La Fleur | 5 Minutes With

With 20 years in the industry, La Fleur is bringing something new. This Swedish DJ and producer, known for her uniquely curated blend of house and techno, is preparing to release her debut album, Väsen, this October. After three years of reflection and change—including a move back to Sweden—La Fleur is embracing a fresh chapter in her career, blending her deeply emotional, technically impeccable sound with a more personal touch.

As the release of the album hones in, her last single, “All I Ever Wanted,” takes a bold step by La Fleur recording her vocals for the first time, reflecting on relationships and self-discovery.

During our conversation below, La Fleur shares the key moments from her childhood that shaped her path in music, including recording mixtapes for friends and the discovery of Michael Jackson’s Bad. She also reflects on her daring transition from pharmacist to full-time musician, balancing creativity with risk-taking, a theme that continues to guide her career today.

Growing up in Sweden, how did your childhood and upbringing influence the music you create today? Were there specific moments or experiences that planted the seed for your music career?

My love for music comes from dancing. I took countless dance classes growing up, mostly in classical ballet. I had an early interest in music and was quite nerdy about it. I had a strong passion for what I liked and what I wanted to listen to. I started early as a selector, recording mixtapes for my friends. I loved the search for new music. An early memory was when my grandfather took me shopping one day and I got to choose my first music, which was Michael Jackson’s ‘Bad’. The feeling of choosing something by myself and that experience of discovery, I loved.

What was your journey like transitioning from a background in pharmaceutical science to becoming a globally recognized DJ and producer? How do those two worlds intersect for you?

I wouldn’t say they intersect much – it’s two very different kinds of mixing. Growing up, and to this day, my favourite motto is; Do something that scares you every day. And I think with that mentality you can go far, not being afraid of change, trusting that you will handle it. About leaving my career as a pharmacist I came to a point where I had to choose. I was working full time and also DJing every weekend and trying to fit in studio time, it was a work overload. So I asked for a few months’ leave of absence and moved to Berlin to pursue my musical dream. Many years later I am back in Sweden but still doing things I am afraid of every day, big and small.

Your sound is often described as technically superb and deeply emotional. How would you define your musical style, and how has it evolved over the years?

Since the beginning when I started DJing, I promised myself I’d only play music I loved. Trying to balance the edgy cliffs between house and techno. That meticulous sweet spot that encompasses subgenres, styles and textures. I like to play music that wants to tell me something and I want to pass that story forward in my DJ sets.

Taking a three-year break from releasing music, especially when you’re at the top of your game, is a bold move. What were the most significant changes in your life during that period, and how did they shape the music we’re about to hear on ‘Väsen’?

I moved back to Stockholm after almost 14 years in Berlin. I decided to let the Pandemic be an opportunity for me to reset and rest, let my daughter catch a bit of her childhood in natural surroundings in her mother tongue and ultimately rejuvenate my career as a Pharmacist. I quickly realised how much I enjoyed the changeover and the new reality. The 3-year break wasn’t exactly intentional, it just happened and I became very happy with my new life, but also that my inspiration and direction for the album changed during this time, which ultimately made it take a bit longer to finish. I’m very happy with where it ended up.

The latest single ‘All I Ever Wanted’ is part of your powerful re-entry into the scene, with a sound that’s as catchy as it is complex. Can you walk us through the creative process behind this track? What were you aiming to capture or express with it?

I wanted to get closer. I always felt an urge to record vocals of my own to my music, because there’s so much in a voice. The lyrics just were there, sitting down in the studio one day and just feeling what I felt after a combination of relationships that all had something I thought I wanted, but in the end, didn’t want at all. It’s something personal and I am sure we all have been there in some way or another.

With a career that’s already seen so many milestones – from releasing on your own label Power Plant to huge festival performances to collaborating with legends like Sasha – what other stand-out moments can you share with us?

I’ve had the honour to work with so many legends, remixing Sasha and also the collaboration track with him you mentioned, but also remixing Kerri Chandler, being remixed by Carl Craig and also got a 15-minute drama mix of my track ‘Nightflow’ by Kenny Larkin. Being a resident for many years at Watergate meant a lot to me. Playing shows for Cércle, closing the garden at Warung in Brazil, and getting on stage after Chemical Brothers at the Sónar Festival are other memorable milestones for me.

‘Väsen’ means ‘essence’ in Swedish. Are there any particular tracks that you feel are especially close to your heart or that best represent this essence?

Väsen means essence or being but also noise in Swedish. And this is what this album is about, me as a being in my essence making some noise.

‘All I Ever Wanted’ is close to my heart as well as ‘Your Move’, ‘Plastic Miami’, ‘Stay With Me’ and ‘Slowdive’. I would say all the tracks are essential noise to me haha.

Looking ahead, what new milestones are you hoping to reach with the release of ‘Väsen’? Are there any additional upcoming projects, tours, or collaborations that you’re particularly excited about?

Releasing my first album is something that’s been on my mind since I started as a DJ and producer and now, I am finally here. Sometimes good things take time and they are ready when it’s time and I couldn’t be happier to finally have arrived here. There will be some amazing remixes coming out as well. Shows wise, I’m excited for my album release party at Berns in Stockholm on 2nd November, as well as playing Watergate on New Years Eve for their special farewell party ahead of the club permanently closing. This will be an emotional one!