How the Journey Began
I am Dominik Lehner, the creator and mastermind behind the music project Zolahr Sounds. I was born on April 24, 1984, in Linz, Upper Austria.
At a young age, I founded the band ZOLAHR together with my brother, and it continues to exist to this day. Although we are not as active as we used to be due to our family commitments, this band holds a special place in my musical journey. We had the opportunity to perform at numerous concerts, including the renowned Posthof Linz, as well as band competitions, art exhibitions, and various venues and bars. A significant milestone for us was being the support act for the well-known singer "Bobby Singer."
During my childhood, I was influenced by music from the hippie era and artists like Frank Zappa, Jimmy Hendrix, and The Who. Over time, my interests evolved, and I discovered genres such as reggae, dub, jungle, drum and bass, and psytrance, as well as electronic music in all its facets. The psytrance scene quickly became an important part of my life, as it embodied the thinking and actions of my childhood idols. After organizing some parties independently, the Zolahr Strings decoration team was born, which also found its place under the umbrella of Zolahr Projects.
With increasing musical experience and the release of ZOLAHR's first self-produced album, "zapped," curiosity arose to learn more about music production. I began intensive research and expanded my knowledge, which inevitably led me to create a suitable working environment for my creative endeavors. Thus, my own studio came into existence, continuously evolving over time. From software to hardware, I continuously invested in new studio equipment, including studio monitor speakers, a high-quality audio interface, various MIDI controllers, and custom-made furniture like my individually designed studio desk. Additionally, I implemented acoustic measures such as self-built absorbers and bass traps to ensure the best possible sound quality.
In my studio, I could indulge in my passion for music production and further deepen my knowledge. Here, not only did my own tracks come to life, but I also collaborated on numerous projects with various artists. Working in the studio allowed me to refine my creative ideas, record instruments, and create arrangements. Inspiration for my music comes from various sources. Sometimes, a simple loop, a spontaneous jam session, or experimenting in the studio is enough to develop new ideas. Often, I simply pick up my guitar and let my creativity flow.
My music is characterized by the skillful fusion of two genres: the driving psychedelic trance beats and the soothing sounds of psychedelic chillouts. I integrate live-played instruments to give my tracks a unique and organic atmosphere. Rather than focusing on a specific message, my music aims to convey a mood. While some tracks are intended for cozy evenings at home, others can create an energetic atmosphere on the dance floor.
Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to collaborate not only with ZOLAHR but also with other bands and artists. This includes talented singers like Dinah Feuchtner and Kira Schinko, flutist Eva Egger, and my brother David Lehner, who worked with me in ZOLAHR. Furthermore, I have worked on various studio projects with GAZAL, Dinah Feuchtner, Valentin Feuchtner, Bob Zabek, and others. Additionally, I have had the pleasure of exploring Persian music in both studio and live settings with musicians Morteza Naderi, Sia Panah, and Milad Saburi. Currently, I am also an active percussionist in the Michael Kriftner Band.
Naturally, I strive to further develop my music, gain recognition, and reach new milestones.