Simone Zino – Raw Industrial Techno Mix | True Techno 104

DEAS – Raw, Hypnotic and Pure | True Techno Podcast 107

© 2025 True Underground. All rights reserved. DEAS ON RESISTING INDUSTRY COMMERCIALISATION In an exclusive interview for Change Underground [https://change-underground.com/deas-the-polish-techno-purist-keeping-it-real-in-a-hype-driven-world/] Polish techno producer DEAS (Karol Mozgawa) addressed the commercialisation of modern club culture and discusses his hardware production methodology. In this exclusive feature for true techno podcast 107, broadcasting from his studio base in Krakow, Poland to the global underground community. Greek-born and Poland-based, DEAS has carved an uncompromising path from local residencies at Smolna and Tama to international stages including Awakenings, Extrema, and E1 London. With a sonic footprint spanning CLR, ARTS, and Planet Rhythm, his output remains fiercely rooted in hypnotic grooves, live hardware interaction, and an uncompromised artistic vision. We sat down with DEAS to talk analogue obsession, the evolution of his sound, the expansion and occasional dilution of the global techno scene, and why authenticity still matters more than follower counts. HARDWARE JOURNEYS AND ONE-OF-A-KIND GROOVES DEAS has long held a reputation as a dedicated hardware specialist, though his relationship with machinery is more collaborative than dogmatic. While software plays a functional role in his workflow, the driving energy of his music stems from the tactile, unpredictable feedback loops of physical gear. He approaches music production not as a rigid programming exercise, but as an unfolding journey where the final track acts essentially as a natural side effect of the physical process. This hands-on methodology yields tracks and DJ sets with a distinct, lived-in texture; hypnotic, precise, yet continually inventive. It is groove-focused techno built for long-form dancefloor immersion rather than instantaneous algorithmic satisfaction. His recent Drifted Off EP on ARTS showcases this ongoing structural evolution, weaving spoken-word elements and subtle melodic layers into his signature driving atmospheres without altering his core artistic trajectory. Rather than attempting to reinvent the wheel, his studio work focuses entirely on introducing sharp internal surprises while staying true to an idiosyncratic musical vision. THE SCENE: GROWTH, SPECTACLE, AND SOUL The global expansion of techno has undoubtedly broadened the audience for underground sounds, a reality DEAS acknowledges as a major benefit for emerging artists and independent labels. However, this mainstream saturation brings an inevitable compromise: the transformation of club culture into visual spectacle. Across international circuits, events increasingly prioritise sensory distraction over sonic depth, shifting the focus away from the music itself. This commercial transition forces electronic music figures into a compromise between performance and digital marketing optimization. DEAS rejects the contemporary pressure to treat music as an optimized commodity, drawing a clear line between the responsibilities of a creator and those of a digital marketer. “My approach to art in general is not focused on constantly trying to make it ‘sellable’,” he notes. “I am not a content creator; I see myself as an artist. An artist creates what they feel… they don’t ask the audience what they expect from them.” This strict boundary dictates how he reads crowd energy across different territories. While some international hubs lean heavily into the curated show, others preserve the raw musical connection that initially defined the subculture. FAKE THINGS AND SCENE AUTHENTICITY This tension forms the thematic core of his Vibrations EP on Planet Rhythm, highlighted by the pointedly titled track “Fake Things.” Released in early 2026, the project lands amidst ongoing industry debates regarding inflated social metrics, bought followers, and the rise of the manufactured profile. While DEAS leaves the track open to individual interpretation, the critique