ax1om is a brand new and exciting techno producer from Northern Italy. He is a bass player turned electronic music producer who has spent more than 12 years working in the music industry. ax1om makes a debut release with a dark and trippy track called “Thrive” on Clif Jack’s record label MJA the Vision. Thrive features as part of a compilation called Hiss of Sound VA1, and we caught up with him to learn more about the ax1om alias, plus his plans for 2025…
Hi ax1om, it’s nice to be talking with you today, can you start by running through your background in music?
My pleasure! I grew up listening to rock music, and was always fascinated by the wild, larger-than-life, lifestyles of rock stars. Bands like TOOL, Nirvana, and The Beatles, really shaped my early understanding of music. That passion led me to pick up a bass guitar and start experimenting, writing songs, playing with friends, and eventually joining bands. Over time, my curiosity expanded beyond rock, and I began exploring electronic music production, which opened the door to endless creative possibilities. That journey turned into a full-time career, allowing me to work as a producer in studios across Italy and abroad, collaborating with a wide range of artists.
Tell us about where you live, and how the local scene has influenced your sound?
I was raised in Northern Italy, near Venice, a region that might seem small or quiet, but has shown me that greatness can emerge from anywhere. My first major influence in the local music scene was Bob Rifo aka The Bloody Beetroots, and that led to a real breakthrough in my approach to music. He seamlessly combined the rock music I grew up loving with the explosive energy of electronic music, creating something massive and unique. Seeing someone from a place so close to home achieve such global recognition, inspired me to believe I could do the same. It proved to me that even if you’re from a small Italian city, you can still create something extraordinary, and reach a global audience.
At what point in your life did you decide to become a DJ and start producing music?
It was back in 2012/2013 that thanks to a couple of friends, I first discovered the limitless potential of working with a DAW. Unlike playing a single instrument, using a DAW opened up a world of creative possibilities. This sparked my curiosity and led me to dive deep into music production. Through experimenting, I began to explore and appreciate the vast spectrum of electronic music genres and production techniques that were completely new to me. This was the foundation that shaped my passion and drive to create.
This is your first official release as, ax1om, and I wanted to ask if you had previously made music under any other aliases?
My journey as a music producer spans over 12 years, during which I’ve explored a wide range of genres and approaches to production. My first release was with a rock band called Masca, marking the start of my creative exploration. Later, I produced music under the name Squarehead_OS, but after a few tracks, I decided to pivot; it just didn’t feel like the right fit for me at the time. Through years of experimentation and self-discovery, I refined my sound and vision, which ultimately led to the creation of ax1om. This project reflects not just my growth as an artist, but also the culmination of all those years working across different styles and pushing creative boundaries.
Talk us through your debut track “Thrive,” and what inspired it?
Thrive” originally started as a remix project back in 2021. However, I wasn’t happy with how it was shaping up, so it never made it past my DAW. Fast forward to January 2024, I was going through old projects and rediscovered it. I had forgotten about the track, but the drums and bass still felt perfect, so I kept those elements and rebuilt everything else from scratch. The reimagined version of Thrive drew some inspiration from Paul Kalkbrenner’s “Feed Your Head.” At the time, I was captivated by its sweeping, string-like synth. I aimed to recreate that vibe in my track, not as melodic, but with a similar emotional intensity. It really represents how my sound has evolved, and sets the tone for what’s coming next.
“Thrive” is part of a ten-track compilation “Hiss of Sound VA1” on Clif Jack’s record label MJA the Vision. What do you think of the other tracks on the release, and how did you first make contact with Clif Jack?
Clif Jack’s concept for MJA the Vision has been captivating since its inception, and his innovative approach has consistently drawn my attention. On the compilation Hiss of Sound VA1, I was particularly struck by AM.I’s track “Deep Trust” and Clif Jack’s “Revolution the Evolution.” I got the chance to connect with Clif Jack through Jeff Eveline, a super talented mutual friend and an incredible DJ/producer. Jeff and I are teaming up on several projects spanning American hip hop to various shades of techno, and he’s been instrumental in helping me take my tracks from the DAW to the music scene. I’m beyond grateful to both of them for believing in me and my music.
We are coming to the end of 2024, what’s been your highlight of the year, and what exciting things do you have planned for 2025?
This release on MJA the Vision is definitely a standout moment of the year, and I’m gearing up to drop even more music as ax1om in 2025. I’ve been cooking up a ton of fresh tracks, and my hard drive is packed with new material. I’m excited for you to hear it all in the months ahead!
Thanks for taking the time to talk with us today, is there anything you would like to add before we finish?
Thank you! I truly hope you enjoy listening to “Thrive” as much as I loved creating it. This track means a lot to me, it’s a personal milestone, and the beginning of an exciting journey for ax1om. Your support keeps the momentum going!