i_o continues to build his techno regime with each powerful new release. Fresh off an impressive two-track EP, the producer has been cooking up a sassy tongue-in-cheek track called “Not Techno.” He gave DA some insight into the track, along with his thoughts on today’s techno scene, in the Q&A below.
What statement are you making with a song like “Not Techno”?
“Not Techno” is a mission statement for the kids who love going to underground parties. It’s a return to the sweaty, grimey, dark warehouses that dance music was made for. It is also a tongue-in-cheek response to the techno snobs who love to give me (and generally anyone who uses the word “techno” without their permission) a hard time on the internet. Dance music fans are awesome and get excited about new music, but there are always those few elitists who feel the need to hate on anything and everything, regardless of what it is. Genre is a helpful tool for defining sound but some people turn it into a prison and berate anyone who doesn’t follow some arbitrary guideline. They tend to ruin the fun, not only for themselves, but also for those around them. We’re all guilty of it sometimes, but at the end of the day, it’s dance music. It’s about coming together and sharing a moment. nothing matters, calm down, have fun.
What type of feelings are you trying to evoke with your music?
I want my stuff to sound like it’s in a sweaty, dark, over-capacity warehouse. Late-night underground music. The music the scene was built off of, the vibe we’re missing at the moment.
What genres most entice you right now outside of techno and why?
I’m a fan of music that pushes boundaries, bands like Rage Against the Machine and Nine Inch Nails. Recently I’ve been listening to a lot of drum and bass and industrial. That attitude leaks into my own music.
If you could play a show anywhere, where would it be and who would it be with?
Best show I’ve ever seen was an all out techno set at Factory 93 by deadmau5. I’d build a time machine just to get to play that show.
What are your thoughts on today’s techno scene?
There’s some insane talent. I feel like everyday I get sent a new track or remix that is better than the last. There are tons of people pushing new sounds. There are the old heads who are finally getting the recognition they deserve. 130+ bpm is getting stage time. Acid house is back. There’s a revival of electro tech in Detroit. The European scene is incredible as it has been for years. But it’s really the American scene I’m most excited about — things are heating up in a big way, and I’m glad to be a part of it.
What’s coming up for you in the second half of 2018?
Tons of music. Two more EPs on mau5trap with much more of a warehouse sound than the previous ones, along with another heavy release on inHarmony. Hopefully a big remix on mau5trap as well (my favorite track I’ve made in a long while). I also may be hopping on a couple different tours of some of my favorite artists for a few dates in the fall. All of which I’m super stoked about.
Source: dancingastronaut.com