of a scene dominated by artificial engagement remains apparent. Despite the distortion of booking ecosystems by digital algorithms, he notes that experienced promoters are increasingly looking past superficial data. Metrics do not guarantee real-world ticket sales or dancefloor command, a reality that offers a baseline of hope for authentic talent. For emerging producers looking to establish themselves within this dense landscape, his perspective remains resolutely anti-formulaic. “It’s not a matter of giving anyone advice,” he states. “I do what I do because I can’t live any other way. So if you feel that kind of inner need, then go for it.” This intrinsic drive remains critical, particularly as studio craftsmanship and stage command demand fundamentally different technical strengths. LOOKING FORWARD The future of the genre relies heavily on localized resistance to corporate curation. DEAS finds inspiration not in major festival trends, but in independent collectives establishing intimate events in unconventional spaces, alongside the specialized developers building new production tools. For those seeking an entry point into his catalog, his work on Chris Liebing’s CLR or the hypnotic structures of “Geeks On Hubbard” serve as ideal foundations; best experienced with minimal external distractions, letting the machines dictate the narrative. In an era dominated by superficial noise, his focus remains entirely on the preservation of a grounded, analogue path. It is this refusal to compromise that ensures his grooves continue to cut through the industry layout. Check out other True Techno episodes here. [https://www.trueunderground.one/techno-podcast-archive/] FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS What does the studio work of Deas focus on? Rather than attempting to reinvent the wheel, his studio work focuses entirely on introducing sharp internal surprises while staying true to an idiosyncratic musical vision. What is the perspective of Deas for emerging producers? “I do what I do because I can’t live any other way. So if you feel that kind of inner need, then go for it.” [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "NewsMediaOrganization", "@id": "https://www.trueunderground.one/#organization", "name": "True Underground", "url": "https://www.trueunderground.one/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://www.trueunderground.one/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/cropped-tu-logo.png", "width": "512", "height": "512" }, "sameAs": [] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://www.trueunderground.one/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "True Techno Podcast", "item": "https://www.trueunderground.one/techno-podcast-archive/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "True Techno Podcast 107: Deas", "item": "https://www.trueunderground.one/deas-raw-hypnotic-and-pure-true-techno-podcast-107/" } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "NewsArticle", "mainEntityOfPage": "https://www.trueunderground.one/deas-raw-hypnotic-and-pure-true-techno-podcast-107/", "headline": "DEAS – Raw, Hypnotic and Pure | True Techno Podcast 107", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://www.trueunderground.one/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Copy-of-soundcloud-covers-53.jpg", "width": "1024", "height": "1024" }, "datePublished": "2026-06-05T10:00:00+01:00", "dateModified": "2026-06-05T10:00:00+01:00", "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Senior SEO Journalist", "jobTitle": "Senior SEO / Dance Music Journalist" }, "publisher": { "@id": "https://www.trueunderground.one/#organization" }, "description": "Listen to true techno podcast 107 featuring Krakow-based producer Deas. 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So if you feel that kind of inner need, then go for it.”" } } ] } ] The post DEAS – Raw, Hypnotic and Pure | True Techno Podcast 107 [https://www.trueunderground.one/deas-raw-hypnotic-and-pure-true-techno-podcast-107/] appeared first on True Underground [https://www.trueunderground.one].

