PROJECTS

YMII | Your Ma Is Industrial

Industrial filth approved by your ma. 😈

Back II Back

Twice the amount of madness.

Resident series | Season 2

We have been doing this madness for more than a year now. Thanks to everyone who took the time to listen to the artists we present on our podcast. Special thanks to the artists of the Resident series who continue to spoil us with their incredible skills, track selection, and support. A big panda hug goes out to everyone. 🐼🤗

Underground techno | Made in Germany

🇬🇧 During the past few months of the Pandemic chronicles, we rekindled our love for Germany. Both of us were born there, but we haven’t lived there for over two decades.

We witnessed the death of techno caused by mainstream capitalists around the millenium. Engaging with the artists, we were stunned by how well the scene has recovered since. It also showed us how diverse techno has become and that audio quality, access to a diverse library, or distribution are no longer obstacles for music producers.

We aim to investigate what defines underground techno in Germany and interview artists about their views on it. We will be publishing the interviews in German and English, allowing a broader audience to dive into this subculture. We will also ask each artist to record a set for our SoundCloud channel and release both every Wednesday.

🇩🇪 In den letzten paar Monaten der Pandemic chronicles haben wir unsere Liebe für Deutschland neu entdeckt. Wir sind beide in Karlsruhe geboren, haben aber die letzten zwanzig Jahre anderswo gelebt.

Wir haben den Tod von Techno durch Mainstream-Kapitalismus um die Jahrtausendwende miterlebt. Durch das Auseinandersetzen mit den Kunstschaffenden haben wir gelernt, wie sich die Szene seitdem erholt hat und gewachsen ist. Auch hat uns positiv überrascht, dass Audioqualität, Zugang zu guten Tracks oder die Distribution keine Hindernisse mehr für Musikproduzierende sind.

Unser Ziel ist es zu definieren, was Underground Techno in Deutschland ist und durch das Befragen von Kunstschaffenden deren Meinung zu dem Thema zu erfahren. Wir werden die Interviews in deutscher und englischer Sprache publizieren, um einem breit gefächerten Publikum einen Einblick in diese Subkultur zu geben. Jede Befragung wird von einem Set für unseren Soundcloud-Kanal begleitet und beides Mittwochs veröffentlicht.

Interviews

🇬🇧 Dark Soulmate *

* Interview coming soon

🇬🇧 SYNA *

* Interview coming soon

🇬🇧 AUFRÄUMZEIT

After a bit of a break, we continue our Underground techno | Made in Germany series and thank AUFRÄUMZEIT for his incredible contribution. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do.

joushikijin: How do you feel today?

AUFRÄUMZEIT: A bit tired, but otherwise very good. Thanks for asking. 😊

joushikijin: What is underground techno for you?

AUFRÄUMZEIT: For me, underground techno is the perfect refuge from everything that occupies you. The feeling of being pushed back and forth by the bass makes me forget everything else.

joushikijin: What was the most extraordinary rave you ever attended?

AUFRÄUMZEIT: Excellent question … there were quite a few. I think the most extraordinary rave I’ve ever been to was in an empty water tank in Prague. You had to climb up a steep, slippery wall with a rope and walk through a tunnel to the bunker. Later, some guy just sprinted down the wall without falling down … It was a legendary night. 😊

joushikijin: What aspects of underground techno do you like the most?

AUFRÄUMZEIT: I think it just sounds/feels so raw and evil. You just want to get rid of energy and dance. The deep bass and the ‘wicked‘ sounds can just create a vibe that I haven‘t felt with anything else until now.

joushikijin: What best describes your emotions when listening to techno?

AUFRÄUMZEIT: To have such a good time that you dance for seven hours without a break. Pure feelings of bliss. 😊

joushikijin: What distinguishes underground from mainstream techno?

AUFRÄUMZEIT: For me, it‘s the speed and the way the different sounds are used. To put it in very funny terms, mainstream techno is more of a ‘wu hu’ and underground techno is more of a ‘YES! THAT‘S PROPER’.

joushikijin: What equipment do you currently prefer to play with and why?

AUFRÄUMZEIT: I‘m still playing with my DDJ-SR at the moment. The console is my baby and I wouldn’t give it away for anything or anyone. I really want to switch to Rekordbox. Unfortunately, it’s about time I got a larger console, but I’m still delighted with the SR. 😊

joushikijin: Where do you get your creativity to make music?

AUFRÄUMZEIT: Mainly from other sets and songs, I listen to. Whether that is privately or live. A very important S/O goes here once again to the guys from the 1CB collective and especially to Timon aka ‘Pnk Pnthr’. Through them, I really got the idea of DJing, for which I am very grateful.

joushikijin: Do you work towards a specific musical goal?

AUFRÄUMZEIT: My goal is to give people the same feeling I have when I listen to that kind of music. I have found that I enjoy DJing a lot, which of course means that I would like to DJ in big clubs. At the moment, however, it’s just a hobby that involves a lot of fun. 😊

Visit our SoundCloud page to enjoy the set.

🇬🇧 WVST *

* Interview coming soon

🇬🇧 FREEZY FX *

* Interview coming soon

🇬🇧 JANØ *

* Interview coming soon

🇬🇧 Druckgewalt *

* Interview coming soon

🇬🇧 Nacht Der Verdammten *

* Interview coming soon

🇬🇧 HASSDENTEUFEL *

* Interview coming soon

🇬🇧 Lenina *

* Interview coming soon

🇬🇧 HardtraX

This week we have a true gem. HardtraX is one of Germany’s underground techno legends who is the same age as us and has been part of the scene since the 90s. His tracks and collaborations can be found in numerous underground techno sets for the past two to three years. We had ample time to talk about the things we share to love, techno and older cars, and enjoyed the connection. A massive thanks for this brilliant set and extensive interview.

joushikijin: How do you feel today?

HardtraX: Summarised in just one word, I would say creative.

joushikijin: What is underground techno for you?

HardtraX: Above all, I would consider underground techno to be an essential and integral part of my life. I already got in touch with this particular kind of music at a very early age, mainly due to the extensive, omnipresent coverage of the back then newly emerging German rave culture through national media. It would have been quite hard not to hear anything about techno in Germany during the early 90s unless you did not call any radio or TV set your own and refused to read the numerous articles in magazines and newspapers. Rave was everywhere, and the transition between underground and commercial music was blurry, so it has not always been easy to differentiate whether a particular track in question was either a popular techno club hit or if it already became mainstream. Of course, I was too young to attend parties. Still, I was old enough to buy techno CDs, listen to the nightly rave programme on the radio and watch TV documentaries about the German techno scene, which were abundant back then. This way, I have been able to keep (more or less) track of what was happening with techno music, though not as intense as in later years since other hobbies and, obviously, school distracted me as a kid. Techno definitely has got its grip on me early on. It has fascinated me ever since, which has led to me starting music production in 1997 (with more success kicking in as of 2002) and subsequently DJing and live-performing. I am 40 years old, and I still cannot detach myself from harder techno music. Underground techno is thus connected to my personal lifestyle rather than being just a trend or a fad.

joushikijin: What was the most extraordinary rave you ever attended?

HardtraX: I have been to so many techno events in my life that it has become tough to choose only one extraordinary rave. The many HardtraX vs. Jackhamma live-PAs, in particular, has been very enjoyable. The label parties of our own vinyl record label ‘Dark Force Recordings’ from 2004 to 2007 in Germany, Belgium, France, Portugal, and the Netherlands are among our personal highlights. Further great gigs were at Club Gotica in Colombia in 2008 during my first South America tour, HardtraX vs. Jackhamma, live at Club Peleda in Lithuania back in 2018. Our live performance at Habitat Techno Club in Spain 2006 and the gig in Oostende, Belgium in 2005, amongst others.

joushikijin: What aspects of underground techno do you like the most?

HardtraX: Underground techno is somewhat unconventional and gives artists much creative freedom to express themselves. I think this is one of the reasons why techno branches off into so many different substyles.

joushikijin: What best describes your emotions when listening to techno?

HardtraX: It is simply fun. Otherwise, one would not listen to techno anyway. There is not much else to say about it.

joushikijin: What distinguishes underground from mainstream techno?

HardtraX: One genre is focused on artistic freedom and expression. At the same time, the other is sales-oriented and aims to please the masses. Both are, of course, legitimate, and each has its own reasons and justifications.

joushikijin: What equipment do you currently prefer to play with and why?

HardtraX: Previously I would never have considered using DJ controllers at all. Still, ever since Pioneer DJ came up with the Rekordbox-system, I am more than happy with their software and hardware solution. The DDJ-RX and the DDJ-1000 are two great devices that can also be used beyond your own four walls. Regarding music production, my gear of choice has been Windows-based PC systems for 20 years now (I previously used Amiga computers such as the Amiga 600 and the Amiga 1200). I got the Eowave Quadrantid Swarm for a semi-modular synthesiser, and I own two Polyend Tracker as tracker-based all-in-one sampling groove boxes.

joushikijin: Where do you get your creativity to make music?

HardtraX: I do not really know. I have never thought about it so far. However, I believe it becomes easy to turn ideas into sound once you have found the individual workflow that suits you best.

joushikijin: Do you work towards a specific musical goal?

HardtraX: For 2022 I am preparing a new live-PA (possibly in collaboration with other artists), but details on it may follow later. Other than this, I simply want to do even more of what I have done so far.

Visit our SoundCloud page to enjoy the set.

🇬🇧 DINADARKSHINE *

* Interview coming soon

🇬🇧 Ræv

A massive thanks to Ræv for reaching out to us and contributing the first contribution in 2022 for the series. The set has an incredible steady dark flow, which we fell in love with. Thank you also for the lovely interview. We look forward to your upcoming releases. 😊

joushikijin: How do you feel today?

Ræv: I feel relatively balanced today. I have made good use of the last days in 2021 and am looking forward to 2022.

joushikijin: What is underground techno for you?

Ræv: Underground techno for me means darkness, hard fast kicks, mutual openness/tolerance and individuality in small clubs or at illegal raves.

joushikijin: What was the most extraordinary rave you ever attended?

Ræv: My first time at Berghain … that’s how my preference for hard, fast techno developed, and I experienced the energy that can come from a crowd.

joushikijin: What aspects of underground techno do you like the most?

Ræv: …

joushikijin: What best describes your emotions when listening to techno?

Ræv: I feel much energy and can distance myself from everyday life and let go. Techno takes me to another world.

joushikijin: What distinguishes underground from mainstream techno?

Ræv: Underground techno is always unique and not made for the ‘masses’. In many cases, underground techno is darker than mainstream techno and serves a vast spectrum of genres and emotions. It is primarily unknown artists who operate locally that make up the underground techno scene.

joushikijin: What equipment do you currently prefer to play with and why?

Ræv: I play with XDJs/CDJs and mixers (mostly Pioneer or Allen & Heath).

joushikijin: Where do you get your creativity to make music?

Ræv: I take my creativity from clubs/raves and podcasts by other techno-artists. The club closures due to Covid-19 meant that creativity suffers, and one has to motivate oneself, again and again, to keep at it. In the meantime, I’ve become quite good at transforming certain emotions into music.

joushikijin: Do you work towards a specific musical goal?

Ræv: There is no specific goal. I try to develop myself in DJing and producing because I can always learn something new. I would be thrilled to play in bigger cities or at festivals. My goal for 2022 is to release my tracks, which I am currently working on.

Visit our SoundCloud page to enjoy the set.

🇬🇧 SchattenTanz

SchattenTanz is one of the artists who fascinated us most this year. Each of his sets is carried by the bass, a continuous gallop complemented by other instruments and occasional melodies. This creates a hypnotic soundscape that you can completely lose yourself in. Perfect for the dance floor or a psilocybin session at home.

joushikijin: How do you feel today?

SchattenTanz: Today I feel quite well and balanced.

joushikijin: What is underground techno for you?

SchattenTanz: For me, underground techno is driving basses, a repetitive driving sound that can also be melodic but with a touch of darkness in it. When you close your eyes, a hypnotising sound allows you to drift away.

joushikijin: What was the most extraordinary rave you ever attended?

SchattenTanz: There were so many extraordinary raves. I cannot recall one where I would say that was the one. Every night brings with it a piece of unique memory, and that’s a good thing.

joushikijin: What aspects of underground techno do you like the most?

SchattenTanz: There are so many kinds of underground techno, for example, fast and hard, tender and dark. I reckon. 😂

joushikijin: What best describes your emotions when listening to techno?

SchattenTanz: Balance, individuality, security. It is not easy to describe. There are many different emotional situations.

joushikijin: What distinguishes underground from mainstream techno?

SchattenTanz: People (crowd), vibe, crowd. I prefer underground to mainstream.

joushikijin: What equipment do you currently prefer to play with and why?

SchattenTanz: I use an Ellen & Heath Xone:43 in combination with the Traktor Kontrol MK2, but I am not satisfied with the Xone now. I also play with the Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3 because I like to play 4 tracks, variety is perfect, and flexibility simply rocks.

joushikijin: Where do you get your creativity to make music?

SchattenTanz: Just loving music. I was directly confronted with music early in childhood. Techno but also other genres. It’s just that I didn’t have the opportunities to do anything like that when I was young. I like abstract hobbies or things to build something yourself and free your creativity.

joushikijin: Do you work towards a specific musical goal?

SchattenTanz: Difficult to say. I’ve always done my thing and taken things the way they come to me. Having fun is the top priority. To make experiences and develop myself through them.

Visit our SoundCloud page to enjoy the set.

🇬🇧 KIDANE *

* Interview coming soon

🇬🇧 FRAG451

We first took note of FRAG 451 after discovering his track with @vendexofficial – Tartarus Gates. We went through his sets and thought, holy fuck, we gotta ask him for a collaboration. We enjoyed the interaction and realised we have numerous shared interests like the passion for gaming, hard techno, and immense love for Adidas Boost. Thanks for recording this driving set and lovely interview. A big hug from both of us.

joushikijin: How do you feel today?

FRAG451: Everything is grand, thanks. Today is Monday, and unfortunately, poor weather, so the mood is accordingly. At the moment, I’m sitting in the metro on my way to work.

joushikijin: What is underground techno for you?

FRAG451: I define techno as ‘underground techno’, which contains much personality and is very little advertised. There are no rules, guidelines, or anything else dictated, but everyone can let their creativity run free here.

joushikijin: What was the most extraordinary rave you ever attended?

FRAG451: I haven’t had an extraordinary rave, as many people say. Still, I’ve had a lot of great evenings that I remember fondly, such as my first time listening to techno in the Z-Bau, Basswell in Haus 33, T78 in the Rakete/Hirsch or Container Love, which was a small festival at the harbour in Nuremberg.

joushikijin: What aspects of underground techno do you like the most?

FRAG451: This dirty touch of one’s own personality, which does not adhere to any rules, and is also experimental. It’s a pleasure to listen through my discoveries every time and find that one track or artist where after several seconds, I just think to myself: ‘Dude … WoW … and that has only that few plays?’

joushikijin: What best describes your emotions when listening to techno?

FRAG451: In general, I listen to techno quite often, whether at home, on the way to work, or in the club, but it doesn’t always have to be fast and hard, as many people think. The crass thing is, there are so many different genres for every mood, no matter if you want it more melodic or hard, fast or slow, or old-school or not. I feel a certain aura of positivity with the music.

joushikijin: What distinguishes underground from mainstream techno?

FRAG451: Money and social media. The ‘mainstream’ presents many rules and guidelines, whereas you can be yourself in the ‘underground’.

joushikijin: What equipment do you currently prefer to play with and why?

FRAG451: I play all my sets on my Pioneer DDJ-1000. It actually contains almost everything I need to give my sound free rein. But I would also love to have more possibilities to play on CDJs.

joushikijin: Where do you get your creativity to make music?

FRAG451: To be honest, most of my ideas arise very spontaneously, no matter where I am. I honestly can’t explain it either. But most of the time, I just come up with a suitable rhythm or a good idea for the next set, which I then record in a voice recording. Attention, pro tip. 😜

joushikijin: Do you work towards a specific musical goal?

FRAG451: I am not pursuing a specific goal at the moment. Most of the time, a new adventure arises every day, which I take up spontaneously or even one that comes my way. Sure, it would be nice to reach more people or have a release on the platform or a gig in a club or two. Still, as long as I continue to have fun with it and possibly continue to connect people with my music, then I can sleep with a clear conscience. 😊

Visit our SoundCloud page to enjoy the set.

🇬🇧 Equality

This week, techno comes from Munich and is unique for several reasons. 𝕰𝖖𝖚𝖆𝖑𝖎𝖙𝖞 is an incredibly talented, kind, and compelling person that shares a passion for equality. All of the tracks used in this set are his, either released or unreleased. A massive thanks for all the time and effort that went into creating this set, the interview, and the numerous exchanges over the past week, which allowed us to get to know each other better. We’re psyched for future collaborations and look forward to some wild adventures together next year. ♥️

joushikijin: How do you feel today?

Equality: Today I’m very well. I slept for eight hours. I’m drinking my first coffee, and the Herdersmat VA by Mord is running in the background.

joushikijin: What is underground techno for you?

Equality: Techno is many things to me. Techno can cover many moods

and emotional states like no other music genre. Above all, the people in the scene are something extraordinary. Everyone is allowed to be what they want to be. Everyone is allowed to do what they want. In techno, everyone is equal, and this message is vital to me, especially in this day and age. For me, proper underground techno is a possibility of expression without norms and rules to restrict one. Everyone does what they want. Be it in terms of production or nightlife. There are no expectations!

joushikijin: What was the most extraordinary rave you ever attended?

Equality: An illegal rave in an industrial area in Frankfurt, where the rave took place in a vast underground vault of a house Completely diffuse and utterly sick at the same time 😂 From above, it looked like going to a garden party. Once you went through the house’s garden and got to the cellar, there were about 400 people. Fucking mental. The police also showed up twice but fortunately didn’t break up the rave.

joushikijin: What aspects of underground techno do you like the most?

Equality: Equality, free expression of every person, the love and passion on the floor towards all other ravers and the music.

joushikijin: What best describes your emotions when listening to techno?

Equality: That varies greatly. Techno fits almost every mood. But mainly, techno triggers a trance-like state in me. I am filled with energy and passion like no other music!

joushikijin: What distinguishes underground from mainstream techno?

Equality: Producers who shape the underground remain

true to themselves and don’t orient themselves to other trends and artists that are currently hip. They do their own thing, and you can hear that. Underground techno has much more variety than the mainstream. Amelie Lens will never be able to express what a Blawan or Antony Doria can. There is also much more passion for underground techno than in mainstream techno.

joushikijin: What equipment do you currently prefer to play with and why?

Equality: For DJing, I prefer to play on an Allen & Heath Xone 92 with two CDJs. Preferably on the 900 series. In the studio, I produce on two Adam T7s with FL Studio. I make my drone sounds with a Lyra8 from Somalabs. The rest I build in my DAW with virtual drum machines and synthesisers.

joushikijin: Where do you get your creativity to make music?

Equality: I get my inspiration mostly from moments and emotional states. Also, the closeness and passion between people often give me far too sick ideas for new tracks. Sometimes, I get inspired when I’m standing in the club. But primarily, as I said, from moments and emotional situations from everyday life.

joushikijin: Do you work towards a specific musical goal?

Equality: I have currently finished my new album, and I am waiting for two remixes from colleagues. This LP (10 tracks) I would very much like to see released on vinyl this time. That’s my next plan. I don’t plan far into the future. I see what comes my way and continue to let myself drift in my music.

Visit our SoundCloud page to enjoy the set.

🇬🇧 Niels Collins

Jesus-fucking-Christ, what a mental set. Many thanks, Niels Collins, for this mental set and enlightening interview. He is an absolute gem of the current German underground scene. A massive hug from both of us. We look forward to collaborations soon. 🤗

joushikijin: How do you feel today?

Niels Collins: I can’t complain.

joushikijin: What is underground techno for you?

Niels Collins: I would classify underground techno as an uncategorised scene outside the mainstream genre. I see it as a completely separate world without rules and borders … Every part of this space can be seen as an ‘insider’ and results in something much bigger and more beautiful. Therefore, it stands out from the ‘mainstream’ as such.

joushikijin: What was the most extraordinary rave you ever attended?

Niels Collins: A challenging question, as every rave, brings with it certain extraordinary aspects. However, one day, in particular, is on my mind. In 2016, our old crew was asked if we would like to play inside the toilets of a tech house festival for a completely different and individual experience. We didn’t quite know what we had gotten ourselves into until we arrived and found a toilet trailer with an approximate footprint of 4 m². However, we made the best of the situation. We took full advantage of this opportunity and had our very own party. The entire toilet truck was equipped with a strobe, fog machine, et cetera. With the right people, everything can be turned into a unique and extraordinary experience!

joushikijin: What aspects of underground techno do you like the most?

Niels Collins: Not only are there no rules for artists, but it is also every other person who makes this scene and the music what it is today. That is why it usually doesn’t matter how long you’ve known each other or how different you may be. Everyone is generally on the same wavelength right from the start.

joushikijin: What best describes your emotions when listening to techno?

Niels Collins: Back then, I didn’t care about anything. As soon as I could, I just closed my eyes on the dance floor at the weekend and forgot everything. Only the here and now counts! These days, however, I can’t define that answer any better than to say that aggressive industrial sounds can give me more goosebumps than any other existing thrill. Once the beat kicks in, I get the biggest smile on my face.

joushikijin: What distinguishes underground from mainstream techno?

Niels Collins: Where edicts rule the mainstream, opportunities rule the underground.

joushikijin: What equipment do you currently prefer to play with and why?

Niels Collins: I definitely prefer playing with my Pioneer DJM-850 and two Traktor Kontrol X1. As long as it’s a solid mix, I’m actually quite easily satisfied.

joushikijin: Where do you get your creativity to make music?

Niels Collins: So far, I have been able to adopt something from all areas of life. In the most unusual situations in life, an idea suddenly came to me through some everyday situation or moment. For example, an unusual set name coined by, for example, a company or an advertisement on television or a song from the radio that has potential for a bootleg.

joushikijin: Do you work towards a specific musical goal?

Niels Collins: I don’t have any specific goals at the moment. The main thing is that my passion remains! The music itself will continue to guide and accompany me through phases just as it has done over the last few years. I look forward to seeing where it will take me.

Visit our SoundCloud page to enjoy the set.

🇬🇧 Thor Adam

This week, we’re thrilled to present another unique artist who shared with us an incredibly intense, challenging, and, at the same time, rewarding set. We also appreciate the time Thor Adam took to respond to our interview and insightful answers. We can’t wait to hear more from him and his friend Alex and their new project Tixotrop. 🥳

joushikijin: How do you feel today?

Thor Adam: I thought about trying to come up with a particularly funny answer. But that would have drawn too many sentences of explanation, and because I don’t want to bore the readers already with my first reply, I decided to make it short: Wonderful. I am in the mood for writing. My answers may be a little longer or become more complex. 😂

joushikijin: What is underground techno for you?

Thor Adam: Underground is when you reach 0.7% of the world’s population with your music, 10% can stand it, and the remaining 89.3% run away. These numbers are only free guesses, but I can well imagine that they could apply. Yet everyone defines underground differently. For example, I would describe someone like ‘I Hate Models’ as underground. But can you still be underground with 185,000 Instagram and almost 90,000 Soundcloud followers? Before Corona, I went to Berlin about 5-6 times a year, and most of the time, I went to Berghain. That’s why the music that I play is (was?) Influenced by that very much. But here you can also ask the question: Can the best/most famous techno club in the world still be underground? I used to call my techno’ mainstream underground’. Today I know that the term for it is Electronic Body Music (EBM).

joushikijin: What was the most extraordinary rave you ever attended?

Thor Adam: There were two ‘raves’ that had an extraordinary impact on me. It was almost exactly six years ago (October 17, 2015) when I ‘saw the light’ at one of them. That’s how I call this experience a joke when I tell people about it: Zeitgeber (Back2Back Lucy with Speedy J) played a 6-hour set at lunchtime at Klubnacht. What I heard there was something that I called ‘beyond techno’ back in the days. Suddenly I realised that ‘this kind of techno’ has nothing to do with the 128-bum-bum that I knew from Cologne at this time, but rather represents the continuation of the music-historical line from Bach to Schönberg and Stockhausen. (Brief background: I have a ‘classical-music harpsichord education. If somebody is interested in more details, please get in touch with me.) Two or three years later: the second formative rave, also in Berghain. After we had been there for a good 20 hours (with small breaks), I said to my friends: ‘Let’s stay for another half an hour and watch a bit of the closing of “this Boris” (whom I didn’t know up to that point) then go home. For the first 45-60 minutes, I just stood next to the DJ booth and couldn’t believe it. The whole time I thought, ‘OMG. That’s how I want to be able to play, too.’ Since then, I have been trying to DJ in the same way as my newly discovered hero. By the way, we stayed another 6 hours at the Boris closing that day …

joushikijin: What aspects of underground techno do you like the most?

Thor Adam: Dr Rubinstein, a vinyl DJane from Israel/Berlin, whom I hold in high esteem, says: ‘Acid … separates the ravers from people who came to socialise.’ Underground techno is a lifestyle in which ‘freedom’ and ‘tolerance’ are essential. In a true underground techno community, you can always be who you are, and you don’t need to be ashamed of anything.

joushikijin: What best describes your emotions when listening to techno?

Thor Adam: When listening to (or playing) techno, it is important to me that the music makes me ecstatic. Some tracks, especially Perc, push me on and on excellently and sensitively until you are one with the music. It works particularly well with acid and EBM techno. In my podcast, I am trying to reach this level. You can hear it best from minute 30 onwards and even better from minute 45.

joushikijin: What distinguishes underground from mainstream techno?

Thor Adam: You can compare mainstream techno and underground techno like this: The mainstreamers play football, and the underground techno people play handball. Both games are about a team trying to get a ball into a goal. Even so, no one would ever claim that it is the same sport. Football has a lot more fans. The sport is way softer, but handball has a much smaller fan base and is a lot rougher. Also, the players in handball are generally less ‘handsome’ than the soccer millionaires but much more authentic. Similarly, the audience differs from mainstream and ‘real’ techno.

joushikijin: What equipment do you currently prefer to play with and why?

Thor Adam: As a techno DJ, I am naturally a ‘disciple’ of Allen & Heath. Last week I bought myself a new toy: the Xone: 96. This podcast was still recorded with my old mixer, a Xone: 43. At home, I also have three XDJ-700 from Pioneer, which I think are the most reasonable players. They can do about 90% of what the CDJ-2000NXS2 can do but do not even cost a 1/3. I also think it is (almost) impossible to play techno with less than three players if you want to do more than just being a ‘human iTunes’ … 😜

joushikijin: Where do you get your creativity to make music?

Thor Adam: I think that has something to do with if you generally prefer to dance yourself or if you like to make others dance. If it is the most fun to bring music to the crowd, then the creativity is there automatically.

joushikijin: Do you work towards a specific musical goal?

Thor Adam: ‘Tixotrop’ is the Back2Back name of me and my best friend Alex Mies. Because we match exceptionally well in many ways, DJing together works very well for us. I want to expand this in the future and hope to bring much joy to many more ravers with our music.

Visit our SoundCloud page to enjoy the set.

🇬🇧 IN_CEPT

This week’s set comes from IN_CEPT, a Cologne born artist who resides in the heart of Germany’s Black Forest. 🌲 Many thanks for this driving set and open interview. 🍄🥰 Thanks a lot for this collaboration.

joushikijin: How do you feel today?

IN_CEPT: Today I am not in great shape, probably because I caught a cold after my holiday. However, I am utilising my sick day to be productive and continue working on my new release.

joushikijin: What is underground techno for you?

IN_CEPT: Underground techno is techno that makes me feel at home. Set and setting have to be perfect. If the music is underground, but venue and crowd don’t match the whole ambience, I simply can’t feel at home there.

joushikijin: What was the most extraordinary rave you ever attended?

IN_CEPT: I don’t remember the most unusual rave. But the rave that stuck with me was one during the COVID-19 lockdown last year at Christmas. The whole thing took place at an abandoned place. At first, everything went as planned, and the atmosphere was incredible. But when a friend had to go to the hospital, the cops busted the place, which felt like a film at that moment.

joushikijin: What aspects of underground techno do you like the most?

IN_CEPT: The atmosphere and the sound, because you mostly get to hear music that you don’t hear at a regular festival or club, and the general secret vibe – because underground.

joushikijin: What best describes your emotions when listening to techno?

IN_CEPT: In my opinion, parties have something mystical about them, and they are fucking ‘dirty’. I am not sure how to put it into words. For the most part, it amplifies the emotions I already feel. Still, I feel very excited and motivated when I listen to techno.

joushikijin: What distinguishes underground from mainstream techno?

IN_CEPT: In my opinion, underground techno is not for everyone because underground techno is usually more abstract or harder than conventional techno. However, I mostly feel that these people also have a greater understanding of the word rave. Especially as you notice more and more how mainstream techno is developing and attracting the wrong crowd.

joushikijin: What equipment do you currently prefer to play with and why?

IN_CEPT: I only use Native Instruments because I play with Traktor Pro 3 and don’t plan to switch to anything else in the near future. But I could see myself playing live sets only at some point.

joushikijin: Where do you get your creativity to make music?

IN_CEPT: I draw most of my inspiration from other tracks and artists I listen to. Other times, however, I get extreme flashes of inspiration (especially on psychedelic trips 😂), which have been a powerful boost to my creativity.

joushikijin: Do you work towards a specific musical goal?

IN_CEPT: Yes, definitely! I’ve been wanting to perform at clubs and events with my style regularly ever since the music started to resonate well with people. At some point, I would also like to play at massive underground venues.

Visit our SoundCloud page to enjoy the set.

🇬🇧 ODAR

Another collaboration with our favourite crew in Berlin. A massive thanks to ODAR for this brilliant set. We shared the love for hard kicks, tight basslines, and fast pacing. We also express our gratitude for the lovely interview and cultural insights provided. It is precisely these that we started this project – a big hug from both of us to you and the rest of Paradoxon. Fingers crossed, next year we get the opportunity to meet and person party.

joushikijin: How do you feel today?

ODAR: Great!

joushikijin: What is underground techno for you?

ODAR: For me, typical underground techno is the music at parties of our crew here in Berlin but elsewhere also. Especially events where artistic freedom is facilitated big time.

joushikijin: What was the most extraordinary rave you ever attended?

ODAR: For me, it was definitely my first visit to KitKatClub. Seeing almost completely naked people dancing and working behind the bar was just crazy to me at the time. The KitKatClub/Sisyphos/Berghain scene fascinates me enormously. I think it’s brilliant how taboo-free and disinhibited an event can be.

joushikijin: What aspects of underground techno do you like the most?

ODAR: Evidently that artists do what they want to do.

joushikijin: What best describes your emotions when listening to techno?

ODAR: Techno that gives me goosebumps fills me with great joy. Not much in the world gives me such pleasure as good music.

joushikijin: What distinguishes underground from mainstream techno?

ODAR: I wasn’t born when the Berlin Wall fell, but back then is probably when the foundation for the German underground was laid. At that time, techno still meant an entirely different kind of freedom that now can only be found in the deepest underground. The mainstream is (predominantly) about the processing of masses, and that particular kind of underground lawlessness does not exist there.

joushikijin: What equipment do you currently prefer to play with and why?

ODAR: I started with one controller and have only upgraded once so far. At the moment I play my sets on a TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 MK3. I’ve come to love this controller but would also enjoy switching to a proper club set-up at some stage.

joushikijin: Where do you get your creativity to make music?

ODAR: Before I started producing sets, I listened to sets non-stop. Now I’m really only interested in tracks. When I listen to tracks, I decide pretty quickly whether I want to play them or not. I also often play more intuitively and usually only prepare what is necessary. As a digital DJ, I can make good and take advantage of the Traktor controller and software. Unfortunately, I don’t listen enough to other DJs’ sets. I’d like to change that. I think that would definitely increase my creativity.

joushikijin: Do you work towards a specific musical goal?

ODAR: At the moment, I see DJing more as a hobby than a lifestyle. But that doesn’t mean that I won’t continue to develop musically at all. I will expand my public profile and push our label in the future. Nothing else is planned for the time being. But who knows what the future will bring?

Visit our SoundCloud page to enjoy the set.

🇬🇧 HYPNOTIZED

This week, techno comes from near Cologne, one of the hotspots for underground techno in the west of Germany. We listened to Hypnotized for a good year now and knew from the start of the project that we had to ask him for a collaboration. 🥰 We are in love with his hard and driving basslines and extremely rhythm focused sound. We thank him for his time and hope to hear more madness from him and the Tagesraver crew, which you should definitely check out since they run one of the most exciting podcasts at the moment.

joushikijin: How do you feel today?

Hypnotized: I feel excellent. Everything is going perfectly at the moment. Everything is great at work, just like in music. I achieve goals that I have long dreamed of. My family is very proud of me, and that makes me feel great.

joushikijin: What is underground techno for you?

Hypnotized: A feeling, beautiful, dark and also a dirty sound. Bang, straight in the face, like our motto at Tagesraver. Preferably in fabulous locations like a tunnel or bunker to underline the underground feeling. A good example is my favourite club, Elektroküche in Cologne. The perfect place for dark, dirty techno.

joushikijin: What was the most extraordinary rave you ever attended?

Hypnotized: Halloween 2020, a rave in a massive forest area with a vast old tunnel. I’ve never gone to such lengths to get to a rave. Walking through mud and far away from civilisation. That was extraordinary, just like the sound and the atmosphere in this old tunnel.

joushikijin: What aspects of underground techno do you like the most?

Hypnotized: These are clearly the dark, driving basslines.

joushikijin: What best describes your emotions when listening to techno?

Hypnotized: Good mood, just let it all out. When I listen to techno at home, I just dance around the place. With techno, I can let go of everything for that moment and switch off. When you mix yourself, you are even more involved. I simply have fun doing it. It’s my passion, and I’m happy every time people like my work.

joushikijin: What distinguishes underground from mainstream techno?

Hypnotized: Clearly, the sound! Mainstream techno is too ordinary and straightforward without the real excitement and energy that techno needs. Underground techno has this driving sound that excites me so much!

joushikijin: What equipment do you currently prefer to play with and why?

Hypnotized: At the moment, I own a Pioneer DDJ100 controller. I play via the laptop and with a software called RekordBox. To present you my usual sound as you hear it, I have to play on this controller. Otherwise, I’d like to buy the Pioneer CDJs just like in the club, because I also like to play on them.

joushikijin: Where do you get your creativity to make music?

Hypnotized: I was musically active from an early age. I played acoustic guitar for over seven years as a child/teenager and have even performed on stage. When I was fourteen, I started with electronic music, EDM and House at the beginning. Then, it became fast with French Core and Uptempo and Hardtekk. It wasn’t until I was eighteen that I came into contact with techno and felt it immediately. Since then, I have preferred to listen to and play fast techno. I can’t really say where I get my creativity from. When I play, I am myself and see what sound I feel the most at that moment and let my creativity run free.

joushikijin: Do you work towards a specific musical goal?

Hypnotized: My goal is not to play in front of thousands of people but simply to present my music. Of course, I’m happy to show my music to as many people as possible if people celebrate it. My dream was to play at the Elektroküche in Cologne at an Affenkäfig party. That recently came true, and I am very grateful for that experience. My goal is to develop and follow the path I think is right, and I always want to remain myself.

Visit our SoundCloud page to enjoy the set.

🇬🇧 Nicky Schelle

This week we, have to keep it short. We express our deep gratitude to Nicky Schelle for this driving set and compelling interview. We appreciate the insight and context provided. We wish all of you a pleasant week and hope you enjoy the set as much as we do. 🥰

joushikijin: How do you feel today?

Nicky Schelle: I feel good today. This week I learned that I am part of Technobunker in Freiburg. I’m looking forward to working with the crew.

joushikijin What is underground techno for you?

Nicky Schelle: For me, underground techno is any techno sound not intended to appeal to the broad masses, also called mainstream. In underground techno, the artists are primarily concerned with the music and try to share their sound with the people, even if it doesn’t appeal to the entire crowd at first. Often, it is an attempt to reach a specific group of listeners.

joushikijin What was the most extraordinary rave you ever attended?

Nicky Schelle: So far, the most extraordinary rave was my first visit to a warehouse rave organised by the Possession collective in Paris. The people and the atmosphere there were unique. I noticed that the techno scene in France is still relatively young in contrast to Germany. Here I had the feeling that this place is a refuge for the Parisian underground scene and, at the same time, a meeting place for the queer scene. The techno played during Possession events is very fast and often contains hard, industrial, or trance elements. This sound inspired me and helped me to change my style completely. From then on, I started to play fast industrial and hard techno.

joushikijin What aspects of underground techno do you like the most?

Nicky Schelle: What I like most about underground techno is that it knows almost no boundaries. In my opinion, there is no fixed border to when a sound is underground or not. It’s more about how the artist brings the sound across, where or how they perform and ultimately what they make of it. For me, the underground is also always a movement against everyday life.

joushikijin: What best describes your emotions when listening to techno?

Nicky Schelle: Listening to techno can be compared to a warm feeling that flows through the whole body. The entire body starts to tingle. At the same time, it is also a change from our stressful, sometimes monotonous everyday life. Techno often has a hypnotic effect on me. I forget all sense of time and problems in everyday life for a moment and can completely surrender myself to it.

joushikijin: What distinguishes underground from mainstream techno?

Nicky Schelle: As already mentioned above, underground techno knows no borders. It also depends on people’s way of looking at things whether a sound is considered mainstream. Overall, music tastes always remain different, and you should ultimately have fun with what you do.

joushikijin: What equipment do you currently prefer to play with and why?

Nicky Schelle: I currently play with the Allen & Heath Xone 92 and Pioneer CDJ-2000NXS. Since switching from Traktor to the CDJ players, DJing is a lot more fun. I love the filter effect and the two adjustable mids on the Xone 92. I don’t mind playing on a Pioneer mixer, but I prefer one by Allen & Heath.

joushikijin: Where do you get your creativity to make music?

Nicky Schelle: I take much of my creativity from everyday life. I also like to be inspired by other artists. I prefer doing studio sessions with colleagues over sitting alone in front of the screen for hours.

joushikijin: Do you work towards a specific musical goal?

Nicky Schelle: In any case, I would like to get more involved in producing to create my productions in the future and define my sound even more precisely. I also thought about studying something in the direction of sound design. My primary goal is to have fun with music, inspire people, and make them happy.

Visit our SoundCloud page to enjoy the set.

🇬🇧 Eve.E.

We’ve been looking forward to Eve’s contribution for a while. She has an incredibly sophisticated sound, defined by particularly hard and driving beats. She is also from the same Rhineland-Palatinate area known for excellent wine, mouth-watering food, and friendly people. We thank Eve for taking the time out of her busy schedule to contribute this gem to our project.

joushikijin: How do you feel today?

Eve.E.: Relaxed.

joushikijin What is underground techno for you?

Eve.E.: Non-commercial techno is celebrated in small circles.

joushikijin What was the most extraordinary rave you ever attended?

Eve.E.: An abandoned bunker in the middle of nowhere.

joushikijin What aspects of underground techno do you like the most?

Eve.E.: The music and the community are in the foreground.

joushikijin What best describes your emotions when listening to techno?

Eve.E.: A desire to dance and party.

joushikijin What distinguishes underground from mainstream techno?

Eve.E.: Underground to me are small events with unknown artists. Musical freedom.

joushikijin What equipment do you currently prefer to play with and why?

Eve.E.: My own, I can handle that best. I also like to try out other equipment when the opportunity arises.

joushikijin Where do you get your creativity to make music?

Eve.E.: Interest and fun in the cause.

joushikijin Do you work towards a specific musical goal?

Eve.E.: Not really, I’ll let myself be surprised where this ‘journey’ takes me.

Visit our SoundCloud page to enjoy the set.

🇬🇧 Tinou

This week, our collaborator comes from Leipzig, Saxony. He is originally from La Roche-sur-Yon in France. However, given that he lived a considerable time In Germany already, he managed to shape the national underground culture with his unique hybrid style of playing digital and vinyl. We hope you enjoy his hypnotic and driving mix.

joushikijin: How do you feel today?

Tinou: I’m all right. Much work at the moment, but it’s good cause I stay busy.

joushikijin What is underground techno for you?

