Canadian powerhouse Atroxx is at the forefront of a new generation of techno artists enriching the genre with fresh energy and ideas. Equipped with deep musical knowledge, an obsessive approach to production and an innately progressive mindset he has earned himself a formidable reputation as a producer. With releases on an array of respected underground labels, including his own Starskream, Atroxx is respected and admired across the techno world, courting favor with both his peers and more established heads.
Atroxx’s newest EP, which just recently premiered on 6AM, includes a collaboration with Kraftek label boss, Pleasurekraft. Pleasurekraft’s signature “cosmic techno” sound, attempts to encapsulate the power & beauty of the cosmos within the confines of techno music, while thematically yearning toward a greater understanding of the universe and our humble place within it.
Both artist’s sit down and talk to 6AM about their collaboration project and their respective artist journey and future plans.
Hi Atroxx and Pleasurekraft! Thanks for taking time for 6AM, how has 2022 been treating you so far? Any highlights of the year now that shows are back?
Atroxx: It’s really nice to start traveling again, showcasing the world that I’ve held onto in the past years. Montreal, or Quebec I should say was on a heavy lock down, extreme restrictions that worried me about the survival of some clubs in my hometown. One highlight for sure is knowing that they have survived and pushed through. Other things I’m extremely excited for is of course my coming collab with Pleasurekraft and some projects and shows announced that will soon shed light.
Pleasurekraft: It’s been a treat to get back on the road again and play new music for the fans. I hope the worst of the pandemic is behind us – and you can just feel the enthusiasm people have to get to go to live events and shows again. Ikarus festival in Germany was a treat – and I’m looking forward to playing the main stage at Loveland this year – as well as a certain Los Angeles show which I reckon I probably can’t talk too much about just yet! :)
The first track of the Clarity EP is a collab between you two, how did the collaboration between you two come about?
Pleasurekraft: I’ve been a big fan of Gino’s (Atroxx) for some time now. I remember first passing on a demo he sent me a long time ago for a track of his called “1965”. About a month afterwards I received the same track in a promo from another label – but for a variety of reasons that change our perspective at a given time – I immediately emailed him and asked why he never sent me the track because I loved it so much. To this he did what any sane person with good evidence on their side would do – sent me back a screenshot of my email saying I wasn’t interested in signing the track. Fast forward I think 4 years now – and I don’t think I have played a single set in that time that has not included the track. To date it is the #1 track I most regret having missed the opportunity to sign. Needless to say, since then I’ve kept in touch with Atroxx to make sure he regularly sends over his new stuff. Anyway, I had been sitting on a vocal sample for a while that didn’t quite fit the cosmic techno stuff we were doing so I pitched the idea of a collab to Gino – essentially if he wanted to use it for a new track – the caveat being that it had to be signed to Kraftek (obviously). When he sent over the initial draft version – I loved the drums (as I usually do on all his records) – but felt they needed a bit of simplifying – and his groove I felt was ripe for a proper hook – the defining feature of most pleasurekraft tracks as I’m sure fans know by now. Anyway – worked on the hook and dropped it into his groove and it all came together in a way that didn’t feel forced – and I’m really quite happy with it. It’s a bit different for both Atroxx and I – I think – but that’s part of the track’s appeal too.
Atroxx: Just like Kaveh [Pleasurekraft] said, but rather I was honored and very nervous to show him. I literally got working on it 20 minutes after we spoke. Phone off, all distractions aside and went at it. The amount of inspiration I got from speaking with him was enough for me to complete an album haha. I was really in a good mood. Hearing the final version, I was extremely pleased with the result and love the fact that you can hear both of our worlds come together. I love having a home for my music on Kraftek and have always appreciated that K