Juheun – Robotic Soul & Underground Philosophy | True Techno Podcast 106

© 2025 True Underground. All rights reserved. THE PSYCHOLOGY OF THE RESET: JUHEUN’S MISSION FOR THE UNDERGROUND Juheun’s trajectory is a study in creative survival. After over a decade performing as DJ Tranzit in the American house scene, he faced a choice: continue playing tracks he didn’t like to satisfy a commercial bottle-service culture, or return to the “faceless” roots that originally defined his love for electronic music. His return to techno was a reclamation of mental health and artistic clarity, a move away from the “noise” of social media influencers and toward the raw, mechanical soul of the machine. “With so much noise these days coming at us from social media, influencers, and AI… it’s very easy to get lost and forget why we are here in the first place. It’s always been very important to stay grounded and focus on the music. Sometimes the easy way out is to follow trends, but that doesn’t do anything for you in the long run.” This grounding is maintained through a rigid discipline system. In an industry that demands constant output, Juheun relies on a “dialled-in schedule” to prevent the burnout that comes from constant comparison. He views the studio as a laboratory where he controls electricity—converting vibrations into futuristic frequencies. Yet, he is quick to identify the trap of repetition; for Juheun, innovation isn’t just about adding new sounds, but knowing when to strip everything back to its fundamentals. “Learning to become a good producer is knowing when to stop, and knowing when its time to shift gears or even give up on an idea. One of the best studio tips I’ve gotten is to start deleting parts and pieces when you hit a dead end. Even just muting channels and stripping it all back down to its fundamentals have done wonders.” Juheun’s perspective on the “business layer” of the industry is equally uncompromising. He views the current ecosystem as one that has devalued the art form through over-accessibility. From over-produced events with “a million lasers” to the “AI-generated slop” infiltrating playlists, he sees a desperate need to return value to the music itself. His solution is a structural reset: raising the cost of music to force a more curated, appreciative relationship between the listener and the artist. “We need to bring value back to music. I think its time to raise the prices on music a little. Even doubling the cost of a single song from $0.99 to $2.00 can make a huge difference… if we are not taking care of the musicians and producers who create the music, then we would be left with nothing but generic AI generated slop.” His mix for True Techno 106 is an extension of this mindset—a pursuit of “timeless techno” that stands apart from the peak-time trends. By weaving his own unreleased live IDs, like ‘Lets Dance’, with the deep, hypnotic selections of Phil Berg and Modeselektor, Juheun provides a glimpse into a future where the music—not the brand—is the catalyst for connection. It is a reminder that once the current bubble bursts, the underground will remain, sustained by those who were there for the right reasons all along. “Techno has always been a bit mysterious to me. Back in the day, it was a song title and an obscure name… it was really just about how hot the record was instead of the reverse. This is what makes it so special. Listen to the music first.” TRACKLIST 1. Civil Servant – Into The Unknown (Juheun Remix) 2. Troy – Ishi No Medama (Original Mix) 3. Regent – Arcane (Original Mix) 4. Toobris – Tomorrow is Gone (Original Mix) 5. Modeselektor – Blockchain (Original Mix) 6. Juheun – Lets Dance (Original Mix) 7. Hertz, Oscar Escapa – Eternal Groove (Original Mix) 8. Khabiar – It Depends ON (Original Mix) 9. Oscar Sanchez – Selective Memory (Original Mix) 10. Phil Berg – Sappho (Original Mix) 11. Frank Biazzi – Open Your Eyes (Juheun Remix) 12. Kulage – Nord (Original Mix) 13. Simone Zino – Momentum (Original Mix) 14. Klint – Calibre (Original Mix) Listen to all editions of True Techno  [https://www.trueunderground.one/techno-podcast-archive/] TRUE TECHNO FAQ Which tracks did Juheun use in his True Techno mix? Juheun’s mix features a blend of high-precision techno including his own remix of Civil Servant’s ‘Into The Unknown’, his unreleased live track ‘Lets Dance’, and his remix of Frank Biazzi’s ‘Open Your Eyes’. The set also incorporates tracks from Modeselektor, Phil Berg [https://www.instagram.com/philberg_/], and Oscar Sanchez. What is Juheun’s philosophy on the