Tinou: Any track on YouTube with less than 100 views … Jokes aside, I think Underground techno is really a wide topic. I began to listen to techno in some free techno party in France. There, I could say the techno was underground. It’s mostly hard techno tribe played, and back in the days, it was old techno records played in 45 rpm …

joushikijin What was the most extraordinary rave you ever attended?

Tinou: Definitely Space Piknik 2016 in the Czech Republic.

joushikijin What aspects of underground techno do you like the most?

Tinou: I love underground locations or nice places in nature.

joushikijin What best describes your emotions when listening to techno?

Tinou: I often get goosebumps when I hear/mix music I love.

joushikijin What distinguishes underground from mainstream techno?

Tinou: Pfff, I don’t know … I guess the artist. 😊

joushikijin What equipment do you currently prefer to play with and why?

Tinou: At the moment, I play vinyl plus timecode. That way, I can play old techno stuff that isn’t available as digital and recent digital tracks unavailable as vinyl.

joushikijin Where do you get your creativity to make music?

Tinou: From everything, the weather, the people surrounding me, the moment I’m playing …

joushikijin Do you work towards a specific musical goal?

Tinou: Not particularly, just do it because I like playing in general. 😁

Visit our SoundCloud page to enjoy the set.

🇬🇧 KLS

KLS is one madness of an artist. This set was recorded freestyle, playing three decks simultaneously. Buckle up! It is an absolute gem of a set where chaos is organised into an auditory orgasm. We thank KLS for the continuous support and his love and dedication for the techno community.

joushikijin: How do you feel today?

KLS: Excellent, a really good start to the day today with a techno set.

joushikijin: What is underground techno for you?

KLS: Faster sound, hard bass line.

joushikijin: What was the most extraordinary rave you ever attended?

KLS: For my first rave inside the club, I was sked up the DJ booth to dance. Seeing all the people excited from above, I think that experience got me into DJing.

joushikijin: What aspects of underground techno do you like the most?

KLS: I love the fast sound, anything between 152-160 bpm.

joushikijin: What best describes your emotions when listening to techno?

KLS: When you focus on transitions or how well two tracks fit together, for example, with self-recorded sets for control, it’s like meditation. All thoughts are gone. I just let go. I am also grateful that I discovered techno in the first place. It allows for unadulterated bliss when dancing.

joushikijin What distinguishes underground from mainstream techno?

KLS: The vibe at parties is different. Mainstream is many people celebrating the sound, but they are not really into it. Underground is such a sick vibe when everyone goes nuts, for example, Unpolished or Possession. Unreal.

joushikijin What equipment do you currently prefer to play with and why?

KLS: TRAKTOR KONTROL S8, two KRK ROKIT RP5 and my Sennheiser HD 25. It is my starting equipment, and I am delighted with it.

joushikijin Where do you get your creativity to make music?

KLS: I don’t know myself. I just feel some tracks more than others, then I buy them and open a new playlist in my DJ programme. Then I think about which tracks match well together, and then I just record a freestyle set.

joushikijin Do you work towards a specific musical goal?

KLS: When I started, the goal was to DJ at Unpolished. It’s still a dream of mine, but I’m no longer focusing on it. I’ve realised that I’m currently already doing what I enjoy, and making music fulfils me. I only do what I enjoy, so when the odd gig comes along, and people celebrate my techno style, it makes me more than happy.

Visit our SoundCloud page to enjoy the set.

🇬🇧 NACID

If Bavaria is part of Germany or not is still up for discussion. For this project, we just assumed it is, and we love it. Because of their dialect, it’s sometimes hard to make out what people are saying, but that doesn’t matter on the dance floor. We are psyched for this week’s artists sending us his love from Nuremberg. ♥️

joushikijin: How do you feel today?

ℕ𝔸ℂ𝕀𝔻: I feel pretty good today, though it’s a stressful time at the moment.

joushikijin: What is underground techno for you?

ℕ𝔸ℂ𝕀𝔻: For me, underground techno is a break away from all the mainstream stuff. It is a passion for many people and also for me. In my opinion, this open, communal, and general feeling about the music and events is pure well-being.

joushikijin: What was the most extraordinary rave you ever attended?

ℕ𝔸ℂ𝕀𝔻: The most unusual rave I can still remember was a 72-hour open air in some forest. The music and setting were incredible. However, for me, it’s usually the people who make a rave cool.

joushikijin: What aspects of underground techno do you like the most?

ℕ𝔸ℂ𝕀𝔻: The music as well as the passion and talent of many people behind it. The fun and the relief of stress – more than mainstream techno, in my opinion. Dealing with each other (depending on people, of course). The emotions when listening and creating.

joushikijin: What best describes your emotions when listening to techno?

ℕ𝔸ℂ𝕀𝔻: Difficult to describe, but joy, well-being, and feeling free.

joushikijin: What distinguishes underground from mainstream techno?

ℕ𝔸ℂ𝕀𝔻: The passion for it makes it very different whether listening to, producing, or performing the music. The feeling and setting are much more relaxed in the scene, and I feel much more comfortable.

joushikijin: What equipment do you currently prefer to play with and why?

ℕ𝔸ℂ𝕀𝔻: At the moment, I’m using a TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 because I can’t afford any better equipment, at the moment, and a Mac, of course. But preferably with an Allen & Heath Xone mixer and TRAKTOR KONTROL F1 and STEMS controllers.

joushikijin: Where do you get your creativity to make music?

ℕ𝔸ℂ𝕀𝔻: I make music mainly for myself, and it motivates me when I have a good result at the end, and I am satisfied with it. Of course, it always motivates me to hear or read positive feedback from other people.

joushikijin: Do you work towards a specific musical goal?

ℕ𝔸ℂ𝕀𝔻: That I’m always working my way forward musically and learning more and more. Thus, my sound is getting better for me and logically also pleases people who celebrate music also that much.

Visit our SoundCloud page to enjoy the set.

🇬🇧 И!ZZY

This week, our collaboration comes from Hanover. We’re incredibly excited for this set since it is the most rhythm focused so far and also incredibly hard. Thank you И!ZZY for the lovely interactions and your contribution to our project. Warm regards to all the techno lovers from Hanover and the surrounding areas.

joushikijin: How do you feel today?

И!ZZY: I feel lovely, feels good that it’s summer and the weather is nice. I’m looking forward to the weekend.

joushikijin: What is underground techno for you?

И!ZZY: When a small group of people privately arrange to have a fabulous party at a secret location, with excellent DJs from the area and not everyone knows them. In my opinion, it’s also always a family feeling to it, you simply know each other. Maybe the techno scene in general is also just ‘underground’ because we somehow always have to hide a bit because of the stigma.

joushikijin: What was the most extraordinary rave you ever attended?

И!ZZY: Definitely NATURE ONE in 2019. It was my first proper festival back then and the first time three days of camping for me. I was totally excited and didn’t know what to expect. However, once I eventually got there, I fell in love immediately. I need to go back ASAP!

joushikijin: What aspects of underground techno do you like the most?

И!ZZY: Maybe that the scene itself is minimal and ‘underground’, not everyone knows about it. A small but familiar community.

joushikijin: What best describes your emotions when listening to techno?

И!ZZY: Love, pure love. Only if it’s good techno, of course. 😄 To be more specific, I listen to certain types of techno depending on my mood at the moment, so I can’t give an exact answer.

joushikijin: What distinguishes underground from mainstream techno?

И!ZZY: Not big halls with thousands of people. I refer back to the response I gave in question two. 😄

joushikijin: What equipment do you currently prefer to play with and why?

И!ZZY: I’ve been playing with a Native Instruments Traktor S4 MK3 since it came out. It’s super easy to use and has done everything I’ve needed it to do for my music so far. But I would also like to switch to CDJs, but unfortunately, they are costly.

joushikijin: Where do you get your creativity to make music?

И!ZZY: I’ve never thought about that before. It’s hard to say. I think I always have many ideas for music and then I just do it depending on how I feel in this moment. I think it’s like singers too. Their lyrics just reflect what they’re feeling at the moment.

joushikijin: Do you work towards a specific musical goal?

И!ZZY: I just want to have fun at the moment, that’s why I started making music. But I would also like to play at other places in Germany. I’ve only had one real gig in Hanover so far. 🙌🏽

Visit our SoundCloud page to enjoy the set.

🇬🇧 UNCHAINED SENSES

This week, we present the collaboration with an artist from the south of Germany, the beautiful Freiburg im Breisgau. We had him on our radar for a while now, and we are thrilled to present you with this gem of hard German underground techno, just like we like it.

joushikijin: How do you feel today?

UNCHAINED SENSES: I’m a bit knackered from working constant early shifts lately, but other than that, it’s all good.

joushikijin: What is underground techno for you?

UNCHAINED SENSES: To name one example: the Cologne techno scene centred around BassIsMuss, Sons of Techno & Underground Scene Records. The connectedness and solidarity, the type of parties and music there, as well as the people’s mentality, all that taken together is underground techno for me.

joushikijin: What was the most extraordinary rave you ever attended?

UNCHAINED SENSES: I can’t think of any specific rave. In fact, every rave is extraordinary in its own way. The people, location and line-up create new and extraordinary moments every time.

joushikijin: What aspects of underground techno do you like the most?

UNCHAINED SENSES: The connectedness and solidarity as well as the type of people who are involved in the scene.

joushikijin: What best describes your emotions when listening to techno?

UNCHAINED SENSES: Joy and fun describe it best, I think. However, describing my exact feelings at a rave or during a gig is almost impossible.

joushikijin: What distinguishes underground from mainstream techno?

UNCHAINED SENSES: I think everyone has their own views and perceptions, but for me, it’s often the way parties are that you go to and definitely the music that’s played.

joushikijin: What equipment do you currently prefer to play with and why?

UNCHAINED SENSES: I play on a Xone:43C 4-channel mixer, my MacBook Pro with Traktor 3 is connected to it (via USB). I also have a Xone:K2 connected to the MacBook, which I mapped with all the Tractor functions and effects. In the club, it’s exactly the same set-up. However, most of them own a Pioneer mixer.

joushikijin: Where do you get your creativity to make music?

UNCHAINED SENSES: Most of the time, the inspiration for tracks and sets, just like the idea to make music in the first place, comes from impressions I gather at raves and often during after hours. But sometimes also when dealing with everyday life stress.

joushikijin: Do you work towards a specific musical goal?

UNCHAINED SENSES: I don’t have an immediate goal with my music. At the moment, my focus is on getting better with Ableton and generally improving my productions. Good things come to those who wait. 😊

Visit our SoundCloud page to enjoy the set.

🇬🇧 Redoxist

This week, techno comes from Berlin. We present you the interview and set of Redoxist, who is part of the Berlin PA-RA-DO-XON 030 crew, with much love and joy. We hope you have as much fun as we do with this 160 bpm banger.

joushikijin: How do you feel today?

Redoxist: I’m still feeling a bit under the weather today, caused by my party holiday that I came back from last Sunday.

joushikijin: What is underground techno for you?

Redoxist: For me, underground techno is, first and foremost, complete musical freedom to live out one’s passion. Experimenting with different techno genres and speeds without limits. Underground techno, for me, also means unknown artists who support one other, secret rave parties, or studio sessions with DJs, friends, and acquaintances in a small group. In the current pandemic, almost everything is underground as far as parties are concerned.

joushikijin: What was the most extraordinary rave you ever attended?

Redoxist: I have experienced so many raves in the last fifteen years, each extraordinary in its own way. Still, at KitKatClub Berlin, I experienced the most extraordinary rave, an atmosphere that I have hardly ever experienced anywhere else.

joushikijin: What aspects of underground techno do you like the most?

Redoxist: The artistic freedom, to which no limits are set, and the support in the techno scene.

joushikijin: What best describes your emotions when listening to techno?

Redoxist: It’s like a wild rollercoaster of emotions. I can experience so many feelings when listening to techno. Techno also gives me a sense of security and stability.

joushikijin: What distinguishes underground from mainstream techno?

Redoxist: From the outset, underground is not tied to a particular style, but it usually represents a minority culture in society. The antithesis is the so-called mainstream, which describes art that is generally established or produced for the ‘masses’.

joushikijin: What equipment do you currently prefer to play with and why?

Redoxist: My first controller, which I bought in June 2021, is the Pioneer DJ DDJ-SZ 4-channel. I use this in combination with Traktor Pro 3 and two PreSonus Eris E5s as studio monitors.

joushikijin: Where do you get your creativity to make music?

Redoxist: I am a person who needs my dose of music every day to be in tune with myself. We are exposed to so many impressions every day that they have to be processed or even faded out. This works best with music.

joushikijin: Do you work towards a specific musical goal?

Redoxist: My current goal is to reach as many people as possible with my music and provide a piece of happiness or whatever my music gives to people.

Visit our SoundCloud page to enjoy the set.

🇬🇧 KUMANI

It’s KUMANI’s first time on our channel, and we are thrilled about his contribution. Together with HLUNKE and K.f.K., he forms the backbone of Dopaminmangel/0815 Techno. Thanks to him, we learned much about the contemporary techno culture in Germany. We thank him for the brilliant interview, set, and time. We look forward to party together soon. 🤗🥳

joushikijin: How do you feel today?

KUMANI: I am feeling exceptionally well today, thank you for asking. The day started with a traffic jam on the motorway (A2) towards Karmen, but I was accompanied by good techno. To be specific, it was a set by 𝙅𝙊𝙀 𝙎𝘼𝙉𝙀, who I have been listening to for a long time now. My last day at work before the eagerly awaited holiday was anything but quiet. However, that didn’t bother me either because I knew it would soon be the end of the day. Starting today, I have twelve days of holiday and knew that I would fill this time with a short trip to Berlin and produce music. We will release our first EP with 0815 Techno Rec. on 1 September 2021.

joushikijin: What is underground techno for you?

KUMANI: That is an interesting question. First of all, I think the term underground techno might have come from Berlin/Frankfurt and was inspired by the techno scene. That is pure speculation on my part. Nowadays, you hear this term quite often, and there are always many discussions on this topic. Spontaneously, I would divide the whole thing into two parts. On the one hand, a faction that is very commercially minded. On the other hand, artists also earn money with their music but do so at fair and intelligible prices. I would argue that the term ‘underground’ within the techno scene doesn’t do commercial events. Techno music, in particular, should be freely accessible to everyone. With events like Tomorrowland or Parookaville we are talking about commercialisation at the highest level. Personally, such events are not for me. I rather see myself at classy local raves with honest music.

joushikijin: What was the most extraordinary rave you ever attended?

KUMANI: I would also divide this into two sections. There are the official parties and the unofficial ones, known to many as secret raves. When it comes to official parties, Fusion in Lärz comes to mind. I was immediately impressed by their concept. A party against commercialisation. The feeling of freedom that this weekend in Lärz had given me I have never felt at any other party before. I have already attended some exciting events with the secret raves. One absolute highlight was the 0815 Secret Rave in Herten in a tunnel of a waste dump. How the folks managed to get the things up and down the steep slope is still a mystery. The evening in the old tunnel was just full of energy and incredible.

joushikijin: What aspects of underground techno do you like the most?

KUMANI: I think this is, as already indicated above, listening to local artists at a secret rave. Most of the time, these evenings are perfect because the vibes of the people are just right. I have had the opportunity to play at such raves a few times now. Just two weeks ago, there was a Secret Rave at our place in Castrop-Rauxel, where I could play. The crowd’s energy was just marvellous, and after the whole lockdown phase, you felt a sense of freedom again. Unfortunately, I couldn’t provide this set because the music had to be turned off twice since we thought the party would end. I think everyone knows what I mean, but that’s just part of a Secret Rave. 😂

joushikijin: What best describes your emotions when listening to techno?

KUMANI: I listen to much music that I also like to play myself. Preferably industrial and hard techno. I particularly enjoy the SoundCloud platform because it allows you to discover unknown musicians. I like hard kicks and brief transitions. Techno itself gives me an incredible amount of energy in everyday life and at the weekend. Sunday evenings are usually a bit more low-key. I often listen to Goa and Psytrance to mix things up. It is my balance to the rather gloomy sound.

joushikijin: What distinguishes underground from mainstream techno?

KUMANI: Everyone who buys a ticket comes to mainstream parties. These parties tend to have expensive ticket prices. Furthermore, some of these artists can be heard on regular chart radio. At the moment, however, I have the feeling that music is going back to its origins. I find this idea more than appropriate because, for me, music is not about metre-high stages and 20,000 people in front of them. Much more important is the moment created by the music. The feeling free and being picked up by the music is created by other factors.

joushikijin: What equipment do you currently prefer to play with and why?

KUMANI: I currently own a Pioneer XDJ-RX2 and two KRK Rokit 7 monitor speakers. The headphones I use are Sennheiser HD 25. For use at home, I find the equipment very good and sufficient. Of course, a mixer and two players would be even more practical, as this is part of the standard club equipment. For producing, I currently use my MacBook Pro with FL Studio. After my trip to Berlin, however, I will finally be able to switch to Abelton.

joushikijin: Where do you get your creativity to make music?

KUMANI: I listen to the same music in my free time that I currently play in my sets. I just like music with brute kicks and a good tempo. I also find it interesting when there is always this underlined with driving vocals, which gives the whole thing even more dynamics. When I’m on the road, I listen to much music on SoundCloud. If I like a track there, I mark it and download it later from Bandcamp. So far, a lot of my production was born at the moment, through simple trial and error. However, I am currently in the process of finding the proper workflow for me. For the track, I’m contributing to our first 0815 Techno Rec. EP, I kept writing little notes on my phone whenever I thought of something that could be implemented. Of course, I want to develop a particular signature with my music.

joushikijin: Do you work towards a specific musical goal?

KUMANI: At the moment, I don’t have a goal that I could name. As I have only recently started producing, I want to learn a lot in this field and realise myself. I make music because I have enjoyed listening to music for a long time and have attended quite a few events in Germany. In February 2019, my friends HLUNKE, K.F.K. and I hosted our first official party at Räuber und Rebellen Recklinghausen. That’s how I got involved. I am curious to see where the road will lead me. The most important thing is always to have fun with the music. It will probably be a factor that will end up catching many people, won’t it?

Visit our SoundCloud page to enjoy the set.

🇬🇧 HeizÖL

We are incredibly delighted to share this absolute gem of a set (just look at the waveform) with the rest of you. HeizÖL has been a staple of our playlist, and we are excited about each new set he puts out there. We also thank him for taking the time to take our phone call and providing us with his insight on the series topic. We also thank our friends at Dopaminmangel/0815 Techno.

joushikijin: How do you feel today?

HeizÖL: I am feeling quite well today. I can’t complain. So actually, it’s the same as always. 😂

joushikijin: What is underground techno for you?

HeizÖL: Underground techno, … for me is, argh … freedom, that you can be the way you want to be. You can do that in clubs as well, but I think it’s something else. Underground for me is just in the forest or in a tunnel, real dirty locations, and stuff. Simply dirty techno music. That’s underground for me.

joushikijin: What was the most extraordinary rave you ever attended?

HeizÖL: My most unusual rave was the Secret Rave with 0815 in a railway tunnel. That was definitely the most memorable rave so far. The sound alone, the echo through the location, unreal.

joushikijin: What aspects of underground techno do you like the most?

HeizÖL: That everyone supports one another, that no one is on a different level, but that everyone is equal. Also that you can be free, be what you want without being maligned or portrayed poorly.

joushikijin: What best describes your emotions when listening to techno?

HeizÖL: Goosebumps, … love. Feelings of happiness come up, feeling incredibly good. I feel free, I don’t think about anything, and I only feel the music, and it flows through my entire body. This is unreal.

joushikijin: What distinguishes underground from mainstream techno?

HeizÖL: In my opinion, unknown artists sometimes make better music than most mainstream people. Well, the underground is not promoted, but why should it be? As I said last time, people like David Guetta push a button, and then they’re done. The underground venues are also primarily small groups but with the most extraordinary people. Another aspect, underground is still affordable. Most underground raves are financed with donations. Compared to the mainstream, where you sometimes pay hundreds of euros to see an artist. It’s not for me, and it doesn’t have to be like that.

joushikijin: What equipment do you currently prefer to play with and why?

HeizÖL: I prefer to play with the equipment that I have here at home. I am familiar with that. I am working with Pioneer DDJ-400 and Pioneer DDJ-XP2. This is my equipment at the moment. But I want to upgrade and get the Pioneer DDJ-800 or Pioneer DDJ-1000. Unfortunately, I don’t have the money for the other players yet. 😂I’m being honest here. One has to start small. But I am also the most familiar with my equipment. I also record most of my sets with my hardware here at home.

joushikijin: Where do you get your creativity to make music?

HeizÖL: I’ve always made music, and I just stand in front of it, and then it just flows. I just let everything come to me and don’t think much at all. I find I’m not free when I think. Actually, I motivate myself; playing is my hobby. I love it. Plus, I also produce to self-actualise a wee bit. It’s fun, and it allows you to switch off from everyday life.

joushikijin: Do you work towards a specific musical goal?

HeizÖL: Honestly, not at all. I feel like it’s my hobby to perform in a group. It’s not my goal to market myself and collect followers, and so on. I don’t take any heat, and I don’t force anything, like paying for anything extra. Why should I? Should I do become better known, then that’s just how it is. And if not, that’s no big deal either. It would still be my hobby even if I did it professionally.

Visit our SoundCloud page to enjoy the set.

🇬🇧 HLUNKE

We thank our dear friend HLUNKE for starting the Underground techno – Made in Germany project. He provided us with an excellent interview and massive live set from the last ‘0815 Secret Rave’, which he organises periodically with his Castrop-Rauxel crew Dopaminmangel/0815 Techno.

joushikijin: How do you feel today?

HLUNKE: I feel quite balanced today, relaxed for the most part. I had a pretty techno heavy weekend, which is still a bit in my bones. However, today I am not followed by any great emotions. Everything is on a constant level – just relaxed.

joushikijin: What is underground techno for you?

HLUNKE: For me, underground techno is first and foremost passion. I am referring to the literal meaning of the word passion. So, in my view, something where people and actors activate and take action to the extent that they make many sacrifices – genuinely passionate about something. When people do things that cost extra without working for profit and invest there as well, in this context, I mean raves, you’re at an underground party. These people are also happy to make these sacrifices for the underground. An old friend of mine once said: ‘From the underground for the underground.’ I enjoy that a lot in the rave scene. There the raves are only organised in the spirit of the rave. There, it’s all about the cause, about techno. Raves are organised to come together, dance, share, have fun, switch off, be, escape the social norm, and exchange criticism and encouragement among artists.

For me, underground techno is everything that is not made for the masses. By this, I mean, for example, sub-genre in sound, illegal raves or also the use of drugs. I don’t mean to say that underground is to use or possibly abuse drugs. No, I’m just saying that the use of drugs underground is not an uncommon picture. A specific niche in the techno genre that only a fraction of techno heads worldwide listen to and never gets on the public radar, that’s underground techno for me. Sometimes you have to search for underground techno, almost dig for it, at least if you look for it on the internet. Raves are also not always easily accessible, and not everyone finds out where they take place. There are slight parallels between the music itself and the underground parties. I just remembered something else that is essential.

joushikijin: What was the most extraordinary rave you ever attended?

HLUNKE: Now that I’ve been thinking about it for a while and couldn’t see any rave standing out, I’d say they were all exceptional. I’d say I’ve probably been to about 50 raves so far. And it’s always something extraordinary. Whether it’s the location, set-up, people, or things that happen. It’s hard to say if I’m honest. I also think the only thing I consider ordinary about all the raves is that there’s music playing and people dancing.

joushikijin: What aspects of underground techno do you like the most?

HLUNKE: I think I have to say with a smile, ‘That everyone can do what they want.’

joushikijin: What best describes your emotions when listening to techno?

HLUNKE: You’re asking another complex question. I don’t think anything can describe my emotions because I can’t even do it myself. For me, all emotions are present in techno or at least evoked by it. It depends on the techno I listen to, which, for some reason, brings out certain emotions. Again, for each person individually. I think fear and disgust are the emotions rarely, if ever, evoked in me when listening to techno.

joushikijin: What distinguishes underground from mainstream techno?

HLUNKE: For this purpose, I will compare an official party, for example, in a club or a festival next to an illegal rave. The rave somewhere in an old warehouse or deep in the woods, which through its nature, such as the tension of being exposed, crazy locations, or the fact that no banners are hanging on fences or there is no security staff, this rave takes on a unique dynamic through these circumstances, which you will never experience at a mainstream party. If I have to pay 30 euros for admission to a mainstream party where, for example, to see Sven Väth or Marika Rossa, and 5 euros for simple water or beer, and people are trying to sell me cigarettes or lighters – what does that have to do with techno? It takes the fun out of celebrating. I’d rather stand in the rain, soaking wet, and watch people dance to the music with me than dance next to a fence somewhere and see cocktail bars closed off as VIP areas. Mainstream is always connected with commerce to a certain extent, and you rarely find that in the underground.

At raves like this, it’s always harmonious, and people help each other so that everything runs smoothly. For example, if a generator fails somewhere in a forest. Believe me. People will do anything to get the fucking thing running again. .. Even if it’s giving their last shirt, that applies to guests and organisers alike. The only thing that matters is that the sound comes out of the speakers again. If you’ve ever witnessed something like this, you’ll know the cheers when the sound comes back on. These are moments that one remembers. These are feelings and emotions. It’s a bit different from the music itself. You can tell, by the fact, that mainstream techno can also be heard at the odd rave. Musically, underground is everything that is not wanted by the vast majority or is not even noticed because it receives so little popularity. Mainstream techno is what is made so that it appeals to the most people … Several factors and variables trigger the majority to consume this music.

joushikijin: What equipment do you currently prefer to play with and why?

HLUNKE: The question is easy. I prefer to play on the equipment I’m used to. At the moment, this is a Pioneer XDJ-RX2 all-in-one system. It’s super easy for me to use. I’ve been playing it for almost two years now. It has everything I need, and the sound card also does a good job, I discovered. Since I am quite satisfied with the device, I have not yet considered buying anything else. It’s also always a question of money. Of course, I also play on a Pioneer set-up or an Allen & Heath mixer. The only thing is, I don’t own them, so they are not even considered. I don’t make myself dependent on any device or equipment. I think I could play on any device if given half an hour to settle in.

joushikijin: Where do you get your creativity to make music?

HLUNKE: From everywhere. Once you understand creativity, you know that it is not difficult to be creative. I think everyone always makes such a drama out of the fact that someone is oh so creative … What is creativity? It’s first and foremost nothing more than linking things together that previously had no connection. You can be creative with colours, sounds and instruments, but it is not the sounds that are creative but the person who produces the sounds or combines colours. I also think creativity happens in the moment. So I can’t plan creativity, either I am creative in the present moment or I am not. However, I also have to say that I get my inspiration from everywhere. Whether it’s other artists or a commercial where I hear something interesting, it can be even a barking dog in the park … So I don’t limit myself there. ‘Sting’ is also an incredible musician and artist who has demonstrated precisely how creativity works and how it can be realised, even if everyone advises you against it.

joushikijin: Do you work towards a specific musical goal?

HLUNKE: At the moment I can’t really answer the question. I used to have a goal that I was working towards with my boys, but things have changed since then. We are at a completely different point now than when we’re setting these goals. I think my only goal at the moment is to ‘MAKE’ in whatever way I can. I don’t know where this journey will take me, but it goes on steadily, and I rely entirely on what is and how I deal with it best. I try to feel and live the music and the moments, be in the now and make beautiful moments possible for as many people as possible.

Dear Dénis and Lea, thank you so much for letting me be part of your project. I wish you both only the very best and a little bit of the bad things. 😜 A massive hug.

Visit our SoundCloud page to enjoy the set.

🇩🇪 Dark Soulmate *

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🇩🇪 SYNA *

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🇩🇪 AUFRÄUMZEIT

Nach einer längeren Pause setzen wir unsere Underground techno | Made in Germany Reihe fort und danken AUFRÄUMZEIT für seinen unglaublichen Beitrag. Wir hoffen, Sie haben genauso viel Spaß daran, wie wir.

joushikijin: Wie fühlst Du Dich heute?

AUFRÄUMZEIT: Bin ein bisschen müde, aber ansonsten sehr gut. Danke der Nachfrage. 😊

joushikijin: Was ist Underground Techno für Dich?

AUFRÄUMZEIT: Underground Techno ist für mich der perfekte Zufluchtsort, vor allem was einen ebenso beschäftigt. Einfach das Gefühl, von dem Bass hin und her gedrückt zu werden, lässt mich alles andere vergessen.

joushikijin: Was war der außergewöhnlichste Rave, den Du jemals besucht hast?

AUFRÄUMZEIT: Sehr gute Frage … da gab es so einige. Ich denke, der außergewöhnlichste Rave, auf dem ich je war, war in Prag in einem leerstehenden Wasserspeicher. Da musste man an einer steilen und rutschigen Wand mit einem Seil hochklettern und durch einen Tunnel dann letztendlich zum Bunker laufen. Später ist dann irgendein Typ die Wand einfach runter gesprintet, ohne hinzufallen … Eine sehr legendäre Nacht. 😊

joushikijin: Welche Aspekte von Underground Techno gefallen Dir am meisten?

AUFRÄUMZEIT: Ich denke, dass es sich einfach so roh und böse anhört/anfühlt. Man will nur Energie loswerden und tanzen. Der tiefe Bass und die “bösen” Sounds können einfach einen Vibe kreieren, den ich bei nichts anderem bis jetzt gespürt habe.

joushikijin: Was beschreibt deine Emotionen beim Hören von Techno am besten?

AUFRÄUMZEIT: So einen Spaß zu haben, dass man sieben Stunden ohne Pause durchtanzt. Pure Glücksgefühle einfach. 😊

joushikijin: Was unterscheidet Underground- von Mainstreamtechno?

AUFRÄUMZEIT: Für mich ist es die Geschwindigkeit und die Art und Weise, wie die verschiedenen Sounds eingesetzt werden. Ums mal in sehr komischen Worten auszudrücken ist Mainstream Techno eher so ein „wu hu“ und Underground Techno mehr, so ein „JA MAN JETZ ABER RICHTIG“

joushikijin: Mit welchem Equipment spielst Du derzeit am liebsten und wieso?

AUFRÄUMZEIT: Ich spiele zurzeit immer noch mit meinem DDJ-SR. Das Pult ist mein Baby und ich würde es für nichts und niemanden hergeben. Ich will zwar unbedingt auf Rekordbox umsteigen und es ist leider auch wirklich an der Zeit, dass ich mir ein größeres Pult hole, bin aber trotzdem immer noch megahappy mit dem SR. 😊

joushikijin: Woher nimmst Du deine Kreativität, Musik zu machen?

AUFRÄUMZEIT: Hauptsächlich von anderen Sets und Liedern, die ich höre, egal ob privat oder bei Liveacts. Ein sehr wichtiges S/O geht hier noch mal an die Jungs vom 1CB-Kollektiv und speziell an Timon aka „Pnk Pnthr“. Durch die bin ich erst so richtig auf die Idee gekommen, auch aufzulegen, wofür ich sehr dankbar bin.

joushikijin: Gibt es ein spezifisches Ziel, auf das Du musikalisch hinarbeitest?

AUFRÄUMZEIT: Mein Ziel ist es eigentlich nur den Leuten dasselbe Gefühl zu geben, dass ich auch habe, wenn ich die Art von Musik höre. Ich habe festgestellt, dass es mir viel Spaß macht aufzulegen, was natürlich bedeutet, dass ich auch gerne in großen Clubs auflegen möchte. Zurzeit ist es aber nur ein mit sehr, sehr viel Spaß verbundenes Hobby. 😊

Besucht unsere SoundCloud Seite, um das Set zu genießen.

🇩🇪 WVST *

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🇩🇪 FREEZY FX *

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🇩🇪 JANØ *

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🇩🇪 Druckgewalt *

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🇩🇪 Nacht Der Verdammten *

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🇩🇪 HASSDENTEUFEL *

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🇩🇪 Lenina *

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🇩🇪 HardtraX

Diese Woche haben wir etwas Besonderes. Hardtrax ist Technogeschichte und Gegenwart zugleich. In den letzten zwei-bis-drei Jahren finden sich seine neueren Tracks und Kollaboration mit anderen Kunstschaffenden in zahlreichen Underground-Techno-Sets. Was ihn und seine Arbeit für uns zu einem essenziellen Teil der Underground-Scene macht. Auch hatten wir das Vergnügen, uns ausgiebig über unsere Liebe zu Techno und ältere Autos auszutauschen und haben jede Minute genossen. Ein dickes Danke für dieses Spitzen-Set und ausführliche Interview. 😊

joushikijin: Wie fühlst Du Dich heute?

HardtraX: In nur einem Wort zusammengefasst würde ich wohl kreativ sagen.

joushikijin Was ist Underground Techno für Dich?

HardtraX: Ich würde sagen, dass Underground Techno vor allem ein essenzieller und integraler Bestandteil meines Lebens ist. Ich kam schon sehr früh mit dieser Musikrichtung in Berührung, was nicht zuletzt an der ausgedehnten, omnipräsenten Berichterstattung über die damals neue, aufsteigende Ravekultur Deutschlands lag. Damals wäre es wohl ziemlich schwierig gewesen, in Deutschland nichts von Techno mitzubekommen, es sei denn, man besaß weder ein Radio oder einen Fernseher und ignorierte die zahlreichen Artikel in Magazinen und Zeitschriften. Rave war überall und der Übergang zwischen Underground und Kommerz war so fließend, dass man nicht immer exakt unterscheiden konnte, ob es sich nun um einen populären Techno-Clubhit handelte oder ob es schon Mainstream war. Natürlich war ich zu jung für Partys, aber ich war alt genug, um mir Techno-CDs zu kaufen, die nächtlichen Radioprogramme mit Ravemusik zu hören und mir die damals sehr zahlreichen Fernsehdokumentationen über die deutsche Technoszene anzusehen. So blieb ich auch als kleiner Junge oberflächlich auf dem Laufenden darüber, was gerade mit Techno los war, auch wenn ich mich natürlich nicht so intensiv damit auseinandersetzen konnte wie in späteren Jahren, da mich andere Hobbys und natürlich die Schule damals ablenkten. Techno hatte definitiv sehr früh einen großen Einfluss auf mich und übte eine große Faszination auf mich aus, was dazu führte, dass ich 1997 mit der Musikproduktion begann (mit größeren Erfolgen ab 2002) und anschließend auch mit dem Auflegen und mit Live-Performances begann. Heute bin ich 40 Jahre alt und kann mich noch immer nicht dem Techno härterer Gangart lossagen. Underground Techno hat somit was mit meinem persönlichen Lebensstil zu tun und ist mehr als nur ein Trend oder eine Mode.

joushikijin Was war der außergewöhnlichste Rave, den Du jemals besucht hast?

HardtraX: Ich war schon auf so vielen Technoveranstaltungen in meinem Leben, dass es mir sehr schwerfällt, nur einen einzigen außergewöhnlichen Rave hervorzuheben. Besonders die vielen HardtraX vs. Jackhamma Liveacts haben immer sehr viel Spaß gemacht. Die Labelpartys unserer eigenen Plattenfirma „Dark Force Recordings“ von 2004 bis 2007 in Deutschland, Belgien, Frankreich, Portugal und den Niederlanden gehören zu unseren persönlichen Highlights. Weitere großartige Gigs gab es u. a. im Club Gotica in Kolumbien während meiner ersten Südamerikatournee in 2008, HardtraX vs. Jackhamma live im Club Peleda in Litauen 2018, unser Liveact im Habitat Techno Club in Spanien 2006 und der Gig in Oostende, Belgien im Jahr 2005.

joushikijin Welche Aspekte von Underground Techno gefallen Dir am meisten?

HardtraX: Underground Techno ist eher unkonventionell und bietet Produzenten viele kreative Freiheiten, welche es erlauben, sich frei auszudrücken. Ich denke, dies ist einer der Gründe, warum sich Techno in so viele verschiedene Unterarten aufteilt.

joushikijin Was beschreibt deine Emotionen beim Hören von Techno am besten?

HardtraX: Es macht ganz einfach Spaß, sonst würde man sich Techno wohl auch nicht anhören. Viel mehr gibt es dazu nicht zu sagen.

joushikijin Was unterscheidet Underground- von Mainstreamtechno?

HardtraX: Bei einem Genre steht die künstlerische Freiheit und Ausdrucksweise im Vordergrund, während es beim anderen eher um Verkaufszahlen und um Massentauglichkeit geht. Beides ist natürlich legitim und hat seine eigene Daseinsberechtigung.

joushikijin Mit welchem Equipment spielst Du derzeit am liebsten und wieso?

HardtraX: Früher hätte ich nie gedacht, jemals die Benutzung von DJ-Controllern in Erwägung zu ziehen, aber seitdem es das Rekordbox-System von Pioneer DJ gibt, bin ich sehr zufrieden mit dieser Software- und Hardwarelösung. Der DDJ-RX und der DDJ-1000 sind zwei großartige Geräte, die man auch außerhalb der eigenen vier Wände problemlos einsetzen kann. Für die Musikproduktion setze ich seit 20 Jahren auf Windows-basierte PC-Systeme (zuvor waren es Amiga-Computer wie der Amiga 600 und der Amiga 1200). Als semi-modularen Synthesizer habe ich den Eowave Quadrantid Swarm und ich besitze zwei Polyend Tracker als trackerbasierte all-in-one Sampling-Grooveboxen.

joushikijin Woher nimmst Du deine Kreativität, Musik zu machen?

HardtraX: Ich weiß es nicht wirklich. Darüber habe ich mir noch nie Gedanken gemacht. Ich glaube allerdings, dass es einem sehr leicht fällt, Ideen in Klänge umzusetzen, sobald man seine individuelle Arbeitsweise gefunden hat.

joushikijin Gibt es ein spezifisches Ziel, auf das Du musikalisch hinarbeitest?

HardtraX: Für 2022 bereite ich einen neuen Liveact (möglicherweise auch zusammen mit weiteren Künstlern) vor, aber die Details dazu gibt es erst später. Ansonsten möchte ich einfach nur mehr von dem machen, was ich bisher getan habe.

Besucht unsere SoundCloud Seite, um das Set zu genießen.

🇩🇪 DINADARKSHINE *

* Interview kommt bald

🇩🇪 Ræv

Ein großes Dankeschön an Ræv, dass er sich bei uns gemeldet und den ersten Beitrag für die Serie 2022 beigesteuert hat. Das Set hat einen unglaublich düsteren und kontinuierlichen Fluss, in den wir uns verliebt haben. Vielen Dank auch für das schöne Interview. Wir freuen uns schon auf deine kommenden Veröffentlichungen. 😊

joushikijin: Wie fühlst Du Dich heute?

Ræv: Ich fühle mich heut relativ ausgeglichen. Ich habe die letzten Tage im Jahr 2021 gut genutzt und bin auf 2022 gespannt.

joushikijin Was ist Underground Techno für Dich?

Ræv: Underground Techno bedeutet für mich Dunkelheit, harte schnelle Kicks, gegenseitige Offenheit/Toleranz und Individualität in kleinen Clubs oder auf illegalen Raves.

joushikijin Was war der außergewöhnlichste Rave, den Du jemals besucht hast?

Ræv: Mein erstes Mal Berghain … dadurch hat sich meine Vorliebe für harten, schnellen Techno entwickelt und ich habe erfahren, welche Energie von einer Menschenmenge ausgehen kann.

joushikijin Welche Aspekte von Underground Techno gefallen Dir am meisten?

Ræv: …

joushikijin Was beschreibt deine Emotionen beim Hören von Techno am besten?

Ræv: Ich spüre sehr viel Energie in mir und kann dabei trotzdem sehr gut vom Alltag Abstand gewinnen und loslassen. Techno trägt mich immer wieder in eine andere Welt.

joushikijin Was unterscheidet Underground- von Mainstreamtechno?

Ræv: Underground Techno ist immer ein wenig speziell und nicht für die „breite Masse“ gemacht. Oft ist Underground Techno düsterer als Mainstream Techno und bedient ein ausladendes Spektrum an Genres und Emotionen. Es sind meist unbekannteren Kunstschaffenden, welche die Underground-Technoszene ausmachen und meist sehr lokal agieren.

joushikijin Mit welchem Equipment spielst Du derzeit am liebsten und wieso?

