Kadric – Hypnotic & Hardgroove | True Techno Podcast 108

Kadric – Hypnotic & Hardgroove | True Techno Podcast 108

© 2025 True Underground. All rights reserved. KADRIC TRUE TECHNO PODCAST EDITION LINKS BERN’S RAW UNDERGROUND SCENE Swiss techno producer and Solid Dark label co-owner Cédric Mokus, performing under his Kadric moniker, has delivered the latest edition of the Kadric True Techno podcast directly from the underground circuit of Bern, Switzerland. This hard-hitting audio presentation showcases his evolution from early minimal rhythms into a heavy, peak-time sonic blueprint. By positioning raw hypnotic power at the centre of the mix, the execution addresses a growing regional demand for immersive, compromise-free dancefloor movements. Music became a core element of the producer’s identity during his school years, spent composing original works and performing in traditional bands. A pivotal club night in Bern redirected that creative focus entirely toward electronic frequencies. His initial venture into production arrived via the minimal tech project Krafteck, capturing international attention with releases on prominent labels including Reload Records, Hungry Koala, DC10, and Doubsquare Records. The early track Madness climbed to number 98 in the Beatport Minimal Techno chart, establishing a technical foundation that would later undergo a radical transformation. In 2019, Mokus closed the minimal chapter to launch his current identity. The transition reflected a calculated shift toward a weightier, more menacing sonic territory, mirroring the hardening preferences of the broader European club scene. “The transition was less about leaving something behind and more about a natural evolution of my artistic vision,” Kadric explains. “Over time, my taste shifted more and more towards darker, hypnotic and high-energy sounds. At the same time, the Swiss underground scene evolved, creating a growing demand for intense, emotional and immersive dancefloor experiences. Kadric gave me the opportunity to fully embrace that direction and express my creativity without limitations.” This pursuit of creative freedom is evident in his role within Solid Dark, an autonomous imprint co-founded by Kevin Stäger (Kevqube) and David Kawka, with further input from Juan Vasquez (Dee Jota). The label has rapidly expanded its footprint, issuing the comprehensive 13-track Hypnosis 1 compilation. Kadric contributed the heavy composition Parallax to the release, a production designed explicitly to push club monitoring systems to their structural absolute limits. “With ‘Parallax’, the dancefloor impact was the main focus from day one,” Kadric says, breaking down his studio architecture. “The foundation of the track is the relationship between the kick and the bassline. The goal was to create a deep, powerful yet controlled low-end that works on any sound system. Every percussion layer, texture and sound was carefully placed to support the hypnotic flow of the track.” Managing such dense frequencies requires strict discipline during the mixdown process, ensuring that sharp synth stabs cut through highly compressed sub-bass lines without causing acoustic fatigue. “The most important aspect is balance,” Kadric notes. “It is not about making elements louder, but about giving each sound its own space within the frequency spectrum. At the same time, it is very important to me that my productions remain recognisable and that listeners immediately know there is a Kadric track behind the sound.” The success of this approach is validated by his chart history and industry backing. His single Pressure reached number 82 on the global Beatport Techno charts, and his studio output routinely receives performance support from high-tier industry mainstays including Adam Beyer, Chris Liebing, Charlotte de Witte, Amelie Lens, Pan-Pot, Spartaque, T78, and The YellowHeads. PRESERVING COUNTER-CULTURE MECHANICS ON THE PHYSICAL FLOOR The curation on the new podcast functions as an extension of the programming principles utilized by the Solid Dark collective. The crew balance intimate basement club showcases, such as their recent residency at Sous Soul Bern, alongside massive public spectacles including an upcoming 36-hour non-stop warehouse rave at the Berner Stadtfest on June 19th. This wide spectrum requires an advanced understanding of energy pacing and crowd communication. “The biggest difference is energy management,” Kadric observes. “In an intimate venue like Sous Soul, you can take more time, build tension slowly and guide the crowd deeper into a musical journey. At a festival, the communication with the audience needs to be more direct.” While maintaining a demanding schedule that includes balancing family life with running an online marketing agency and an e-commerce business, Kadric approaches music through a lens of strict purity. The selection across this podcast avoids passing internet trends, focusing instead on long-term narrative depth, soul, and structural pressure. It serves as a direct reflection of a career built on Swiss stages like X-TRA Zürich, Wankdorf Eventhalle, Gaskessel Bern, Hive Zürich, Elysia, and the Zurich Street Parade. “The DJ’s role is to embrace the atmosphere and guide the crowd through a journey,” Kadric states. “It is no longer about individual tracks, but about moments, emotions and shared memories.” Listen to all latest True Techno Podcast editions here. 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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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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." } } ] } The post Juheun – Robotic Soul & Underground Philosophy | True Techno Podcast 106 [https://www.trueunderground.one/juheun-true-techno-podcast-106-robotic-soul-underground-philosophy/] appeared first on True Underground [https://www.trueunderground.one].

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].