current state of techno? Juheun advocates for a return to the “faceless” roots of techno, where the music carries more weight than the brand or social media presence. He believes in bringing value back to music by potentially increasing prices for digital singles to support independent artists and curb the influence of generic, AI-generated content. How does Juheun approach studio production and sound design? Juheun employs a rhythm-centric, tactile approach using hardware like the Moog Sub 37. He treats synthesizers as tools to control electricity and convert it into frequencies, often stripping tracks back to their fundamentals when a creative wall is hit to maintain a raw, hypnotic sound. { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [{ "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://www.trueunderground.one/" },{ "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Techno Podcast Archive", "item": "https://www.trueunderground.one/techno-podcast-archive/" },{ "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Juheun - True Techno 106", "item": "https://www.trueunderground.one/juheun-true-techno-podcast-106/" }] } { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "PodcastEpisode", "name": "True Techno 106: Juheun | Robotic Soul & Underground Philosophy", "headline": "Juheun Delivers a Raw, Hypnotic Masterclass for True Techno 106", "description": "Juheun takes over the True Techno Podcast 106, delivering a mix of raw, hypnotic energy. 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Ilona Maras – Peak Time Techno Mix | True Techno 105

© 2025 True Underground. All rights reserved. ILONA MARAS – TRUE TECHNO 105: DISCUSSES HER HIVE RESIDENCY AND NARRATIVE ENERGY Ilona Maras anchors this edition of True Techno, showcasing the clinical technicality and raw emotional weight that have fuelled her trajectory through the underground. Based in Zürich and maintaining a residency at the influential Hive club, Maras provides an exclusive look into her creative process following her recent EP on MJA the Vision. Her sound – a sophisticated blend of Eastern melodies and raw acid textures – has earned her the backing of industry heavyweights like Richie Hawtin and positions her as a definitive voice in contemporary techno. For Maras, the evolution from a hobbyist to a central figure in the scene was a gradual realisation of purpose. The transition occurred as she noticed her focus shifting towards the minutiae of performance and the psychological impact of the booth. “It wasn’t one big moment, more a quiet realisation that kept getting louder over time,” she reflects. “I noticed how deeply I cared about every detail, every transition, every reaction from the crowd. At some point, it became clear this wasn’t something I did for fun after work; it was how I experience the world.” THE HIVE RESIDENCY: ILLONA MARAS TECHNICAL EDUCATION The Hive in Zürich serves as both a creative anchor and a testing ground for Maras’ output. Her residency has required her to navigate diverse time slots and floors, a process that demands an acute level of crowd empathy and technical adaptability. This experience has shaped her ability to work a room without relying on cheap tropes or forced energy. “You can’t force energy in that space; you have to read the room and build it slowly, earn trust step by step. It taught me that sometimes less is more, and that people will go with you if you’re honest, not if you’re trying to impress them.” – Ilona Maras This grounded approach extends to her high-pressure performances, including playing a set at Street Parade while seven months pregnant – a moment she describes as a powerful convergence of her personal life and professional commitment. MJA THE VISION AND THE 90S TECHNO INFLUENCE Her latest work on MJA the Vision [https://www.beatport.com/release/midnight-talks/5925760], released on 06.03.2026, leans into the contrast between tension and release. Inspired by the industrial geometry of the Prague train station, the EP captures a specific 90s techno aesthetic while maintaining the modern clarity required for big-room impact. Maras describes the production as an exercise in intuition over calculation. “The EP is very much about contrast, tension and release, control and letting go. I got inspired while visiting Prague; I was in a room overlooking their beautiful train station, and something about that view gave me a strong 90s feeling. It made me want to recreate a bit of that 90s techno vibe in my own way.” – Ilona Maras HONESTY AS A PRODUCTION STANDARD Since her