Ræv: Ich spiele mit XDJs/CDJs und Mixer (meist Pioneer oder Allen & Heath).

joushikijin Woher nimmst Du deine Kreativität, Musik zu machen?

Ræv: Die Kreativität nehme ich eigentlich aus Clubs/Raves und Podcasts anderer Techno-Kunstschaffenden. Aufgrund der Clubschließungen bedingt durch Covid-19 leidet die Kreativität und man muss sich immer wieder motivieren, dranzubleiben. Inzwischen gelingt es mir ganz gut, bestimmte Emotionen in Musik umzuwandeln.

joushikijin Gibt es ein spezifisches Ziel, auf das Du musikalisch hinarbeitest?

Ræv: Ein ganz spezifisches Ziel gibt es nicht. Ich versuche mich im Bereich DJing sowie Produzieren weiterzuentwickeln, denn man kann immer noch etwas dazulernen. Ich würde mich sehr darüber freuen, mal in größeren Städten oder auf Festivals spielen zu können. Als Ziel für 2022 habe ich auf jeden Fall das Veröffentlichen eigener Tracks, an denen ich aktuell arbeite.

Besucht unsere SoundCloud Seite, um das Set zu genießen.

🇩🇪 SchattenTanz

SchattenTanz ist einer der Künstler, die uns dieses Jahr am meisten fasziniert haben. Jedes seiner Sets wird vom Bass getragen, welcher ein durchgehender Galopp ist und von anderen Instrumenten sowie gelegentlichen Melodien komplementiert wird. Dadurch entsteht ein absolut hypnotisches Klangbild, in dem man sich vollständig verlieren kann. Perfekt für die Tanzfläche oder eine Psilocybinsession daheim.

joushikijin: Wie fühlst Du Dich heute?

SchattenTanz: Heute fühle ich mich ganz ausgeglichen und gut.

joushikijin Was ist Underground Techno für Dich?

SchattenTanz: Für mich ist Underground Techno: treibende Bässe; monotoner, treibender Klang, kann auch melodisch sein, wo aber ein Touch Dunkelheit drinsteckt. Ein Klang, der einen hypnotisiert, man schließt die Augen und lässt sich treiben.

joushikijin Was war der außergewöhnlichste Rave, den Du jemals besucht hast?

SchattenTanz: Es gab so viele Raves, die außergewöhnlich waren. Da kann ich mich jetzt nicht auf einen festlegen. Jede Nacht bringt ein Stück geile Erinnerung mit sich und das ist gut so.

joushikijin Welche Aspekte von Underground Techno gefallen Dir am meisten?

SchattenTanz: Es gibt so viele verschiedene Arten von Underground Techno: schnell und hart, zart und dark. Sage ich jetzt mal so. 😂

joushikijin Was beschreibt deine Emotionen beim Hören von Techno am besten?

SchattenTanz: Ausgleich, individuell, Geborgenheit. Schwierig zu beschreiben, es gibt so viele verschiedene emotionale Lagen.

joushikijin Was unterscheidet Underground- von Mainstreamtechno?

SchattenTanz: Menschen (-mengen), Vibes, Crowd, lieber Underground als Mainstream.

joushikijin Mit welchem Equipment spielst Du derzeit am liebsten und wieso?

SchattenTanz: Habe mir einen Xone 43 angelegt in Kombination mit dem Traktor Kontrol Mk2, aber mit dem Xone bin ich momentan noch nicht zufrieden. Ansonsten mit dem Traktor Kontrol S4 Mk3, da ich gerne 4 Tracks zocke, die Vielfältigkeit stimmt, sowie die Flexibilität bockt einfach.

joushikijin Woher nimmst Du deine Kreativität, Musik zu machen?

SchattenTanz: Just lovin music. Ich wurde im Kindesalter schon sehr krass mit Musik konfrontiert. Insbesondere Techno, aber auch alles andere. Nur hatte ich nicht die Möglichkeiten, sowas schon irgendwie auszuüben, als ich jung war. Ich mag abstrakte Hobbies, oder Dinge, die man gern macht, wo man selbst erschaffen kann und seiner Kreativität freien Lauf lassen kann.

joushikijin Gibt es ein spezifisches Ziel, auf das Du musikalisch hinarbeitest?

SchattenTanz: Schwer zu sagen. Ich habe immer mein Ding gemacht und habe alls auf mich zukommen lassen. Grundsätzlich steht Spaß an oberster Stelle. durch Dinge und Erlebnisse sich zu entwickeln, Erfahrungen zu sammeln.

Besucht unsere SoundCloud Seite, um das Set zu genießen.

🇩🇪 KIDANE *

* Interview kommt bald

🇩🇪 FRAG451

Zum ersten Mal wurden wir auf FRAG 451 aufmerksam, nachdem wir seinen Track mit @vendexofficial – Tartarus Gates – entdeckt hatten. Wir hörten uns seine Sets an und dachten, Fucking Hell, wir müssen ihn um eine Kollaboration bitten. Wir genossen die Interaktion und stellten fest, dass wir zahlreiche gemeinsame Interessen haben, wie die Liebe zum Videospielezocken, harten Techno und die Leidenschaft für Adidas Boost. Vielen Dank für das treibenden Set und das interessante Interview. Eine dicke Umarmung von uns beiden.

joushikijin: Wie fühlst Du Dich heute?

FRAG451: Alles in Ordnung, danke. Heute ist Montag und leider schlechtes Wetter, also demnach angepasst. Momentan sitze ich in der U-Bahn und bin auf dem Weg zur Arbeit.

joushikijin Was ist Underground Techno für Dich?

FRAG451: Als „Underground Techno“ definiere ich Techno, welcher viel Personalität beinhaltet und sehr wenig beworben wird. Dabei werden keine Regeln, Richtlinien oder Sonstiges vorgeschrieben, sondern jeder kann hier seine Kreativität freien Lauf lassen.

joushikijin Was war der außergewöhnlichste Rave, den Du jemals besucht hast?

FRAG451: Einen außergewöhnlichen Rave, wie viele Erzählen hatte ich noch nicht, aber dafür hatte ich viele krasse Abende, die mir sehr in Erinnerung geblieben sind, wie z. B: Mein erstes Mal Techno im Z-Bau, Basswell im Haus 33, T78 in der Rakete/Hirsch oder Container Love, welches ein kleines Festival war am Hafen von Nürnberg.

joushikijin Welche Aspekte von Underground Techno gefallen Dir am meisten?

FRAG451: Dieser dreckige Touch von eigener Personalität, welche keine Regeln vorschreibt und auch das experimentelle. Es freut mich, jedes Mal durch meine Discovery zu hören und jedes Mal diesen einen Track oder Artist zu finden, wo ich mir nach mehreren Sekunden nur denke: „Alter … WoW … und das hat nur so wenig Plays?“

joushikijin Was beschreibt deine Emotionen beim Hören von Techno am besten?

FRAG451: Generell höre ich schon sehr oft Techno, ob zu Hause, auf dem Weg zur Arbeit oder im Club, aber es muss nicht immer schnell und hart sein, wie viele denken. Das Krasse ist, es gibt so viele verschiedene Genres für jede Stimmungslage, egal ob man es eher melodisch oder hart haben möchte, ob schnell oder langsam, oder ob oldschool oder nicht. Ich empfinde mit der Musik eine gewisse Aura von Positivität.

joushikijin Was unterscheidet Underground- von Mainstreamtechno?

FRAG451: Geld und Social Media. Der „Mainstream“ stellt viele Regeln und Richtlinien vor, wobei man im „Underground“ man selbst sein darf.

joushikijin Mit welchem Equipment spielst Du derzeit am liebsten und wieso?

FRAG451: Alle meine Sets spiele ich auf meinem Pioneer DDJ-1000. Beinhaltet eigentlich fast alles, was ich benötige, um meinen Sound freien Lauf zu lassen. Liebend gerne würde ich mir aber auch mehr Möglichkeiten wünschen, um auf CDJs zu spielen.

joushikijin Woher nimmst Du deine Kreativität, Musik zu machen?

FRAG451: Ehrlich gesagt entstehen bei mir die meisten Ideen sehr spontan, egal wo. Ich kann es ehrlich gesagt auch nicht erklären. Aber meistens fällt mir einfach irgendein passender Rhythmus oder ne gute Idee fürs nächste Set ein, welche ich dann in einer Sprachaufnahme festhalte. Achtung Profi Tipp 😜

joushikijin Gibt es ein spezifisches Ziel, auf das Du musikalisch hinarbeitest?

FRAG451: Ein spezifisches Ziel verfolge ich momentan nicht. Meistens entsteht jeden Tag ein neues Abenteuer, welches ich spontan aufnehme oder sogar eins, was auf mich zukommt. Klar wäre es schön, mehr Leute zu erreichen oder mal ein Release auf der und der Plattform oder Gig in dem einen oder anderen Club, aber solange ich weiterhin Spaß dabei habe und eventuell weiterhin Menschen mit meiner Musik verbinden kann, dann kann ich guten Gewissens schlafen. 😊

Besucht unsere SoundCloud Seite, um das Set zu genießen.

🇩🇪 Equality

Diesen Mittwoch kommt der Techno aus München von einer Person, die uns über die letzten paar Wochen sehr ans Herz gewachsen ist. 𝕰𝖖𝖚𝖆𝖑𝖎𝖙𝖞 ist ein unglaublich talentierter, lieber und interessanter Mensch, mit dem wir die liebe für Gleichberechtigung teilen. Alle Tracks in diesem Set sind von ihm kreiert, entweder veröffentlicht oder unveröffentlicht. Ein herzliches Dankeschön für die ganze Zeit und Arbeit, die in den Beitrag für unser Projekt ging, sowohl die ganzen lieben Unterhaltungen, welche uns erlaubt haben, uns besser kennenzulernen. Wir freuen uns auf wilde Kollaborationen im nächsten Jahr. ♥️

joushikijin: Wie fühlst Du Dich heute?

Equality: Heute geht es mir sehr gut. Hab acht Stunden geschlafen, trinke gerade meinen ersten Kaffee und im Hintergrund läuft die erste Platte von der Herdersmat VA, von Mord.

joushikijin: Was ist Underground Techno für Dich?

Equality: Techno ist für mich vieles. Techno kann so viel Stimmungen

und Gefühlslagen abdecken wie keine andere Musikrichtung. Vor allem die Leute in der Szene sind etwas ganz Besonderes. Jeder darf sein, wie er möchte. Jeder darf machen und tun, was er möchte. Bei Techno sind alle gleich und diese Message ist mir vor allem in der heutigen Zeit sehr wichtig. Richtiger Underground Techno ist für mich eine Expressionsmöglichkeit, wo es keine Normen und Vorgaben gibt. Jeder macht das, worauf er bock hat. Sei es aufs Produzieren oder auf das Nachtleben bezogen. Es gibt keine Vorgaben!

joushikijin: Was war der außergewöhnlichste Rave, den Du jemals besucht hast?

Equality: Ein illegaler Rave in einem Industriegebiet in Frankfurt, wo der Rave in einem riesigen Kellergewölbe von einem Mehrfamilienhaus stattgefunden hat. Völlig diffus und gleichzeitig komplett krank. 😂 Von oben sah es aus, als wurde man auf eine Gartenparty gehen. Wenn man dann durch den Garten des Hauses gegangen ist, ist man in den Keller gelangt, wo circa 400 Leute gerade haben. Komplett gestört. Die Polizei kam auch zweimal, aber hat den Rave zum Glück nicht gesprengt.

joushikijin: Welche Aspekte von Underground Techno gefallen Dir am meisten?

Equality: Gleichberechtigung, freie Expression jeder einzelnen Person, die Liebe und Leidenschaft auf dem Floor gegenüber allen anderen Ravern und der Musik.

joushikijin: Was beschreibt deine Emotionen beim Hören von Techno am besten?

Equality: Das ist ganz unterschiedlich. Fast auf jede Stimmung passt der verschiedenste Techno. Aber meistens löst Techno in mir einen tranceartigen Zustand aus. Ich bin so gefüllt mit Energie und Leidenschaft wie bei keiner anderen Musik!

joushikijin: Was unterscheidet Underground- von Mainstreamtechno?

Equality: Produzenten, die den Underground prägen, bleiben sich selber

treu und orientieren sich nicht an anderen Trends und derzeit angesagten Künstlern. Sie machen ihr eigenes Ding und das hört man dann auch. Undergroundtechno hat viel mehr Varietät als der Mainstream. Eine Amelie Lens wird niemals das ausdrücken können, was ein Blawan oder Antony Doria ausdrücken kann. Es steckt auch viel mehr Leidenschaft in diesem Techno als in Mainstreamtechno.

joushikijin: Mit welchem Equipment spielst Du derzeit am liebsten und wieso?

Equality: Also zum Auflegen spiele ich am liebsten auf nem Allen & Heath Xone 92 mit zwei CDJs. Am liebsten auf 900ern. Im Studio produziere auf zwei Adam T7 mit FL Studio. Meine Dronesounds mache ich einem Lyra8 von Somalabs. Den Rest baue ich mit virtuellen Drummachines und Synthesizern in meiner DAW.

joushikijin: Woher nimmst Du deine Kreativität, Musik zu machen?

Equality: Meine Inspiration bekomme ich meistens aus Momenten und Gefühlslagen. Auch die Nähe und Leidenschaft zwischenmenschlich bringt einen oft auf viel zu kranke Ideen für neue Tracks. Manchmal, auch wenn ich im Klub stehe, inspiriert das einen. Aber meistens wie gesagt, aus Momenten und Gefühlslagen in meinem Alltag.

joushikijin: Gibt es ein spezifisches Ziel, auf das Du musikalisch hinarbeitest?

Equality: Ich habe derzeit mein neues Album fertiggestellt und warte nur noch auf zwei Remixes von Kollegen. Diese LP (10 Tracks) möchte ich sehr gerne dieses Mal auf Vinyl veröffentlicht. Das ist mein nächster Plan. Weit in die Zukunft plane ich nicht. Ich schaue, was auf mich zukommt und lasse mich weiterhin in meiner Musik treiben.

Besucht unsere SoundCloud Seite, um das Set zu genießen.

🇩🇪 Niels Collins

Ganz vielen lieben Dank an Niels Collins für dieses ultrakrasse Set und spitzen Interview. Eine absolute Perle der derzeitigen Deutschen Undergroundszene. Eine fette Umarmung von uns beiden. Auf Kollaborationen in der nahen Zukunft. 🤗

joushikijin: Wie fühlst Du Dich heute?

Niels Collins: Ich kann mich keineswegs beklagen.

joushikijin: Was ist Underground Techno für Dich?

Niels Collins: Ich würde Underground Techno als eine nicht kategorisierte Szene außerhalb des Mainstream Genres einordnen. Ich betrachte es als eine komplett eigene Welt ohne Regeln und ohne Grenzen … Jeder einzelne Teil dieses Raums kann als „Insider“ betrachtet werden und ergibt etwas viel Größeres und Schöneres und hebt sich somit derartig vom „Mainstream“ ab.

joushikijin: Was war der außergewöhnlichste Rave, den Du jemals besucht hast?

Niels Collins: Eine sehr schwierig ausgewählte Frage, da jeder Rave gewisse außergewöhnliche Ader mit sich bringt. Jedoch schwebt mir ein Tag besonders im Kopf. 2016 wurde unsere alte Crew gefragt, ob wir nicht Lust hätten, die Toiletten auf einem Techhouse Festival zu einem ganz anderen individuellen Erlebnis zu beschallen. Wir wussten nicht so ganz, auf was wir uns dort eingelassen hatten, bis wir dort ankamen und einen Toilettenwagen mit einer circa 4 m² großen Abstellkabine vorfanden. Jedoch haben wir das beste aus der Situation gemacht und diese Möglichkeiten komplett ausgenutzt und unsere ganz eigene Party gemacht. Der komplette Toilettenwagen war mit einem Strobo, einer Nebelmaschine usw. versehen. Mit den richtigen Leuten kann alles zu einer einmaligen und tollen Erfahrung gemacht werden!

joushikijin: Welche Aspekte von Underground Techno gefallen Dir am meisten?

Niels Collins: Nicht nur, dass einem als Künstler keine Regeln gesetzt werden können, trifft auf diese Frage perfekt zu, sondern sind es ebenso die Menschen, die diese Szene und Musik zu dem machen, was es heutzutage ist. Auf diesem Wege ist es meist egal, wie lange man sich kennt oder wie unterschiedlich man auch sein mag, meistens basiert sich alles von Anhieb auf einer Wellenlänge.

joushikijin: Was beschreibt deine Emotionen beim Hören von Techno am besten?

Niels Collins: Damals war mir alles egal, sobald ich am Wochenende einfach auf der Tanzfläche die Augen schließen konnte und alles vergessen konnte. Es zählt nur das hier und jetzt! Heutzutage kann ich jedoch diese Antwort nicht besser definieren, als wenn ich sage, dass mir aggressive industrielle Geräusche mehr Gänsehaut verpassen können als jedes existierende Kältegefühl. Sobald es vorwärtsgeht, bekomme ich das größte Lächeln ins Gesicht gezaubert.

joushikijin: Was unterscheidet Underground- von Mainstreamtechno?

Niels Collins: Da, wo im Mainstream Regeln regieren, regieren im Underground Möglichkeiten

joushikijin: Mit welchem Equipment spielst Du derzeit am liebsten und wieso?

Niels Collins: Am liebsten spiele ich mit definitiv mit meinem Pioneer DJM-850 und dazu zwei Traktor Kontrol X1. Solange es ein solider Mixer ist, bin eigentlich recht schnell zufriedenzustellen.

joushikijin: Woher nimmst Du deine Kreativität, Musik zu machen?

Niels Collins: Aus allen Bereichen des Lebens konnte ich bis jetzt etwas mitnehmen. Es kam schon in den ungewöhnlichsten Lebenssituationen vor, dass mir durch irgendwelche alltäglichen Situationen oder Momenten auf einmal eine Idee kam. Zum Beispiel ein unüblicher Set Name, geprägt durch beispielsweise einem Unternehmen oder eine Werbung im Fernsehen oder ein Lied aus dem Radio, welches potenzial für ein Bootleg dient.

joushikijin: Gibt es ein spezifisches Ziel, auf das Du musikalisch hinarbeitest?

Niels Collins: Genauere Ziele habe ich Momenten nicht. Hauptsache, die Leidenschaft bleibt! Die Musik an sich wird mich genauso weiterhin durch Phasen leiten und begleiten wie schon im Laufe der letzten Jahre. Ich freue mich sehr, am Ende zu schauen, wo es mich hingeführt hat.

Besucht unsere SoundCloud Seite, um das Set zu genießen.

🇩🇪 Thor Adam

Diese Woche kommt der Techno aus Köln. Wir bedanken uns herzlich bei Thor Adam für dieses unglaublich intensive, anspruchsvolle und zeitgleich belohnende Set. Lieben Dank auch für die interessanten Antworten auf unser Interview. Wir freuen uns darauf, mehr von ihm in der Zukunft zu hören, welcher mit Alex unter dem Namen Tixotrop performen wird. 🥳

joushikijin: Wie fühlst Du Dich heute?

Thor Adam: Hab bisschen überlegt, ob ich versuche, eine besonders witzige Antwort zu geben. Das hätte aber zu viele Sätze an Erklärung hinter sich hergezogen, und weil ich die Leser nicht schon bei der ersten Frage langweilen will, gibts ne kurze Antwort: Wunderbar. Bin nämlich in Schreibstimmung für die Antworten, die wahrscheinlich etwas länger bzw. aufwendiger werden. 😂

joushikijin: Was ist Underground Techno für Dich?

Thor Adam: Underground ist, wenn man 0,7 % der Weltbevölkerung mit seiner Musik anspricht, 10 % es über sich ergehen lassen und die restlichen 89,3 % wegrennen. Diese Zahlen sind zwar nur geschätzt, aber ich kann mir gut vorstellen, dass sie zutreffen. Dennoch definiert jeder Underground anders. Jemanden wie „I Hate Models“ würde ich prinzipiell dem Underground zurechnen. Aber kann man mit 185.000 Instagram- bzw. fast 90.000 Soundcloud-Followern noch Underground sein? In der Zeit vor Corona war ich durchschnittlich 5-6 pro Jahr in Berlin und auch jedes Mal im Berghain. Deswegen ist die Musik, die ich spiele, sehr stark davon beeinflusst (gewesen?). Hier stellt sich aber ebenfalls die Frage: Kann der beste/berühmteste Techno Club der Welt noch Underground sein? Früher bezeichnete ich meine Art von Techno immer als „Mainstream-Underground“. Heute weiß ich, dass der Fachbegriff dafür „Electronic Body Music“ (EBM) heißt.

joushikijin: Was war der außergewöhnlichste Rave, den Du jemals besucht hast?

Thor Adam: Es gab zwei „Raves“, die mich außerordentlich geprägt haben. Fast auf den Tag genau vor sechs Jahren (17.10.2015) habe ich „das Licht gesehen“. So nenne ich es immer aus Scherz, wenn ich davon erzähle: Zeitgeber (Back2Back Lucy mit Speedy J) haben ein 6-Stunden-Set um die Mittagszeit bei der Klubnacht gespielt. Was ich da gehört habe, habe ich damals „Beyond Techno“ genannt. Mir ist auf einmal bewusst geworden, dass „diese Art von Techno“ nichts mit dem 128er-Druffi- Bumbum, dass ich zu diesem Zeitpunkt aus Köln kannte, zu tun hat, sondern die Weiterführung der musikhistorischen Linie von Bach über Schönberg und Stockhausen darstellt. (Kurzer Hintergrund: Ich habe eine „klassische“ Cembaloausbildung. Wen das näher interessiert, kann sich gerne bei mir melden.) Zwei oder drei Jahre später dann der zweite prägende Rave. Ebenfalls im Berghain. Nachdem wir schon gute 20 Stunden (mit kleinen Pausen) dort gewesen sind, sagte ich zu meinem Freunden: „Jetzt schauen wir uns noch ne halbe Stunde das Closing von ‚diesem Boris‘ (den ich bis zu diesem Zeitpunkt nicht kannte) an und dann gehen wir nach Hause“. Die ersten 45-60 Minuten habe ich neben dem DJ Booth gestanden und das Maul nicht mehr zu gekriegt. Ich dachte die ganze Zeit: „OMG. So will ich auch auflegen können“. Set dem versuche ich auf eine ähnliche Art wie mein neues großes Vorbild aufzulegen. Wir sind übrigens an diesem Tag noch weitere 6 Stunden beim Boris-Closing geblieben …

joushikijin: Welche Aspekte von Underground Techno gefallen Dir am meisten?

Thor Adam: Die von mir hochgeschätzte Frau „Dr. Rubinstein“ (Vinyl DJane aus Israel/Berlin) sagt: „Acid … separates the ravers from people who came to socialise“. Underground-Techno ist ein Lebensgefühl, das die beiden mir besonders wichtigen Aspekte „Freiheit“ und „Toleranz“ extra großschreibt. In einer wahren Underground-Techno-Community kannst du immer sein, wie du bist und brauchst dich für nichts zu schämen oder dich zu verstellen.

joushikijin: Was beschreibt deine Emotionen beim Hören von Techno am besten?

Thor Adam: Beim Hören (aber, auch beim Spielen) von Techno ist mir wichtig, dass die Musik mich in Ekstase versetzt. Es gibt, besonders von Perc, einige Tracks, die mich auf eine ganz feine und sanfte Art immer weitertreiben, bis man mit der Musik eins ist. Das geht besonders gut mit Acid und EBM. In meinem Set versuche ich dies ab Minute 30 und besonders ausgeprägt ab Minute 45 umzusetzen.

joushikijin: Was unterscheidet Underground- von Mainstreamtechno?

Thor Adam: Man kann Mainstream- und Undergroundtechno im Prinzip so vergleichen: Die Mainstreamer spielen Fußball und die Underground-Techno-Leute Spielen Handball. Es geht bei beiden Spielen darum, dass eine Mannschaft versucht, einen Ball ins Tor zu bringen. Trotzdem wird niemand behaupten, dass es der gleiche Sport sei. Fußball hat viel mehr Fans. Nicht zuletzt, weil der Sport sanfter ist. Handball hat eine eingeschränktere Zielgruppe und ist viel rauer. Und auch die Spieler sind beim Handball in der Regel weniger „Schönlinge“ als die Fußball-Millionäre, sondern wesentlich authentischer. Genauso unterscheidet sich auch das Publikum von Mainstream und „richtigem“ Techno.

joushikijin: Mit welchem Equipment spielst Du derzeit am liebsten und wieso?

Thor Adam: Als Techno-DJ bin ich natürlich ein Allen & Heath „Jünger“. In der vergangenen Woche habe ich mir ein neues Spielzeug geleistet: Xone:96. Dieser Podcast ist aber noch mit meinem alten Mixer, Xone:43, aufgenommen worden. Außerdem stehen bei mir zu Hause noch drei XDJ-700 von Pioneer, die, wie ich finde, die sinnvollsten Player sind. Sie können etwa 90 % von dem, was die CDJ-2000NXS2 können, kosten aber nicht mal 1/3. Techno mit weniger als drei Playern zu spielen, finde ich (fast) unmöglich, wenn man mehr will, als nur „lebendiges iTunes“ zu sein …

joushikijin: Woher nimmst Du deine Kreativität, Musik zu machen?

Thor Adam: Ich glaube, das hat etwas damit zu tun, ob man grundsätzlich lieber selber tanzt oder lieber die anderen tanzen lässt. Wenn man an letzterem mehr Spaß hat, dann ist die Kreativität automatisch da.

joushikijin: Gibt es ein spezifisches Ziel, auf das Du musikalisch hinarbeitest?

Thor Adam: „Tixotrop“ ist der Back2Back Name von mir und meinem besten Freund Alex Mies. Weil wir uns in sehr vielen Dingen extrem gut ergänzen, funktioniert das Zusammenspielen bei uns besonders gut. Dies will ich in Zukunft weiter ausbauen und hoffe, dass wir vielen weiteren Ravern mit unserer Musik viel Freude bereiten werden.

Besucht unsere SoundCloud Seite, um das Set zu genießen.

🇩🇪 IN_CEPT

Diese Woche kommt der Techno Mal wieder aus dem Schwarzwald. 🌲Ganz vielen lieben Dank an IN_CEPT für dieses herrliche treibende Set und offene Interview. 🍄🥰 Wir bedanken uns herzlich für die Kollaboration.

joushikijin: Wie fühlst Du Dich heute?

IN_CEPT: Heute fühle ich mich nicht sehr fit, liegt wohl daran, dass ich mich nach meinem Urlaub erkältet habe. Jedoch nutze ich meinen kranken Tag, um produktiv zu sein und an meinem neuen Release weiterzuarbeiten.

joushikijin: Was ist Underground Techno für Dich?

IN_CEPT: Underground Techno ist Techno, bei dem ich mich zu Hause fühle, dabei müssen Set und Setting stimmen, wenn die Musik Underground ist, jedoch der Ort und das Klientel nicht zum Gesamten Etablissement passt, kann ich mich nicht dabei wohlfühlen.

joushikijin: Was war der außergewöhnlichste Rave, den Du jemals besucht hast?

IN_CEPT: An den ungewöhnlichsten Rave kann ich mich nicht mehr so genau dran erinnern, aber welcher Rave mit dir definit im Kopf geblieben ist, war einer während des Corona Lockdown letztes Jahr zur Weihnachtszeit, das ganze fand an einem Lostplace statt. Zuerst verlief alles nach Plan und der Stimmung war Mega, doch als ein Freund ins Krankenhaus musste, flog alles auf und das Gebäude wurde von Einsatzkräften gestürmt, was sich in dem Moment wie ein Film anfühlte.

joushikijin: Welche Aspekte von Underground Techno gefallen Dir am meisten?

IN_CEPT: Die Stimmung und der Sound, da man meistens Musik zu hören bekommt, die man nicht auf einem regulären Festival oder Club hört und der allgemeine Secret Vibe da Underground.

joushikijin: Was beschreibt deine Emotionen beim Hören von Techno am besten?

IN_CEPT: Partys meiner Meinung nach was Mystisches haben und verdammt ”dreckig” sind. Sehr schwierig, dass in Worte zu fassen, größtenteils verstärkt es die Emotionen, die ich bereits fühle, jedoch fühle ich mich sehr gepusht und motiviert, wenn ich Techno höre.

joushikijin: Was unterscheidet Underground- von Mainstreamtechno?

IN_CEPT: Underground Techno ist meiner Meinung nach nicht für jeden, da Underground Techno meistens doch sehr abstrakt oder härter ist als herkömmlicher Techno. Jedoch empfinde ich meistens, Das diese Leute auch mehr das Wort Rave verstanden haben, da man immer mehr wahrnimmt, wie Techno Mainstream wird und es das falsche Klientel anzieht.

joushikijin: Mit welchem Equipment spielst Du derzeit am liebsten und wieso?

IN_CEPT: Mein Equipment besteht vollständig aus Native Instruments teilen, da ich mit Traktor Pro 3 spiele und nicht vorhabe, in näherer Zukunft auf was anderes umzusteigen. Was ich mir jedoch vorstellen könnte, ist irgendwann meine Sets nur noch live zu spielen.

joushikijin: Woher nimmst Du deine Kreativität, Musik zu machen?

IN_CEPT: Meine Kreativität zieh ich vor allem aus anderen Tracks und von Künstlern, die ich höre, aber oft hatte ich auch schon extreme Gedankenblitze (vor allem auf psychedelischen Reisen 😂), die meine Kreativität sehr förderten.

joushikijin: Gibt es ein spezifisches Ziel, auf das Du musikalisch hinarbeitest?

IN_CEPT: Ja, definitiv! Ich habe mir seit dem meine Musik gut bei den Leuten ankam, gewünscht, regelmäßig Clubs und Veranstaltungen mit meinem Stil zu beschallen und irgendwann auch auf riesigen Underground Veranstaltungen zu spielen.

Besucht unsere SoundCloud Seite, um das Set zu genießen.

🇩🇪 ODAR

Eine weitere Kollaboration mit unserer Berliner Lieblingscrew. Ganz lieben Dank an Odar für dieses Set. Wir teilen die Liebe für harte Kicks, abgesteckte Baselines und zackiges Tempo. Herzlichen Dank auch für das Interview und die Einblicke in die Kultur, es sind diese, warum wir das Projekt gestartet haben. Eine dicke Umarmung von uns beiden an dich und den Rest von Paradoxon. Auf das wir nächstes Jahr zusammen feiern können.

joushikijin: Wie fühlst Du Dich heute?

ODAR: Super!

joushikijin: Was ist Underground Techno für Dich?

ODAR: Für mich ist typischer Underground Techno die Musik auf Partys unserer Crew hier bei uns in Berlin und natürlich auch außerhalb. Gerade Veranstaltungen, auf denen künstlerische Freiheit großgeschrieben wird.

joushikijin: Was war der außergewöhnlichste Rave, den Du jemals besucht hast?

ODAR: Für mich eindeutig mein erster Besuch im KitKatClub. Fast vollkommen nackte Menschen tanzen und hinter der Bar arbeiten zu sehen, fand ich damals einfach nur verrückt. Die KitKatClub/Sisyphos/Berghain-Szene fasziniert mich enorm. Ich finde es super, wie Tabu frei und enthemmt eine Veranstaltung sein kann.

joushikijin: Welche Aspekte von Underground Techno gefallen Dir am meisten?

ODAR: Ganz klar, dass die Künstler das machen, worauf sie Bock haben.

joushikijin: Was beschreibt deine Emotionen beim Hören von Techno am besten?

ODAR: Techno, der Gänsehaut bei mir auslöst, erfüllt mich mit großer Freude. Nicht viel auf der Welt löst in mir solch ein Vergnügen aus wie gute Musik.

joushikijin: Was unterscheidet Underground- von Mainstreamtechno?

ODAR: Ich war zur Wende noch nicht geboren, aber die Zeit damals ist wohl einer der Urgesteine des Undergrounds. Damals bedeutete Techno noch eine ganz andere Art von Freiheit, wie sie heute nur noch im tiefsten Underground zu finden ist. Im Mainstream geht es (überwiegend) nur um Massenabfertigung, und diese besondere Art der Gesetzlosigkeit existiert hier nicht.

joushikijin: Mit welchem Equipment spielst Du derzeit am liebsten und wieso?

ODAR: Angefangen habe ich mit einem Controller und habe bis jetzt auch nur einmal aufgerüstet. Momentan spiele ich meine Sets auf einem TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 MK3. Ich habe diesen Controller lieben gelernt, würde aber gerne irgendwann auf ein echtes Klub-Set-up umsteigen.

joushikijin: Woher nimmst Du deine Kreativität, Musik zu machen?

ODAR: Bevor ich angefangen habe, Sets zu produzieren, habe ich Sets rauf und runter gehört, mittlerweile sind eigentlich nur noch Tracks für mich interessant. Beim Hören der Tracks entscheide ich ziemlich schnell, ob ich sie spielen will oder nicht. Ich spiele auch oft eher intuitiv und bereite meistens nur das Nötigste vor. Als Digital DJ kann ich die Vorteile des Controllers und der Traktorsoftware gut für mich nutzen. Leider höre ich viel zu selten Sets anderer DJs, das würde ich gerne ändern. Ich denke, das würde meine Kreativität definitiv noch steigern.

joushikijin: Gibt es ein spezifisches Ziel, auf das Du musikalisch hinarbeitest?

ODAR: Momentan betrachte ich das DJing mehr als Hobby als einen Lifestyle. Was allerdings nicht bedeutet, dass ich mich musikalisch überhaupt nicht weiter entwickeln werde. In Zukunft werde ich mein öffentliches Profil ausbauen und das Label meiner Freunde und mir vorantreiben. Mehr ist erst mal nicht in Planung. Aber wer weiß schon, was die Zukunft bringt?

Besucht unsere SoundCloud Seite, um das Set zu genießen.

🇩🇪 HYPNOTIZED

Diese Woche kommt der Techno aus der Nähe von Köln, einer der Hotspots des deutschen Undergroundtechno in Westdeutschland. Seit fast einem Jahr Höhren wir die Sets von Hypnotized und wussten zum Start dieses Projektes, dass wir ihn um eine Kollaboration fragen müssen. 🥰 Wir lieben seine harten Bässe und extremen Fokus auf Rhythmus. Wir bedanken uns herzlich für seine Zeit und freuen uns in der Zukunft mehr von ihm und seiner Tagesraver Crew zu Höhren. Wo Ihr, falls Ihr Sie noch nicht kennt, auf jedenfalls Mal reinhören solltet, die haben zurzeit einer der interessantesten Podcasts am Laufen.

joushikijin: Wie fühlst Du Dich heute?

Hypnotized: Ich fühle mich wirklich gut, momentan läuft alles perfekt. Auf der Arbeit ist alles super, genauso wie in der Musik. Ich erreiche Ziele, von denen ich lange geträumt habe. Meine Familie ist sehr stolz auf mich und das gibt mir ein super Gefühl.

joushikijin: Was ist Underground Techno für Dich?

Hypnotized: Ein Gefühl, schöner, dunkler und auch dreckiger Sound. Am besten richtig auf die Fresse wie unser Motto bei den Tagesraver. Am besten in geilen Locations wie einem Tunnel oder Bunker, um das Gefühl von Underground zu unterstreichen. Ein gutes Beispiel ist mein Lieblingsclub die Elektroküche Köln. Der perfekte Ort für dunklen, dreckigen Techno.

joushikijin: Was war der außergewöhnlichste Rave, den Du jemals besucht hast?

Hypnotized: Halloween 2020 ein Rave in einem wirklich großen Waldgebiet mit einem riesigen alten Tunnel. Ich habe noch nie solche Umstände auf mich genommen, um zu einem Rave zu kommen. Durch Matsch laufen und weit entfernt von jeglichen Häusern oder Straßen. Das war einfach außergewöhnlich, genau wie der Sound und die Atmosphäre in diesem alten Tunnel.

joushikijin: Welche Aspekte von Underground Techno gefallen Dir am meisten?

Hypnotized: Das sind ganz klar die dunklen, treibenden Bässe.

joushikijin: Was beschreibt deine Emotionen beim Hören von Techno am besten?

Hypnotized: Gute Laune, einfach alles rauslassen. Wenn ich bei mir zu Hause Techno höre, tanze ich einfach durch die Bude. Beim Techno kann ich alles für diesen Moment loslassen und abschalten. Wenn man selbst mischt, ist man noch mehr bei der Sache. Dabei habe ich einfach Spaß. Das ist meine Leidenschaft und ich freue mich jedes Mal aufs Neue, wenn Leuten meine Arbeit gefällt.

joushikijin: Was unterscheidet Underground- von Mainstreamtechno?

Hypnotized: Ganz klar, der Sound! Mainstream Techno ist zu einfach und gewöhnlich ohne die wirklich richtige Spannung und Energie den Techno braucht. Der Underground Techno hat diesen treibenden Sound, der mich so begeistert!

joushikijin: Mit welchem Equipment spielst Du derzeit am liebsten und wieso?

Hypnotized: Momentan besitze ich selbst den Pioneer DDJ100 Controller. Ich spiele über den Laptop mit der Software RekordBox. Um euch meinen gewohnten Sound, wie ihr ihn hört zu präsentieren, muss ich auf diesem Controller spielen. Ansonsten würde ich mir gerne wie im Club die Player Pioneer CDJs anschaffen, auf den zocke ich nämlich auch sehr gerne.

joushikijin: Woher nimmst Du deine Kreativität, Musik zu machen?

Hypnotized: Ich war schon früh musikalisch aktiv. Als Kind/Teenager habe ich über sieben Jahre Akustik Gitarre gespielt und hatte sogar schon bereits Auftritte. Mit vierzehn fing es dann mit der elektronischen Musik an, zu Beginn EDM & House und dann wurde es direkt schnell mit French Core und Uptempo sowie Hardtekk. Erst mit achtzehn kam ich in Berührung mit Techno und habe es sofort gefühlt. Seitdem an höre und spiele ich am liebsten den schnellen Techno. Ich kann gar nicht genau sagen, woher ich meine Kreativität nehme. Wenn ich spiele, bin ich einfach ich selber und schaue, welchen Sound ich in dem Moment am meisten fühle und lasse meiner Kreativität freien Lauf.

joushikijin: Gibt es ein spezifisches Ziel, auf das Du musikalisch hinarbeitest?

Hypnotized: Mein Ziel ist es nicht vor Tausenden von Menschen zu spielen, sondern einfach meine Musik zu präsentieren. Wenn die Leute sie feiern, freue ich mich natürlich, sie vor möglichst vielen zu zeigen. Mein Traum war es, in der Elektroküche Köln auf einer Affenkäfig-Party zu spielen. Das ist vor Kurzem in Erfüllung gegangen und dafür bin ich sehr dankbar. Mein Ziel ist es, mich weiterzuentwickeln und den Weg zu gehen, den ich für richtig halte und dabei möchte ich immer ich selbst bleiben.

Besucht unsere SoundCloud Seite, um das Set zu genießen.

🇩🇪 Nicky Schelle

Diese Woche ohne viel Worte. Ganz lieben herzlichen Dank an Nicky Schelle für das treibende Set und interessante Interview. Wir sind immer glücklich über den Einblick und Kontext. Wir wünschen alle eine schöne Woche und hoffen, dass euch das Set genauso viel Spaß macht wie uns. 🥰

joushikijin: Wie fühlst Du Dich heute?

Nicky Schelle: Ich fühle mich heute gut. Diese Woche habe ich mitbekommen, dass ich nun ein Teil von Technobunker in Freiburg sein darf. Ich freu mich schon auf die Zusammenarbeit mit der Crew.

joushikijin: Was ist Underground Techno für Dich?

Nicky Schelle: Underground Techno ist für mich jede Art von Techno Sound, der nicht die breite Masse, auch Mainstream genannt, ansprechen soll. Beim Underground Techno geht es den Künstlern in erster Linie um die Musik und es wird versucht, seinen Sound mit den Leuten zu teilen, auch wenn dieser im ersten Moment nicht die komplette Crowd anspricht. Somit wird oft versucht, eine bestimmte Gruppe an Zuhörern zu erreichen.

joushikijin: Was war der außergewöhnlichste Rave, den Du jemals besucht hast?

