Southern Californian DJ/producer Annika Wolfe is known for their multi-genre consistency within the industry. Their music consists of deep, rhythmic, and raw elements of techno; all of which showcase a unique sound.
Saltwater and sand dunes have shaped the artistry of Ignez from an early age. The artist grew up near the north coast of The Netherlands, where hypnotizing waves and infinitive beaches helped shape his indefinable techno sound.
The Berlin-based DJ and producer, owner of Somov Records, and Eerste Communie resident is a prolific creator. He’s released five EPs on Somov, and he will release on Setaoc Mass’s label SK_eleven in January. With every musical venture, Ignez aims to articulate the unconscious energy that guides individuals to a higher form of being and transforms the dance floor into a collective oceanic feeling.
We now dive deep into the sea of sound, creativity and mindfulness of Ignez. The artist reveals his unique vision and inspiration behind his new EP, SMV005.
Thanks for chatting with us from across the pond, weâre looking forward to learning about you and your work. Do you have any exciting events coming up?
At the moment I’m focusing on a series of events with my label Somov Records. They will take place throughout Europe and maybe even the US. I’m working on a live set myself where I will collaborate with a cellist. That’s all I can share for now, so stay tuned for the future.
You grew up near the sea. Can you speak more about how nature has shaped the choices in your life?
Nature, and especially the ocean, is the biggest symbol of freedom for me. Growing up as a surfer shaped my ultimate sense of liberty. I tried to hold this feeling close to me and that had a big impact on my future life decisions.
It can be overwhelming to make the right choices with current high performance expectations from society. Many people are suppressed by it. Although they feel like they’re free, the reality is that they’re not. I think in this way I created my own reality within this reality and thus felt closer to myself.
For my fifth EP I selected four emotive tracks that I made whilst being surrounded by nature. I designed these tracks to invite the listener to engage not only with the music, but with themselves as well. I hope they encourage you to connect with the very core of your being, to liberate you and reveal your intrinsic freedom.
Ignez speaks about his new EP, SMV005.
Just like the tide, techno also features iterations and loops. How would you characterize the oceanâs impact on your music?
It’s mainly a place to recharge my creativity. Itâs important to take a break from the studio. No better place than at the beach, to reflect and let the sound of the ocean neutralize my ears, come up with ideas, and take them with me.
Can you describe the environment that inspired you to create SMV005?
Most tracks I created on a roof terrace last summer on a Spanish island. Seeing the sun go down in the ocean created a unique atmosphere. It’s those emotions and reflections of my surroundings that created the EP. That’s the magic of music for me.
Here’s a photo of the exact moment:
Thereâs an Om symbol à„ in your Instagram bio. What does this symbol mean to you?
Om is a foundation of Hinduism, where it is considered the very first sound of the universe. I prefer to let this be a symbol to serve as a reminder of my connection to the universe, as well as the unification of the mind, body, and spirit.
During your DJ sets you aim to guide individuals on the dancefloor to realize another spiritual plane of existence. What does it mean to you to realize a higher form of being?
Connecting to our higher self and creating new paths is an important part of taking care of ourselves physically and mentally. For me, being at a good party truly helped me to be in sync with myself, my body, and the people around me. No judgments or limiting beliefs, nor a reflection of your expectations. Just dance.
The multi-talented artist, Juliet Fox has had a professional musical background from the beginning. She studied guitar and piano at a young age. Then she evolved into becoming one of the most talented DJ and producers in the techno scene. A year ago, Juliet Fox launched her own label TREGAMBE that gives her the opportunity to dive deeper into her family heritage through music and artwork. Each album artwork is her own creations using acrylic on canvas, personalizing her own imprint even further.
Brazil native, Gabriela Mariano is one of the most throughout and creative producers in techno. Spanning a professional career as DJ and producer for twenty years, with her most infamous project the legendary duo âMotormorfosesâ. The live act had several synthesizers, sample machines, and effects beyond unlike any other. Performing at the biggest techno clubs in Brazil and globally. She is back to her old techno roots in a new vision with her latest project âShefitâ.Â
This has been a monster year for former Tresor Berlin resident, Vince Watson. The artist released new tracks on Get Physical, Tronic, SushiTech, All Day I Dream, his own Everysoul Audio alongside a slew of remixes. Watson rounds out the year by kicking things up a notch with his labelâs biggest and most adventurous release to date: DnA [re]Sequenced.
Philly-native Matt Altman is an emerging DJ and producer who’s carving out a niche in the world of trance and techno. His sound is dark, experimental, and hypnotic. It also makes you want to dance, and dance hard.
Secus and Josh Sturges join In Silent Series X for the label’s first EP of the new series: ISSXII. In 2020, In Silent Series released 10 EPs of cutting-edge electronic music from some of the best producers of this era. Spanning a wide array of styles but built around the ISSXI | SOUNDS samples created by label owner Michael Jefford (aka Positive Centre), which was made available through insilentseries.org at the same time.
The image that graces Gegen Records third compilation is evocative of the goddess, Durga. According to Hindu legend, Durga is greater than any of the male divinities. She is also often depicted with 8 to 10 arms. Like Durga, who is the epitome of both beauty and power, Berlinâs GEGEN reflects the beauty and power of its diverse community. Now celebrating 10 years of existence, Gegen Records is releasing a powerful 3-part compilation showcasing the artists who lie at the heart of the infamous party series.
An extraterrestrial life-force has touched down to Earth, in none other than Berlin. His name is Alien Rain and he comes in peace. To show his goodwill, the German techno don has delivered a sonic treat on ANNĒs new Nude EP released by Out Of Place Records. Earthlings everywhere celebrate the remix for its uncompromising acid.