debut on Get Physical with Existe, Maras has prioritised instinct over perfectionism. This philosophy has seen her tracks championed by Richie Hawtin and released on labels including Volta, We Are The Brave, and Filth On Acid. By refusing to “customise” music for specific labels, she has maintained a cohesive identity that bridges the gap between underground depth and peak-time function. Her focus now shifts towards her own imprint and a commitment to innovation that ignores the saturation of the modern trend cycle. “I’d love to push even more into innovation… and to ignore the noise around me as much as possible,” she says. “Every time I manage to do that, those tracks usually work the best.” As Ilona Maras continues her tour cycle, True Techno 105 serves as a testament to an artist who values real connection over fleeting metrics. Her sound is built for high-intensity immersion, striking the balance between visceral, dancefloor-focused energy and complex melodic progression.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by ILona Maras (@ilonamaras) [https://www.instagram.com/p/DWUTlS5iFeV/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading] ILONA MARAS TRUE TECHNO 105 TRACKLIST 1. Ben Sims – Snapshot 99 (ANNE Remix V1) [Hardgroove] 2. Sola Contagio – Mutatio 02 (Original Mix) [Ketra Records] 3. Ktrsx – Apocryphal Orchestra (Original Mix) [SLASH] 4. Vinicius Honorio – Piano Thing (Original Mix) [Mind Medizin Records] 5. Joey Beltram – Energy Flash (Original Mix) [R&S Records] 6. dogheadsurigeri – Lead Astray (Original Mix) [SLASH] 7. Josh Wink, Size 9, Marco Faraone – I’m Ready (Marco Faraone Extended Remix) [Factory 93 Records] 8. Akona – Acid Diva (Extended Mix) [OFF Recordings] 9. Gockel – Push the Pace (Original Mix) [Special Series] 10. Ilona Maras – Midnight Talks (Original Mix) [MJA The Vision] 11. Clif Jack – Konnekting Your Mynd (Original Mix) [MJA The Vision]11. 12. Ilona Maras – Walking the Clouds (Original Mix) [MJA The Vision] 13. KI/KI – Don’t Stop (Emotional Mix) [SLASH] 14. DVS1 – Black Russian (Original Mix) [Klockworks] DISCOVER ALL TRUE TECHNO EPISODES HERE [https://www.trueunderground.one/techno-podcast-archive/] { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "PodcastEpisode", "@id": "https://trueunderground.one/ilona-maras-peak-time-techno-mix-true-techno-105/#podcast", "name": "True Techno 105: Ilona Maras", "description": "Ilona Maras discusses her residency at Hive Zürich, her latest EP on MJA the Vision, and her unique blend of Eastern melodies and raw techno energy.", "datePublished": "2026-03-25", "url": "https://trueunderground.one/ilona-maras-peak-time-techno-mix-true-techno-105", "partOfSeries": { "@type": "PodcastSeries", "name": "True Techno Podcast", "url": "https://www.trueunderground.one/techno-podcast-archive/" }, "associatedMedia": { "@type": "AudioObject", "contentUrl": "https://soundcloud.com/trueundergroundone/ilona-maras-peak-time-techno-mix-true-techno-105" } }, { "@type": "NewsArticle", "mainEntityOfPage": { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://trueunderground.one/ilona-maras-peak-time-techno-mix-true-techno-105" }, "headline": "True Techno 105: Ilona Maras on Narrative Energy and Hive Zürich", "image": "https://www.trueunderground.one/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Ilona-Maras-cover.jpg", "datePublished": "2026-03-25", "dateModified": "2026-03-25", "author": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "True Underground Editorial Team", "url": "https://change-underground.com/contact/" }, "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "True Underground", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://change-underground.com/wp-content/uploads/cu-logo.png" } }, "about": { "@id": "https://trueunderground.one/ilona-maras-peak-time-techno-mix-true-techno-105/#podcast" } }, { "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is the focus of True Techno 105?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "True Techno 105 features Swiss-based artist Ilona Maras, exploring her transition from Hive Zürich resident to a global techno authority." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When was Ilona Maras' MJA the Vision EP released?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The EP on MJA the Vision was released on 06.03.2026." } } ] } ] } The post Ilona Maras – Peak Time Techno Mix | True Techno 105 [https://www.trueunderground.one/ilona-maras-peak-time-techno-mix-true-techno-105/] appeared first on True Underground [https://www.trueunderground.one].