Nicky Schelle: Der außergewöhnlichste Rave bisher war mein erster Besuch auf einem Warehouse Rave vom Possession Kollektiv in Paris. Die Menschen und die Atmosphäre dort waren einzigartig. Man hat gemerkt, dass die Technoscene in Frankreich noch relativ jung im Gegensatz zu Deutschland ist. Hier hatte ich das Gefühl, dass dieser Ort ein Zufluchtsort für die Pariser Underground Scene und gleichzeitig auch ein Treffpunkt für die Queerscene ist. Der Techno auf der Possession ist sehr schnell und beinhaltet oft harten Industrial oder Trance Elemente. Dieser Sound hat mich selber inspiriert und dazu beigetragen, dass ich meinen eigenen Stil komplett geändert habe. Ab diesem Zeitpunkt habe ich angefangen, schnellen Industrialtechno und Hardtechno aufzulegen.

joushikijin: Welche Aspekte von Underground Techno gefallen Dir am meisten?

Nicky Schelle: Am meisten gefällt mir am Underground Techno, dass er so gut wie keine Grenzen kennt. Meiner Meinung nach gibt es keine fest definierte Grenze, ab wann ein Sound Underground ist oder nicht. Es geht eher darum, wie der Künstler den Sound rüberbringt, wo oder wie er auftritt und was er schlussendlich daraus macht. Underground ist für mich auch immer eine Bewegung gegen das alltägliche Systemleben.

joushikijin: Was beschreibt deine Emotionen beim Hören von Techno am besten?

Nicky Schelle: Das Hören von Techno lässt sich mit einem warmen Gefühl vergleichen, dass durch den ganzen Körper strömt. Dabei fängt der ganze Körper an zu kribbeln. Gleichzeitig ist es auch eine Abwechslung zu unserem stressigen, teilweise oft auch monotonen Alltag. Der Techno hat auf mich oft eine hypnotische Wirkung, in der ich jedes Zeitgefühl und alle Probleme im Alltag für einen Moment vergesse und mich diesem vollkommen hingeben kann.

joushikijin: Was unterscheidet Underground- von Mainstreamtechno?

Nicky Schelle: Wie schon oben bereits erwähnt kennt Underground Techno keine Grenzen. Ich denke, es kommt auch oft auf die Betrachtungsweise der Menschen an, ob ein Sound als Mainstream gilt. Insgesamt bleiben Musik-Geschmäcker immer verschieden und man sollte schlussendlich Spaß daran haben, an dem, was man macht.

joushikijin: Mit welchem Equipment spielst Du derzeit am liebsten und wieso?

Nicky Schelle: Derzeit spiele ich mit dem Allen & Heath Xone 92 und Pioneer CDJ-2000NXS. Seit dem Umstieg von Traktor auf die CDJ-Player macht das Auflegen um einiges mehr Spaß. Ich liebe den Filter Effekt und die zwei Verstellbaren mitten beim Xone 92. Ich habe auch nichts dagegen, auf einem Pioneer Mischpult zu spielen, jedoch bevorzuge ich in erster Linie doch ein Allen & Heath Mischpult.

joushikijin: Woher nimmst Du deine Kreativität, Musik zu machen?

Nicky Schelle: Viel von meiner Kreativität nehme ich aus dem Alltag mit. Auch lasse ich mich gerne von anderen Künstlern inspirieren. Ich mag es auch ehrlich gesagt, lieber mit Kollegen eine Studiosession zu machen, als stundenlang alleine vor dem Bildschirm zu sitzen.

joushikijin: Gibt es ein spezifisches Ziel, auf das Du musikalisch hinarbeitest?

Nicky Schelle: Auf jeden Fall möchte ich mich in Zukunft noch weiterhin in das Produzieren mehr einarbeiten, sodass zukünftig auch eigene Produktionen von mir entstehen und ich meinen Sound noch konkreter definieren kann. Ich habe mir auch überlegt, in Richtung Sounddesign etwas zu studieren. Weiterhin beleibt mein größtes Hauptziel, Spaß an der Musik zu haben und die Leute zu inspirieren und glücklich zu machen.

Besucht unsere SoundCloud Seite, um das Set zu genießen.

🇩🇪 Eve.E.

Diese Woche kommt der Techno aus der Pfalz. Zu der wir eine spezielle Beziehung haben, da wir dort unsere Familie haben und auch unser Auto ein Pfälzer Kennzeichen trägt. Wir bedanken uns herzlich bei Eve dafür, dass Sie sich die Zeit genommen hat, zu diesem Projekt beizutragen. Sie war schon lange auf unserem Radar, und dieses Set ist eine wirkliche Perle, das wir die letzten Tage rauf und runter gehört haben. Ää Häärzlische gruß aa all de Deschnoliebhaba in der Palz. 🤗😘

joushikijin: Wie fühlst Du Dich heute?

Eve.E.: Entspannt.

joushikijin: Was ist Underground Techno für Dich?

Eve.E.: Nicht kommerzieller Techno, der in kleinen Szenen gefeiert wird.

joushikijin: Was war der außergewöhnlichste Rave, den Du jemals besucht hast?

Eve.E.: Ein verlassener Bunker mitten im Nirgendwo.

joushikijin: Welche Aspekte von Underground Techno gefallen Dir am meisten?

Eve.E.: Die Musik und die Gemeinschaft stehen im Vordergrund.

joushikijin: Was beschreibt deine Emotionen beim Hören von Techno am besten?

Eve.E.: Lust zu tanzen und feiern.

joushikijin: Was unterscheidet Underground- von Mainstreamtechno?

Eve.E.: Unter Underground verstehe ich kleine Veranstaltungen mit unbekannten Künstlern. Musikalische Freiheit.

joushikijin: Mit welchem Equipment spielst Du derzeit am liebsten und wieso?

Eve.E.: Meinem Eigenen, damit komme ich zurecht. Probiere aber auch gerne anderes Equipment aus, wenn sich die Möglichkeit ergibt.

joushikijin: Woher nimmst Du deine Kreativität, Musik zu machen?

Eve.E.: Interesse und Spaß an der Sache.

joushikijin: Gibt es ein spezifisches Ziel, auf das Du musikalisch hinarbeitest?

Eve.E.: Nicht wirklich, ich lasse mich mal überraschen, wohin die „Reise“ geht.

Besucht unsere SoundCloud Seite, um das Set zu genießen.

🇩🇪 Tinou

Diese Woche schallt der Techno aus Leipzig. Genau genommen kommt Tinou aus La Roche-sur-Yon an der französischen Westküste. Er lebt mittlerweile schon länger in Deutschland und ist somit auch ein Teil der Szene geworden. Wir hoffen Ihr habt Spaß an seinem einzigartigen Stil digital und Vinyl zu mischen.

joushikijin: Wie fühlst Du Dich heute?

Tinou: Mir geht es gut. Im Moment gibt es viel zu tun, aber das ist gut, denn ich bleibe beschäftigt.

joushikijin Was ist Underground Techno für Dich?

Tinou: Jeder Titel auf YouTube mit weniger als 100 Aufrufen … Spaß beiseite, ich denke, Underground Techno ist wirklich ein weites Thema. Ich begann, Techno auf einer kostenlosen Technoparty in Frankreich zu hören. Dort könnte ich sagen, dass der Techno Underground war. Meistens wird harter Techno gespielt, und früher waren es alte Techno-Platten, die mit 45 U/min abgespielt wurden …

joushikijin Was war der außergewöhnlichste Rave, den Du jemals besucht hast?

Tinou: Auf jeden Fall Space Piknik 2016 in der Tschechischen Republik.

joushikijin Welche Aspekte von Underground Techno gefallen Dir am meisten?

Tinou: Ich liebe Underground Locations oder schöne Plätze in der Natur.

joushikijin Was beschreibt deine Emotionen beim Hören von Techno am besten?

Tinou: Ich bekomme oft Gänsehaut, wenn ich Musik höre/abmische, die ich liebe.

joushikijin Was unterscheidet Underground- von Mainstreamtechno?

Tinou: Pfff, ich weiß nicht … Ich schätze die Kunstschaffende Person selber. 😊

joushikijin Mit welchem Equipment spielst Du derzeit am liebsten und wieso?

Tinou: Im Moment spiele ich Vinyl plus Timecode. Auf diese Weise kann ich alte Techno-Sachen spielen, die nicht digital erhältlich sind, und aktuelle digitale Tracks, die nicht als Vinyl erhältlich sind.

joushikijin Woher nimmst Du deine Kreativität, Musik zu machen?

Tinou: Von allem, dem Wetter, den Leuten um mich herum, dem Moment, in dem ich spiele …

joushikijin Gibt es ein spezifisches Ziel, auf das Du musikalisch hinarbeitest?

Tinou: Nicht besonders, ich mache es einfach, weil ich generell gerne spiele. 😁

Besucht unsere SoundCloud Seite, um das Set zu genießen.

🇩🇪 KLS

Liebe Kinder, gebt fein acht der KLS hat Techno mitgebracht. Schnallt euch an, dieses Set hat unser Herz erobert. Drei Decks, Freestyle, absolut perfekt organisiert und choreografiertes Chaos. Ganz vielen lieben Dank an KLS für den Support und kontinuierliche Liebe für die Technocommunity.

joushikijin: Wie fühlst Du Dich heute?

KLS: Sehr gut, richtig gut in den Tag gestartet heute direkt mit einem Techno Set.

joushikijin: Was ist Underground Techno für Dich?

KLS: Schnellerer Sound, harte Bassline.

joushikijin: Was war der außergewöhnlichste Rave, den Du jemals besucht hast?

KLS: Mein erster Rave im Club, durfte ich direkt zum DJ hoch und dort tanzen und habe die ganzen Leute von oben beim Ausrasten gesehen, ich denke, diese Erfahrung hat mich zum Auflegen gebracht.

joushikijin: Welche Aspekte von Underground Techno gefallen Dir am meisten?

KLS: Ich liebe den schnellen Sound, alles zwischen 152-160 bpm.

joushikijin: Was beschreibt deine Emotionen beim Hören von Techno am besten?

KLS: Wenn man sich auf Übergänge konzentriert oder wie gut zwei Tracks zusammenpassen, z. B. bei selbstaufgenommenen Sets zur Kontrolle ist es wie Meditation, alle Gedanken sind weg, einfach loslassen. Dazu Dankbarkeit, dass ich überhaupt zum Techno gefunden habe und pure Freude beim Tanzen.

joushikijin: Was unterscheidet Underground- von Mainstreamtechno?

KLS: Der Vibe beim Feiern ist der Unterschied, Mainstream sind viele Leute, die den Sound zwar feiern, aber nicht richtig darauf abgehen, bei Underground gibt es so einen kranken Vibe wenn alle ausrasten, z. B. Unpolished oder Possession. Unbeschreiblich.

joushikijin: Mit welchem Equipment spielst Du derzeit am liebsten und wieso?

KLS: TRAKTOR KONTROL S8, zwei KRK ROKIT RP5 und die Sennheiser HD 25. Ist mein Starting Equipment und ich bin voll zufrieden damit.

joushikijin: Woher nimmst Du deine Kreativität, Musik zu machen?

KLS: Weiß ich selbst nicht so genau. Ich fühle manche Tracks einfach mehr als andere, diese kaufe ich mir dann und eröffne eine neue Playlist in meinem DJ Programm. Dann überlege mir, welche Tracks zu welchen passen können und dann nehme ich einfach ein Freestyle Set auf.

joushikijin: Gibt es ein spezifisches Ziel, auf das Du musikalisch hinarbeitest?

KLS: Als ich angefangen habe, war das Ziel bei Unpolished aufzulegen. Es ist immer noch ein Traum von mir, aber ich fokussiere mich nicht mehr darauf, mir ist klar geworden, dass ich aktuell ja schon mache, was mir Spaß macht und mich Musik machen, richtig erfüllt. Ich mache einfach das, was mir Spaß macht, wenn sich der ein oder andere Gig ergibt und die Leute meinen eigenen Style von Techno feiern macht mich das mehr als glücklich.

Besucht unsere SoundCloud Seite, um das Set zu genießen.

🇩🇪 NACID

Ob Bayern zu Deutschland gehört, ist eine Frage, die regional und national immer noch diskutiert wird. Für unser Projekt nehmen wir einfach an, dass es so ist. Wir lieben Bayern von tiefen Herzen, auch wenn wir die lieben Menschen nicht immer verstehen. Egal, auf der Tanzfläche geht es auch ohne verbalen Austausch. Wir freuen uns unglaublich, diese Woche unsere erste Kollaboration aus Nürnberg zu teilen. ♥️

joushikijin: Wie fühlst Du Dich heute?

ℕ𝔸ℂ𝕀𝔻: Ich fühle mich heute ziemlich gut, allerdings ist momentan eine stressige Zeit.

joushikijin: Was ist Underground Techno für Dich?

ℕ𝔸ℂ𝕀𝔻: Für mich ist Underground Techno eine Abspaltung des ganzen Mainstreams Zeugs. Es ist Leidenschaft für viele Leute und auch für mich. Dieses offene, gemeinschaftliche und generell das Feeling bei der Musik und bei den Veranstaltungen ist pures Wohlbefinden meiner Meinung nach.

joushikijin: Was war der außergewöhnlichste Rave, den Du jemals besucht hast?

ℕ𝔸ℂ𝕀𝔻: Der außergewöhnlichste Rave, an den ich mich noch gut erinnern kann, war ein 72 Stunden Open Air in irgendeinem Wald, wo Musik und Setting extrem gepasst hat. Jedoch sind es für mich meist die Leute, wo ausmachen, dass ein Rave wirklich geil wird.

joushikijin: Welche Aspekte von Underground Techno gefallen Dir am meisten?

ℕ𝔸ℂ𝕀𝔻: Die Musik (die Leidenschaft und das Talent vieler Leute dahinter). Der Spaß und der Abbau von Stress (Meiner Meinung nach mehr als bei Main Stream Techno). Der Umgang untereinander (abhängig von Personen natürlich). Die Emotionen beim Hören und Machen.

joushikijin: Was beschreibt deine Emotionen beim Hören von Techno am besten?

ℕ𝔸ℂ𝕀𝔻: Schwierig zu Beschreiben, aber Freude, Wohlbefinden und frei sein.

joushikijin: Was unterscheidet Underground- von Mainstreamtechno?

ℕ𝔸ℂ𝕀𝔻: Es ist die Leidenschaft dazu, die es sehr unterscheidet egal ob beim hören, produzieren oder auflegen der Musik. Das Gefühl dabei und das Setting ist in der Szene viel entspannter und ich fühle mich einfach um einiges wohler.

joushikijin: Mit welchem Equipment spielst Du derzeit am liebsten und wieso?

ℕ𝔸ℂ𝕀𝔻: Momentan benutze ich einen TRAKTOR KONTROL S8 daher ich mir gerade noch kein besseres Equipment leisten kann und einen Mac natürlich. Aber am liebsten mit einem Allen & Heath Xone Mixer und TRAKTOR KONTROL F1 und STEMS Controller.

joushikijin: Woher nimmst Du deine Kreativität, Musik zu machen?

ℕ𝔸ℂ𝕀𝔻: Ich mach Musik hauptsächlich für mich und mich motiviert es einfach, wenn ich am Ende ein Gutes Ergebnis habe und ich zufrieden damit bin. Mich motiviert es natürlich auch immer sehr positive Resonanz anderer Leute zu hören oder lesen.

joushikijin: Gibt es ein spezifisches Ziel, auf das Du musikalisch hinarbeitest?

ℕ𝔸ℂ𝕀𝔻: Das ich mich musikalisch immer weiter voran arbeite und mehr und mehr lerne und somit mein Sound für mich besser wird und logischerweise auch gut bei Leuten ankommt, die die Musik auch so sehr feiern.

Besucht unsere SoundCloud Seite, um das Set zu genießen.

🇩🇪 И!ZZY

Diese Woche kommt unsere Kollaboration aus Hannover. Wir freuen uns unglaublich, dieses Set mit der Community zu teilen, da es das Erste in unserer Reihe ist, welches extremen Fokus auf Rhythmus hat. Des Weiteren ist es auch unglaublich Hart. Wir bedanken uns herzlich bei И!ZZY für den ganzen lieben Austausch über die letzten Wochen und seinen Beitrag zu unserem Projekt. Ganz liebe Grüße an alle Technoliebhaber in Hannover und Umgebung.

joushikijin: Wie fühlst Du Dich heute?

И!ZZY: Mir geht es wunderbar, fühlt sich gut an, dass Sommer ist und das Wetter ist schön, ich freue mich aufs Wochenende.

joushikijin: Was ist Underground Techno für Dich?

И!ZZY: Wenn sich eine kleine Gruppe von Menschen heimlich verabredet, um eine geile Party an einem geheimen Ort zu veranstalten, mit nicen DJs, die aus der Gegend kommen und die nicht jeder kennt. Dazu gehört irgendwie immer auch ein Family-Feeling meiner Meinung nach, man kennt sich einfach. Vielleicht ist die Technoszene allgemein auch einfach „Underground“, weil wir uns irgendwie immer etwas verstecken müssen aufgrund des Stigmas.

joushikijin: Was war der außergewöhnlichste Rave, den Du jemals besucht hast?

И!ZZY: Definitiv das NATURE ONE in 2019, es war damals mein erstes richtiges Festival und das erste Mal drei-Tage-Camping für mich. Ich war total aufgeregt und wusste nicht, was mich erwartet, aber als ich schließlich dort war, habe ich mich sofort verliebt. I need to go back ASAP!

joushikijin: Welche Aspekte von Underground Techno gefallen Dir am meisten?

И!ZZY: Vielleicht, dass die Szene an sich sehr klein und „Underground“ ist, nicht jeder davon weiß. Eine kleine, aber familiäre Gemeinschaft.

joushikijin: Was beschreibt deine Emotionen beim Hören von Techno am besten?

И!ZZY: Liebe, pure Liebe. Natürlich nur, wenn es guter Techno ist. 😄 Aber um es genauer zu sagen, ich höre bestimmte Arten von Techno abhängig von meiner momentanen Laune also kann ich gar keine genaue Antwort geben.

joushikijin: Was unterscheidet Underground- von Mainstreamtechno?

И!ZZY: Keine großen Hallen mit Tausenden Menschen, eigentlich kann ich nur das von Frage zwei wiederholen. 😄

joushikijin: Mit welchem Equipment spielst Du derzeit am liebsten und wieso?

И!ZZY: Ich spiele, seit es damals rauskam, mit einem Native Instruments Traktor S4 MK3, es ist superentspannt zu benutzen und hat bisher alles das erfüllt, was ich für meine Musik gebraucht habe. Ich würde aber auch gerne auf CDJs wechseln, die sind ja nur leider sehr teuer, wie jeder weiß.

joushikijin: Woher nimmst Du deine Kreativität, Musik zu machen?

И!ZZY: Darüber hab ich noch nie nachgedacht, schwer zu sagen. Ich denke, ich habe immer viele Ideen für Musik und ich mach es dann einfach, je nachdem, wie ich mich gerade selbst fühle. Ich glaube, das ist wie bei Sängern auch, deren Texte spiegeln einfach wider, was sie gerade fühlen.

joushikijin: Gibt es ein spezifisches Ziel, auf das Du musikalisch hinarbeitest?

И!ZZY: Ich möchte momentan einfach nur Spaß haben, aus dem Grund habe ich angefangen, Musik zu machen. Ich würde aber auch gerne noch mal an anderen Orten in Deutschland auflegen, ich hatte bisher nur einen richtigen Gig in Hannover.

Besucht unsere SoundCloud Seite, um das Set zu genießen.

🇩🇪 UNCHAINED SENSES

Diese Woche kommt der Techno aus der Freiburg im Breisgau im Schwarzwald. Unsere Ohren sind schon länger an UNCHAINED SENSES hängen geblieben und wir sind dankbar, dass wir in diesem Projekt kollaborieren können. Sein Techno ist treibend und hart, genau nach unserem Geschmack. Liebe Grüße nach Süddeutschland.

joushikijin: Wie fühlst Du Dich heute?

UNCHAINED SENSES: Ich bin etwas Platt von der Arbeit in Dauer Frühschicht in letzter Zeit, aber sonst ist alles bestens.

joushikijin: Was ist Underground Techno für Dich?

UNCHAINED SENSES: Um mal ein Beispiel zu nennen, die Kölner Techno Szene rund um BassIsMuss, Sons of Techno & Underground Scene Records. Der Zusammenhalt, die Art der Partys und der Musik dort sowie die Mentalität der Menschen das zusammen das ist Underground Techno für mich.

joushikijin: Was war der außergewöhnlichste Rave, den Du jemals besucht hast?

UNCHAINED SENSES: Da fällt mir nicht direkt eine Spezielle Rave ein, denn eigentlich ist jeder Rave auf seine eigene Art & Weise außergewöhnlich. Da Erschaffen die Menschen und Location sowie das Lineup jedes Mal neue außergewöhnliche Momente.

joushikijin: Welche Aspekte von Underground Techno gefallen Dir am meisten?

UNCHAINED SENSES: Der Zusammenhalt und die Art der Menschen, die sich in der Szene rumtreiben.

joushikijin: Was beschreibt deine Emotionen beim Hören von Techno am besten?

UNCHAINED SENSES: Freude und Spaß passen da am besten, denke ich. Aber meine genauen Gefühle auf einem Rave oder während einem Gig zu beschreiben ist fast nicht möglich.

joushikijin: Was unterscheidet Underground- von Mainstreamtechno?

UNCHAINED SENSES: Ich denke, da hat jeder eigene Ansichten und Wahrnehmung, aber für mich sind es oft die Art, wie Partys sind, auf die man geht und definitiv die Musik, die gespielt wird.

joushikijin: Mit welchem Equipment spielst Du derzeit am liebsten und wieso?

UNCHAINED SENSES: Ich Spiele auf einem Xone:43C 4-Kanal-Mixer, daran ist mein MacBook Pro mit Traktor 3 darauf angeschlossen (per USB) an dem MacBook habe ich noch einen Xone:K2 angeschlossen auf dem alle Funktionen und Effekte von Traktor gemappt sind. Im Club ist es genau das gleiche Set-up nur meistens mit deren vorhandenen Pioneer Mixer.

joushikijin: Woher nimmst Du deine Kreativität, Musik zu machen?

UNCHAINED SENSES: Meistens kommt die Inspiration für Tracks und Sets, genau wie die Idee, überhaupt Musik zu machen durch Eindrücke, die ich auf Raves und oft auch während den After Hours gesammelt habe. Manchmal aber auch durchs Verarbeiten von Stress im Alltag.

joushikijin: Gibt es ein spezifisches Ziel, auf das Du musikalisch hinarbeitest?

UNCHAINED SENSES: Ich habe mit meiner Musik kein direktes Ziel, aber momentan liegt mein Fokus darauf, mit Ableton besser klarzukommen und generell meine Produktionen zu verbessern. Aber gut Ding will Weile haben. 😊

Besucht unsere SoundCloud Seite, um das Set zu genießen.

🇩🇪 Redoxist

Diese Woche kommt der Techno aus Berlin. Mit ganz viel Liebe und Freude präsentieren wir euch das Interview und Set von Redoxist, welcher Teil der Berliner PA•RA•DO•XON 030 Crew ist. Wir hoffen, Ihr habt genauso viel Spaß wie wir an diesem 160 bpm Hammer.

joushikijin: Wie fühlst Du Dich heute?

Redoxist: Ich fühle mich heute noch leicht angeschlagen, zwecks meines Partyurlaubs, aus dem ich am Sonntag gekommen bin.

joushikijin: Was ist Underground Techno für Dich?

Redoxist: Underground Techno ist für mich in erster Line komplette musikalische Freiheit, seine Leidenschaft auszuleben. Zu experimentieren mit verschiedenen Technogenres und Geschwindigkeit ohne Grenzen gesetzt zubekommen. Auf der anderen Seite bedeutet Underground Techno für mich unbekannte Künstler, die sich gegenseitig unterstützen, geheime Ravepartys oder auch Studio Sessions mit DJs, Freunden und Bekannten in kleinen Kreisen. In der aktuellen Pandemie ist ja fast alles Underground, was Partys betrifft.

joushikijin: Was war der außergewöhnlichste Rave, den Du jemals besucht hast?

Redoxist: Ich habe in den letzten fünfzehn Jahren so viel Raves erlebt, die jede auf ihre eigne Art außergewöhnlich war, doch im KitKatClub Berlin habe ich den außergewöhnlichsten Rave erlebt, eine Atmosphäre, die ich kaum woanders jemals so erlebt habe.

joushikijin: Welche Aspekte von Underground Techno gefallen Dir am meisten?

Redoxist: Die künstlerische Freiheit, der keine Grenzen gesetzten werden, wie auch die Unterstützung in der Technoszene.

joushikijin: Was beschreibt deine Emotionen beim Hören von Techno am besten?

Redoxist: Es ist wie eine wilde Achterbahn der Gefühle. Ich kann so viel Gefühle in Techno interpretieren. Aber Techno gibt mir auch ein Stück Geborgenheit und Beständigkeit.

joushikijin: Was unterscheidet Underground- von Mainstreamtechno?

Redoxist: Underground ist nicht von vornherein an einen besonderen Stil gebunden, aber er stellt in der Regel eine Minderheitenkultur in der Gesellschaft dar. Gegenpol ist der sogenannte Mainstream, mit dem die allgemein etablierte oder auch für die „Masse“ produzierte Kunst bezeichnet wird.

joushikijin: Mit welchem Equipment spielst Du derzeit am liebsten und wieso?

Redoxist: Meinen ersten Controller, den ich mir im Juni 2021 gekauft habe, ist der Pioneer DJ DDJ‑SZ 4-Kanal, diesen benutze ich in Kombination mit Traktor Pro 3 und zwei PreSonus Eris E5 als Studiomonitore.

joushikijin: Woher nimmst Du deine Kreativität, Musik zu machen?

Redoxist: Ich bin ein Mensch, der täglich seine Musikdosis braucht, um mit sich selbst im Einklang zu sein. Wir sind täglich so vielen Eindrücken ausgesetzt, diese müssen verarbeitet oder auch ausgeblendet werden. Diesen funktioniert am besten mit Musik.

joushikijin: Gibt es ein spezifisches Ziel, auf das Du musikalisch hinarbeitest?

Redoxist: Mein aktuelles Ziel ist es, so viele Menschen wie möglich mit meiner Musik zu erreichen und ein Stück Glück zu spenden oder was auch immer ihnen diese Musik gibt.

Besucht unsere SoundCloud Seite, um das Set zu genießen.

🇩🇪 KUMANI

Wir sind extrem glücklich, KUMANI zum ersten Mal auf unserem Kanal Willkommen zu begrüßen. Zusammen mit HLUNKE und K.f.K. ist er die tragende Struktur von Dopaminmangel/0815 Techno. Wir bedanken uns herzlich für das Spitzen Interview, Set und seine Zeit. Wir haben dank ihm viel über die deutsche Undergroundkultur gelernt. Wir freuen uns unglaublich darauf in der Zukunft zusammen zu feiern. 🤗🥳

joushikijin: Wie fühlst Du Dich heute?

KUMANI: Ich fühle mich heute ausgesprochen gut, vielen Dank der Nachfrage. Der Tag fing mit einem Stau auf der A2 Richtung Karmen an, wurde aber gut überbrückt mit gutem Techno auf der Autobahn. Um genau zu sein, lief ein Set von JOE SANE, den ich schon seit Längeren gerne anhöre. Der letzte Tag auf der Arbeit vor dem heiß ersehnten Urlaub war alles andere als ruhig. Doch auch das brachte mich nicht aus der Ruhe, denn ich wusste gleich ist Feierabend. Ab heute habe ich zwölf Tage Urlaub und wusste, dass ich diese Zeit mit einem kleinen Trip nach Berlin und zusätzlich dem Produzieren von Musik füllen werde, da wir am 1. September 2021 unsere erste EP mit 0815 Techno Rec. rausbringen werden.

joushikijin: Was ist Underground Techno für Dich?

KUMANI: Das ist eine interessante Frage. Vorab denke ich, dass der Begriff Underground Techno aus Berlin/Frankfurt stammen könnte und angelehnt an die Technoszene war. Dies ist reine Spekulation meinerseits. Mittlerweile hört man diesen Begriff in meinen Augen ziemlich oft und es gibt immer viele Diskussionen zu diesem Thema. Spontan aus dem Bauch heraus, würde ich das Ganze in zwei Lager aufteilen. Die eine Fraktion, die sehr kommerziell eingestellt ist. Auf der anderen Seite die Artists, die auch Geld mit Ihrer Musik verdienen, dies aber zu fairen und nachvollziehbaren Preisen machen. Das Wort „Underground“ würde ich der Technoszene zuordnen, die keine kommerziellen Veranstaltungen machen. Vor allem die Technomusik sollte für alle Menschen frei zugänglich sein und bei Veranstaltungen wie Tomorrowland oder Parookaville sprechen wir über eine Kommerzialisierung auf höchstem Niveau. Ich persönlich kann mit solchen Events nichts anfangen und sehe mich eher bei großartigen lokalen Raves mit ehrlicher Musik.

joushikijin: Was war der außergewöhnlichste Rave, den Du jemals besucht hast?

KUMANI: Dies würde ich ebenfalls in zwei Sektionen aufteilen. Einmal die offiziellen Partys und die inoffiziellen bei vielen auch unter Secret Raves bekannt. Bei den offiziellen Partys würde ich – ganz klar – die Fusion in Lärz nennen. Das Konzept, was dort gefahren wird, hat mir sofort imponiert. Eine Party, die gegen Kommerzialisierung ist. Das Gefühl von Freiheit, die dieses Wochenende in Lärz mir gegeben hatte, habe ich bisher noch auf keiner anderen Party verspürt. Bei den Secret Raves habe ich schon einige kuriose Raves besucht. Ein absolutes Highlight war der 0815 Secret Rave in Herten in einem Tunnel der Halde. Wie die Jungs damals die Sachen da heile rauf und runter befördert haben bei einem starken Gefälle, ist mir bis heute ein Rätsel. Der Abend in dem alten Tunnel war einfach voller Energie und absolut unglaublich.

joushikijin: Welche Aspekte von Underground Techno gefallen Dir am meisten?

KUMANI: Ich denke, das ist wie bereits oben schon angedeutet, den lokalen Artisten auf einem Secret Rave zuhören. Meist sind diese Abende einfach unglaublich gut, weil die Vibes der Leute einfach stimmen. Ich selbst hatte jetzt schon einige Male die Möglichkeit, auf so welchen Raves zu spielen. Erst letztes Wochenende war ein Secret Rave bei uns in Castrop-Rauxel, auf dem ich auch spielen konnte. Die Energie der Crowd war einfach geil und nach der ganzen Lockdownphase verspürte man wieder ein Gefühl der Freiheit. Leider konnte ich dieses Set nicht zur Verfügung stellen, da die Musik zweimal ausgemacht werden musste, weil wir dachten, die Party wird beendet. Ich denke, jeder weiß, was ich meine, das gehört aber einfach zu so einem Secret Rave dazu. 😂

joushikijin: Was beschreibt deine Emotionen beim Hören von Techno am besten?

KUMANI: Ich persönlich höre sehr viel Musik, die ich auch selbst gerne spiele. Bevorzugt spreche ich hier von den Genres Industrial und Hardtechno. Besonders viel Spaß macht mir die Plattform SoundCloud, weil man dort die Möglichkeit hat, unbekannte Musiker zu entdecken. Ich selbst stehe auf harte Kicks und kurzen Prozess bei den Übergängen. Techno selbst gibt mir unglaublich viel Energie im Alltag und am Wochenende. Sonntagabends geht es meist etwas angenehmer zu, oft höre ich da zur Abwechslung Goa und Psytrance. Dies ist mein Ausgleich zum eher düsteren Sound.

joushikijin: Was unterscheidet Underground- von Mainstreamtechno?

KUMANI: Auf Mainstreampartys kommt jeder, der ein Ticket kauft. Diese Partys sind meistens mit teuren Ticketpreisen gekennzeichnet. Zudem kommen Künstler, die im normalen Chartradio zu hören sind. Aktuell habe ich immer häufiger das Gefühl, dass die Musik sich aber wieder zurück zum Ursprung begibt. Ich finde diesen Gedanken mehr als gut, denn mir geht es bei der Musik nicht um meterhohe Bühnen und 20.000 Leuten davor. Viel wichtiger ist, der Moment, welcher durch die Musik entsteht. Das Gefühl frei zu sein und sich von der Musik abholen zu lassen, werden halt durch andere Faktoren erzeugt.

joushikijin: Mit welchem Equipment spielst Du derzeit am liebsten und wieso?

KUMANI: Ich spiele aktuell selbst zu Hause auf einem Pioneer XDJ-RX2 und zwei KRK Rokit 7 Monitor Boxen. Die Kopfhörer, die ich benutze, sind Sennheiser HD 25. Für den Gebrauch zu Hause finde ich das Equipment sehr gut und absolut ausreichend. Natürlich wäre ein Mixer und zwei Player noch mal praxisnäher, da dies zur üblichen Clubausstattung gehört. Zum Produzieren benutze ich aktuell mein MacBook Pro mit FL Studio. Nach meinem Berlintrip werde ich aber endlich auf Abelton umsteigen können.

joushikijin: Woher nimmst Du deine Kreativität, Musik zu machen?

KUMANI: Selbst höre ich in der Freizeit dieselbe Musik, die ich aktuell auch in meinen Sets spiele. Mir gefällt einfach Musik mit brachialen Kicks und ordentlich Tempo. Außerdem finde ich es interessant, wenn dort immer dies mit treibenden Vocals unterstrichen wird, die dem Ganzen einfach noch mehr Dynamik verleiht. Wenn ich unterwegs bin, höre ich viel Musik auf SoundCloud. Gefällt mir hier ein Track, markiere ich mir diesen und lade ihn später bei Bandcamp runter. Beim Produzieren ist bisher vieles im Moment entstanden, durchs Einfache rumprobieren. Hier muss man aber noch ganz klar sagen, dass ich aktuell dabei bin, den richtigen Workflow für mich zu finden. Für den Track, den ich für unsere erste 0815 Techno Rec. EP beisteuere, habe ich mir immer wieder kleinere Notizen in mein Handy geschrieben, wenn mir was eingefallen ist, was man umsetzen könnte. Natürlich will ich mit meiner Musik eine gewisse Handschrift entwickeln.

joushikijin: Gibt es ein spezifisches Ziel, auf das Du musikalisch hinarbeitest?

KUMANI: Aktuell habe ich kein Ziel, was ich benennen könnte. Da ich vor Kurzem erst mit dem Produzieren begonnen habe, möchte ich sehr viel in diesem Bereich lernen und mich selbst verwirklichen. Grundsätzlich mache ich Musik, weil ich schon lange gerne Musik gehört habe und ziemlich viele Veranstaltungen in Deutschland besucht habe. Im Februar 2019 veranstalteten meine Freunde HLUNKE, K.F.K. und ich unsere erste offizielle Party im Räuber und Rebellen Recklinghausen. So bin ich da reingerutscht. Ich bin selbst gespannt, wohin der Weg mich noch führt. Wichtig ist dabei immer, dass man Spaß an der Musik hat. Dies wird wohl ein Faktor, der viele Leute am Ende catcht, oder?

Besucht unsere SoundCloud Seite, um das Set zu genießen.

🇩🇪 HeizÖL

Ganz vielen lieben Dank an HeizÖL für den kontinuierlichen Support unserer Projekte sowie der permanenten Versorgung mit exzellenter Sets. Die Waveform von diesem gibt bereits einen guten Indikator, wie Wild es ist. Wir danken für das Telefoninterview und den Einblick hinter die Kulissen. Liebe Grüße gehen auch an unsere Freunde von Dopaminmangel/0815 Techno.

joushikijin: Wie fühlst Du Dich heute?

HeizÖL: Also, ich fühle mich ganz gut. Ich kann mich nicht beklagen. Also eigentlich wie immer. 😂

joushikijin: Was ist Underground Techno für Dich?

HeizÖL: Underground Techno, … ist für mich, boah … Freiheit, dass man so sein kann, wie man will. Kannst du zwar in Klubs auch, ist aber noch was anderes find ich, Underground ist für mich halt im Wald oder im Tunnel richtig, so richtige dreckige Locations und so. Aber auch einfach dreckiger Techno. Das ist für mich Underground.

joushikijin: Was war der außergewöhnlichste Rave, den Du jemals besucht hast?

HeizÖL: Mein außergewöhnlichster Rave war der Secret Rave mit 0815 in einem Eisenbahntunnel. Das war definitiv der geilste Rave bis dato. Der Sound allein, das Echo durch die Location, bombastisch.

joushikijin: Welche Aspekte von Underground Techno gefallen Dir am meisten?

HeizÖL: Dass sich alle gegenseitig unterstützen, dass keiner auf einem anderen Niveau ist, sondern alle gleichgestellt sind. Auch das man frei sein kann, so sein, wie man will, ohne dabei schlecht gemacht oder dargestellt zu werden.

joushikijin: Was beschreibt deine Emotionen beim Hören von Techno am besten?

HeizÖL: Gänsehaut, … Liebe. Da kommen Glücksgefühle hoch, mir geht es gut. Ich fühle mich frei, ich denke dann an Garnichts und fühle nur die Musik und die geht durch den ganzen Körper. Das ist unnormal.

joushikijin: Was unterscheidet Underground- von Mainstreamtechno?

HeizÖL: Unbekannte Künstler machen meiner Meinung nach zum Teil bessere Musik als die ganzen Leute aus dem Mainstream. Na ja, der Underground wird nicht gefördert, aber warum denn auch. Wie ich schon beim letzten Mal gesagt hatte, Leute wie David Guetta drücken ein Knöpfchen und dann sind die fertig. Auch die Underground Locations sind meist kleine Runden, aber dafür mit den geilsten Leuten. Ein weiterer Aspekt, Underground kann man sich noch leisten. Meistens werden die Underground-Raves mit Spenden finanziert. Im Vergleich zu Mainstream, wo du zum Teil Hunderte von Euros zahlst, um einen Künstler zu sehen. Das ist nicht für mich, das muss nicht sein.

joushikijin: Mit welchem Equipment spielst Du derzeit am liebsten und wieso?

HeizÖL: Am liebsten spiele ich mit meinem Equipment, dass ich hier zu Hause habe. Damit bin ich vertraut. Das ist der Pioneer DDJ-400 und der Pioneer DDJ-XP2. Das ist mein Equipment momentan. Aber ich will aufstocken und mir den Pioneer DDJ-800 oder den Pioneer DDJ-1000 holen. Für die anderen Player habe ich leider noch keine Kohle. 😂 Bin ich ehrlich. Man muss klein anfangen. Ich bin aber mit meinen Geräten aber auch am vertrautesten. Die meisten meiner Sets nehme ich auch hier zu Hause auf.

joushikijin: Woher nimmst Du deine Kreativität, Musik zu machen?

HeizÖL: Ich habe schon immer Musik gemacht und ich stell mich einfach davor und dann fließt es einfach. Ich lass alles einfach auf mich zukommen und denke gar nicht viel nach, ich finde, beim Nachdenken bin ich nicht frei. Eigentlich motiviere ich mich selbst, es ist mein Hobby. Ich mach es gerne, mich damit auseinanderzusetzen, auch zu produzieren, ein bisschen selbst zu verwirklichen. Macht halt Bock, … Spaß und es erlaubt vom Alltag abzuschalten.

joushikijin: Gibt es ein spezifisches Ziel, auf das Du musikalisch hinarbeitest?

HeizÖL: Ehrlich gesagt überhaupt nicht. Ich habe Lust drauf, es ist mein Hobby, in einer Gruppe aufzulegen. Es ist nicht mein Ziel, mich zu vermarkten und Followers zu sammeln und so weiter. Es kommt, wie es kommt, ich beeinfluss das nicht, dass ich irgendetwas extra bezahle, warum auch. Falls ich doch bekannter werden sollte, dann ist das halt so korrekt gelaufen. Und wenn nicht, ist das auch nicht schlimm. Es bleibt auch dann noch mein Hobby, falls ich es beruflich machen würde.

Besucht unsere SoundCloud Seite, um das Set zu genießen.

🇩🇪 HLUNKE

Ganz herzlichen Dank an unseren mittlerweile sehr ans Herz gewachsenen Freund HLUNKE für dieses bombastische Set und Interview. Die Aufnahme ist von unseren Freunden Dopaminmangel/0815 aus Castrop-Rauxel. Diese haben vergangenes Wochenende einen „0815 Secret Rave“ organisiert hatten, von welchem diese Aufnahme stammt.

joushikijin: Wie fühlst Du Dich heute?

