio, gaining experience in broadcasting and sound production.

Later, during the early years of Georgia’s independence, Lemix and a group of friends launched something groundbreaking.

In 1994, they founded Radio 106.4, one of the first independent radio stations in Georgia. It was a pivotal moment in the country’s cultural transformation.

“We were creating something new,” he says. “After years of censorship, suddenly there was freedom to explore music openly.”

The station became a hub for contemporary sounds and helped shape the modern music scene in Georgia.

From Strasbourg to International Stages

Interestingly, Lemix’s first DJ performance happened almost by accident.

He was attending a conference at the European Youth Center in Strasbourg, participating as chairman of the Georgian Youth League for Liberty during a DEMYC conference focused on Eurasian relations.

After a long day of meetings, he decided to play some music during an evening gathering.

“I didn’t plan it as a performance,” he recalls. “It was spontaneous.”

But the reaction was immediate.

“People started dancing right away. The whole room was connected with the music. That was the moment when everything clicked for me.”

From that point forward, DJing became not just an interest but a central part of his identity.

Becoming One of Georgia’s Leading DJs

Back in Georgia, Lemix quickly became recognized as one of the country’s prominent DJs. Through his connection with Radio 1, he served as a resident DJ across five different clubs operated by the station, regularly performing at events that drew large audiences.

“These events were always full,” he says. “Seeing people enjoying the music and sharing that energy—it’s an incredible feeling.”

Over time, his performances expanded internationally.

He has played at clubs across Europe, appeared at international art festivals in Tbilisi, and performed during Fashion Week events in New York, bringing his distinctive sound to diverse audiences around the world.

The Philosophy Behind Lemix’s Sets

Despite decades of experience, Lemix’s approach to DJing remains guided by one simple principle: emotion.

“For me, the mood always comes first,” he explains.

Rather than following strict formulas or chasing trends, he focuses on the energy in the room.

“The most important thing is how the music makes the audience feel. DJing is about creating a connection between the sound and the people on the dance floor.”

His philosophy is rooted in positivity.

“I always choose music that feels happy and uplifting,” he says. “Life is too short to spare your time for depressive tracks.”

Reading the Room

For Lemix, DJing is as much about instinct as it is about music selection.

“You have to feel the crowd,” he says. “You guide them, but in a natural way. The goal is to create a journey where everyone in the room moves together.”

This ability to read a room has become one of his defining strengths as a performer.

Interestingly, he rarely feels the need to dramatically alter his sets.

“Usually I don’t need to change much,” he says. “Maybe a small adjustment—but when the energy is right, everything flows.”

Authenticity Over Trends

In an industry that often rewards imitation and viral success, Lemix encourages young DJs to focus on authenticity.

“Don’t get caught up in trends,” he advises. “And don’t try to imitate others.”

Audiences, he believes, can always sense when a sound is genuine.

“People respond to authenticity. When the music truly reflects who you are, that energy becomes contagious.”

Music as Freedom

For Lemix, DJing has always been about more than entertainment.

Growing up in a world where music itself could be an act of rebellion shaped his understanding of its power.

Today, every set he performs carries that same spirit.

A reminder that sound—at its best—connects people, creates joy, and transcends the boundaries of culture and politics.

And as Lemix himself likes to say:

“Life is too short to spend it listening to depressive tracks.”