Simone Zino – Raw Industrial Techno Mix | True Techno 104

© 2025 True Underground. All rights reserved. { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "PodcastEpisode", "mainEntityOfPage": { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://trueunderground.one/simone-zino-raw-industrial-techno-mix-true-techno-103" }, "name": "True Underground Podcast: Simone Zino on the Detroit-Milan Connection", "headline": "Simone Zino: Translating Milanese Underground to Kevin Saunderson's KMS", "description": "In this episode, Simone Zino discusses his #1 Beatport success, his 'Back To The Old School' EP on KMS, and the philosophy of raw techno.", "image": "https://www.trueunderground.one/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Simone-Zino.jpg", "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "True Underground" }, "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "True Underground", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://www.trueunderground.one/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/tu-logo1.png" } }, "datePublished": "2026-03-10", "duration": "PT1H15M21S", "url": "https://trueunderground.one/simone-zino-raw-industrial-techno-mix-true-techno-103", "partOfSeries": { "@type": "PodcastSeries", "name": "True Underground Podcast", "url": "https://www.trueunderground.one/techno-podcast-archive/" } } { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [{ "@type": "Question", "name": "What does Simone Zino say about the influence of Detroit Techno on his sound?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Simone highlights the connection between machine-driven rhythms and human feeling as the primary link between his Milanese roots and the Detroit legacy at KMS." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How does Simone Zino balance his classical piano background with 142 BPM techno?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "He uses subtle harmonic layers like chord stabs and atmospheric pads in the background to satisfy his musicality without disrupting the percussive floor-oriented groove." } }] } HOW SIMONE ZINO TRANSLATED MILANESE UNDERGROUND GROOVES TO DETROIT’S LEGENDARY KMS RECORDS Milanese producer Simone Zino is cementing his status as a heavyweight in the contemporary techno circuit this March 2026, dropping his highly anticipated Back To The Old School EP on Kevin Saunderson’s legendary KMS Records. Fresh off a Beatport #1 chart-topper with “Signals” and a massive 2025 that saw him tear through Joseph Capriati’s Metamorfosi at ADE and join the prestigious Tempo Management roster, Simone Zino is bridging the gap between his classical roots and peak-time dancefloor artillery. For an artist with nearly two decades in the trenches – Simone Zino is cutting his teeth with a 2008 residency at Bolgia and sharing stages with titans like Len Faki, Nina Kraviz, and Chris Liebing – cracking the code to a Detroit legacy label required looking inward. Rather than adopting an artificial persona, Zino leaned heavily into the stripped-down, hypnotic tension that defines his native scene. “Growing up in the Milan underground shaped my approach to techno a lot,” Zino explains. “Over the years I developed a language focused on groove, raw drums and a balance between energy and soul. That connection between machine-driven rhythms and human feeling is something that always fascinated me in Detroit techno. When I started refining that approach in my productions, the connection with KMS felt very natural.” Following up a massive #1 hit can paralyze a producer, especially when the next release is stamped with the KMS logo [https://www.instagram.com/kms.records/]. Yet Zino bypassed the anxiety of the sophomore slump by isolating himself from industry noise. “Honestly I didn’t want to think too much about the pressure of following a #1 record,” he says flatly. “For me the focus was simply staying true to my sound and respecting the identity of KMS. So instead of chasing another hit, I concentrated on groove, raw energy and that classic Detroit feeling that inspired the EP.” THE ARCHITECTURE OF TENSION Zino’s background in piano and composition acts as a hidden skeletal structure within his current 142 BPM, floor-oriented output. He recently collaborated with fashion designer Chiara Amico, seeking to visually represent his sound through a lens of “industrial elegance” – metallic textures paired with sharp tailoring. This visual ethos mirrors his studio process perfectly. “I like the idea of combining something raw and industrial with something elegant and precise. In the EP I tried to translate that concept into sound: metallic textures, strong drum grooves, but also clean structures and attention to detail. It’s that balance between