HLUNKE: Ich fühle mich heute recht ausgeglichen, bin weitestgehend entspannt. Ich hatte ein Recht Technolastiges Wochenende, welches mir noch ein wenig in den Knochen hängt, doch ich würde sagen, heute werde ich nicht von großartigen Emotionen begleitet, ist alles auf einer gleichbleibenden Ebene – alles entspannt eben.

joushikijin: Was ist Underground Techno für Dich?

HLUNKE: Underground Techno ist für mich in erster Linie Leidenschaft. Und dabei beziehe ich mich auf die genaue Bedeutung des Wortes Leidenschaft. Also meiner Ansicht nach etwas, wo sich die Menschen und Akteure soweit aktivieren und tätig werden, dass sie viele Opfer bringen – es eben „Leiden schafft“. Und wenn Menschen Dinge tun, die einen gewissen Mehraufwand haben und dort auch noch investieren, in diesem Kontext meine ich damit Raves, ohne dabei dem Profit zu folgen, dann weil man das man auf einer Undergroundparty ist. Diese Menschen bringen diese Opfer auch gern für den Untergrund. Ein alter Freund von mir hat mal gesagt: „Aus dem Untergrund für den Untergrund“. Das genieße ich in der Raverszene auch sehr, dort werden die Raves nur im Sinne des Raves veranstaltet. Dort geht es um die Sache, um Techno. Raves werden doch gemacht, um zusammenzukommen, um zu tanzen, um zu teilen, um Spaß zu haben, um Abschalten zu können, um zu sein, der gesellschaftlichen Norm zu entfliehen, um Austausch von Kritik und Zuspruch unter Künstlern.

Underground Techno ist für mich alles, was nicht für die breite Masse gemacht ist. Damit meine ich zum Beispiel Sub Genre im Sound, illegale Raves oder auch der Konsum von Drogen. Damit möchte ich jetzt nicht sagen, dass es Underground ist, wenn man Drogen konsumiert und dann womöglich noch missbraucht. Nein, damit will ich nur sagen, dass der Konsum von Drogen im Untergrund kein ungewöhnliches Bild ist. Eine bestimmte Nische im Technogenre, welches nur ein Bruchteil der Technoheads weltweit hört, das wird niemals auf dem öffentlichen Radar auffällig, das ist für mich Underground Techno. Underground Techno muss man teilweise wirklich suchen, fast schon danach graben, zumindest, wenn man im Internet mal danach schaut. Auch Raves sind nicht immer leicht zugänglich und auch nicht jeder erfährt, wo diese stattfinden. Es lassen sich leichte Parallelen erkennen zwischen der Musik selbst und den Untergrund Partys. Mir fällt gerade noch etwas Essenzielles ein.

joushikijin: Was war der außergewöhnlichste Rave, den Du jemals besucht hast?

HLUNKE: Da ich jetzt schon eine Weile nachgedacht habe und nicht wirklich erkennen konnte, dass irgendein Rave dabei heraussticht, würde ich sagen, dass alle außergewöhnlich waren. Ich würde sagen, dass ich bisher bestimmt auf so 50 Raves war. Und es irgendetwas ist immer außergewöhnlich. Ob die Location, die Aufmachung, die Leute, die Dinge, die passieren. Das ist schwer zu sagen, wenn ich ehrlich bin. Ich glaube auch das Einzige, was ich bei den ganzen Raves als gewöhnlich erachte ist, dass dort Musik läuft und Menschen tanzen. 😊

joushikijin: Welche Aspekte von Underground Techno gefallen Dir am meisten?

HLUNKE: Ich denke, da muss ich mit einem Lächeln sagen „Dass jeder machen kann, was er will.“

joushikijin: Was beschreibt deine Emotionen beim Hören von Techno am besten?

HLUNKE: Du schon wieder eine komplexe Frage. Ich glaube, dass nichts meine Emotionen beschreiben kann, da ich es selbst nicht mal kann. Es sind für mich alle Emotionen im Techno vorhanden, zumindest werden durch Techno hervorgerufen. Es kommt auf den Techno, an den ich höre, der bringt dann aus irgendwelchen Gründen die bestimmten Emotionen hervor. Bei jedem Menschen wieder individuell. Ich denke, Angst und Ekel sind die Emotionen, die bei mir kaum bis gar nicht hervorgerufen werden, wenn ich Techno höre.

joushikijin: Was unterscheidet Underground- von Mainstreamtechno?

HLUNKE: Dazu betrachte ich mal kurz eine offizielle Party, meinetwegen in einem Club oder ein Festival neben einem illegalen Rave. Der Rave irgendwo in einer alten Lagerhalle oder tief im Wald, der durch seine Umstände wie z. B. die Anspannungen aufzufliegen, verrückte Locations der Tatsache, dass es kein Sicherheitspersonal gibt oder dort keine Werbebanner an Zäunen hängen, dieser Rave nimmt durch solche Gegebenheiten eine ganz eigene Dynamik, welche man auf einer Mainstreamparty niemals erleben wird. Wenn ich auf einer Mainstreamparty, wo z. B. Sven Väth und Marika Rossa auflegen, werden beim Einlass schon 30,- Euro und für ein popliges Wasser oder Bier gleich 5,- Euro zahlen soll, irgendwelche Leute, die einem Kippen oder Feuerzeuge andrehen – was hat das denn mit Techno zu tun? Da vergeht mir echt der Spaß beim Feiern. Ich steh lieber im Regen völlig durchnässt und erlebe wie die Leute mit mir zu der Musik abgehen, als irgendwo neben einem Zaun zu tanzen und Cocktailbars abgesperrt als VIP-Bereich zu sehen. Mainstream ist ein Stück weit immer mit Kommerz verbunden und das findet man im Untergrund selten.

Auf so Raves ist es immer harmonisch und die Leute helfen sich gegenseitig damit alles rund läuft. Fällt mal ein Generator aus irgendwo in einem Wald. Glaub mir die Leute tun alles dafür damit das scheiß Ding wieder läuft … Und wenn es deren letztes Hemd ist, Gast oder Veranstalter. Hauptsache der Sound schallt wieder aus den Boxen. Wenn man so etwas schon mal mitbekommen hat, wird man wissen, mit welch einem Jubel das gefeiert wird, sobald der Sound wieder läuft. Das sind Augenblicke, die hängen bleiben. Das sind Gefühle und Emotionen. Bei der Musik selbst ist es ein bisschen anders, das erkennt man daran, dass auch Mainstream Techno auf dem einen oder anderen Rave zu hören ist. Musikalisch gesehen ist Underground all das, was von der großen Mehrheit nicht gewollt ist oder gar nicht erst wahrgenommen wird, weil es so wenig Popularität erhält. Mainstream Techno ist das was für viele Leute gemacht ist damit es auch die meisten Leute anspricht … Anscheinend gibt es da ein paar Faktoren und Variablen, die bei der Mehrheit auslösen diese Musik zu konsumieren.

joushikijin: Mit welchem Equipment spielst Du derzeit am liebsten und wieso?

HLUNKE: Die Frage ist einfach. Ich spiele am liebsten auf dem gewohnten Equipment. Zurzeit ist das ein Pioneer XDJ-RX2 All-in-One-System. Für mich supereinfach zu bedienen, spiele ich nun seit fast 2 Jahren drauf. Er hat alles, was ich brauche und die Soundkarte leistet auch gute Arbeit, durfte ich feststellen. Da ich recht zufrieden bin mit dem Gerät, habe ich es bisher noch nicht beabsichtigt, etwas anderes zu kaufen. Ist auch immer eine Frage des Geldes. Klar spiele ich auch auf einem Set-up von Pioneer oder einem Allen & Heath Mixer. Nur das besitze ich nicht und fällt somit vom Treppchen. Ich mache mich nicht von irgendeinem Gerät oder Equipment abhängig, ich glaube, ich könnte auf jedem Gerät spielen, wenn man mir eine halbe Stunde zum Einfinden gibt.

joushikijin: Woher nimmst Du deine Kreativität, Musik zu machen?

HLUNKE: Von überall. Wenn man Kreativität einmal verstanden hat, weiß man, dass es nicht schwer ist, kreativ zu sein. Ich finde, alle machen immer so ein Drama daraus, dass jemand ja ach so kreativ sei … Was ist denn Kreativität? Kreativität ist doch in erster Linie nichts weiteres als Dinge miteinander zu verknüpfen, welche vorher keine Verbindung hatten. Andererseits kann man auch mit Farben kreativ werden oder mit Tönen und Instrumenten, doch da sind ja nicht die Töne kreativ, sondern derjenige, welcher die Töne erzeugt oder Farben miteinander kombiniert. Außerdem glaube ich, dass Kreativität im Augenblick/Moment passiert. Kreativität kann ich also nicht planen, entweder bin ich in dem jetzigen Augenblick kreativ oder ich bin es eben nicht. Ich muss allerdings auch sagen, dass ich mir meine Inspiration von überall weghole. Ob es andere Künstler sind, ob es ein Werbeausschnitt ist, in dem ich etwas Interessantes höre, es kann bellen von einer Hundewiese sein … Also da schränke ich mich nicht ein. „Sting“ ist auch ein wunderbarer Musiker und Künstler, der genau vorgemacht hat, wie Kreativität funktioniert und wie diese umgesetzt werden kann, selbst wenn dir jeder davon abrät.

joushikijin: Gibt es ein spezifisches Ziel, auf das Du musikalisch hinarbeitest?

HLUNKE: Derzeit kann ich die Frage nicht so recht beantworten. Ich hatte mal ein Ziel, auf das ich mit meinen Jungs hingearbeitet habe, doch mittlerweile hat sich einiges geändert, wir stehen an einem ganz anderen Punkt als zu der Zeit in man sich die Ziele gesetzt hat. Ich denke, dass mein einziges Ziel derzeit das „MACHEN“ ist, in welcher Hinsicht auch immer. Ich weiß nicht, wo diese Reise mich hinführt, doch es geht stetig weiter und verlasse mich da ganz auf das, was ist und wie ich damit am besten umgehe. Ich versuche einfach die Musik und die Momente zu fühlen und zu leben, im Moment zu sein und vielen Menschen schöne Momente zu ermöglichen.

Lieber Dénis und liebe Lea, ich danke euch herzlichst Teil eures Projektes sein zu dürfen und wünsche euch beiden nur das aller Beste und ein bisschen von dem Schlechten. 😜 Dicken Drücker

Besucht unsere SoundCloud Seite, um das Set zu genießen.

Resident series | Season 1 Concluded

We decided to launch our second project in July 2021. We call it the Resident series and will collaborate with five of our most favourite artists. Over the next year, they will showcase what they have been listening to recently, focusing on promoting other underground artists. Contrary to our nature to plan everything, this will be the only project without any specific dates. It was a deliberate choice to allow each artist enough time for their work to mature into something they will look back at proudly. Thus, we aim for a four-to-six week release cycle and will drop each set without prior announcement.

Pandemic chronicles ☑️ Concluded

In one way or another, the coronavirus pandemic has put an extraordinary strain on all of us. For more than a year, most of us have been restricted in the way we live our lives. Celebrating techno culture live seems like a distant memory. Considering the circumstances, it could be perceived as trivial to feel the urge to party. However, embracing these nights is precisely what makes us human. We connect with hundreds or thousands of strangers through a collective goal, getting lost in the music. Being unable to socialise in this way has affected all of our mental health.

As a result, we have decided to collaborate with several artists to bring you a series of techno sets on our SoundCloud page. Each set is accompanied by an interview, which will be published below. The questions are focused on the way the pandemic has affected the artists professionally and personally. We hope these podcasts and interviews will allow people some much-needed distraction from the current madness until the day we can go out and make new memories again.

Interviews

CKOLE *

It is the first entry from the United States and a fitting conclusion to our Pandemic chronicles. We thank CKOLE for this incredible set. He is a brilliant gem that has released some of the most punishing tracks we’ve heard. 😈❤️‍🔥 Make sure also to check out his other sets.

Coming soon

Visit our SoundCloud page to enjoy the set.

NEUROKILL *

This week, we managed to collaborate with another incredible gem. Thank you, NEUROKILL, for this unique set that pushes conventions and allows us to glimpse a bit of the CDMX madness. We’re really in love with how you unleashed this frenzy by combining various genres in this perception-challenging set. We hope you find your way to Europe, so we get to experience you perform live. If not, I’m sure we will manage to visit Mexico soon. Thanks again for everything and, most of all, for your fabulous madness. A big hug from us. 🤗❤️‍🔥😈

Coming soon

Visit our SoundCloud page to enjoy the set.

AshGun A.T *

Another incredible gem from Iran. Thank you so much for this beautiful set and the lovely interview. We can’t wait to meet you guys and celebrate. 😈🥳

Coming soon

Visit our SoundCloud page to enjoy the set.

The Slaughter

Thanks to The Slaughter for this two-hour-long celebration of noise madness. 😈

joushikijin: How is your mood today?

The Slaughter: My mood today it’s pretty good, to be honest. I have been working on music, then did some sport and right now feeling great.

joushikijin: How has the pandemic affected your mental health?

The Slaughter: I kept myself busy on things I loved during the pandemic while being pragmatic about the situation. We live on this planet, and these kinds of things happen. I can’t tell whether the pandemic itself has affected my mental health. I really believe this neoliberalism is the worst pandemic.

joushikijin: What do you love most about creating music?

The Slaughter: Freedom and fun, I feel so much liberty during the creative process, and it’s just so much fun.

joushikijin: What have you been struggling with the most during the pandemic?

The Slaughter: Boredom and not being able to travel to my country or wherever. But obviously, this was nothing compared to what other people were going through. I am very thankful about that being the main issue.

joushikijin: What new thing have you learned about yourself during the pandemic?

The Slaughter: Resilience and how to stay calm in stressful situations.

joushikijin: Can you name us the artist that has inspired you the most during the pandemic?

The Slaughter: Sure, I can. His name is Strange Arrival. Helped me go away while locked at home. Outstanding music.

joushikijin: Since the pandemic, what has been your most favourite non-music-related thing to do?

The Slaughter: I suppose having time with my friends and family, travel, and sport. Nothing very complicated.

joushikijin: Once the pandemic is over, what are you looking forward to the most?

The Slaughter: I am already planning my label launch, which is called Distortion Recordings. We are releasing the first compilation this August. Right after that, I want to introduce our own parties to London’s scene. These are my main plans now that the pandemic seems to be coming to an end.

joushikijin: Is there something else on your mind you would like to share with the techno community?

The Slaughter: n/a

Visit our SoundCloud page to enjoy the set.

CHLAMYDIA

Thank you, CHLAMYDIA, for being such an incredible human being. You have been a significant part of our lives during the pandemic and continue to do so. A few people are as kind, witty, lovely, slutty, and flat-out mad as you are. You have captured our hearts and enriched our lives, showing us that there a more like-minded people. You make us laugh, and you make us stand still and remind us why we are nihilistic anarchists. We love every exchange with you and can’t wait to spend some time IRL. Enough of the love letter, and a massive thanks for the entertaining interview. It means that you took the time for us and others to share what moved you. We also appreciate the incredible set, it had our heart from day one, and we’re grateful we get to share this gem with the community. It is pure fucking madness that stirs up our soul, well-choreographed into something that makes sense to our ears. Much love from Lea and myself for you as a person and everything you stand for, as well as your madness as an incredibly talented artist. ❤️‍🔥

joushikijin: How is your mood today?

CHLAMYDIA: A bit funny. Simultaneously happy to be back to work and looking forward to some exciting stuff coming up in the next few months, I also feel my anxiety creeping around and waiting for an opportunity to strike.

joushikijin: How has the pandemic affected your mental health?

CHLAMYDIA: Turned it inside out. Covid fully de-stabilised my mental health by taking away my financial independence. Very happy to be back to work in the club now and slowly rebuilding what was lost.

joushikijin: What do you love most about creating music?

CHLAMYDIA: Release. When playing for myself at home, I tend to let something out; when playing for an audience, my body lets me out. I’m physically present and playing the set, but it’s an out-of-body experience. When I get asked, ‘how did it go?‘ after a party, my answer is usually ‘I don’t know – I wasn’t there‘.

joushikijin: What have you been struggling with the most during the pandemic?

CHLAMYDIA: What broke me was how ‘we are all in this together‘ quickly turned into ‘you are in this alone‘ once everyone except club workers was allowed back to work. Everyone was shopping for new clothes, going out for dinner and drinks, and going on holiday, and I was sitting at home with no idea when I would get my life back. Unfortunately, this distanced me from some friends and pushed me to my limit. If Germany had taken just a few months longer to allow clubs to reopen, I honestly don’t think I would have made it.

joushikijin: What new thing have you learned about yourself during the pandemic?

CHLAMYDIA: That I should probably go to therapy.

joushikijin: Can you name us the artist that has inspired you the most during the pandemic?

CHLAMYDIA: Earlier in the pandemic, Hybral, Lesser Of, and ÄBVSD. Currently, I’m very obsessed with АНУСРЕКТУМ, DRAAG, and ORBWD – they’ve very heavily influenced my current sound.

joushikijin: Since the pandemic, what has been your most favourite non-music-related thing to do?

CHLAMYDIA: This is unfortunately no longer a thing, but there used to be a drag show at Monster Ronson’s every Tuesday night—hosted by Pansy Presents and Gieza Poke – showcasing both established queens/kings/beings and new born drag babies performing for the very first time. That show was an actual lifeline for me when it was allowed to happen again in 2020/21. It made me feel alive and gave me something to look forward to every week when I didn’t have much to look forward to. It breaks my heart that it is no longer happening at Monster Ronson’s after over ten years, and I hope they can find a new space soon.

joushikijin: Once the pandemic is over, what are you looking forward to the most?

CHLAMYDIA: It is over now, even if only by decree. But my answer to this a few months ago would have been: going back to work and getting my life back. Now, I’d say a trip to London.

joushikijin: Is there something else on your mind you would like to share with the techno community?

CHLAMYDIA: I think you should all go to therapy.

Visit our SoundCloud page to enjoy the set.

Antihetical *

This week, the contribution comes from Bogota, Colombia. Thank you for this tremendous industrial madness. 🥰😈

Coming soon

Visit our SoundCloud page to enjoy the set.

Pärpsy *

This is a much-anticipated set. We have enjoyed exchanging with Pärpsy for several months now, and we loved every interaction. He is kind and funny, and he is incredibly well in touch with the techno scene within Iran and outside. Thank you for all the great recommendations and the insight into Iranian techno culture. We hope we will find an opportunity soon to visit you and all the other incredible artists we had the pleasure to collaborate with to party in Iran. A massive hug and thanks for all the memes, lovely interactions, your continuous support, and this incredible set. Much love from us. 🥰😘

Coming soon

Visit our SoundCloud page to enjoy the set.

morana *

This week, we are happy to share another gem from Russia. We thank morana for well-curated madness. Thank you for sharing your work with us. 😈❤️‍🔥

Coming soon

Visit our SoundCloud page to enjoy the set.

HASSDENTEUFEL *

Thank you, HASSDENTEUFEL, for round two on our podcast. 😈 Again, much love for your madness and for deciding to share it with the people on our channel.

Coming soon

Visit our SoundCloud page to enjoy the set.

coldblack *

We have been spoiled by some incredible artists, and we’re glad to present another person from Iran this week. Thank you, coldblack, for this madness of a set. 😈

Coming soon

Visit our SoundCloud page to enjoy the set.

MESKVLIF

Thank you, MESKVLIF, for the lovely interaction, sharing your thoughts in the interview, and this incredible set, which encapsulates the best things about the Russian techno scene and is an incredible homage to industrial sounds. Much love from us. ♥️

joushikijin: How is your mood today?

MESKVLIF: My mood is great! With the advent of spring, new forces for creativity appeared.

joushikijin: How has the pandemic affected your mental health?

MESKVLIF: I cannot say how it affected mental health. But in terms of creativity and movement, everything became very complicated, and the times of covid restrictions were hard. So many postponed or cancelled events and other unpleasant consequences.

joushikijin: What do you love most about creating music?

MESKVLIF: I love music. I love to live the emotions that this or that track carries, and when I’m writing music, I really like to share the feelings that I put into it and live them together.

joushikijin: What have you been struggling with the most during the pandemic?

MESKVLIF: Well, naturally, with the probability of getting infected or creating conditions for infecting other people. Only then, with many senseless restrictions and the difficulty of designing events with the authorities.

joushikijin: What new thing have you learned about yourself during the pandemic?

MESKVLIF: I realised that I cannot live without movement, organising events and parties.

joushikijin: Can you name us the artist that has inspired you the most during the pandemic?

MESKVLIF: Perhaps there are no separate individuals. I am inspired by every artist who writes good music. Although lately, I’m really enjoying Raxeller’s work.

joushikijin: Since the pandemic, what has been your most favourite non-music-related thing to do?

MESKVLIF: Because of the pandemic and the lack of musical movements, I discovered a new hobby. Drift. I bought a BMW E34 (1989) for restoration and the creation of a drift project. Slowly, I began to learn to take turns. Personally, all this energises me no worse than music and gives me the strength to cope with difficulties.

joushikijin: Once the pandemic is over, what are you looking forward to the most?

MESKVLIF: I’m waiting for the end of the war in Ukraine. Now, this is more crucial than the pandemic.

joushikijin: Is there something else on your mind you would like to share with the techno community?

MESKVLIF: I would like to say that every musician, artist, and promoter has a great responsibility not to give up in difficult times. Find strength in yourself and give these strengths to other people, inspiring them. I think this is vital!

Visit our SoundCloud page to enjoy the set.

777 *

We know little about 777 except that he is from Rotterdam and has an incredible industrial and dark sound that we are happy to share. Enjoy! 😈

* Interview coming soon

Visit our SoundCloud page to enjoy the set.

KAHAN

We had a wee break but will manage to start releasing sets weekly again – apologies for the hiatus. This week we have another incredible gem, once more an artist from Iran. Contact with KAHAN is incredibly refreshing, and his music is something else. Relentless industrial madness paired with softer elements that allow time for breathing. We feel spoiled for the continuous support by artists and techno lovers alike and enjoy this project tremendously. A massive thank you to KAHAN for this incredible collaboration. I hope we will manage to meet this or next year to learn more about the Iran techno scene first-hand. 🥰😈

joushikijin: How is your mood today?

KAHAN: I’m doing great! I always try to be good even when bad things happen. That’s what I do when I wake up every day!

joushikijin: How has the pandemic affected your mental health?

KAHAN: The pandemic made me start making music. Even with all those things happening worldwide, I always appreciate the pandemic for pushing me into the music industry and helping me reach my passion.

joushikijin: What do you love most about creating music?

KAHAN: I can talk to people and tell them how I feel!

joushikijin: What have you been struggling with the most during the pandemic?

KAHAN: The pandemic changed many things in my life. It made me feel the world and people changed a lot!

joushikijin: What new thing have you learned about yourself during the pandemic?

KAHAN: Many things, but as I said, I’ve found out that I need to make music.

joushikijin: Can you name us the artist that has inspired you the most during the pandemic?

KAHAN: My passion for techno started with SNTS and Inhalt Der Nacht. However, in my genre, which is industrial techno, 6EJOU is my biggest inspiration.

joushikijin: Since the pandemic, what has been your most favourite non-music-related thing to do?

KAHAN: Nothing, to be honest, only the music!

joushikijin: Once the pandemic is over, what are you looking forward to the most?

KAHAN: Iran is a super limited country about music stuff, so I hope to move out of Iran and move to Europe soon!

joushikijin: Is there something else on your mind you would like to share with the techno community?

KAHAN: We’re all here to make peace, respect each other and build a kind and great community together!

Visit our SoundCloud page to enjoy the set.

Tixitrop *

Apologies for the long break. Work has kept us on our toes. This entry might be the last of the Pandemic chronicles. A massive thanks to Alex and Adam for this brilliant set. ♥️

* Interview coming soon

Visit our SoundCloud page to enjoy the set.

Zykled

Another gem this week, coming from Switzerland. An incredible hard, industrial, and well-curated set that hit the sweet spot just perfectly. A massive thanks to Zykled for the lovely interaction, recording this brilliant set, and the interview. We’re looking forward to hearing more from your madness. 😊

joushikijin: How is your mood today?

Zykled: Well, actually, thanks for asking. As long I’m in a stable mood, I’m grateful.

joushikijin: How has the pandemic affected your mental health?

Zykled: It is still affecting. The pandemic plays (and played) a role in

some critical decisions I had to take.

joushikijin: What do you love most about creating music?

Zykled: A bit hard to describe. It’s like I’m swimming in my thoughts, and it

gives me a free mind movement and the feeling that I’ve unlimited directions I can go to.

joushikijin: What have you been struggling with the most during the pandemic?

Zykled: I moved to Zurich right a few days before the lock-down started. There, I was struggling the most with my social life. I almost did not know anyone, and honestly, the pandemic didn’t help either.

joushikijin: What new thing have you learned about yourself during the pandemic?

Zykled: To be more self-aware and accepting that not every day is a good day, we should believe more in ourselves.

joushikijin: Can you name us the artist that has inspired you the most during the pandemic?

Zykled: There are quite a few, but I want to go with a good friend who supported me. Therefore in my eyes is the artist who inspired me.

joushikijin: Since the pandemic, what has been your most favourite non-music-related thing to do?

Zykled: I was (still am) so focused on learning music production that I forgot my other hobbies. However, my second favourite thing is socialising meeting new people and writing some thoughts down.

joushikijin: Once the pandemic is over, what are you looking forward to the most?

Zykled: In Zurich, the covid measures aren’t so intense anymore. Back then, I was

looking forward to re-experiencing my everyday life back and meeting new people, going out and trying to relive what we couldn’t.

joushikijin: Is there something else on your mind you would like to share with the techno community?

Zykled: Yes. .. You are all unique, and it’s okay from time to time to do nothing. Its

okay, to feel sad and down sometimes.

Visit our SoundCloud page to enjoy the set.

FAUST *

A massive thanks to FAUST for creating this incredible set that blends dance sounds with dissonance in an ongoing flow of fast and energetic beats. FAUST currently tours South America and comes highly recommended by a close friend whom we value very much. 🥰🥳

* Interview coming soon

Visit our SoundCloud page to enjoy the set.

Kingsley Overton

This week’s contribution comes from Kingston upon Hull in England. Kinglsey approached us a few weeks ago for collaboration and prepared this madness of a set for us. Thanks for the lovely exchange and time spent preparing everything. It’s much appreciated. 😊

joushikijin: How is your mood today?

Kingsley Overton: My mood is excellent today. I’ve woken up feeling fresh, calm, and positive for the day.

joushikijin: How has the pandemic affected your mental health?

Kingsley Overton: The pandemic didn’t really affect my mental health too much because, at the height of the pandemic, I was still living with my friends at university, which was a typical situation for me. However, there were down days when I wanted to see my family as I could please.

joushikijin: What do you love most about creating music?

Kingsley Overton: For me, creating music is just a form of expressing yourself. It can display different traits and characteristics, but pretty much, I am obsessed with music. You can only be grateful for doing what you love.

joushikijin: What have you been struggling with the most during the pandemic?

Kingsley Overton: As I mentioned earlier, the most significant factor for me was the fact I couldn’t travel back home to see my family as I please. However, the university was a rewarding experience. It helped to channel the negativity and keep me focused.

joushikijin: What new thing have you learned about yourself during the pandemic?

Kingsley Overton: I took a lot of simple things in life for granted, having had the more minor things restricted and limited.

joushikijin: Can you name us the artist that has inspired you the most during the pandemic?

Kingsley Overton: It’s hard to say because I love such a diverse range of artists, but If I had to pick one that I resonate most with, it must be Shlømo or O.B.I.

joushikijin: Since the pandemic, what has been your most favourite non-music-related thing to do?

Kingsley Overton: Just really chilling out and taking time to myself to just relax.

joushikijin: Once the pandemic is over, what are you looking forward to the most?

Kingsley Overton: I want to travel as much as I can, whether that be hopefully trying to DJ at different locations or not.

joushikijin: Is there something else on your mind you would like to share with the techno community?

Kingsley Overton: Stay positive!

Visit our SoundCloud page to enjoy the set.

Fake Elvis

We always knew the king wasn’t dead and just needed some time to recover from all the madness. What better place than Silber City in Éire to call your home and pick up new skills? Thus, we’re here today to enjoy this brilliant and vibrant hard-techno set. A massive thanks, hug, and kiss to the lovely person behind the decks, one of our closest friends and an incredibly talented human being.

joushikijin: How is your mood today?

Fake Elvis: I’m ok. The pandemic restrictions ending has me filled with interest, potential, and fear. It’s been a long two years, and many people have forgotten how to interact and be decent humans to each other.

joushikijin: How has the pandemic affected your mental health?

Fake Elvis: I like my own space and time a lot. So the level of isolation I endured wasn’t as tough on me. Everything being closed, though, did have an impact. The lack of expression through performing put me in a hole a few times. However, it also allowed me to reset and find a chance to discover the styles I once couldn’t live without.

joushikijin: What do you love most about creating music?

Fake Elvis: Personally, it’s both equally my favourite and least favourite. I love getting lost in the process of finding the grooves In the music. I love it because it’s so relaxing and fun that it’s almost effortless to find and play with polyrhythms and drum sequences. It can often leave you with just that, grooves and loops with no actual track for your efforts.

joushikijin: What have you been struggling with the most during the pandemic?

Fake Elvis: Social developments are local and global. I’ve seen people I thought I knew and had some respect for completely changing their views on multiple issues. It has had me wonder if everyone is lying about everything.

joushikijin: What new thing have you learned about yourself during the pandemic?

Fake Elvis: That I love sleep more than almost anything else. 😂

joushikijin: Can you name us the artist that has inspired you the most during the pandemic?

Fake Elvis: He’s not Techno, not even electronic, but Thundercat. I discovered him about two years ago after the pandemic hit us. I’ve watched his career hit some highs over those two years, getting to re-do the classic diet coke song and feature in the Book Of Boba Fett. Even though I’ve never met the guy, I like his music, and I like that he’s doing his thing. So to watch a career grow like that is excellent.

joushikijin: Since the pandemic, what has been your most favourite non-music-related thing to do?

Fake Elvis: Observing nature, I don’t mean bird spotting or something like that. I mean, just observing nature. Taking the time to respect what this planet gives us daily – sunrises, sunsets, the colours of the clouds. I mean, even just watching little animals go about their day. It’s brought me a real sense of calm.

joushikijin: Once the pandemic is over, what are you looking forward to the most?

Fake Elvis: A good, well-organised festival, nothing filled to the brim with mainstream tastes. But a good variety of music-loving people are doing just that … loving music.

joushikijin: Is there something else on your mind you would like to share with the techno community?

Fake Elvis: Not really, just be yourself, don’t chase the money. You’ll be a lot happier. You might be broke for a while, but you will find a way.

Visit our SoundCloud page to enjoy the set.

3.2KM *

3.2KM is evidence that we have incredible talent in Ireland that knows how to push the boundaries of playing techno. This set is not only beautifully rough but also incredibly sophisticated. Much love from us to all the mad techno people in Éire, and special thanks to Conor for not holding back creating this mental gem of a set. 🇮🇪❤️‍🔥😈

* Interview coming soon

Visit our SoundCloud page to enjoy the set.

Raxeller

Today we have a unique gem to share. Raxeller was played in a few of the sets we received over the past year, and we understand why. His tracks have a filthy and fulfilling industrial sound. We had the pleasure to exchange this morning and are thrilled that he decided to participate in our project. Love from both of us for your incredible musical contribution over the past year. 🤗😈

joushikijin: How is your mood today?

Raxeller: I’m in a good mood. My old life seems to come back little by little every day now.

joushikijin: How has the pandemic affected your mental health?

Raxeller: It significantly worsened my mental well-being. It is also getting better by the day. People were, or are, separated whether for a good cause or not. People need each other.

joushikijin: What do you love most about creating music?

Raxeller: The freedom to make what I like to make. The peace it brings with it (yes, even with some frustrations sometimes). Without pressure. To express a part of me as a person, through my music, without seeing the rest. Because for me, it’s all about the music, not about me as a person. Therefore, I don’t have a fancy bio, and I’d like to stay a bit in the background overall.

joushikijin: What have you been struggling with the most during the pandemic?

Raxeller: The loneliness, the silence, and the emptiness.

joushikijin: What new thing have you learned about yourself during the pandemic?

Raxeller: In general, exceptions aside, people can adapt very well to any situation. I have learned that I have been able to do the same. The things I couldn’t deal with before, I now look back on as the best and most challenging learning moments ever.

joushikijin: Can you name us the artist that has inspired you the most during the pandemic?

Raxeller: It’s not just a single artist. Several artists, followers, and family members inspired me to keep going with my music, one no more than the other. You don’t always have to say something to show that you support or inspire someone. Got a lot of love from people on SoundCloud. Respectful people like JAPAU, CEKTA, TØLR, Gostwork, (I have to keep it short, the list keeps going) 🖤 and all my followers on SoundCloud. Therefore I decided to keep going and get better at what I love to do the most.

joushikijin: Since the pandemic, what has been your most favourite non-music-related thing to do?

Raxeller: Working out, on the days when gyms are not forcibly closed … Your body and mind work as one, keeping the balance between them is the most crucial thing in life. Be careful with your body. The same goes for your mind.

joushikijin: Once the pandemic is over, what are you looking forward to the most?

Raxeller: To get back to partying like before, meeting new people and maybe running into acquaintances. And maybe in the future to have some more small gigs myself. 😅😂

joushikijin: Is there something else on your mind you would like to share with the techno community?

Raxeller: As I know it, the techno community is a community full of understanding people with lots of love and respect. Everyone can be themselves without being judged. There are exceptions there as well. But let’s not close the end negatively. Always stay yourself, make sure you try to become the best version of yourself, and most of all, keep doing what makes you happy. Sounds trite, but it is the foundation in life. Happiness is a treasure of inestimable value hidden in your heart. 🖤

Visit our SoundCloud page to enjoy the set.

Eddie Lives

A massive thank you to the talented Eddie Lives from Greece for this incredibly sophisticated and well-crafted set. We had only a few short conversations over the past few weeks. However, we love what he does and hope to hear more from him soon – one of the artists on our list to listen live this year. 🥰🥳

joushikijin: How is your mood today?

Eddie Lives: I feel great!

joushikijin: How has the pandemic affected your mental health?

Eddie Lives: My mental health wasn’t affected that much, hopefully.

joushikijin: What do you love most about creating music?

Eddie Lives: Music production has no limits, and this is giving me mental euphoria.

joushikijin: What have you been struggling with the most during the pandemic?

Eddie Lives: That I couldn’t express my feelings through music in front of people.

joushikijin: What new thing have you learned about yourself during the pandemic?

Eddie Lives: Take nothing for granted, especially relationships between people.

joushikijin: Can you name us the artist that has inspired you the most during the pandemic?

Eddie Lives: I have to name two of them, sorry! Norberto Lusso, from Italy and OMBRAR, from France.

joushikijin: Since the pandemic, what has been your most favourite non-music-related thing to do?

Eddie Lives: Because of my daytime job, I didn’t have time for others things except for my music!

joushikijin: Once the pandemic is over, what are you looking forward to the most?

Eddie Lives: I am looking forward to traveling abroad for gigs again and meeting new ravers.

joushikijin: Is there something else on your mind you would like to share with the techno community?

Eddie Lives: Embrace upcoming artists in the scene. Let them be heard! Also, a big big thank you to my music production mentor at THEMA PROJECT from Thessaloniki, and Andreas Dimitriadis, aka AND.ID.

Visit our SoundCloud page to enjoy the set.

Maze DK

We’re excited to share this set’s incredible journey with you. We also thank Maze DK for the insightful and open interview – we share many of the same struggles and perspectives. A big thank you for your time and contribution. 😊

joushikijin: How is your mood today?

Maze DK: I just had COVID-19, which made me ill for a couple of days. I’m relieved and energised to go back into my life.

joushikijin: How has the pandemic affected your mental health?

Maze DK: The very beginning was especially hard for me. I planned to move out of London to Berlin for a couple of years already, and I had everything set in motion just before the pandemic. So, when it started, I was in quite an uncertain situation where I didn’t know if I would be able to even move with German borders closed but without my old job in London and with a terminated tenancy contract. After moving to Berlin in April 2020, I found myself confined in home-quarantine without an extensive network of support or many close friends in a new city and country. And I can tell you one thing, looking for a place to live in Berlin wasn’t an easy task before the pandemic. With Coronavirus restrictions and fear, it was even more challenging. I also got anxious and stressed observing how the pandemic was handled. It was all personal responsibility instead of systemic change. And it doesn’t make me much optimistic about how those with power, and we as a species, will deal with other coming global emergencies. On the bright side, I guess those times helped me learn whom my real friends are, making me stronger. After a while, I also came back to making music after over a decade and a half of break, which changed me and helped tap into my creative side. Without music and friends, my mental health would have gotten much worse during lockdowns and the pandemic.

joushikijin: What do you love most about creating music?

Maze DK: I love sharing my music with others and seeing people enjoy themselves when I play live or write or talk about people listening to my recorded sets. Creating music for me is as much a way of expressing myself creatively as being an entertainer.

joushikijin: What have you been struggling with the most during the pandemic?

Maze DK: On a personal level, I was always an active person with many friends, activities, and community work. As many governments decided to sacrifice our social and cultural lives to keep economies going, many stopped being accessible anymore. Going from this lifestyle of constantly staying busy to being confined in four walls was such a dramatic change. It took me time to rediscover myself and be content with this new ‘normal’. Mentally I struggled a lot with this angst that, as a collective society, our economic and political systems cannot cope with such a massive emergency like the pandemic. And that if many people (primarily those in power) can’t give up their profits and make hard decisions for making those times better and safer for all of us, how are we supposed to tackle what’s coming next? Climate change, biodiversity collapse, and so on?

joushikijin: What new thing have you learned about yourself during the pandemic?

Maze DK: As I mentioned, I rediscovered my connection to music as a consumer and raver and as a creator. But another side of that is that I also learned to enjoy my own company instead of keeping myself constantly busy to avoid being alone. This wouldn’t be possible without me tapping into my creative side again, and it’s a great skill to have.

joushikijin: Can you name us the artist that has inspired you the most during the pandemic?

Maze DK: Artists who inspire my style are DJs whom I feel do not only play music but play with music. Paula Temple or SPFDJ are among those whose sets I immensely enjoy and use as inspiration. Additionally, I’m really inspired by all those artists who use their platform to make something meaningful, comment on a situation in our world, change our scene for the better or many local names who are pillars of the local community. Especially initiatives like female:pressure is inspiring, as are organisations promoting diversity in the electronic music scene.

joushikijin: Since the pandemic, what has been your most favourite non-music-related thing to do?

Maze DK: To be fair, outside of the music-related part of my life, I didn’t start many new activities. However, as I mentioned before, I learnt to enjoy my own company – meditating, self-reflection and looking into my mind, body, and soul.

joushikijin: Once the pandemic is over, what are you looking forward to the most?

Maze DK: Last summer here in Berlin, we already had a little bit of a taste of what I’m looking forward to. I want to reconnect with all those parts of my life which were hindered during the pandemic and pursue my dream and passion for electronic music.

joushikijin: Is there something else on your mind you would like to share with the techno community?

Maze DK: I wish that our scene remembered and cherished the roots where it came from, which are underground, radical, black, and queer. Diversity is what makes creative spaces interesting.

Visit our SoundCloud page to enjoy the set.

Daniel Giano

Another brilliant contribution from Italy. Yes, we do have a slight bias for Italian artists. 😅 Much love for Daniel Giano’s wild hard techno set as well as his brief but frank responses. Tante Grazie, amico. ❤️‍🔥💫

joushikijin: How is your mood today?

Daniel Giano: My mood today is pretty good.

joushikijin: How has the pandemic affected your mental health?

Daniel Giano: I think it just made me nervous.

joushikijin: What do you love most about creating music?

Daniel Giano: Since creating my music, I have loved being able to play the various synths and instruments that I have! to convey strong emotions to the public, both sad and cheerful.

joushikijin: What have you been struggling with the most during the pandemic?

Daniel Giano: With myself.

joushikijin: What new thing have you learned about yourself during the pandemic?

