Artist Spotlight: Lavern

I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Lavern—the stage name of Dutch producer and DJ Laurens Elshof—for years, and it’s been incredible to watch him rise through the ranks of the electronic music world. With a knack for hypnotic rhythms and glitch‑driven grooves, Lavern has become one of the leading voices in the stutter house movement.

From Holland to the World Stage

Originally hailing from the Netherlands, Laurens Elshof adopted the moniker Lavern as he honed his production skills in Amsterdam’s underground scene. Early on, his penchant for chopped‑up vocal loops and hard‑hitting basslines set him apart from his peers, earning support from key tastemakers across Europe.

Breakthrough with “Hold Me”

In 2023, Lavern dropped “Hold Me,” a track that would go on to define the stutter house sound. With its fractured vocals, rolling percussion, and driving low end, the single racked up over 100 million streams across platforms and became a viral favorite on TikTok and Instagram Reels. It wasn’t just a club anthem—it was a cultural moment that introduced a wider audience to his bold, percussive style.

Touring Triumphs

Since the success of “Hold Me,” Lavern has taken his show on the road throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Highlights include sold‑out headline sets at:

• Brooklyn Mirage (New York)
• Spybar (Chicago)

Each performance cements his reputation for delivering tight, high‑energy DJ sets that blend his original productions with the latest underground hits.

Why Lavern Matters

As a longtime friend in the industry, I’ve seen firsthand how Lavern pushes himself to innovate—whether it’s refining his signature stutter edits or exploring new textures in his studio. He embodies the DIY spirit of electronic music while consistently leveling up his sound, making him one of the most exciting artists to watch in 2025 and beyond.

Stay tuned for more on Lavern’s upcoming releases and tour dates. If you haven’t already, dive into “Hold Me” and experience the track that turned Laurens Elshof into Lavern.