rough energy and refined sound design.” While the aesthetic leans industrial, the classical training still demands an outlet. Simone Zino achieves this through micro-arrangements rather than sweeping lead lines. “Even in percussive, floor-focused tracks I try to bring subtle harmonic layers in the background,” he details. “It can be small chord stabs, atmospheric pads, or tension in the arrangement – just enough to satisfy that musical side without taking away from the groove.” Despite the “Old School” moniker of the EP, Simone Zino isn’t relying on banks of dusty analog hardware to emulate the past. He embraces a modern digital workflow to achieve his gritty textures. “For this EP I mostly worked digitally,” he reveals. “I like taking a single sound and reworking it through sampling techniques—manipulating it, layering it, reshaping it. That’s a method I’ve been using a lot lately, and it lets me honor the old-school spirit in a fully modern workflow.” SIMON ZINO: ESCAPING THE ALGORITHM As the co-founder and curator of ROOM360, Simone Zino strictly defines the parameters of his environment. There is a distinct division in his mindset when crafting a deep, hypnotic journey for his residency versus engineering a peak-time weapon. “When I produce for peak-time, I focus on energy and impact – strong drums, driving basslines, and immediate tension,” he notes. “For ROOM360, since I curate it myself, I go for a more groove-driven journey, but in general I produce mostly what I actually play – around 90% of the time.” This commitment to authenticity insulates him from the highly curated, social-media-driven “Business Techno” circuit. His focus remains entirely on subcultural rebellion. “I always focus on the music first, not trends or clicks,” he asserts. “My sets and residency are about creating a journey, exploring underground sounds, and keeping that raw, rebellious energy alive – away from the usual social media formulas.” That raw energy translates globally. With a return tour to India scheduled for March 2026, Simone Zino points out the stark differences in global dancefloor dynamics. “I found a very genuine approach to clubbing in India—people there are open, curious, and fully present on the dancefloor.” As Back To The Old School prepares to hit the digital shelves, it serves as more than just another notch on a booming discography. For Zino, the project operates on two distinct levels. “I see it as a bit of both,” Simone Zino concludes, reflecting on his dual intentions. “It’s an homage to the roots that shaped me, but also a personal statement on the energy, groove, and rawness I think techno needs to keep alive today.” VIEW ALL TRUE TECHNO EDITIONS [https://www.trueunderground.one/techno-podcast-archive/] The post Simone Zino – Raw Industrial Techno Mix | True Techno 104 [https://www.trueunderground.one/simone-zino-raw-industrial-techno-mix-true-techno-103/] appeared first on True Underground [https://www.trueunderground.one].

Lola Kay | True Techno 103

© 2025 True Underground. All rights reserved. LOLA KAY’S RELATIONSHIP WITH MUSIC WAS NEVER PASSIVE. IT WAS LIVED, ABSORBED, AND EMBODIED LONG BEFORE SHE EVER STOOD BEHIND A BOOTH. Growing up in Minsk, Belarus, Lola Kay [https://www.instagram.com/lolakaydj/]‘s childhood unfolded inside theatres rather than classrooms, shaped by the backstage corridors where her mother worked and where atmosphere, tension, and emotion were constructed night after night. Drama, sound, and silence all had purpose. At the same time, she was already dancing, learning intuitively how rhythm moves the body and how music alters mood. That early immersion taught her something foundational: music is not decoration, it is architecture As a child, Lola Kay was introspective and self-directed, spending long stretches alone with records and artwork. Electronic music arrived early, not through trends but through curiosity. Digging became instinctive. The raw energy and strange aggression of The Prodigy left a lasting imprint, a first encounter with electronic music that felt unruly, physical, and alive. It was less about genre and more about sensation, something she would later return to again and again. Dance became her first profession, and with it came a deep study of musical cultures. Classical, jazz, swing, and the lineage of artists like Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong were not abstract references but living histories she felt through movement. Each dance style demanded immersion into its cultural context, its era, its emotional code. Music was never separated from place, time, or identity. That obsession with understanding where sound comes from still underpins her approach today, whether she is producing or layering four decks into a single