Spherical – the eagerly anticipated debut long-player from multi-faceted Spanish producer, DJ and label boss Ian Axide – is out today via his very own Emphatic Records imprint. A career-defining moment for the now London-based artist, the ten-track Spherical opus marks Ian Axide’s most extensive and innovative body of work to date and pertinently showcases the inexhaustible creativity of one of the most prolific acts in underground techno right now.
Known for his highly experimental soundscapes and hard-hitting atmospheres, Ian’s uniquely underground treatment across the entirety of Spherical is both wonderfully dark and hypnotic, whilst maintaining the impressive quality of engaging the listener from the very start. Complete with incredible complexity, energy and intricacy across its ten-track duration, Ian capitalises on his innate ability to draw you into a dark, industrial construct, as he explores a remarkable array of timbres from across the techno spectrum.
We sat down with the London-based producer to find out more.
– Hi Ian, welcome to Techno Mood. How are you mate?
I am good, thank you!
– How would you define yourself as an artist?
I am very passionate about music and addicted to it, if I spend more than a week without making any music I feel really bad. I am always looking for new sounds to make my track unique but keeping my Techno roots at the same time. My style is a bit of hypnotic, dark and energetic.
– Congratulations on the forthcoming release of your debut album ’Spherical’ on Emphatic Records. Can you talk to us about this project and the creative process that went into making it?
Thank you! Honestly, It took me a lot of time organizing into my head how exactly I wanted this album. I didn’t want to go very experimental and conceptual for my first album so it was hard to find the right balance on every track without losing my own sound and my roots. I had a lot of projects started for this album from the last 2 years, I had the chance to finish them all during the quarantine.
– What gear did you use, what hardware, what software?
Roland 909, 808, 303 and SE-02 is basically the hardware I use. My DAW is Logic Pro, I have been using it for many years and I feel very comfortable with it. I do all the process for the mixing and mastering with Universal Audio.
– How do you think the music industry has changed most significantly since you started out?
I am not really happy how the music industry works nowadays honestly, it looks like it is more important for a promoter if the artist has a lot of followers on Instagram or Facebook than making good music. I think social media can help you to promote your music but at the same time is killing the scene. I started in the music industry 20 years ago, things have changed completely since then, at that time there was no money or fame, only music and passion.
– We’re obviously living through some very strange times right now with the COVID-19 pandemic. What have you been doing to pass the time during lockdown?
I have been working on this album during this period but i had time for watching movies, documentaries, cooking and reading as well.
– Do you have a lot more time to spend in the studio at the moment?
Definitely yes! Due to lock down there are not many things to do outside, also I want to change a little bit my sound next year so I am working on it.
– What’s next for you in 2020?
I am making a new EP for the label Children Of Tomorrow, also I would like to release more tracks on my own imprint. I have some gigs planned at the end of the year if the things get better.
– Last but not least, do you have any final words for our Techno Mood readers?
Thank you so much to everyone, I hope you enjoy my album.
Thanks IAN AXIDE