Daniel Giano: That I can do better and better.

joushikijin: Can you name us the artist that has inspired you the most during the pandemic?

Daniel Giano: Luciano Lamanna, my mentor.

joushikijin: Since the pandemic, what has been your most favourite non-music-related thing to do?

Daniel Giano: Making love with my wife!

joushikijin: Once the pandemic is over, what are you looking forward to the most?

Daniel Giano: To be able to play here in Italy. Afterwards, maybe even somewhere abroad.

joushikijin: Is there something else on your mind you would like to share with the techno community?

Daniel Giano: Ravers, we have to start dancing again.

Visit our SoundCloud page to enjoy the set.

AC Jackers

This week’s contribution comes from France. An incredibly talented Parisian who contributed a mind-blowing and technically well-executed hard-techno set. We also thank him for taking the time for the interview. A massive thanks to AC Jackers. A big hug and kiss to our party animals in Paris. Stay mad. ❤️‍🔥

joushikijin: How is your mood today?

AC Jackers: I always keep the mood have no choice.

joushikijin: How has the pandemic affected your mental health?

AC Jackers: The nightlife world was hit in the heart. It was sad. However, I am an amateur DJ, I was not too impacted.

joushikijin: What do you love most about creating music?

AC Jackers: The quality of the music and I am very open musically. I started creating just a while ago. We will see.

joushikijin: What have you been struggling with the most during the pandemic?

AC Jackers: …

joushikijin: What new thing have you learned about yourself during the pandemic?

AC Jackers: …

joushikijin: Can you name us the artist that has inspired you the most during the pandemic?

AC Jackers: So many. 😂 Somniac One, KRTM, Von Bikrav, Aneed, et cetera.

joushikijin: Since the pandemic, what has been your most favourite non-music-related thing to do?

AC Jackers: Sports and racing games but also FPS.

joushikijin: Once the pandemic is over, what are you looking forward to the most?

AC Jackers: Working as much as possible in music production to have a chance to mix at a party.

joushikijin: Is there something else on your mind you would like to share with the techno community?

AC Jackers: The future of humanity or some part of the globe, the climate, capitalism but there is too much to say.

Visit our SoundCloud page to enjoy the set.

K91

Welcome to 2022. We hope all of you had a lovely start. We start the year with an Italian love letter to dark techno. K91 is an incredibly talented producer/artist. We had to hear him perform live in Rome a few weeks ago. Incredible. We hope you get as much out of this set as we do – much love.

joushikijin: How is your mood today?

K91: Hello, today I’m very calm. I’m pretty good, thanks.

joushikijin: How has the pandemic affected your mental health?

K91: It was not easy at first, but then it was enough to get used to it.

joushikijin: What do you love most about creating music?

K91: I love to convey what I feel in music by producing and playing.

joushikijin: What have you been struggling with the most during the pandemic?

K91: I struggled with the everyday monotony.

joushikijin: What new thing have you learned about yourself during the pandemic?

K91: I learned that spending too much time indoors without having fun is difficult, but it is also lovely to spend time with your family.

joushikijin: Can you name us the artist that has inspired you the most during the pandemic?

K91: Luca Agnelli is the best for me.

joushikijin: Since the pandemic, what has been your most favourite non-music-related thing to do?

K91: Spending time with my girlfriend and our dog Tyson.

joushikijin: Once the pandemic is over, what are you looking forward to the most?

K91: That everything returns to normal as before.

joushikijin: Is there something else on your mind you would like to share with the techno community?

K91: Music is passion, life, and part of me. It is as if It were running through my veins. Life would be sad without music.

Visit our SoundCloud page to enjoy the set.

SDTX

Thanks, everyone, for this brilliant experience so far. The closing set and last interview for this year are by SDTX. A brilliant artist from Moscow, Russia. We’re absolutely in love with her relentlessly dark and driving sound. Thanks for this mental set and warm regards to all the Russian lovers of techno. 😈❤️‍🔥 Also, a massive thanks for everyone supporting our madness this year, a big hug to everyone who likes one. We see you next year for more.

joushikijin: How is your mood today?

SDTX: Everything is fine. I’m focused on my goals.

joushikijin: How has the pandemic affected your mental health?

SDTX: All this time, I had a lot of work on myself, on my personality. I read literature about self-development, music, and everything essential to understand and apply in life. During the pandemic, I did an excellent job with my mental difficulties. I became more balanced. I don’t have time to be sad because I always have a lot to do, especially since production takes most of my time.

joushikijin: What do you love most about creating music?

SDTX: This is the most exciting activity of all that I have tried. I love starting a new track project. I see a blank sheet and look forward to transferring an idea from my fantasy to this sheet. When the track is finished, it’s nice to realize that I created something out of nothing for people’s pleasure.

joushikijin: What have you been struggling with the most during the pandemic?

SDTX: I didn’t struggle with anything. But it turned out that my production classes began at the beginning of the pandemic. Since then, my main task has been to improve the quality of my music and achieve the maximum coincidence of the idea in my head with the final result – the track.

joushikijin: What new thing have you learned about yourself during the pandemic?

SDTX: I realised that nothing was impossible. There are no unsolvable problems. And the most important thing is to have relatives and loved ones nearby.

joushikijin: Can you name us the artist that has inspired you the most during the pandemic?

SDTX: For me, there is no one person that I would be inspired by and take an example from. I am inspired by music, artists, films about music and books about music. Most of all, I am inspired by the history of the development of techno music. It captures and inspires me.

joushikijin: Since the pandemic, what has been your most favourite non-music-related thing to do?

SDTX: Reading books and watching movies.

joushikijin: Once the pandemic is over, what are you looking forward to the most?

SDTX: I want to move freely between countries, travel without quarantines and restrictions.

joushikijin: Is there something else on your mind you would like to share with the techno community?

SDTX: I wish good luck and perseverance to all aspiring artists. I want not to lose inspiration to all experienced and accomplished artists. I wish all ravers to ‘throw off the tinsel’ a little and listen to music carefully with love. No matter what kind of scenery, you don’t need auxiliary substances if you love music. I wish all people not to get upset over trifles, take care of themselves and enjoy life. Take a closer look and listen to the world carefully. Life is terrific!

Visit our SoundCloud page to enjoy the set.

Rais D *

This week’s set is dear to us. Rais D is our best friend and one of the closest persons. He was also responsible for rekindling our love for techno in 2014. Our preferences for the various sub-genres has deviated over the years. However, the shared passion for the techno culture remains. He is one of the most talented and versatile people we know, and we can’t wait to organise events and cause havoc again. 😈 A massive hug from both of us to you and the entire family. Love you. ♥️😘

* Interview coming soon

Visit our SoundCloud page to enjoy the set.

ZÖWI

We’re really excited about this set. We discovered ZÖWI through her teamwork with .Я and knew we had to ask her for a collaboration. This set is absolute dark madness paired with driving energy. We hope you get as much fun out of this as we do. Thanks again ZÖWI, for making time and putting all this energy into this project. 😊

joushikijin: How is your mood today?

ZÖWI: I’m happy! This interview makes me feel good.

joushikijin: How has the pandemic affected your mental health?

ZÖWI: I think it has negatively affected me. Since I’m 13 years old, I have had anxiety, and the pandemic has increased a lot.

joushikijin: What do you love most about creating music?

ZÖWI: I think that the capacity to create something helps people feel happy and free, at least for a moment.

joushikijin: What have you been struggling with the most during the pandemic?

ZÖWI: The most challenging part has been missing my family, not being able to see them, and being scared about their health. At the moment, nobody knew anything about this sickness, and I had a lot of negative thoughts because of anxiety, I guess.

joushikijin: What new thing have you learned about yourself during the pandemic?

ZÖWI: That I love playing music! I bought my first DJ controller during the pandemic, and I discovered that music makes me feel quiet. It gives me the chance to disconnect from reality which sometimes can be difficult.

joushikijin: Can you name us the artist that has inspired you the most during the pandemic?

ZÖWI: Definitely .Я has inspired me the most. We are family, and he is my brother in law, so we spend much time together. He has always trusted me and also has taught me everything he knows. I’m really grateful to him and enjoy playing together a lot. Also, Ledd (from Buenos Aires, Argentina) has inspired me. I call him my dad, 😂 and he has taught me a lot. He is patient with me, which is difficult because I’m an intense person. I admire him and always say that he is one of the most talented people I have known.

joushikijin: Since the pandemic, what has been your most favourite non-music-related thing to do?

ZÖWI: Climbing and yoga! I discovered these two activities during the pandemic, and I fell in love.

joushikijin: Once the pandemic is over, what are you looking forward to the most?

ZÖWI: Well, I hope to enjoy those things that we as a society have lost because of confinement and not lose them anymore. Related to music, I hope raves come back and have opportunities to play in them. And most important, I hope to keep learning a lot.

joushikijin: Is there something else on your mind you would like to share with the techno community?

ZÖWI: I love that I got to know this community, which is so special and unique, because I feel free and happy being part of it.

Visit our SoundCloud page to enjoy the set.

Donu D

Donu D’s comments are everywhere on SoundCloud. There is barely an industrial/dark/hard techno set that he didn’t comment on. This is also how we became aware of him and the realisation that he makes music himself. A few weeks later, we’re here. 😊 Thank you, Donu D, for the fun set and insightful interview. Really enjoyed this one.

joushikijin: How is your mood today?

Donu D: I’m feeling a bit shady. The weather isn’t one of the best today, but I just had my coffee, so it can’t be that bad.

joushikijin: How has the pandemic affected your mental health?

Donu D: Personally, it didn’t affect me as much, but seeing others getting paranoid and worrying about the situation wasn’t a nice view, especially at the beginning. On the positive side, I had more time for introspection, thinking about my life, where I would like to get it to, and more time to spend with my family, which got us closer.

joushikijin: What do you love most about creating music?

Donu D: The inner world you usually can’t put into words, to express it in other ways, in this case through music, I believe is one of the best feelings you can possibly experience. It also reminds me of something I always seem to forget, my true nature.

joushikijin: What have you been struggling with the most during the pandemic?

Donu D: Mainly my thoughts, which you would typically avoid, I had even less space to run from now with fewer distractions. Of course, the most challenging part, in general, is that first step. Afterwards, you look back, and you think to yourself, ‘Mhhh … it wasn’t that bad as I thought it would be’.

joushikijin: What new thing have you learned about yourself during the pandemic?

Donu D: I learned that I have a lot to learn about humility, opening up to others, about community and when it comes to becoming my best version, not to do it just for myself as a separate unity but to do it for the Whole also.

joushikijin: Can you name us the artist that has inspired you the most during the pandemic?

Donu D: My ‘cousin’ Sergiu TH, having someone close to you doing the same thing, seeing one another doing this. That, the inspiration just bounces back between you two.

joushikijin: Since the pandemic, what has been your most favourite non-music-related thing to do?

Donu D: By far reading books. Mostly psychology and philosophy. One of the best mornings is having my first coffee with a book. It puts me in a very serene, calm like state, and it gives my brain something to think about for the rest of the day.

joushikijin: Once the pandemic is over, what are you looking forward to the most?

Donu D: For sure, having my first official gigs and making lots of new friends in the scene but not only. Until then, the ‘secret location’ will be my saviour.

joushikijin: Is there something else on your mind you would like to share with the techno community?

Donu D: There wasn’t, and it won’t be something we can’t overcome together. Stay strong. Our time will come!

Visit our SoundCloud page to enjoy the set.

Hræfn

Bridging the connection between people across countries is one of our main focus points for our projects. Thus, this week’s techno comes from Tehran, Iran. Thank you, Hræfn, for this magical entry and the brief interview. We also like to thank Parpsy for facilitating the relationship. سپاسگزارم

joushikijin: How is your mood today?

Hræfn: I feel good and happy. 😊

joushikijin: How has the pandemic affected your mental health?

Hræfn: The pandemic and lockdown have not affected my mental health because I still saw my friends and threw smaller parties. However, having contracted COVID-19 itself was terrible. After two weeks of being sick, I wanted to die. A bizarre feeling, I felt so depressed during this period.

joushikijin: What do you love most about creating music?

Hræfn: What I love the most about creating music is creation itself! I think I need to create my art just like God needed to create us. Transferring all those emotions to people through art is a fantastic feeling.

joushikijin: What have you been struggling with the most during the pandemic?

Hræfn: The pandemic most bad effect was on my financial situation. I couldn’t throw big parties, so I tried private tutoring classes to manage to make ends meet.

joushikijin: What new thing have you learned about yourself during the pandemic?

Hræfn: That my body and soul are more robust than I imagined before. Also that I have patience.

joushikijin: Can you name us the artist that has inspired you the most during the pandemic?

Hræfn: There is no such artist.

joushikijin: Since the pandemic, what has been your most favourite non-music-related thing to do?

Hræfn: Actually, all I did during the pandemic was related to music. I thought if I worked harder and harder in this situation, I could secure a better future for myself.

joushikijin: Once the pandemic is over, what are you looking forward to the most?

Hræfn: I have to leave this country (Iran) where we have no future.

joushikijin: Is there something else on your mind you would like to share with the techno community?

Hræfn: Nope.

Visit our SoundCloud page to enjoy the set.

NineTed

This week, we will deviate a wee bit from our usual sound to showcase the work of two young individuals from England. The set has a heavy focus on dance tunes paired with the occasional darker elements. A massive thanks for their time and effort recording the set and answering the interview questions. We wish NineTed all the best with their venture into the techno world. 😊

joushikijin: How is your mood today?

NineTed: We are both feeling great and very motivated today And are both looking forward to the week ahead.

joushikijin: How has the pandemic affected your mental health?

NineTed: The pandemic has massively impacted us and our mental health because we could not play out at gigs and have the freedom we deserve taken away from us.

joushikijin: What do you love most about creating music?

NineTed: We love the most about creating music by creating our sounds and constantly learning and developing new skills.

joushikijin: What have you been struggling with the most during the pandemic?

NineTed: During the pandemic, we struggled with not seeing family members, not being able to go to gigs to see our favourite this for inspiration, and not getting behind the decks ourselves.

joushikijin: What new thing have you learned about yourself during the pandemic?

NineTed: We have learned that we should not rush what we are doing and that we never give up even though the tough times we had during the pandemic and the result of perseverance, the reward is always better.

joushikijin: Can you name us the artist that has inspired you the most during the pandemic?

NineTed: Various artists have inspired us during the pandemic, but one of the primary ones is Charlie sparks.

joushikijin: Since the pandemic, what has been your most favourite non-music-related thing to do?

NineTed: Our favourite non-music is going for walks and going fishing and also reading books.

joushikijin: Once the pandemic is over, what are you looking forward to the most?

NineTed: Because now the pandemic is over, we have been looking forward to seeing our favourite artists and being able to play out to a crowd again.

joushikijin: Is there something else on your mind you would like to share with the techno community?

NineTed: There is nothing else that we have to share with the techno community. Thank you for getting us involved in this!

Visit our SoundCloud page to enjoy the set.

fluid *

This collaboration is dear to us for many reasons.

First, we intrinsically love fluid’s music and what the artist stands for. A driving, dark, atmospheric, and everything-encompassing sound that one can get lost in. Make sure to check out the new Translating Emotions Into Waveforms EP on Bandcamp, distributed by Subverted, which is a true gem. Some of the proceeds go towards fluid’s top surgery. Alternatively, visit fluid’s Instagram to learn how else you can contribute.

Second, we’re queer, and we want to go beyond the current struggle of being accepted but promote true equality. Coming from the scientific community and being neuropsychologists, we know that for equal treatment, it does-not-fucking matter what sex you’re born with or what gender you identify with. Inequality is a social construct imposed by individuals. We’re sick and tired of this discussion and work towards a world where everyone is treated equally and not based on arbitrary societal norms. We made a conscious decision not to be a queer only project for that specific reason. Instead, our aim is to treat music and artists based on merit, resulting in a healthy mix of people from various backgrounds.

A massive thanks to fluid for this beautiful and mesmerising set. We look forward to future collaborations and wish you all the best with the surgery. 😊

* Interview coming soon

Visit our SoundCloud page to enjoy the set.

Azyr

This week, we welcome our first contribution from England. Thank you, Azyr, for making this set and interview a reality. Love the relentless energy and many unexpected moments of your set. 🥰 We’re looking forward to more madness from you in the future. 😊

joushikijin: How is your mood today?

Azyr: I’m feeling very positive and motivated this morning. After gaining support from an artist I look up to & have been seeing for a while now at the weekend, it’s made me more focused than ever.

joushikijin: How has the pandemic affected your mental health?

Azyr: I used the pandemic to my advantage as much as I could to ensure my mental health wasn’t affected. During this period, I started to learn how to DJ after I purchased my first set of decks. I’ve been learning every day from that moment, and I didn’t let the pandemic stop me.

joushikijin: What do you love most about creating music?

Azyr: The best part about creating music is hearing the finished result either at a party or in the clubs and seeing everyone react to your tracks. A big reaction and seeing limbs in the air is an unmatched feeling.

joushikijin: What have you been struggling with the most during the pandemic?

Azyr: The biggest struggle during the pandemic was staying motivated. The days were very repetitive, and it was hard to stay focused at times. I found I had to be more productive and spend more time outside to find the motivation to mix and produce.

joushikijin: What new thing have you learned about yourself during the pandemic?

Azyr: During the pandemic, I learnt I could express my feelings and emotion through different music genres. Eventually, I found the right sound to match my personality when mixing or producing.

joushikijin: Can you name us the artist that has inspired you the most during the pandemic?

Azyr: It’s hard to choose just one artist that has inspired me from the beginning. However, the most significant influences on my music and the people I look up to are Charlie sparks, I Hate Models, VTSS, Dax J, Shlømo, and HADONE, just to name a few.

joushikijin: Since the pandemic, what has been your most favourite non-music-related thing to do?

Azyr: During the pandemic, it was crucial to me to see my friends and have a very active social life, so I enjoyed most getting out and about in the summer, going to the pub, going on walks/bike rides, et cetera.

joushikijin: Once the pandemic is over, what are you looking forward to the most?

Azyr: Whilst the UK was at the height of the pandemic, the thing I was looking forward to the most once it was over was going to the first rave back. Since the pandemic, the first one I attended was XXL at Victoria warehouse. To this date, it remains the best event and production I’ve witnessed.

joushikijin: Is there something else on your mind you would like to share with the techno community?

Azyr: I want to tell everyone out there who is thinking about becoming a DJ or a producer, get some essential equipment to start with, and go for it. It was the best decision I ever made, and there’s no better feeling than sharing the music you love with the people around you.

Visit our SoundCloud page to enjoy the set.

Paul Siebzehn

A big thanks to Paul Siebzehn for making this set possible. He is another Italian gem that originates from Napoli. He has resided in Torino for several years now, enriching the Italian techno scene with proper hard techno. 😈 You can also catch his live streams on Instagram. Thanks again for everything. We look forward to hearing more from him soon.

joushikijin: How is your mood today?

Paul Siebzehn: I’m having a confusing time, but I’m fine, thanks.

joushikijin: How has the pandemic affected your mental health?

Paul Siebzehn: Not having the freedom to go out, I went through a period of depression where I had to resort to a psychologist and drugs to feel comfortable.

joushikijin: What do you love most about creating music?

Paul Siebzehn: I love to collect vinyl in every place I go. I take one as a souvenir, and I love walking in nature to discover new landscapes.

joushikijin: What have you been struggling with the most during the pandemic?

Paul Siebzehn: Loneliness, and to feel good about myself.

joushikijin: What new thing have you learned about yourself during the pandemic?

Paul Siebzehn: I learned to wait, not rush things, and, above all, dedicate my time to activities that open my mind.

joushikijin: Can you name us the artist that has inspired you the most during the pandemic?

Paul Siebzehn: I have had various influences, but my mentor is Luciano Lamanna.

joushikijin: Since the pandemic, what has been your most favourite non-music-related thing to do?

Paul Siebzehn: Having found a girl who stood next to me and who bears me for who I am. I have to admit, I can be heavy, but she is my angel.

joushikijin: Once the pandemic is over, what are you looking forward to the most?

Paul Siebzehn: I expect more love from human beings. Unfortunately, many values have been lost.

joushikijin: Is there something else on your mind you would like to share with the techno community?

Paul Siebzehn: For Christmas 2021, I am collecting gifts for a hospital that cares for children with diseases that affect their lives. I think that a small gesture can change their day.

Visit our SoundCloud page to enjoy the set.

wee man

Much thanks to wee man for this week’s incredibly dark set and open interview. He is our first artist on this series from Wales and produces incredible dark and noisy techno. Make sure to check out his releases – they are fucking-cathartic pieces of art. Thanks again for everything. We hope our paths cross again in the future.

joushikijin: How is your mood today?

wee man: Excellent thanks, I’m off work right now, and it’s raining, so going to stay at home and hopefully get some music done.

joushikijin: How has the pandemic affected your mental health?

wee man: It was a little boring at first, although it was pretty interesting because nobody knew what would happen next. It’s helped me in many ways. I enjoy my own company, so that was a plus as it let me prioritise and focus on things that I probably wouldn’t have if not for the lockdowns. If the pandemic didn’t happen, I wouldn’t have started producing/mixing, so I’m very grateful in that respect as I’ve learnt so many things and met some great people.

joushikijin: What do you love most about creating music?

wee man: Well, it’s only been a year, so still learning everything in the bottomless pit. At first, I was in Ableton for twelve hours a day, trying to make anything and everything. I’ve slowly found my own sound and way of doing things. Finding rhythm in something that shouldn’t have one. Also, turning my own samples into tracks and then hearing other DJs play them in a mix or live gig is crazy to me, very ‘surreal’. It makes me feel really good.

joushikijin: What have you been struggling with the most during the pandemic?

wee man: Nothing major, really, although it’s been a bit awkward at times with events rescheduling and holidays cancelled, Probably earache from wearing a face mask.

joushikijin: What new thing have you learned about yourself during the pandemic?

wee man: That I don’t need to travel far to have a good time and that I can produce half-decent tracks when I’m not procrastinating. 😂

joushikijin: Can you name us the artist that has inspired you the most during the pandemic?

wee man: I try to take my inspiration from other things such as books or films. People like EASTEL, the HEART’S WHISPERS gang and EDUVEK & DRËM at HIC ET NUNC have helped me over the pandemic with releases and getting music out there, which I’m very grateful for and have some more stuff with both labels in the works.

joushikijin: Since the pandemic, what has been your most favourite non-music-related thing to do?

wee man: Spending time with my son and cooking.

joushikijin: Once the pandemic is over, what are you looking forward to the most?

wee man: Going on an extended holiday and meeting some new friends I’ve made during the pandemic and definitely playing gigs.

joushikijin: Is there something else on your mind you would like to share with the techno community?

wee man: Prepare for 2046.

Visit our SoundCloud page to enjoy the set.

CARL SCHLAG

Another much-anticipated set we are happy to share with everyone today. We couldn’t even be bothered to suggest what subgenre it falls into. It’s a wild one that’s catchy (thank you, BEHEĀDER for this term). A massive thank you to Carl Schlag for recording this gem and making the interview ready on such short notice. Much love from both of us. ♥️✊🏽

joushikijin: How is your mood today?

Carl Schlag: My mood was really mixed today.

joushikijin: How has the pandemic affected your mental health?

Carl Schlag: I started university during the pandemic and found such beautiful shared accommodation. I loved being isolated together with these people. They carried me through this pandemic.

joushikijin: What do you love most about creating music?

Carl Schlag: I love that I can express different feelings I wouldn’t be able to express with words.

joushikijin: What have you been struggling with the most during the pandemic?

Carl Schlag: Being able to focus on things and working on stuff uni-related.

joushikijin: What new thing have you learned about yourself during the pandemic?

Carl Schlag: That there is a lot from the past I need to work on.

joushikijin: Can you name us the artist that has inspired you the most during the pandemic?

Carl Schlag: It’s hard to name just one artist. I would be a mix between ABEM and RZVX, which is kind of strange because they create such different sounds from each other.

joushikijin: Since the pandemic, what has been your most favourite non-music-related thing to do?

Carl Schlag: My favourite non-music-related thing is collecting plants and caring for them. 😊

joushikijin: Once the pandemic is over, what are you looking forward to the most?

Carl Schlag: Probably indoor raves. This summer had a lot of great outdoor events, but I miss sweating in a bunker.

joushikijin: Is there something else on your mind you would like to share with the techno community?

Carl Schlag: Watch out!

Visit our SoundCloud page to enjoy the set.

ĀNGER HĀMMER

Tanti auguri di buon compleanno! 🤗😘 A massive thank you to ĀNGER HĀMMER for this mental and brilliant interview. We are looking forward to much brilliant collaboration like this one. An enormous hug and kiss. Stay tuned for madness from him on our channel soon.

So much love for Italy. A big thanks for always looking after us for the last four years. You have been the parents we never had, and each interaction shows us how healthy relationships can look like. We love how uncompromisingly we have been embraced by the Italian techno community and how reliably and solid their contribution is not only to our project but to the techno community as a whole. We love their dedication to life in general and the empathy they manage to show fellow human beings.

joushikijin: How is your mood today?

ĀNGER HĀMMER: My mood today is like other days, evil and angry like the music I listen to.

joushikijin: How has the pandemic affected your mental health?

ĀNGER HĀMMER: The pandemic has affected me much because I like hanging out with friends listening to music, and dancing. With the pandemic, I couldn’t do any of this. It was the worst two years of my life.

joushikijin: What do you love most about creating music?

ĀNGER HĀMMER: Everything. There’s nothing I love more than music.

joushikijin: What have you been struggling with the most during the pandemic?

ĀNGER HĀMMER: The pandemic was the main reason I started playing with music. I fought the days locked in the house, smoking and playing. Slowly, I saw that I liked it more and more, and that is why I decided to buy professional equipment after a year.

joushikijin: What new thing have you learned about yourself during the pandemic?

ĀNGER HĀMMER: I have learned that we must enjoy freedom as long as we have the opportunity. I have understood the meaning of life, matured, and saw what it is like not having work or money.

joushikijin: Can you name us the artist that has inspired you the most during the pandemic?

ĀNGER HĀMMER: My most favourite artist. There are so many Høbie, Vendex, PLEXØS, but one, in particular, is STX. His music, his bad sound fast and hard, it inspired me to play hard music. I love it.

joushikijin: Since the pandemic, what has been your most favourite non-music-related thing to do?

ĀNGER HĀMMER: After the pandemic, I thought every day about being with my friends. I missed them a lot, returning more or less to normal, going out, drinking, having fun altogether. Going to work, I didn’t think so, but it was very nice to be back. 😂

joushikijin: Once the pandemic is over, what are you looking forward to the most?

ĀNGER HĀMMER: I expect each of us to realise what we have been through and finally think a little about our neighbour and be always available for those who need it.

joushikijin: Is there something else on your mind you would like to share with the techno community?

ĀNGER HĀMMER: I would like to clarify to many people who hate this music, that it is not only noises, that you can only dance to it when drunk, there is so much history and culture behind all this, so many emotions that it is not always possible to explain for those who do not love it.

Visit our SoundCloud page to enjoy the set.

B Λ N D I

There is much love from us for B Λ N D I’s music and style. There is a heavy ‘carrot and stick’ focus to his sets that whip you into a frenzy but also allow you plenty of room to breath. One of the most talented people we had the pleasure to listen to this year, and glad that he took the time and energy to record this madness of a set and answer the questions thoughtfully and openly. 🥰

joushikijin: How is your mood today?

B Λ N D I: Hey! So first, I’d like to thank you for inviting me to this brilliant podcast series. I’m doing just great today. I’ve almost finished the track that I began to make today, also did record the mix for you guys. Also, recently I’ve got some great news about my first gig my mood couldn’t be better than this! 😁

joushikijin: How has the pandemic affected your mental health?

B Λ N D I: So this question is tricky. When the government announced that there would be country-wide quarantine and that you couldn’t even leave your house, that (if I remember correctly) four months were spent with actual heavy depression in my case. Also, my brother moved out for this time due to family reasons. At the start of the summer, in 2020, we had some reliefs, parties were open again, and social life was restored to a normal level. We just went on two or maybe three parties with my friends, but we had a quarantine again when November came with everything closed. This point was when I’ve decided to make music and started to learn mixing as well. My first sketches were about eight months ago. Thankfully, night and social life have been back since this May, so every kind of deep point seems to be gone (hopefully forever).

joushikijin: What do you love most about creating music?

B Λ N D I: Well, if I’d have to say everything. It is a way to express myself. I love making my own kicks, designing the sounds in my tracks. The experience to create something own is just not describable. Even though I love producing music, I have just a little bit more commitment to the mixing part. This is something you can basically do anytime, anywhere. You just have to take your controller or already have one there where you are going.

joushikijin: What have you been struggling with the most during the pandemic?

B Λ N D I: Definitely social life. I’ve been missing damn much going out with friends, going to parties, doing everyday things like watching a movie in the cinema or eating something in a restaurant. It’s been a struggle to have them closed out from my/our life.

joushikijin: What new thing have you learned about yourself during the pandemic?

B Λ N D I: Well, ha-ha, I probably have some sense in making music. This is something I had nothing to do with it before. Also, I went through some personality changes, but this comes because I’m growing up and hitting 18 soon.

joushikijin: Can you name us the artist that has inspired you the most during the pandemic?

B Λ N D I: I have a lot, probably my bro LOOCEE Ø. I’ve been talking a lot with him, but outside him, I’d name Veta.M, 6EJOU, Rorganic, NUITSIBLE, and MORSURE.

joushikijin: Since the pandemic, what has been your most favourite non-music-related thing to do?

B Λ N D I: At the moment, and during the pandemic, I had nothing that’s non-music-related, I’m spending most of my time in this, and I do enjoy it a looot!

joushikijin: Once the pandemic is over, what are you looking forward to the most?

B Λ N D I: I’m looking forward to my ‘career’ if I can say that, day-by-day, my emotions towards music are getting stronger and stronger, so once I finish high school, I’m planning my future in this.

joushikijin: Is there something else on your mind you would like to share with the techno community?

B Λ N D I: Hold on, just a little bit more. It is going to be over very soon, and also don’t give up. Some countries are behind our vaccination number and poor conditions but don’t ever give up anything. Our everyday life is coming back, and this is all that matters. Also, stay safe, be with your family, if you can, then go to raves as many times as you can and take care! 😊

Visit our SoundCloud page to enjoy the set.

Thought Criminal

This set and interview are unique and dear to us. Thought Criminal is an incredibly talented artist. We feel much love and respect for her projects, the @fiercecollective in particular, which we urge you to check out on SoundCloud. Being seasoned techno lovers and academics who have a background in the health sector also connects us. We thank Thought Criminal for taking the time out of her busy schedule to participate in this project. Her interview reminded us why we deemed it necessary to keep a record of this period. We were moved by the depth and intensity of her report since it speaks to us on many levels. Again, a massive thanks for all your hard work, both within the techno scene and outside of it. You are living proof that techno is not a music genre but a lifestyle. We look forward to future collaborations – a massive hug from both of us. 🤗

joushikijin: How is your mood today?

Thought Criminal: Totally burned out, yet somehow still managing to keep all the balls I’m juggling in the air. I am a ‘glass-half-full’ person, though, somehow, I always manage to see some good in every situation.

joushikijin: How has the pandemic affected your mental health?

Thought Criminal: I work in healthcare, so my mental health has been attacked from almost every possible angle. I say almost because, despite all the stress of work, home-schooling and lockdowns, being a key worker meant I never faced financial hardship, and I never faced the total social isolation many people did. I might not have seen my friends and relatives. Still, I interacted with colleagues and patients every day, which was an honour and a privilege. Also, I have a fantastic partner and a wonderful child, so I was never without love and hugs at home. That (and music) balanced all the bad stuff enough to keep me sane.

joushikijin: What do you love most about creating music?

Thought Criminal: Music is my therapy, it kept me sane over the last 18 months. You can track the course of the pandemic through my SoundCloud page. The worse the Covid situation, the more brutal my mixes are.

As soon as I put on my headphones and turn up the volume, the outside world melts away for a while, and the dopamine rush soothes my soul. But it’s transient, and a ping from your phone can bring you crashing back to earth if you’re just ‘messing about on the decks’ without any particular purpose.

A true escape from reality only happens when I’m preparing a mix for recording or performing live. That requires many hours of prep to find the right tracks and work out how to layer them, especially if it’s a vinyl set. Recording takes proper concentration, then you have another hour or so to listen back to your mix with a critical ear. This can take anything from six-to-eight hours for a digital mix up to a whole week for a special vinyl mix. While immersed in this process, I am completely disengaged from social media, work emails, the news, et cetera, which is priceless.

I am lucky to host the two Fierce Collective radio shows every month. Looking for womxn and non-binary DJs to feature as guests keeps me connected with the wider scene, particularly by listening to sister shows such as Jacki-E’s Draw the Line and through networks like female:pressure.

When you’re down or stressed, even though you know mixing will make you feel better, getting started can seem almost impossible. Having guests booked and station deadlines to meet means I am forced into making at least two mixes a month, which has been a total lifeline. And meeting these incredibly talented guest DJs worldwide in the station chatrooms while the shows are on air is a real privilege. If it weren’t for the Fierce Collective shows, I might have dissolved in a mess of despair this year.

Finally, as a healthcare worker just now, it is easy to forget you have value outside your role in the pandemic response. Being invited to do guest mixes is a huge boost to my self-esteem- particularly this Pandemic Chronicles mix, which will sit alongside mixes by artists I am a massive fan of. Each request is a reminder that the old me is still alive and kicking!

joushikijin: What have you been struggling with the most during the pandemic?

Thought Criminal: Not seeing friends and family was hard, but we all knew what we were enduring prevented something much worse, which made the grim situation easier to bear. My family and friends worried a lot about my safety as so many healthcare workers were dying. I never told them, but I was concerned enough to put my finances to provide for my family if I got sick or worse.

Work has been incredibly intense at many points. I have been totally consumed by Covid. The weeks before the first wave arrived here were absolutely terrifying. The only medical information about this completely new disease came from terrified Italian doctors on Twitter. Our government was in total denial, but those desperate tweets prompted our hospital to cancel all non-emergency admissions to free up beds, double its critical care capacity and retrain hundreds of doctors and nurses for redeployment. Our second ICU opened just as the deluge of patients started arriving, and even that extra capacity was exceeded within a few weeks.

For the next four months, I spent every waking minute either at the hospital, reading the latest research about COVID-19 or teaching staff and students about it. Any Saturdays ‘off’ involved attending online conferences with intensive care doctors from around the world.

It was impossible to switch off at that point as our understanding of the virus and how best to treat it was changing almost daily. But although it was incredibly tough, it is what we all trained to do. Healthcare workers supported each other through the dark days, we made a difference, and the public appreciated our efforts. The hardest things have been socio-political: governments around the world prioritising ‘the economy’ over people’s lives and exploiting the pandemic to erode civil liberties and siphon public money into the hands of their friends; the lack of appropriate PPE; the lack of recognition for the risks all key workers were exposed to; the disproportionate effect the pandemic has had on already oppressed and marginalised communities; the attempt to blackmail young people into getting vaccinated to attend nightclubs, when being vaccinated does not prevent them from catching or transmitting COVID-19 …

The pandemic has magnified and accelerated injustice and authoritarianism everywhere. I feel intense anger about this and an often overwhelming sense of impotence that I can do nothing to make a difference.

However, the worst thing about the pandemic has been the constant barrage of COVID-19-denial on social media. To see what I do at work, then come home to social media awash with people telling me Covid is fake/was no worse than flu/that I am brainwashed/an instrument of the state/killing people … even when I respectfully explain my lived experiences and the science of the pandemic, I have been met with derision and told I have no place in the underground techno scene.

That is soul-destroying, like gaslighting on an industrial scale.

joushikijin: What new thing have you learned about yourself during the pandemic?

Thought Criminal: It took me many months, but I learned to unfollow and even unfriend people to protect my mental health. Eventually, I learned to value myself enough not to feel guilty about it. I also learned that playing techno really, really loud can drown everything out when the world gets a bit much – for a few hours at least.

joushikijin: Can you name us the artist that has inspired you the most during the pandemic?

Thought Criminal: The people who have inspired me through all of this are not big names, but the DJs, underground techno communities and free party crews who saw beyond lockdown denying individuals needs and desires, and instead of putting on underground parties were vocal about their responsibility to stay home to protect the wider community. Not because the government told them to, but because it was the right thing to do. There are far too many to mention them all, but ona:v, Jim E Scavenger and Helen Korno deserve special thanks. They have no idea how much their social media posts helped me when times were dark.

The other stars of the pandemic were the crews like NEXUS, Acid Assault, Dirty as Funk, Mercy Techno Berlin, and Collide Birmingham, who gave up their time and energy to run free live streams and radio shows, inviting talented residents from around the country (and world) to play and hosting parties in the comments sections that boosted morale and helped created a massive international collaborative network. I doubt all these small, non-profit crews would have come together like this if it hadn’t been for the pandemic in normal times. We’re all too busy keeping our nights viable in scenes filled with local promoters paying megabucks for big names. Helping people survive the social isolation of the pandemic allowed us to find our techno tribe. 😊

joushikijin: Since the pandemic, what has been your most favourite non-music-related thing to do?

Thought Criminal: Watching cartoons with my daughter. We’ve discovered some wonderful animated series with positive role models and inclusive themes. Our favourites are the new She-Ra, Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts, Carmen Sandiego, The Dragon Prince and Hilda.

joushikijin: Once the pandemic is over, what are you looking forward to the most?

Thought Criminal: Camping at festivals with my family and friends and dancing together in muddy fields. Getting back to running DJ workshops for womxn, and showcasing womxn and nb DJs and visual artists at Fierce Collective parties in our local safe and inclusive sweaty basement, D2. We’ve all done our best through the pandemic. Still, nothing compares to the shared experience of losing yourself on a dancefloor with fellow human beings, all lost in the same music.

joushikijin: Is there something else on your mind you would like to share with the techno community?

Thought Criminal: Book more local talent, book more womxn, non-binary and queer artists, book more artists of colour. Collaboration is the key to a healthy underground scene. Peace Love Unity and Respect 😄

Visit our SoundCloud page to enjoy the set.

.Я

We stumbled upon .Я earlier this year, and there is much love for his dark and driving techno. We are thrilled that he took the time to record this magnificent podcast and thank him even more for the continuous exchange and for allowing us a bit of insight about his life in Argentine. We will make sure to cherish the relationship and the future and hope that we will get the opportunity to collaborate in the future. ♥️

joushikijin: How is your mood today?

. Я: I’m feeling good today, very happy to do this interview and podcast.

joushikijin: How has the pandemic affected your mental health?

. Я: Well, I think it affected all of us. I played for the first and only time one week before the first lockdown (so sad), so all my enthusiasm to go to some clubs were disappearing slowly, it was very difficult for me cause I was having some anxiety problems, and my mom got sick, that situations surpassed me, not seeing my friends as much as I would like to get things worst.

joushikijin: What do you love most about creating music?

. Я: While I’m creating music, I dissociate from reality, forget everything, and get the control to do what I want. Combining genres makes me feel useful. I never expected to express what I felt or thought by making music.

joushikijin: What have you been struggling with the most during the pandemic?

. Я: I struggled with myself. It was very difficult for me to make some important decisions about my future, choose a place to live, what I would like to study. Things like that, fortunately, I’m better now, living in another city and working, trying to produce and make my own studio.

joushikijin: What new thing have you learned about yourself during the pandemic?

. Я: I realised that it’s very important to my mental health to be outside and do sports.

joushikijin: Can you name us the artist that has inspired you the most during the pandemic?

. Я: I’m a big fan of my friends, they are excellent DJ’s and producers, Greta especially. Talking by Zoom, she taught me a lot about making music and how to move in this environment.

joushikijin: Since the pandemic, what has been your most favourite non-music-related thing to do?

. Я: I enjoy reading and sports (climbing).

joushikijin: Once the pandemic is over, what are you looking forward to the most?

. Я: I really want to travel and know other cultures, and I feel great because I’m working hard to get that.

joushikijin: Is there something else on your mind you would like to share with the techno community?

. Я: I want to say thank you for everything, this is an interesting project, and I feel so proud to be here, and I hope you like my podcast. I really want to make more music.

Visit our SoundCloud page to enjoy the set.