evolving narrative. Her DJ sets are built with the body in mind. Groove dictates structure. Energy dictates pacing. Tracks are not standalone moments but emotional blocks that create tension, release, and continuity. Theatre remains present in her work, not as spectacle, but as cohesion. One atmosphere runs through the entire set, a full-circle arc where nothing is accidental and nothing is wasted. Leaving Belarus was never romantic. Growing up in a post-Soviet environment as a free-spirited, open-minded young woman came with friction and constraint. Escape was not a desire but a necessity. Barcelona became her exit point almost by chance, following visits that revealed a city driven by openness and rhythm, and an unexpected opportunity to open a dance school. The city gave her space to exist, to experiment, and to begin carving out an artistic identity on her own terms Community became central to her rise. Collectives were not branding exercises but survival structures. House of (S)PUNK, founded by Perrine aka La Fraîcheur, was pivotal. It was the first time someone truly believed in her as a producer and pushed her to release music. That belief translated directly into action, resulting in her debut EP and a clearer sense of artistic direction. Alongside this, her involvement with YO-YO allowed her to exist unapologetically as a queer artist, prioritising FLINTA lineups, safety, and genuine community over industry optics. Stylistically, Lola Kay resists rigid definitions. Mental techno, hardgroove, Detroit, and 90s and 2000s references appear not because they are fashionable but because they carry the emotional weight she is searching for. Her mixing is architectural, using multiple decks to layer texture, rhythm, and atmosphere into something hypnotic and primal. Berlin looms large in this evolution. It was the first place where techno fully made sense to her, where intuition aligned with sound. The city did not teach her what to like, it confirmed what she already felt Her influences extend beyond records to the people who sustain the culture. Artists like DVS1, Luke Slater, and Efdemin matter not only for their sound but for their commitment to the scene. DJs such as Steffi, Lady Machine, Paula Koski, Bashkka, Philippa Pacho, and Isabel Soto continue to shape her understanding of what it means to give back while pushing forward. Visualisation is central to her process. Before a set, before a recording, she imagines the space, the crowd, the emotional temperature of the room. A single mood is chosen and followed with discipline. This is why her mixes feel transportive rather than scattered. They are designed to take the listener somewhere specific, even if that destination remains undefined. The venue matters. So does the city, the weather, the time slot, and her own internal state that day. Final playlists often come together hours before she plays, once the environment has been fully absorbed. Production remains deliberately minimal. A laptop, mobility, freedom. While she dreams of one day building a professional studio, she values the ability to create anywhere, guided more by emotion than equipment. That emotional clarity became especially pronounced on Run Lola Run, a turning point EP inspired by the iconic German film but rooted in self-encouragement. It marked the moment she stopped searching and started moving decisively toward the sound she wanted to represent. Once the direction was clear, momentum followed Inclusivity is not a slogan in her work, it is lived experience. As a queer woman navigating a male-dominated industry, she encountered enough resistance to harden her resolve. Those experiences forced independence and confidence, but they also reinforced the importance of support systems. She is acutely aware that belief from others made her career possible, and she sees giving back as a responsibility, particularly to voices that are still marginalised within electronic music. Her advice to emerging artists is uncompromising. Learn the roots. Know the history. Techno and house were born in queer spaces, and their raw energy still carries that lineage. To ignore that context is to hollow out the music itself. Preservation and education are part of the work, not distractions from it. At its core, Lola Kay’s vision of the dancefloor is almost spiritual. She wants people to meet themselves there, stripped of self-consciousness, free, seen, and connected. In her ideal room, the crowd breathes as one organism, phones down, conversation gone, replaced by ritual and shared emotion. It is not spectacle. It is communion. The post Lola Kay | True Techno 103 [https://www.trueunderground.one/lola-kay-true-techno-103/] appeared first on True Underground [https://www.trueunderground.one].