OBSCRNOIS

Dark, fucking dark. Welcome to this week’s set. OBSCRNOIS is one of the few artists that approached us, and we knew straight away that we will be more than happy to have him as part of the Pandemic chronicles. ❤️‍🔥😈 Thank you very much for taking the time to collaborate. We look forward to more of your carefully arranged noise-madness.

joushikijin: How is your mood today?

OBSCRNOIS: I feel relaxed. I had a lovely day at work and time now to enjoy some music and relax.

joushikijin: How has the pandemic affected your mental health?

OBSCRNOIS: In the beginning, it was challenging for me, especially not going to parties. Going to parties, to me, was the moment where I was able to express myself honestly, and I lost that. However, I am fortunate enough to stay positive.

joushikijin: What do you love most about creating music?

OBSCRNOIS: Putting different tracks together that overlap each other perfectly. Recently, I started producing. It is another level for my creativity.

joushikijin: What have you been struggling with the most during the pandemic?

OBSCRNOIS: Not being able to go out with friends and enjoy life to the fullest.

joushikijin: What new thing have you learned about yourself during the pandemic?

OBSCRNOIS: Being positive can affect much in your life, instead of having negative thoughts all the time.

joushikijin: Can you name us the artist that has inspired you the most during the pandemic?

OBSCRNOIS: I have so many artists. For example, DRAAG, Sub Imperium, ALOD, I HATE MODELS, LOBOTOMIJA, et cetera. I could go on forever.

joushikijin: Since the pandemic, what has been your most favourite non-music-related thing to do?

OBSCRNOIS: Enjoying time with friends and family.

joushikijin: Once the pandemic is over, what are you looking forward to the most?

OBSCRNOIS: Going to Reaktor. Unpolished.

joushikijin: Is there something else on your mind you would like to share with the techno community?

OBSCRNOIS: I hope you all like the set I made! 🖤⛓

Visit our SoundCloud page to enjoy the set.

Leo Bufera

This week’s set comes from an astonishingly talented artist from Viareggio, Tuscany in Italy. We are incredibly grateful for the set he recorded for us and the love and care that went into it. I hope we enjoy the one-hour journey. ❤️‍🔥😈

joushikijin: How is your mood today?

Leo Bufera: My Mood today is good, today I feel good, this is a favourable period in general. After a month of vacation from work and music, I feel very inspired and have much desire to go back to both.

joushikijin: How has the pandemic affected your mental health?

Leo Bufera: I think the pandemic has broken the balance of everyone a bit. Above all, we artists experience the harshest side because, in some way, we feel more sacrificed than the others. However, we must not lose our hearts. The music does not stop.

joushikijin: What do you love most about creating music?

Leo Bufera: Music production is the thing that relaxes me more than anything else in the world. It is always a privilege for me to be able to put my ideas into music.

joushikijin: What have you been struggling with the most during the pandemic?

Leo Bufera: Trying to play as much as possible!

joushikijin: What new thing have you learned about yourself during the pandemic?

Leo Bufera: That I cannot live without dancing, we need the clubs to reopen!

joushikijin: Can you name us the artist that has inspired you the most during the pandemic?

Leo Bufera: Brutalismus 3000, WZX_O, NEAGLES, Lucas Campagna, BENJACID, CLTX and many others.

joushikijin: Since the pandemic, what has been your most favourite non-music-related thing to do?

Leo Bufera: During the first lockdown, I hardly did anything that was not related to music. 😬

joushikijin: Once the pandemic is over, what are you looking forward to the most?

Leo Bufera: We have to play. A lot. 😄

joushikijin: Is there something else on your mind you would like to share with the techno community?

Leo Bufera: Music unites us. It does not divide. We need to put aside envy and useless competitions. We all have the same ambition. Helping each other makes this goal more manageable.

Visit our SoundCloud page to enjoy the set.

CER_VI

We are pretty excited about this one. Another Italian gem we followed the past few months closely and looked forward to hearing more from. Thank you, CER_VI, for everything. A big hug and our warmest regards to Ercolano near Napoli. 😊 ♥️ 😈

joushikijin: How is your mood today?

CER_VI: I feel calm today.

joushikijin: How has the pandemic affected your mental health?

CER_VI: The pandemic didn’t affect my mental health, but it taught me many new things about social life.

joushikijin: What do you love most about creating music?

CER_VI: The most thing I love is losing myself in the music and never go back again.

joushikijin: What have you been struggling with the most during the pandemic?

CER_VI: During the pandemic, I’ve been struggling to find time to create new music.

joushikijin: What new thing have you learned about yourself during the pandemic?

CER_VI: I learned new ways to approach my music.

joushikijin: Can you name us the artist that has inspired you the most during the pandemic?

CER_VI: I don’t have anyone that comes to mind.

joushikijin: Since the pandemic, what has been your most favourite non-music-related thing to do?

CER_VI: Nothing in particular.

joushikijin: Once the pandemic is over, what are you looking forward to the most?

CER_VI: Once the pandemic ends, I’m looking forward to performing live and travelling to every place in the world.

joushikijin: Is there something else on your mind you would like to share with the techno community?

CER_VI: I want to share the experience and to create suspense and excitement for the people who love techno.

Visit our SoundCloud page to enjoy the set.

Georg Bigalke

This week we are thrilled to present you with a unique set. Georg Bigalke captived us with his ‘lumberjack’ rhythm, hypnotic, fast, and steady beats/kicks, paired with just the right amount of dissonance and auditory fuckery. Thanks again for taking the time for the face-to-face interview, as well as recording this unique set. We wish you all the best and hope to hear you live next year. 😊🥰

joushikijin: How is your mood today?

Georg Bigalke: Very good, that’s easy because I am on holiday. Thus, I have no stress nor worries.

joushikijin: How has the pandemic affected your mental health?

Georg Bigalke: Whoa … 😂 … Not that much since I worked on myself over the past years. The pandemic was challenging for me, just like it was for everyone else. However, the overall state was not dramatic enough to affect my mental health. I am content with it. I think it works if you find a way to accept the situation and manage to create small islands for yourself and your mental health.

joushikijin: What do you love most about creating music?

Georg Bigalke: The result. 😂 I am often inspired in the beginning. It’s challenging to find a proper way to build the track from beginning to end in one go. I usually start with a loop that includes everything I want to have inside the track. From there, I develop the track, like unrolling a carpet. It’s nice to see the result in the end. The pre-master followed by the master – to hear your idea mastered is brilliant. I love it. Once you heard it, you realise you will do it even better next time. Every result is the beginning of a new idea.

joushikijin: What have you been struggling with the most during the pandemic?

Georg Bigalke: To be deprived of face-to-face social connections. It was easy enough to stay connected via social media like Instagram, Facebook, Messenger, and others, or even call people and meet virtually via Skype or Zoom. However, being unable to establish physical contact with people, smell and see them in person, and interact directly was rather challenging. I maintained physical contact with a small group of people throughout the entire time, but not getting back into larger groups was the one thing I was struggling with the most.

joushikijin: What new thing have you learned about yourself during the pandemic?

Georg Bigalke: 😂 … Uh … Being honest with yourself. … Being honest with others. Sometimes, it can be challenging, but in the end, it’s best for everyone. I also learned that not everyone you are connecting with now would stay in your life.

joushikijin: Can you name us the artist that has inspired you the most during the pandemic?

Georg Bigalke: Yes. Rorganic, from France. I’m sure you heard him in every set. Everything I did in the past eighteen months was connected to his music. I love his music. It’s great. The mixture of the ‘lumberjack’, the ‘big bear’ running through the forest, a little bit melodic, a wee bit rough, slightly industrial, and always groovy.

joushikijin: Since the pandemic, what has been your most favourite non-music-related thing to do?

Georg Bigalke: Exercise. Last April, I started to exercise two-to-three times per week with a friend of mine. That’s a very decent activity. I cycle and do power workouts, thirty-to-sixty minutes per session. I love it.

joushikijin: Once the pandemic is over, what are you looking forward to the most?

Georg Bigalke: Perhaps, travelling with my sound. Performing, perform again, I want to perform again. 😊 I miss it so much, as everybody does, and now, step-by-step, we are opening up a little bit to what was. It feels rather good. I hope things work out. We will see what happens in the months to come.

joushikijin: Is there something else on your mind you would like to share with the techno community?

Georg Bigalke: Stay true to yourself. Don’t lose yourself. If life is too small, your ego is too big.

Visit our SoundCloud page to enjoy the set.

Yami Yama

A massive thank you to our first artist from Ireland for the thoughtful interview and mental set. We had the opportunity to get to one another over the past few weeks and are glad that Yami Yama agreed to contribute to our project. He is a bright, talented, and incredibly kind person. We wish him all the best for the future, in which our paths will hopefully cross again. 🤗

joushikijin: How is your mood today?

Yami Yama: At this moment, I’m feeling quite drained of energy and relatively uninspired when it comes to music and DJing in general. I’ve worked a lot over the past two months on new guest mixes, and jumped back into production again, so it’s all caught up and fried my head a bit! I’m also answering this question on a Sunday, so the realisation of returning to work again tomorrow is a bit of a bummer. However, I’m also answering this when the UK (and Europe) is beginning to relax their regulations surrounding COVID, so I have now got some trips I’m able to look forward to again, after having not been able to travel for a year! Next week I’ll be travelling to Manchester for the first live event in over a year, to see artists like Perc, Rebekah, and 999999999 play, so I’m massively looking forward to that!

joushikijin: How has the pandemic affected your mental health?

Yami Yama: A big part of the enjoyment in my life comes from my ability to travel, not only for gigs and raves but simply for small breaks away from my daily cycle of life. Having had the option of travel pretty much completely taken away, I quickly realised how much I relied on ‘the next trip’ to keep my batteries charged, and my head focused. Without these opportunities to get away from my daily, I think ‘cabin fever’ pretty much sets in and turned me against what I was typically used to. I didn’t know what was driving me anymore, so my motivation for, well, pretty much everything, completely disappeared. I became uninterested in things that I used to enjoy. Mixing became a chore, production became a complete mind melt, and I just couldn’t bring myself to work hard toward any of my goals. This then just spiralled as I was harder and harder on myself for not spending so much of this newfound free time productively.

joushikijin: What do you love most about creating music?

Yami Yama: In terms of creating my tracks, it’s still something I’m relatively new to. The thing that attracts me most to eventually releasing my productions is how it enables you to take the sound you can achieve in your sets and mixes and elevate it. You can take steps to create your style entirely and establish the creative process which comes with it. You begin to see between the lines of tracks what makes them tick and why you actually enjoy that sound in the first place. When it comes to mixing and curating sets, I think it just can take whoever is listening on a bit of journey (of chaos in my case) of my creation. It’s an endless cycle, of me listening to other artists’ tracks, EPs and mixes, and selecting all the tracks which make me feel something or stand out for a particular reason, and then laying them all out for the next person to feel something, and pass their favourite onto the next.

joushikijin: What have you been struggling with the most during the pandemic?

Yami Yama: In my day to day life, DJing, unfortunately, isn’t something I can afford to focus on a full time, so my main job lies within International Purchasing. While I enjoy this field of work, over the past year, the lack of respite from the nine-tofive, Monday to Friday grind has been a real issue for me. Whilst I’m thankful to have been lucky enough to keep my job throughout the COVID pandemic, it has been something that has slowly sapped away at my energy and motivation. I always said that I never wanted to be that person who ‘lived to work’. Unfortunately, that’s what life became for me over the past year exactly.

joushikijin: What new thing have you learned about yourself during the pandemic?

Yami Yama: I think the main thing I learnt was that I have completely outgrown the city where I’m from, Belfast. Before the pandemic, I was never here too long at one time, always flying somewhere to get away for a while, so I never really paid much attention to being here. Now I’ve realised that this is not the city where I want to continue to grow, not only as an artist but also personally and in my career. Northern Ireland is held back by political parties who tie outdated religious views to the country’s governance, affecting everything from rights issues like gay marriage and the access to safe abortions and counsel down to social aspects like the time that nightclubs can stay open and operate to. I feel that this is a place that can be very inhibitive for growth, and I have realised, over the past year, that it is not a place that I see myself staying.

joushikijin: Can you name us the artist that has inspired you the most during the pandemic?

Yami Yama: I think the artist who has inspired and helped me most throughout this pandemic would be someone who isn’t a part of the Electronic Dance scene – Kid Cudi. He released a new album in December last year, and it is something that I have listened to countless times since then. Kid Cudi is an artist who has dealt with mental health issues himself and speaks openly about this in his tracks. Whilst I have felt massively uninspired and unmotivated throughout the past year, it’s good to listen to an artist as big as Kid Cudi speak about the same struggles, not only surrounding creative block, but also depression and how he tackles his low days. I would say, though, that when it comes to Electronic Music, Somniac One is a DJ whom I have completely fell in love with more than ever over the past year. I think her productions and live sets are at a level that I aspire to one day be at. She has this amazingly hefty sound that is so distinct, and I think her live set at PRSPCT earlier this year is probably my favourite set ever!

joushikijin: Since the pandemic, what has been your most favourite non-music-related thing to do?

Yami Yama: Another hobby I am really interested in is Mountain Biking. Around September last year, I decided I had enough of being stuck in the house, so I took a look at some outdoor activities I could try out to keep me active. I rented a mountain bike, hit some trails, and quickly realised I massively enjoyed it. So I decided to buy a bike, and from then on was going on road trips and finding new parks and trails that I could try with some friends. It was not just a new hobby, but it got me out of a kind of rut I had been in, where I was pretty inactive and housebound. I find it to be a way more interesting approach to keeping fit, and you get a bit of an adrenaline rush on the downhill trails too. Plus, there’s always a harder and faster trail to try if it ever becomes boring.

joushikijin: Once the pandemic is over, what are you looking forward to the most?

Yami Yama: I think the thing I’d look forward to the most is hopefully getting some more opportunities to take Yami Yama to the next stage. Yami Yama started just over a year ago, so I’ve had pretty much no chances to play any gigs, so this would be something I’m really looking to get experience with! I also want to hopefully get out to some of the groups’ events, which have helped me grow Yami Yama too. Groups like Subrosa in Manchester, Dusk Records in Paris and Paradoxon 030 in Berlin, and now TEC₁₁H₁₅NO in Italy!

joushikijin: Is there something else on your mind you would like to share with the techno community?

Yami Yama: As an artist who comes from a city that doesn’t have a massive underground dance community, it can be incredibly hard to get noticed, get booked for gigs, or find chances to grow your craft to the next stage. I’m pretty thankful that many groups from several different countries reach out and ask me to be involved with their page. However, those opportunities can be few and far between for other artists. So I’d just ask for any groups and collectives to always keep an eye out for other artists, the ones who might not be part of the bigger crowds. You don’t know how much of a difference it will make to someone’s creative journey to have that tiny bit of recognition. We all start somewhere and helping newer artists won’t take away from your chance at growth, but it could make a world of difference to someone else’s journey.

Visit our SoundCloud page to enjoy the set.

D3STORTION

This week we are super happy to present you the D3STORTION set and interview. Both are precious to us. We are fortunate to exchange for a while now, and we’re incredibly pleased to meet another globetrotter. He is originally from South African and currently lives in the United Arab Emirates (Dubai), and managed to travel half the world in between. He is also an incredibly kind, supportive, and talented person, from whom we hope to hear more wicked sounds in the future. I hope that, somewhere in this crazy world, we manage to meet soon. Until then, a big hug from both of us.

joushikijin: How is your mood today?

D3STORTION: I’m feeling strong and feel more than ready for what’s to come after the pandemic.

joushikijin: How has the pandemic affected your mental health?

D3STORTION: What can I say! It has affected me that I’m a bit less concerned about the small niggly things. I want to enjoy my life more and put up with fewer things I don’t wish to.

joushikijin: What do you love most about creating music?

D3STORTION: I love the way I can exchange an energy source in the form of creating music. It’s like creating frequencies at different levels of release and allowing people to have an escape.

joushikijin: What have you been struggling with the most during the pandemic?

D3STORTION: The biggest struggle I would have to say is financial. Also, getting covid was not very pleasant. The personal protective equipment we had to us in salon job.

joushikijin: What new thing have you learned about yourself during the pandemic?

D3STORTION: I am strong, creative and I can create good sounding tracks. I can also pick up things quite fast. I’ve also learned that it is not wrong to let go of the things that don’t serve my life.

joushikijin: Can you name us the artist that has inspired you the most during the pandemic?

D3STORTION: Tricky question. There are numerous. 😂 I would say PERC really inspired me for his performance style. Illiya Korniyenko for his way of putting together great sounds in a track. KARA, who is with Falsive Records, Inspired me to be the best I can be. Wanton, from Belgium, has been a great inspiration for his fantastic mastering. 𝟏 𝐗 𝟏 𝐗 also inspired me, and there are many more. 😂.

joushikijin: Since the pandemic, what has been your most favourite non-music-related thing to do?

D3STORTION: Teaching yoga, but that’s always been the case. I would probably say there are not many non-music related things. I am one with music now. Techno all the way.

joushikijin: Once the pandemic is over, what are you looking forward to the most?

D3STORTION: I’m looking forward to dishing out beats and synths on the dance floor. Sharing and directly connecting with the energy of an audience, big or small.

joushikijin: Is there something else on your mind you would like to share with the techno community?

D3STORTION: I think everyone in this industry, big and small, male, female or intersex, LGBTQ or not. Let’s spread love and peace, not war. Let’s keep our techno industry clean and happy. Bless all of you.

Visit our SoundCloud page to enjoy the set.

Marcë

This week we are incredibly excited to present you our first Artists from Taiwan. We had our eyes towards Taiwan for its progressive LGBT laws and thriving underground culture. We had the pleasure to exchange with Marcë over the past few weeks and can’t wait to set our foot on a plane and meet her in person next year and enjoy a range of Taiwanese food specialities. A massive thanks from the bottom of our hearts for creating this hard and melodic set as well as the interview.

joushikijin: How is your mood today?

My mood is calm today. ☺️

joushikijin: How has the pandemic affected your mental health?

Music affects my life quite a lot. It always makes me happy. Of course, there will be some difficulties in life occasionally, but everything goes well.

joushikijin: What do you love most about creating music?

Hard techno.

joushikijin: What have you been struggling with the most during the pandemic?

During this pandemic, many performances were cancelled, but it made me pay more attention to life and health.

joushikijin: What new thing have you learned about yourself during the pandemic?

If the world is no longer peaceful, we will not be able to live in harmony.

joushikijin: Can you name us the artist that has inspired you the most during the pandemic?

Metaraph, 1X1X, and Hadone.

joushikijin: Since the pandemic, what has been your most favourite non-music-related thing to do?

I cannot work because of the epidemic. During this period, I like to spend quality time with my family.

joushikijin: Once the pandemic is over, what are you looking forward to the most?

I’m most looking forward to the moment when I can step on the stage again.

joushikijin: Is there something else on your mind you would like to share with the techno community?

I hope that more and more people in Taiwan will like all kinds of techno styles.

Visit our SoundCloud page to enjoy the set.

Elykua

We are incredibly pleased to share this mind-blowing Elykua set and interview. Over the past few weeks, we had the opportunity to get to know Elykua. We found a kind, talented, and hardcore loving person from one of our favourite underground cities in Italy, Napoli. We wish everyone a lovely start to this week and hope you can embrace this set for its incredible flow and tight structure. A big hug and lots of love to Napoli. 🤗❤️‍🔥

joushikijin: How is your mood today?

Elykua: Positive and hopeful.

joushikijin: How has the pandemic affected your mental health?

Elykua: The lockdown was hard because I saw so much unfair and unexpected pain around me. But the isolation helped me reconcile with myself. The rest benefited my mental health, and most importantly, I could dedicate all of myself to music.

joushikijin: What do you love most about creating music?

Elykua: Creating music establishes bonds: the energy that I put into one of my tracks can reach someone on the other side of the world. It can console a challenging moment or enrich a happy moment. I love music because it conveys emotions.

joushikijin: What have you been struggling with the most during the pandemic?

Elykua: Feeling trapped and powerless.

joushikijin: What new thing have you learned about yourself during the pandemic?

Elykua: That I can do it by myself.

joushikijin: Can you name us the artist that has inspired you the most during the pandemic?

Elykua: Paula Temple, SNTS, SØS Gunver Ryberg.

joushikijin: Since the pandemic, what has been your most favourite non-music-related thing to do?

Elykua: To live.

joushikijin: Once the pandemic is over, what are you looking forward to the most?

Elykua: To establish myself in the techno scene and disseminate my music.

joushikijin: Is there something else on your mind you would like to share with the techno community?

Elykua: Long live techno.

Visit our SoundCloud page to enjoy the set.

Felix

We have been sitting on this one way too long. We are incredibly excited that we can finally release this set and interview this week. We have an intricate relationship with Pescara and Abruzzo since it is one of our most favourite places in Italy. Not only have they delicious food like ‘Arrosticini Pescara’ but it is also a vibrant and diverse city away from international tourism – a true gem. We thank Felix for his dedicated hardcore mix and interview and thank him for his flexibility and kindness. A big hug to you from both of us, we see you soon. Make sure to check out his other mad-fucking-mixes. Tante Grazie. 🤗😘

joushikijin: How is your mood today?

Felix: I’m okay today, but I miss parties and dancing with friends.

joushikijin: How has the pandemic affected your mental health?

Felix: It didn’t affect me that much, luckily. I’m just bored and fed up with this situation.

joushikijin: What do you love most about creating music?

Felix: It is being able to express myself through what I play without being judged.

joushikijin: What have you been struggling with the most during the pandemic?

Felix: Boredom and not being able to go out and have fun after a week of work.

joushikijin: What new thing have you learned about yourself during the pandemic?

Felix: I learned to feel better about myself and that even alone, you can feel good.

joushikijin: Can you name us the artist that has inspired you the most during the pandemic?

Felix: The artist who influenced me the most is definitely STX which is why I started playing.

joushikijin: Since the pandemic, what has been your most favourite non-music-related thing to do?

Felix: Maybe watching TV series, things I never did before.

joushikijin: Once the pandemic is over, what are you looking forward to the most?

Felix: Without a doubt, go to a party, travel and make up for the lost time.

joushikijin: Is there something else on your mind you would like to share with the techno community?

Felix: Nothing special, just never give up if you really like something because sooner or later you will achieve what you wanted.

Visit our SoundCloud page to enjoy the set.

BEHEĀDER

We have been looking forward to this set very-fucking-much. We came across BEHEĀDER’s music only recently, but it was love at the first sound. Few people in the past decade grabbed our attention so violently yet gently. Each track of his seems a love letter to what extend human perception can be fucked with. Most importantly, his music makes us smile. We also had the opportunity to chat and discovered an incredibly talented, thoughtful, kind, and kinky human being. 😈 We’re extremely grateful for his contribution to our project. We hope you will enjoy his mental set and the interview as much as we do. A big hug and kiss from both of us. 🤗😘 We can’t wait to see your basement.

joushikijin: How is your mood today?

BEHEĀDER: Feeling a little exhausted because I got a lot of stuff going on but pretty happy overall.

joushikijin: How has the pandemic affected your mental health?

BEHEĀDER: It was an up and down. On the one hand, the isolation and missing parties/social events made me feel lonely and lost. On the other hand, it helped me get clear-minded and focus on how I want to spend my time and what goals I want to reach in the future. Spending so much at home with my flatmate definitely made both of us way crazier than we’ve been before but in a good way. 😜

joushikijin: What do you love most about creating music?

BEHEĀDER: I absolutely love getting lost in a project and totally forgetting about time, eating, sleeping, and all those things. Sometimes I get out of bed with a melody or a sound in my head and go straight to my desk to start working on a track. This immersion and dedication are what gives me a feeling of fulfilment and inner happiness. I love to create atmospheres that catch people’s feelings and help them losing themselves in the music.

joushikijin: What have you been struggling with the most during the pandemic?

BEHEĀDER: Getting excessively isolated and not leaving the house for too many days in a row, feeling lonely, and losing the context of life.

joushikijin: What new thing have you learned about yourself during the pandemic?

BEHEĀDER: I can actually be productive and get things done if I just sit down and concentrate for a while if I don’t attend three raves every week.

joushikijin: Can you name us the artist that has inspired you the most during the pandemic?

BEHEĀDER: Rorganic – he’s a machine. The frequency in which he’s releasing banger after banger is purely insane. Love his creative ideas and twists. My most played Album would probably be ‘Deaf Safari’ by Felix Laband. It got me through the last summer. What a fantastic piece of work. Check it out if you haven’t yet!

joushikijin: Since the pandemic, what has been your most favourite non-music-related thing to do?

BEHEĀDER: Hiking and drinking sencha (煎茶). Both get me into a very meditative and focused mindset and help me to ground my soul. Being out there in nature clears my mind and helps me to realise that all the problems I’m facing in these times aren’t that big at all. I like to get obsessed with things quickly. That’s why Japanese steamed green tea is perfect for me. There are so many things to learn about it, so many different teas to taste, and I can’t wait to expand my collection of Kyūsu (急須) and Yunomi (湯のみ). 😂🤣

joushikijin: Once the pandemic is over, what are you looking forward to the most?

BEHEĀDER: Travelling! I’m planning on meeting all the lovely people around Europe I met through the internet during these times.

joushikijin: Is there something else on your mind you would like to share with the techno community?

BEHEĀDER: Stay open to new and different things. Many people dislike Techno music without ever taking some time to really listen to a few tracks. As a part of this music scene that many in this society dislike or don’t understand, I think it’s the most important thing to stay open-minded and give every new thing you discover a decent chance. One can find beauty in (almost) everything!

Visit our SoundCloud page to enjoy the set.

Wrong Assessment

This week’s set is another one dear to our hearts. The first time we heard Wrong Assessment was in 2018 in Bologna, where he was playing an incredibly energetic and hypnotic closing set. Since then, we are deeply in love with his unique skill to create all-encompassing and driving sounds that have a gentle and never-ending seeming flow. We can’t wait to hear him in the wild again. Thank you for taking the time to record this beautiful set for us and respond to the questions. We send you all the best wishes to Milano.

joushikijin: How is your mood today?

Wrong Assessment: Feeling good 😊

joushikijin: How has the pandemic affected your mental health?

Wrong Assessment: I think it didn’t really affect it.

joushikijin: What do you love most about creating music?

Wrong Assessment: I am expressing myself through an alternative language.

joushikijin: What have you been struggling with the most during the pandemic?

Wrong Assessment: The fact that I couldn’t leave my house freely for so long due to restrictions.

joushikijin: What new thing have you learned about yourself during the pandemic?

Wrong Assessment: Nothing special related to the pandemic.

joushikijin: Can you name us the artist that has inspired you the most during the pandemic?

Wrong Assessment: Temudo.

joushikijin: Since the pandemic, what has been your most favourite non-music-related thing to do?

Wrong Assessment: Cooking, studying, meeting friends.

joushikijin: Once the pandemic is over, what are you looking forward to the most?

Wrong Assessment: It seems to be kind of over, and I’m happy I can leave my house without any restrictions now.

joushikijin: Is there something else on your mind you would like to share with the techno community?

Wrong Assessment: Don’t believe the hype. Support your own favourites! 😊

Visit our SoundCloud page to enjoy the set.

TECHJEß

This week’s set contribution from a young Canadian artist. Thank you, TECHJEß, for taking the time for the interview and this banger of a set.

TECHJEß: Hello Dénis and Lea, thank you again for the opportunity to collaborate with your project! It was mainly a treat because I feel I haven’t talked about my mental health in a while, so thank you for letting me open up! Below are the answers to the questions in order.

joushikijin: How is your mood today?

TECHJEß: My mood is excellent! Way better than what was in the Wintertime when we had snow. But the vibe here changed once Spring arrived, and so did my headspace! Feeling much better than a few months ago.

joushikijin: How has the pandemic affected your mental health?

TECHJEß: While living in Berlin on a visa for half of the pandemic, my mental health stayed great because it was the first time I was free from working and had time to explore a new country and cities close by before returning to Canada. When everything paused in Berlin, everyone made sure to bring their speakers to the park or on the streets to dance and enjoy life. Sadly when I had to move back to Canada, it was clear the quality of life was sucked out of most people here, which took a toll on my mental health for a short time until I picked up music again and remembered what I love most in life.

joushikijin: What do you love most about creating music?

TECHJEß: The satisfaction of ‘wow, I made that?’ is exhilarating and having tunnel vision for the future. Every performer creates a dream to perform live, and that’s why I love creating right now during the pandemic, as it’s preparing me for the future once this slows down.

joushikijin: What have you been struggling with the most during the pandemic?

TECHJEß: I was living in Germany for a year where the pandemic really didn’t take a toll on people enjoying life. I’ve been telling myself, “I’m dying to be back in Berlin,” but I know it’s not the time just yet. I just miss what I once had just a few months ago regarding social life and quality of life.

joushikijin: What new thing have you learned about yourself during the pandemic?

TECHJEß: I graduated in public relations, and I never incorporated it into my life until I kick-started my DJ career this past year. I’ve learned that I have the confidence to brand and pitch myself to labels and to not be afraid to share my sound with the World.

joushikijin: Can you name us the artist that has inspired you the most during the pandemic?

TECHJEß: Paul Kalkbrenner and Rebekah are two class acts that have inspired me for the past year. Paul shares his cool, edgy look on life in his recent studio sessions on YouTube. Rebekah has had many important messages this past year that need to be shared regarding drugs, abuse, and other sensitive but accurate issues.

joushikijin: Since the pandemic, what has been your most favourite non-music-related thing to do?

TECHJEß: RuPaul’s Drag Race keeps me on my toes every week. When a season ends, a new season starts, whether it be an international or an all-stars season. It’s definitely the one show that adds a tremendous amount of happiness to my life every week!

joushikijin: Once the pandemic is over, what are you looking forward to the most?

TECHJEß: Moving back to Berlin! September 2022 is the planned return date. It might not be over by then, but hopefully, it will be slowed down enough for my return. I’m ready to rave again!

joushikijin: Is there something else on your mind you would like to share with the techno community?

TECHJEß: Although it feels like our dancefloors are gone, for now, the love for techno remains so strong. You can see it in the techno community every day, still greatly thriving. Don’t worry. Once this is all over, our industry will be booming again. 😈 Stay positive and keep working hard!

Visit our SoundCloud page to enjoy the set.

TEGRON

We are in love with Jorge’s and Nathan’s entrepreneurial approach and attention to detail. Within a few months, TEGRON has created significant presence in the underground techno scene. They are also co-founder of the Phobia Project, which promotes the darker side of techno. We enjoy every minute in contact with them and look forward to hearing them live in Europe or maybe get a flight to Brazil once the pandemic allows. Thanks again for your contributions to the techno community. ❤️‍🔥😈 We are grateful for the two taking the time to respond to our questions and create this banger of a set – a massive hug from the two of us. 🤗😘

TEGRON: Hello Dénis and Lea. First of all, thank you very much for the opportunity. We are delighted to participate in your project!

joushikijin: How is your mood today?

TEGRON: Our moods have been very varied during this period of the pandemic. We have been experiencing sudden mood swings for short periods.

joushikijin: How has the pandemic affected your mental health?

TEGRON: The pandemic acted like a bucket of cold water in a highly frustrating way, with several situations going very well (gigs, partnerships, events held by the nucleus that we are co-founders – Phobia Project, et cetera). Because of this, in the first thirty days, our feeling was denial. We believed that everything would be resolved within a few weeks, but, after the first month, we concluded how serious this situation was. The first action we had was to stay calm to focus our energy on what really matters. Because of this, our musical project TEGRON has become our primary refuge and pleasure, giving us focus and strength in this awful period. We discovered that our passion for music and its surroundings was much more significant than we initially imagined during this phase. In addition to dedicating a good part of the day to developing our project’s relationship with labels, other artists, producers, and groups worldwide, we also started the music production course to launch our own tracks later this year. We also changed our entire presentation setup, investing a lot of work, money, and effort. All this due to having complete certainty that this is what really moves us. It is our absolute goal/dream.

joushikijin: What do you love most about creating music?

TEGRON: Music allows us to express our whole concept. Everything we have inside us, and we want to pass it on to the world, present it to everyone. This is what we love the most in this creative process. We communicate in a universal language, where regardless of any belief/origin/culture, the individual can understand what the message is being conveyed directly. It is fantastic. It is something that really moves us!

joushikijin: What have you been struggling with the most during the pandemic?

TEGRON: Our primary focus has been on our project during the pandemic. We are fighting for its recognition/visibility in an incredibly demanding and universal scene. The aim is for us to use this pandemic to produce quality content and reach various places globally. Before the pandemic, it was somewhat ‘difficult’ because we didn’t spend that much time inside our homes. TEGRON has made us keep our minds very busy and focused. It has helped us a lot to go through this very troubled period worldwide (mainly in Brazil, where everything is being done in the worst possible way by our president).

joushikijin: What new thing have you learned about yourself during the pandemic?

TEGRON: The pandemic has given us time to look at ourselves, find out who we really are, what we want, and where we want to go. We learn what to focus on, get involved with, invest time, money, and energy. Thanks to this, we have been immensely involved with the TEGRON project. After analysing ourselves, we identified all the value and passion we have for it. We also recognised a great passion for fashion. Thus, together with other founders, we developed the Phobia Project nucleus, the Phobia Skin brand, aimed at the clubber audience. It is really amazing to be able to look inside and discover all this. This is one of the few positive points that this whole situation has brought us.

joushikijin: Can you name us the artist that has inspired you the most during the pandemic?

TEGRON: Indeed, the two artists who most inspired us at that moment were Rebekah and SPFDJ. We are very fans of the work they develop in different areas, not only in music.

joushikijin: Since the pandemic, what has been your most favourite non-music-related thing to do?

TEGRON: Staying with our friends at home. This isolation also brought the appreciation that we have to give to moments with people we like. Before this all happened, we had it in a very accessible way, but we didn’t give it much value because we didn’t know what it would be like to lose – until the time we lost it.

joushikijin: Once the pandemic is over, what are you looking forward to the most?

TEGRON: For sure, a VERY hectic social life, LOTS of parties, LOTS of gigs, LOTS of time away from home! 😂🤣 We believe that everyone is thinking in this way. We have been deprived of a very precious asset, which is freedom. We are in contact with several centres that intend to return with the parties immediately after the vaccination (including ours), which is excellent! I think that in addition to art has taken a great place of prominence as an enhancement, the electronic music scene has returned with a powerful force, and we will certainly reach a larger space worldwide.

joushikijin: Is there something else on your mind you would like to share with the techno community?

TEGRON: Techno is our passion, and thanks to it, we have been working tirelessly day after day. We want most to recognise, appreciate, and space that all this incredible culture has to offer.

Visit our SoundCloud page to enjoy the set.

Lady Maru

Last month, we had the pleasure to meet Lady Maru in Roma for a walk and briefly got to know one another. We have incredible respect for her energy and find it easy to connect to her many art projects. She defines what underground is, and we share the same love for the punk lifestyle and anarchist outlook on life. She is pushing the auditory boundaries like few people do, and we’re absolutely in love with the madness she creates. We thank her for the time she took to respond to the questions and energy she put into making this gem of a set. It is probably enjoyed best on a proper sound system or decently amped headphones. A hug from both of us, and we hope to collaborate again soon. 🤗

joushikijin: How is your mood today?

Lady Maru: Today, I am in an everyday mood – no particular fears nor anxiety.

joushikijin: How has the pandemic affected your mental health?

Lady Maru: It has been tough initially because we didn’t know what was going on. Then again, this fall, when they closed everything for the second time, it was horrible. Now we are scared of getting the virus just before the vaccine is coming. It is an absolute nightmare.

joushikijin: What do you love most about creating music?

Lady Maru: Creating music has been my main activity for almost twenty years. I like to do it more with a friend, but I’m also happy even when I finish a track alone. I must create something that has a central importance in my life.

joushikijin: What have you been struggling with the most during the pandemic?

Lady Maru: I struggled for freedom and constitutional rights, and I am still fighting for that. Then there were the money issues. Personally, I had to apply many skills to get recognition from the Italian government. I didn’t get any money till June. It has been absolute hell before seeing a small light. Plus, I was supposed to get back to Berlin, and I couldn’t go back and forth as planned for apparent reasons.

joushikijin: What new thing have you learned about yourself during the pandemic?

Lady Maru: I learned to go home earlier, wake up earlier, and organise all the work (music and bureaucracy). I did a lot of bureaucracy. Things I haven’t done before, and I learnt how to spend time not fearing the many restrictions and mental obsessions.

joushikijin: Can you name us the artist that has inspired you the most during the pandemic?

Lady Maru: I have been working a lot with a visual artist friend. We did an album and a project band together, ‘Brutal Casual Magazine’. I had time to listen to many records of new and old genres, from EBM to Exotica.

joushikijin: Since the pandemic, what has been your most favourite non-music-related thing to do?

Lady Maru: I have been jogging and walking every day, as usual, but of course, way more because of the pandemic. I discovered my city, Rome, since I had way more time to walk freely when we were not in a red zone.

joushikijin: Once the pandemic is over, what are you looking forward to the most?

Lady Maru: I’d like to visit other places like everybody else and start socialising and partying again without having paranoid thoughts.

joushikijin: Is there something else on your mind you would like to share with the techno community?

Lady Maru: When it starts again, it will be vital for me to stick to the quality of music, meaning its sense and contents. That means more content, less technique and less fashion. This is my wish.

Visit our SoundCloud page to enjoy the set.

Ayako Mori

We came across Ayako’s Music recently, one of her Gegen sets, and were taken by it immediately. We learned that we lived in Ireland during the same time and also in Germany, Aachen. Thus, it is surprising that we never crossed paths in the past. 😂 We’re thrilled when she agreed to collaborate on our project since there is so much to love about Ayako’s music. She notably won our hearts when we learned how much time and energy she puts in promoting emerging artists and how heavily she is involved in the queer scene. Did we mention how brilliant her tracks and sets are? 😜 We can’t wait to hear her perform live and marvel at her concentrated face, and maybe glimpsing a nod towards her CDJ when the machine does what she intended it to do. Thank you, Ayako, for the incredibly well-curated set and thoughtful interview.

joushikijin: How is your mood today?

Ayako Mori: Recently, my mental health is stable because of spring – the number of daylight hours is enough for me in spring.

joushikijin: How has the pandemic affected your mental health?

Ayako Mori: My anxiety about my future has increased a bit.

joushikijin: What do you love most about creating music?

Ayako Mori: It’s not in Creating time. When I see the people like my music a lot, or other artists played my tracks, I feel happy the most. 😊 That’s why I keep creating music for people to dance to. 😄

joushikijin: What have you been struggling with the most during the pandemic?

Ayako Mori: In the beginning, I was ok because I expected that it would not last that long. I loved spending time in my room, allowing me to have more time for producing new music. I was fortunate enough to play at some open-air parties and live streams that I wanted to play and make new friends there. I was lucky this winter because I had three months off work because of the lockdown. The daylight hours during winter in Germany, Poland, and Ireland are too short for me. Thus, my winter Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) was heavy. It was excruciating trying to live like an ordinary person. In March, the German Government changed Coronavirus regulations, causing me stress since you can’t go to a clothes shop without a test. I had plans to travel for live streaming events. A few offers for gigs from countries that had fewer restrictions and were allowed to organise parties. However, right now, I cannot confirm anything since everything is still uncertain. Playing my sets at parties gives me pleasure, but I could not do that, so it stressed me.

joushikijin: What new thing have you learned about yourself during the pandemic?

Ayako Mori: I always thought that I wanted to improve my music. Now that I got free time, I started watching tutorial movies. 😂

joushikijin: Can you name us the artist that has inspired you the most during the pandemic?

Ayako Mori:

Dana Montana | EXHALE Together Live Stream
XiK | GEGEN KitKatClub live stream
Mar/us | United We Stream #39 – GEGEN x KitKatClub
Metaraph | DURCH x HÖR [6 Feb 2021]
Raul Alvarez | The Symphony For The Revolution
Johnny Piras | Polizeiklang
Raul Alvarez | Phoenix Howls – Delta (δ) – ASMR BINAURAL RITUAL

joushikijin: Since the pandemic, what has been your most favourite non-music-related thing to do?

Ayako Mori: It’s the same as it was before the pandemic. I love spending time with my good friends. 😊

joushikijin: Once the pandemic is over, what are you looking forward to the most?

Ayako Mori: Playing at a techno party! ❤️‍🔥

joushikijin: Is there something else on your mind you would like to share with the techno community?

Ayako Mori: …

Visit our SoundCloud page to enjoy the set.

Metaraph

We’re incredibly thrilled that we can present you this week’s set and interview today. We love Metaraph on many levels, the performance art, but foremost, the incredible music that has us going. Everything Metaraph does, emits anti-establishment but also a deep love for the arts. It felt easy to identify with Metaraph since we also don’t like to be labelled by gender roles. We want to be treated as persons and wish to be measured by our behaviours. Let us challenge the status quo together. ✊🏽 We hope you will enjoy this madness of a set and thoughtful interview as much as we do. Thanks again, Metaraph, for taking the time out of your busy schedule to provide us with both. A big hug and kiss from the two of us. 🤗😘

joushikijin: How is your mood today?

Metaraph: My mood today is very energised, motivated and smooth. Happy ☺️

joushikijin: How has the pandemic affected your mental health?

Metaraph: At first, back in March 2020, the pandemic has impacted my mental health for the first two-to-four weeks, making me anxious and worried. I guess most of us reacted at the beginning. I lived with other six incredible and sweet people who are one of the central core of people close to me in London(when I use to live there). We all decided to entertain each other with different artistic workshops, live-streamed performances as a group together, and much more, which really helped my mental health stay sane and motivated throughout the lockdown.

joushikijin: What do you love most about creating music?

Metaraph: I love making music because it is a way to create a very introspective and emotional journey that takes the listeners from within, beyond touching our unconsciousness in different personal ways. I love making music because of its transcendental and healing powers, creating a sonic journey that can make you forget everything and brings you to other places, memories, visions, and altered states of mind.

joushikijin: What have you been struggling with the most during the pandemic?

Metaraph: To be honest, the main struggle has been missing the whole social aspect of life, play music in front of a real crowd, going out with friends for a simple coffee, et cetera. Also, economically has been very difficult to keep trying to survive and paying the bills because all my different practises and incomes have been affected by the pandemic to different degrees.

joushikijin: What new thing have you learned about yourself during the pandemic?

Metaraph: I’m actually blessed and grateful for the whole pandemic, in a way. Even if we lost a lot from our previous way to leave life, this has offered more time for different things that I wanted to do but did not have time for, taking care of my body and starting to exercise, have fewer gigs brought me to have more time to focus on music production, I’ve also begun to experiment with mixed media paintings which then is going to be integrated within my other practises, I also decided to move out of the country and finally move to Berlin. I’ve learned even more how to be grateful for the most minor things in life. I think that this was also needed for humanity to appreciate more and take less for granted!

joushikijin: Can you name us the artist that has inspired you the most during the pandemic?

Metaraph: It’s hard to name just one considering that it has been over a year already, but surely PLEXOS, Somniac one, Xanah, Hashtaga, Neurocore, Dance Divine and more.

joushikijin: Since the pandemic, what has been your most favourite non-music-related thing to do?

Metaraph: Apart from music, I’ve been working on the new collection for my jewellery brand, been exploring new visual arts series, been training again and doing some contemporary dance projects, a few live streaming performances, physical activities, and yoga.

joushikijin: Once the pandemic is over, what are you looking forward to the most?

Metaraph: Post-covid I’m looking forward to playing for a real crowd, going out with friends, sharing meals and have fun. Starting to travel again, go to exhibitions, do live performances, and meet more people from Berlin’s queer community.

joushikijin: Is there something else on your mind you would like to share with the techno community?

Metaraph: We will not be free until ALL of us are free!

Visit our SoundCloud page to enjoy the set.

TRUXX

We have to say, ten out of ten, no question, the funniest interview we had. Jason and Tim got our attention at the very start of our project, and we love their dark and room-filling sound. The interview gave us a detailed and honest insight into what makes up TRUXX, and we love it. They are two incredibly witty, hard-working, and talented artists with big hearts. The interview also made us reminiscent of our university time in Maastricht. Thus, we look forward to the post-pandemic days where the two will spoil us to some of the wildest Amsterdam house parties. We hope you will enjoy the set, and please make sure to check out the interview to brighten up your day.

joushikijin: How is your mood today?

Jason: Eight out of ten, I am pretty satisfied. I think primarily because I was outside today. I am working all day from home at the same spot we have this interview right now. I think I spent around eighty per cent of my time during the week I am here, so being outside felt great. I went to Amsterdam centre by train, and I went to an island by boat, which felt really lovely, so a solid eight out of ten from me. 😄

Tim: My whole day was a four out of ten. I didn’t like my work today, I was annoyed at everything, but now it is a solid ten out of ten because now I am doing the music thing, and that is what I like. Working in a shop, Nah, that’s not it. I need to earn some money, but I don’t do it because I want it. During the day I was bored, but now I feel happy.

Jason: I would like to change my score to a ten because I am doing an interview with an Irish guy who lives in Italy. That’s awesome.

Tim: It’s eleven. Let’s call it eleven out of ten for this moment.

joushikijin: How has the pandemic affected your mental health?

Jason: I think in the first month or two, like March 2020, I was super excited. ‘Yes, I am going to work from home, the best thing ever. In April, I had a few rough days, just sitting here and doing my work. At some stages, I was just staring out of the window and thinking, ‘What the hell am I doing. I was asking myself if I don’t do this job, would anything change? I did not really see the purpose of my work, what I was doing. I had some down days after that, but since the summer, I got used to working from home, just doing my thing, getting into a flow. I also had to learn how to allocate time for work and personal shit, so I just stopped working at 17:00. I just stopped, even if there was still something left to do. I can do this tomorrow. A few months back, I thought my work doesn’t matter, and now, it still doesn’t matter. 😂 So, the first few months were hard, but after that, I got my vibe going, and it wasn’t that bad. We still had plenty of time to see one another and other friends. It wasn’t that bad.

Tim: When the pandemic started, I worked at the airport, at a car rental. However, flights soon stopped, and I lost my job, it was hard, and I was afraid I wouldn’t get another job, but after one month, I found a new one. After that, it was fine. At the beginning of the pandemic, I was still able to play field hockey, go to the gym, but now I feel bored a little. I don’t really like my job, it’s okay, but I don’t get a lot of energy. Now, it’s beginning to get a little bit more open, so I can play hockey again, but the last three month’s I didn’t play hockey, I didn’t go to the gym. Going to the Radio, where we have a weekly show, was the highlight of the week. The rest of the days, we’re boring, work, home, work, home, work home. Every day was just the same, tedious, repetitive.

Jason: The pandemic was also a wake-up call to focus on our studies as sound engineers next year. I am not sure if I would have gone for it if life would have been normal.

Tim: Yes, exactly. During the pandemic, we got our own radio show. As mentioned, when the pandemic started, I was employed at the airport, which required me to work shifts at different times of the day. Still, now my work is during regular office hours, which allows me to do the radio show. Because I am bored, I have time to contemplate and think, ‘Is this the job I want to do the rest of my life?’, and it is a big no. It opened my eyes to do something else. I look forward to doing something I really like, and that’s making music.

Jason: I think it’s a solid ten out of ten again.

Tim: Life itself during the pandemic is boring, but I look forward to the future.

joushikijin: What do you love most about creating music?

Jason: Getting my vibe out, getting my creative mind to do something out of my head. Since I can’t really draw and really love techno, it was easy to use music to express my creativity. Right now, I love most about techno when I can use a sequencer and create strange alien-like sounds, pressing randomly on the sequencer, again and again, until something pops out. I just love it. Getting a trance vibe, a kick, 136 bpm, just go for it, and when I sit there, bumping with my head, that’s the moment when I know it’s good. The most important thing for me is not knowing what I make when I start until I get something and start bumping my head. That’s when I am happy with my life.

Tim: I think the same applies to me. I also like the freedom. I am not limited by someone telling me what I can or cannot do. Instead, I can do whatever I want, 160 bpm, I can do that, if I want strange sounds, I can do that. I am making my own music.

Jason: Yes, doing what you want to do is also a good part of making music.

Tim: As long as it sounds good and people like it, even if it is just a single person who likes your sound, it’s good enough for me. It’s also grand if you’re the only person happy with it. In the end, you make the music for yourself, and if people like the music you like yourself, then everything is good.

joushikijin: What have you been struggling with the most during the pandemic?

Jason: The future, as mentioned before, during the second month of the pandemic, I felt down, not really knowing what to do with my work. I still don’t know what to do workwise, but less now since I decided to study becoming a sound engineer next year. Coincidently, this morning I talked to my boss, requesting to work fewer hours. They agreed and were supportive of it. What was the question again? 😂

Tim: 😂🤣

Jason: It’s all ten out of ten, a solid ten. 😂 I was worried that I would not have a decent future ahead of me since I don’t want to continue with the work I’m currently doing. Some days, everything is okay. You work with colleagues, you work with people, you see them on the screen. However, sometimes they’re many appointments, and I’m just sitting here, watching the screen, and I don’t feel anything about it. There is no passion for the work being done. Working in the music industry, it doesn’t really matter what I’m working at. There is a motivation, doing something you love, something close to you, that also helps other people. I think I struggled most with having a job that does not mean much to me. That doesn’t seem to pursue a goal.

Tim: It’s similar for me. I like electronics, that’s why I choose to work in an electronics store. I just don’t care about other people’s opinion, like when they complain after having bought a television, and delivery takes two days longer. What the hell, it’s about television, they can wait two days. You can’t tell them and must be nice to them that everything will be fine. 😵‍💫 I don’t like people complaining about useless stuff. I can deal with one person complaining, but yeah, that’s just a bit much when five do it in a row. It’s just a waste of time. Anyhow, that’s the biggest struggle I must deal with in my job.

Jason: In everyday life, there are so many distractions. You get distracted by the thought that you don’t want to do this for the rest of your life.

Tim: Exactly.

Jason: There are many things I like to do besides my job.

Tim: Before the pandemic, you just worked, went home, meet with a friend to eat out, go to a bar, club, or the beach, but now, it’s just staying home, watching television, drink some beer, and thinking about how bored I am. I don’t want to live another 80 boring years like this.

joushikijin: What new thing have you learned about yourself during the pandemic?

Jason: (Pauses) Yes, the epiphany of wanting to something different with my life. I think that’s it. I had time to think about life and make a decision that makes you happy instead of merely trying to make you happy.

Tim: It’s the same for me. (Talking Dutch) It’s about political choices. It’s about life, what is life for people. People are struggling with the consequences of the pandemic all around the world, and most countries are lacking any fucking sense. They are much poorer off, like countries in South America or the African continent. It’s strange since, to me, everybody is the same, but that’s not how the world is treating one another. Things are incredibly unfair around the globe. Nature and our environment are treated poorly. The pandemic has opened my eyes to the current state of the world and how things need to change. I had more time to think about things instead of doing stuff, and we need to change. It’s just the way things are currently organised.

joushikijin: Can you name us the artist that has inspired you the most during the pandemic?

Jason: Maybe not inspired, but it is the artists I was listening to the most and enjoying his fantastic tutorials – Yan Cook. 😂

Tim: Yan Cook, I would have guessed that. 😂

Jason: He is a Ukrainian guy. I think he only does live sets. It’s dark and fast pounding techno and bleak. When I listen to it, I imagine I should be in a Berlin basement six stories underground.

Tim: I don’t think I have one artist that inspired me the most. I think it’s more like a vibe. A similar vibe to the podcast we created for you guys. It’s not fast and heavy techno, but dark, bleak, and strange baselines that change a little, but more minimal dark techno. Not one artist but a sound style.

Jason: I think there are also one or two Yan Cook tracks in the mix. They are coming at a later stage, during the faster part.

joushikijin: Since the pandemic, what has been your most favourite non-music-related thing to do?

Jason: (Silence) I think, being together with friends, just socialising with people. I mean, we see each other often, sometimes it’s just the gang together on a Sunday, having dinner together at someone’s home, and I look around and think to myself ‘This is nice’. It’s just happy with each other. I just sit right here (pointing on the chair he sits on) and work. 😂

Tim: 😂

Jason: I think it’s nice because my girlfriend is also living here, and it’s nice to have someone around. Just going out with your friends, being together, having a laugh. I think that is the thing I enjoyed the most, besides music.

Tim: It’s the same for me. Apart from music, I like gaming, but I enjoyed gaming before the pandemic, which hasn’t changed. Before the pandemic, going out with friend was part of everyday life, but now, I realised, going out is not something that we can take for granted. Now we must follow the curfew, and going out with friends are the highlights of the pandemic.

Jason: We started to appreciate it more.

Tim: Exactly, we much more appreciate the time we have outside. That’s the good part.

joushikijin: Once the pandemic is over, what are you looking forward to the most?

Jason: The first thing that comes to mind. Last year, we bought tickets for Awakenings.

Tim: 😁

Jason: I just want to be there, on a fucking massive festival. I don’t care if it is commercial or whatever. I just want to be there and go fucking mental, listen to whatever artists are playing.

Tim: I also want to go out and do the thing I like to do without being restricted like we are now. Suppose I came home from work and decided to go to a restaurant. In that case, I will be delighted to do that without thinking of the pandemic related restrictions.

Jason: The simple things in life. 😄

Tim: Yes, the simple things in life. 😄 Basic things, like just being able to go to the gym without thinking about if I can or not, without having to check the schedule if they are full or not, having to wait for two days. Nah. 😣 I don’t like having things complicated. I just want to be able to go straight to the gym if I feel like it.

joushikijin: Is there something else on your mind you would like to share with the techno community?

Jason: 😂 Follow us on SoundCloud.

Tim: 🤣

Jason: Oh yes, buy our demo, €20, special price just for you. Ten out of ten. 🙌🏽 Rated by two people. 😂

Tim: Listen to our radio show (Dutch only). 😁

Jason: Once we can come together again, appreciate each other more. I think most people on festivals are doing so, being on MDMA or whatever. Besides that, I don’t really have an emotional message for everyone now. 😂

Tim: Just enjoy the music. Look beyond the top ten techno artists. Go to festivals and listen to artists you don’t know and see if you like it. Most music that people are remarkable in one way or another, but not many people are aware of them. If you can listen to unknown people, do so, sometimes it can be mind-blowing. Maybe you don’t like it, but at least you tried. Going to see the same artist all the time is boring as hell, it’s always the same, and they all play each other’s music, so every set will be the same. Go the experimental way and check out people you haven’t seen before. This way, you might enjoy partying even more.

Visit our SoundCloud page to enjoy the set.

HLUNKE

Another artist, interview, and set that is dear to our heart – over the past few weeks, HLUNKE has become a stable of our daily playlist. What makes this one unique is that we had much time to exchange apart from working towards the actual goals of the collaboration and get to know one another. There are many shared interests but also other things that connect. We are thrilled that we can share this banger of a set. After the pandemic, we really look forward to party with one of the finest German underground techno community. HLUNKE is also part of Dopaminmangel/0815 Techno, which has also grown close to our hearts. Thanks again for all the love and support from the Rhur area, in particular, for the thoughtful interview.

HLUNKE: First, dear Lea and Dénis, I like to thank you for the collaboration. I am delighted with every project I can contribute to.

joushikijin: How is your mood today?

HLUNKE: Thank you for asking. Considering we’re in the middle of a pandemic, I first like to mention that I am physically healthy, and I have nothing to complain about. The good weather has a positive effect on my mood. It’s 24 °C in the shade, which makes it challenging to taint my mood. However, unfortunately, it can’t be ruled out totally. In general, I don’t feel as fit as I would on other days. There were some moments where I wasn’t quite there. I can’t say what’s the cause – I think these days just exist. Good ones and bad ones, most people will be familiar with this. 😂

joushikijin: How has the pandemic affected your mental health?

HLUNKE: I can’t say how everyone defines ‘mental health’, but if we’re talking about non-physical one, I am on the right track answering this question adequately. I would say that the pandemic has not really a massive effect on me. Yes, of course, wearing masks, for example, affects my mood. However, up until now, it’s ok since it’s only mandatory when visiting shops and since I tend to spend little time there, I can somewhat live with it. However, I can’t say for how much longer I will cope with this nonsense – with all due respect to other people’s health. That plays directly in the non-stop exposure to pandemic related topics, the continuous noise of figures or new easing or tightening measures. Radio, newspaper, social media, there is no place free of pandemic related news unless one ventures into the forest. It really is annoying. Plus, people force actions on you and throw out any moral values doing so. I think fear is a significant factor, and I can say that, fortunately, I am mostly not affected, at least from physical health-related worry. However, what the future holds for us is more questionable than ever. I can’t say if there are existential fears, but I am thinking about if there is more to come for us in the future. In summary, the pandemic affects my mood only subtly and to a small extent only. For now, I can deal with the coronavirus related measures and make the best out of them.

joushikijin: What do you love most about creating music?

HLUNKE: I can’t really say what I love most when making music. Instead, I think it’s an interplay of many things I love. I can leave everyday stress behind me and create something new, which I love. One of the most remarkable experiences is getting real-time feedback when mixing, which shows me if what I’m doing is good or not. I really enjoy getting feedback from a live audience when mixing to hear how they perceive my music. I love venturing to the unknown to combine things that weren’t connected in this way before. In the end, it doesn’t matter if the mixing or track selection contributed to the overall result. Right now, I am trying myself combining melodies. I am a friend of the exceptional – that is a variable that I enjoy very much and integrate into the music creation process. The community is also crucial. The crowd is one of the most vital parts when making music! What would music without the listener and words without ears? The community creates a unique dynamic that permeates the music of many artists. I am delighted whenever I see how music connects people with one another. They are willing to take certain risks, potentially commit crimes to organise a non-commercial party for the community, solely to improve this day for everyone involved. Techno is and remains a sub-culture that was created from the societies filth and rubbish. The lower class itself has birthed and raised this culture. I feel extreme gratitude for being a part of this culture.

joushikijin: What have you been struggling with the most during the pandemic?

HLUNKE: The most hurtful thing to witness since the beginning of the pandemic was how people attack and be vicious with one another. One side is scared of and has enormous respect for the virus, trying to protect themselves and their peers from getting infected by preventing people from gathering in large crowds. The other side has little respect and is even less scared and stopped paying attention with whom or how they interact with others. That is where I see the conflict. The fear-driven side demands considerate interactions with other people but has zero tolerance if crowds suddenly arise. Presumably, people who feel their liberty are suddenly constrained, but, maybe, these people in groups want to be respected in the same way as those afraid for their health. However, what does reality really look like? Some people feel so threatened about their health that they become offensive and aggressive. I respect the fear of every person and deal with this consciously. However, I don’t understand how people think it is ok to demand to be treated in a specific way but at the same time believe it is legit to treat others without respect. On the other side, the one that is not scared of the virus and is not necessarily in favour of curfews or social distancing, but still meets with others, they are not even asked about their health. However, these people are affected most by the entire situation, and I think their number is increasing. These people are massively restricted and have to face measures for several months, even a year nearly, but there is zero respect for wearing masks in the city or shopping centre, even if they are not affected by the topic. Instead, the government is reprimanded and fining them. People sacrifice so much and not even get the least amount of attention for their desires and perspectives. That is what the fight versus the pandemic symbolises to me! People have been divided.

joushikijin: What new thing have you learned about yourself during the pandemic?

HLUNKE: Ufff, I can’t answer this question precisely. We’re struggling with the pandemic for approximately fifteen months now. I probably have learned more during this period than in my entire life before. I am 28 years now and think we learn so much each year. In theory, we are a totally new person every second year. Well, the pandemic goes on for fifteen to twenty-four months. It could be that people see one another after we’re through and don’t recognise each other anymore. 😜 The most striking I learned about myself was presumably ego related. I was fortunate enough to make two happy and one sad ego-related realisation, which provided me with more clarity. I can do much with these newly learned realisations. I work with and try to include them actively in my development. Furthermore, by reading some books, I learned that my childhood influences my adult life. I am aware of these influences now and can do much with this information to learn more about myself and share with others. I like sharing what I learned with my peers and feel happy if they find it useful. It’s predominantly about interpersonal interactions – the exchange of experiences.

joushikijin: Can you name us the artist that has inspired you the most during the pandemic?

HLUNKE: I have several names to give. Lenzeis, TDOC, Neagles, Thor Adam, N997, Melissa D’Lima, Diazepin, Karl Schwarz, A.B.T. (Anti Bio Tikka), RAbbeAT, Chistiano Michaely, Rorganic, TY, Japau, Mandy Ray, Arsen, Parapher, Brutalismus3000, Nuitsible, Hector … and many more. In my case, there are quite a few. I get inspired by many artists. There is always something from an artist that I can adopt. Each one is unique when it comes to mixing or producing music. There were at least 79 situations where I was listening to something like a crazy transition or techno track pattern that got me going and impressed me. Every artist is creative in another way. I think people just need to engage with the matter long enough to create something unique to them. You don’t recognise these things in yourself until late. Still, as an observer, one can identify inspiring hand movements, ideas, or realisations. It only takes sufficient interest and the ability to listen closely. Once these two requirements are met, it surely doesn’t take long, even as laypeople, to get inspired by every artist.

joushikijin: Since the pandemic, what has been your most favourite non-music-related thing to do?

HLUNKE: I was lucky enough that mother nature gave me an aptitude for being creative and realising my talent. Ok, it’s not given one-hundred per cent. There is some work involved as well. I was made aware of my creativity on several occasions. People around me know me for it, and, sometimes, my reputation precedes me. I learned to utilise this creativity for art projects. In addition to graffiti, I also focus on tattooing. Graffiti and drawing are both something that I do longer than music. Since the pandemic, my focus is on spraying pictures or drawing templates. In many respects, I compare painting/drawing/spraying with music since there are many overlapping areas. Sometimes I apply the painting approach to the process of making music. Since the pandemic, painting is my favourite activity apart from music. If there were no pandemic, tattooing would also be on the list.

joushikijin: Once the pandemic is over, what are you looking forward to the most?

HLUNKE: For the past fifteen months, the only thing one hears is incidence figures, infection, mask violations, vaccinations. The term pandemic is the primary focus of reporting and the conversation coronavirus. Genuinely, the thing I am looking forward to the most is not talking about this topic anymore. It is the topic that seems to trigger me the most. You can’t go anywhere without having to talk about this topic first. It doesn’t matter if it is at my customer service work, news outlets, social media, parents, close relatives – nowhere is safe anymore. 🤣 In any case, I look forward to meeting new people, make contacts, attend events, and go fucking wild. I am sure this question often gets a similar response 😂 since everyone longs for normality. Many people, in particular, the rave community, wants to meet and dance in an ecstatic state. I miss this unimaginably, as organiser, artist, and guest. 😊

joushikijin: Is there something else on your mind you would like to share with the techno community?

HLUNKE: I thank every listener and follower of our and my projects and feel grateful for the support. It is crucial to stick together – support one another. Times can be even more challenging. Love goes to everyone out there. I also like to thank Lea and Dénis for this collaboration opportunity and be part of this project. That’s it. I wish you only the best. With kind regards from the heart of the Ruhr area. HLUNKE79 aka Niklas

Visit our SoundCloud page to enjoy the set.

Substencia

This week, we present you a unique gem from Paris. 💎 We got to know Substencia and her incredibly dark, spacious, and mature sound through a close friend of ours. The two collaborated recently, Substencia creating the eery track and Dothy Moroders creating a mind-boggling visual experience. Sestra Records released Ice Foxes, and HATE published the video on YouTube. We started listening to her music and were in love with her sound immediately. We are thrilled that she made the time for the interview and creating this playful and well-curated set, and we hope you enjoy it as much as we do. 🪐♥️💫

joushikijin: How is your mood today?

Substencia: Great!

joushikijin: How has the pandemic affected your mental health?

Substencia: I’ve got a non-music related full-time job, so I have this chance to not be entirely affected by this pandemic. But I must tell that I’ve been through some challenging moments since the beginning of this shit. Taking our freedom, thinking that the governments are deciding what we do when we go out, who we meet … It’s kind of freaky. This kind of thought makes me feel bad (like most people) and sometimes takes my motivation out for anything.

joushikijin: What do you love most about creating music?

Substencia: Discover how to undress my feelings, explore my old techno/classical roots and try to express all of this through homemade sounds.

joushikijin: What have you been struggling with the most during the pandemic?

Substencia: To be honest, not so many things compare to others. I’ve found a new apartment; I released a lot of music … The only thing was maybe not to be able to see friends whenever I wanted.

joushikijin: What new thing have you learned about yourself during the pandemic?

Substencia: Nothing specific comes to mind …

joushikijin: Can you name us the artist that has inspired you the most during the pandemic?

Substencia: I think I would say Speedy J. Although he is one of my favourite ever for the past 20 years. However, during the pandemic, he launched several concepts with his Stoor project, particularly his show ‘Knob Twiddlers Hangout’. They feature inspiring artists who really talk about music. Then there are the broadcasted live sets, thanks to the Discord technology, which allows broadcasting two streams synchronised at the same time. The last sessions were with Orphx and Surgeon. Both influenced me significant influence for a long time.

joushikijin: Since the pandemic, what has been your most favourite non-music-related thing to do?

Substencia: Mostly video games, books, and watching series.

joushikijin: Once the pandemic is over, what are you looking forward to the most?

Substencia: Immersing myself in a giant wall of sound and celebrate.

joushikijin: Is there something else on your mind you would like to share with the techno community?

Substencia: I hope that the techno scene will be more focused on talent, passion, and celebration than business.

Visit our SoundCloud page to enjoy the set.

åsger

We have been sitting on this release for several weeks and are incredibly excited to share this set with everyone. Åsger is a young talent from Greece who has our attention for quite some while and has released several high-energy sets and tracks since. He will also be one of the artists we will collaborate with on our live events planned once the pandemic is under control. Thank you for taking the time to contribute to this collaboration, a big hug and kiss from Italy, and massive thanks for bringing us some raw Thessaloniki underground techno. 🤗😘🔥😈

joushikijin: How is your mood today?

åsger: I’m feeling great today, full of energy and good vibes.

joushikijin: How has the pandemic affected your mental health?

åsger: Since the start of the pandemic in Europe, I have stayed focused on producing music and recording podcast for several projects, so my mental health is excellent. I don’t let anything from the outside affect me.

joushikijin: What do you love most about creating music?

åsger: I love the ability to express my feelings through my music, from anger to other emotions – I like to tell a story.

joushikijin: What have you been struggling with the most during the pandemic?

åsger: Nothing in particular.

joushikijin: What new thing have you learned about yourself during the pandemic?

åsger: Due to pandemic-related restrictions, I have started to value people close to me, family, and good friends more than before.

joushikijin: Can you name us the artist that has inspired you the most during the pandemic?

åsger: I have many producers on my mind. However, in the last months, my good friends Kosmâss and Endlec inspired me with their non-stop exploration of music and production skills to do the same.

joushikijin: Since the pandemic, what has been your most favourite non-music-related thing to do?

åsger: To be able to go kickboxing, but also to cut wood and construct new things again.

joushikijin: Once the pandemic is over, what are you looking forward to the most?

åsger: When pandemic is over? There is only one thing in my mind, get back in the clubs and get wasted as fuck.

joushikijin: Is there something else on your mind you would like to share with the techno community?

åsger: Music has no boundaries. Stay safe and sound.

Visit our SoundCloud page to enjoy the set.

JAPAU

JAPAU has found his way into our playlist in early 2021 by leaving a cheeky comment on a WNDRLST set. Since then, he has dominated our playlist, and his mad sets have given structure to our long workdays. He was the first artist we heard that managed 150 bpm or more without sounding like a lunatic at the peak of his amphetamine binge. His label PA•RA•DO•XON, was one of the first we reached out to, and we are thrilled that he has agreed to contribute to our project. He will be part of the first event in a series that we have planned. We would also like to thank him for always being there for us when we have technical questions, treating us with kindness, and embracing our madness. We hope you enjoy his set as much as we do. 🔥😈♥️⛓

joushikijin: How is your mood today?

JAPAU: I’m stressed out today because of my work, and every Thursday, I also go to evening school.

joushikijin: How has the pandemic affected your mental health?

JAPAU: Truly, I would say I’m getting steadily more unhappy, and it’s not getting better.

joushikijin: What do you love most about creating music?

JAPAU: The feeling that I can do whatever I want and let my feelings run free.

joushikijin: What have you been struggling with the most during the pandemic?

JAPAU: That I couldn’t visit my family during Christmas time, every year I visit my parents, but last year I couldn’t, this was shit. Also, my friends and I couldn’t meet each other in bigger groups.

joushikijin: What new thing have you learned about yourself during the pandemic?

JAPAU: I don’t have something in mind when you are asking me this.

joushikijin: Can you name us the artist that has inspired you the most during the pandemic?

JAPAU: I don’t have a special artist in mind, but I would say producer’s and DJ’s from France inspired me the most.

joushikijin: Since the pandemic, what has been your most favourite non-music-related thing to do?

JAPAU: Graphic design.

joushikijin: Once the pandemic is over, what are you looking forward to the most?

JAPAU: When the pandemic is over, I take my crew and rush to the next club to have a good time.

joushikijin: Is there something else on your mind you would like to share with the techno community?

JAPAU: I appreciate my little community very much. I can’t stop to thank you all for your comments and direct messages.

Visit our SoundCloud page to enjoy the set.

HeizÖL

We thank HeizÖL for making the time to record this podcast and take our call for the interview. His sets have been part of our work playlist since the beginning of 2021, and we couldn’t do without them. We fell as much in love with his sound as we did with his attitude to the culture he is part of creating. He represents a new generation of artists revitalising the German underground techno scene with hard-hitting, driving, dark sounds. Behind his music stands the idea that techno provides an inclusive, non-judgmental, non-commercial, and safe space for everyone. ✊🏽 He is also part of Dopaminmangel/0815 Techno, which promotes artist from all over Germany. We hope you enjoy this set as much as we do. ♥️

joushikijin: How is your mood today?

HeizÖL: My mood today is like on most days, great. I don’t let anything get me down. I am a person that is generally in a positive mindset. It’s not easy to get me down, and that’s why I tend to be in a good mood.

joushikijin: How has the pandemic affected your mental health?

HeizÖL: To be honest, everyday life has changed little for me. I was able to work as before. My hours weren’t cut, and there were no restrictions. Not being able to meet with friends is one issue. However, apart from that, I was able to live my life relatively unaffected.

joushikijin: What do you love most about creating music?

HeizÖL: I can live out my fantasies, the things I imagine musically. I feel connected with everything when I stand behind the equipment. I feel every beat. The music flows through my body, and I have tunnel vision. It fulfils me.

joushikijin: What have you been struggling with the most during the pandemic?

HeizÖL: Social distancing, that’s not my thing. I like being close to people. Having to wear a mask and things, I don’t fancy that at all.

joushikijin: What new thing have you learned about yourself during the pandemic?

HeizÖL: Sharing time with the person you love most is vital. It’s something that needs to be appreciated since we’re working full-time and seeing each other little. Since the lockdown, we spent many weekends together and spending time together is something we must not lose track of.

joushikijin: Can you name us the artist that has inspired you the most during the pandemic?

HeizÖL: Most inspired? Not really, if I am honest. I motivate myself. I have this urge to create musically new things, and I already made some tracks. It is something I can realise myself with. Always something new, going further and further.

joushikijin: Since the pandemic, what has been your most favourite non-music-related thing to do?

HeizÖL: Do-it-yourself work around the house – bringing everything up to date. Well, suddenly, there was more time and disposable income for it – the most beautiful side project.

joushikijin: Once the pandemic is over, what are you looking forward to the most?

HeizÖL: The thing I look forward to most is being able to mingle with others. Like visiting a beer garden for a beer, enjoying the sun and talking to people without a mask or social distancing measures. That is something I miss a lot. In general, us finding a way back to normality. I would also like to meet on the street with three of my friends without being looked at like we’re dangerous criminals.

joushikijin: Is there something else on your mind you would like to share with the techno community?

HeizÖL: Techno has become somewhat commercial again. I wish this is not the case. Many clubs had to close. After all, they can’t afford the headliners anymore because they are that expensive. It’s an issue that not only affects the techno community but electronic music in general. People like David Guetta make a fortune each gig. It’s obscene. Even worse, he doesn’t play properly. He merely lets some tracks run on autoplay. That’s it. It would be nice if we can return to techno for the love of music and not money or to make a mark for ourselves, that’s something I would appreciate.

Visit our SoundCloud page to enjoy the set.

Vendex

We thank Vendex for emerging from the underworld, unmasking himself, and giving unconditional support for our project. 🤘🏽 He was on our playlist for the past year, and we were thrilled when we got the opportunity to collaborate. The result is an epic set, which we love to bits, plus our two-hour-long video interview, which is below as an abridged transcription. There is so much to love about his relentless music but what stands out the most to us is his blend of genres and love for dissonance. We are inspired by his energy in producing so much content consistently and taken by his humble personality, ability to share emotional warmth, and willingness to part with his expertise. We are excited about opportunities to collaborate in the future and confident that our shared passion for Italian culture and literature will allow us to introduce Italian techno lovers to one of the best underground artists. 😈🔥

joushikijin: How is your mood today?

Vendex: My mood today. I am super happy about being in this interview. I am happy most of the time, but sometimes I feel depressed concerning the overall situation, like being unable to anything. Spain is super restrictive right now, with the curfew at 22:00, bars are only open from lunch to 16:00. These kinds of things are a reminder that you can’t do anything. I can’t work doing the thing I love. One month ago I had to work in a gas company because I need to survive. I earned good money, and now I keep continuing with my work producing podcasts. However, the situation is really crazy, but at the same time, I am happy. I try to stay focused and creative, and that’s what I want to show to people. I want to share happiness with the world since I can see much depression in the world right now. Right now, I am happy.

joushikijin: How has the pandemic affected your mental health?

Vendex: We didn’t expect all that. In the beginning, I was like, what is going on. Ok, we stay at home to ensure we safe lives and not contribute to the spread. During the first lockdown, I was ok, since I was working. It became worse later when I realised that I can leave the house, but there is nothing to do. You can only go to work, and that’s about it. Politicians also came up with contradictory rules concerning what you can do and what you can’t do. It is ok that the Metro is full of people going to work, but you can’t go to a nightclub. All these things destroyed my mental health. It felt like the government is taking the piss at all the people working in the nightlife, like in bars, restaurants, and hotels. Like, are you serious? Anyhow, it’s complicated, but I always have hope. I mean, sometimes, I feel low because I want to work or party, but I keep my hopes up and think that it will be very soon. Until then, I keep working from home. I am patient.

joushikijin: What do you love most about creating music?

Vendex: It allows me to express my ideas, what I want to represent, what I like to combine. For example, I want to merge metal and techno. I always was a metalhead and previously a singer of a deathcore band. This kind of creativity is possible with music but in other areas as well. My aim is to combine literature, history, occultism, necromancy with my music and stage persona Vendex. Vendex is filled with tropes from Dante Alighieri’s Divina Commedia. It is what I love. I went to university, am a historian. It is my passion, art, literature, and techno. I can combine all of these things. It’s what I want to do most and what I want to create.

joushikijin: What have you been struggling with the most during the pandemic?

Vendex: The inability for us as an industry, as artists, not working is the harshest for me. My biggest fear was that I will run out of creativity since I cannot expose myself to new stimuli. I need to watch a lot of my favourite series and read books I like or video play games. I was worried this could be the end of Vendex because of not having new inspiration, being subjected to lockdown rules, and only stay at home or work. Anyhow, now, I can outside a little bit more, but before, I was desperate.

joushikijin: What new thing have you learned about yourself during the pandemic?

Vendex: I was surprised about my resilience. That I turned into a super creative person despite the lockdown. I noticed many artists stopped working. They are not producing, feel depressed, and stopped altogether. I can survive mentally until we are allowed to go outside again. I didn’t expect that my mental health remains mostly unaffected in this situation. I do have periods in which I feel down, but I never crashed completely. Another variable is that I started this project when I was fourteen, and it was always my focus. I think it might be the motivation for my future and the projects that keep me going. I don’t care, one year, two years, I don’t care, I keep working in lockdown. There is no point in looking back. I just keep looking forward. Having said all that, the situation is challenging.

joushikijin: Can you name us the artist that has inspired you the most during the pandemic?

Vendex: I love Dax J. In the past, I got much inspiration from him, and I Hate Models, but now, not as much as I used to but sometimes. However, nowadays, it is rare that I get inspired by others. Before, I was focused on him and some others, but now, I get inspired by various metal bands. I listen more to metal now than I do to techno. Also, I work with and collaborate with people and get inspiration from them, either directly or indirectly.

joushikijin: Since the pandemic, what has been your most favourite non-music-related thing to do?

Vendex: I am a freak, and I like playing videogames. I was super excited for Cyberpunk 2077 but was disappointed when it came out. I was thinking, what the fuck did they sell me? It felt like a scam. The game was not only buggy but also did not come with the gameplay mechanics they promised. They said that they would include plenty of features but ended up putting in only twenty per cent or so. Other publishers have similar issues, releasing games too early and fucking up. Anyhow, I love role-playing games like the Witcher, Skyrim, Cyberpunk, Fallout.

joushikijin: Once the pandemic is over, what are you looking forward to the most?

Vendex: I want to play in every country, in every nightclub, festival. I want to rave non-stop. I will enjoy the little things in life, like going to work without a fucking mask. Go to restaurants, bars, whatever I want. I am going to enjoy everything.

joushikijin: Is there something else on your mind you would like to share with the techno community?

Vendex: First, I want to address the artists. It’s going to be hard, but we are looking at the end of the pandemic. Keep working and stay active because if you procrastinate, you’re gone from the market. Keep working. It’s the only thing we can do right now. Second, I like to appeal to the ravers. Stay strong and do small sensible parties. If the system fucks you, fuck the system, really, fuck them. Now we are starting to have vaccines. The elderly are vaccinated. Go to raves, do illegal raves, enjoy the true techno spirit. I don’t care if I die raving. At least I die happy. I am sure this will trigger a lot of people, but I don’t care. People! Go to houses and organise small raves, small events responsibly. I reckon soon we will be back to normal. Third, this applies to everyone. Myself, I take no drugs apart from techno, and I am going to rave like crazy. But I like people who like to indulge in drugs like alcohol, MDMA, and others to take it easy. Please, guys, rave as fuck but be careful. Take your drugs, but do them responsibly. I don’t want to lose decent people to shitty decisions.

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Bertman

We start our pandemic chronicles podcast with Bertman. He holds a unique place in our hearts since he was one of the last persons we got to hear perform live. He is the resident DJ of the magnificent Spazio 900, one of the most epic and memorable nightclubs in Roma’s Eur district. He also played during Cosmo’s 2019 Capodanno (New Years) and Cosmo’s 2020 Fuori orario (after party). The latter is one of Rome’s biggest raves, hosting the best lineup of the techno scene. This event alone is worth visiting the city. People from all over the country meet in the capital to spend two nights celebrating the best Italian techno culture has to offer. We thank Luis for taking the time to answer our questions and providing us with a solid set, characterised by its typical Italian flow and smoothness. Listening to it makes us feel melancholic. However, it also allows us to look forward to the near future, celebrating a weekend in Spazio 900, listening to Bertman live again.

joushikijin: How is your mood today?

Bertman: I feel sad. It has been more than one year that I can no longer work to perform in front of my clubbers.

joushikijin: How has the pandemic affected your mental health?

Bertman: Mentally, I’m tired of staying at home on weekends, but I’m very charged as soon as we can get back to normal.

joushikijin: What do you love most about creating music?

Bertman: Creating music gives me happiness and the desire to improve and see my productions on Saturday evening appreciated by clubbers.

joushikijin: What have you been struggling with the most during the pandemic?

Bertman: Boredom, but I took the opportunity to create new music and experiment with new electronic sounds.

joushikijin: What new thing have you learned about yourself during the pandemic?

Bertman: That family and friends are very important.

joushikijin: Can you name us the artist that has inspired you the most during the pandemic?

Bertman: Richie Hawtin, a great artist, and music innovator.

joushikijin: Since the pandemic, what has been your most favourite non-music-related thing to do?

Bertman: Go out for walks. I look forward to the day I can do that without a mask.

joushikijin: Once the pandemic is over, what are you looking forward to the most?

Bertman: Go back to the clubs and have fun all together.

joushikijin: Is there something else on your mind you would like to share with the techno community?

Bertman: Music will never abandon us, especially in difficult moments. I LOVE MUSIC, I LOVE TECHNO!

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