016 - MICHAEL IUS

(interview below)
For our 16th podcast episode we introduce you to the romanian DJ and producer Michael Ius who blends classical roots with a deep passion for techno.

INTERVIEW
You took classical guitar lessons for 14 years and studied music at university – what was the decisive moment or thought that led you to dedicate yourself entirely to techno production?

All my life I performed other people’s music, whether it was classical or pop. Later I was a guitarist in multiple cover bands. In 2012, I attended a music festival in Bucharest where Luciano was playing. It was melodic techno and it was also the first time I connected with myself on a deeper level. My musical synapses suddenly opened and I instantly fell in love with synthetic sounds. Loved the lowend and the punch! I started producing electronic music in 2016, step by step, and in 2023 I found my current sound and stayed consistent with it.

You're part of the Techno Diatom collective in Bucharest – how would you describe the collective's musical vision and vibe, and what makes your approach different compared to the international scene?

Me, together with Techno Diatom, wanted to bring something different to the local techno scene on a bigger scale. We wanted to actively promote it (via social media ads) to reach more people who like techno and let them know that a “new” subgenre is now present in Bucharest through Techno Diatom. Here in Bucharest and Romania in general, most techno events are focused on Rominimal (which is really good) with slow BPM, Tech House (very commercial), and Hardcore Techno (very fast). Nothing in between.
Compared to the international scene, there’s no real comparison – we’re basically inspired by the international Deep Raw Hypnotic Techno scene, and we’re grateful for that. Western Europe’s electronic music has been going on for generations, and here in Romania we’re just starting to scratch the surface.

In classical music, you work a lot with sheet notes, but these days you probably work more with software and sounds – how has your creative process changed since switching from sheet notes to electronic music production?

Having strong music theory behind me, plus jazz harmony and colorful chords, helped me understand a lot of things faster. I used that knowledge a lot when producing melodic techno in the beginning. But when I went deeper into the real underground minimal techno sound, the theory became useless. Techno has a lot of tension, and if you stay in key, it often sounds too static or melodic. Now the only thing I really use is the octaves. If you “play” the “lead” or “stabs” in the right octave, it works. Everyone can do this by analyzing techno tracks with a frequency analyzer, hovering the mouse on the frequencies when you hear something, and you’ll see in which octave it was played.

@michael-ius-techno
Artwork by Janu Krohm

6D. Podcast 016 - Michael Ius

Big thanks to FEIERAMT  for the invitation and warm welcome, and to KREUZWERK for hosting such a memorable time.
Grateful to everyone on the dancefloor for the energy and support – you made this live set truly special.
Can’t wait to share more music with you soon. 🖤

D.E.S - LIVE FEIERAMT - KREUZWERK

Artist : Vertical Spectrum
Title : Zmora
Release date : 17.10.2025
Format : Digital
Mastered by Paul Mac
pre-order : https://arya8.bandcamp.com/album/vertical-spectrum-zmora

ARYA003D - Vertical Spectrum - Zmora

VARIA is pleased to present the next episode in its podcast series, featuring Vincent Neumann.

Avid music collector, DJ's DJ, Vincent Neumann has gathered a loyal underground following by word of mouth, with consistently brilliant closing sets and long patient vinyl orientated mixing. 

Born, raised and currently residing in Leipzig, Vincent Neumann works as a psychotherapist during the day and as a dj by night. As one of the residents of Leipzig's Distillery since 2012, he happily gets to share his passion for dance music regularly. 

The vibes during his DJ sets are regularly described as energetic, driving, enthusiastic and sometimes even relentless, without ever sacrificing taste, quality and joyfulness. For him, authenticity will always stand above fame, and if you witness one of his marathon sets at Berghain or elsewhere you will understand what the fuss is about. 

In order to further plant his musical footprint into the sticky melange of spilled drinks and cigarettes on the world’s dancefloors, Vincent founded his own label, Unitas Multiplex, in 2020. So far highly acclaimed releases from the likes of Billie Joe, Fundamental Interaction, Inter Gritty and Linn Elisabet have seen the light of the day, with more to be expected in the future. Who knows, maybe he will even release music from his own feather sometime in the distant future. Until then you can definitely keep relying on his contagious energy and taste behind the decks.
This episode continues VARIA’s mission: championing considered electronic expression and lasting artistry.

@vincent-neumann

Artwork by @gannein

VARIA 020 - VINCENT NEUMANN

For the twelfth installment of the UA Podcast Series, we welcome Ey.rah, a Stockholm-born, Paris-based artist making waves across the electronic music scene in the last few years. With a background that spans Europe and Hong Kong, her musical lens is shaped by contrast, culture, and constant evolution.

Ey.rah’s sonic journey began with mixing classic and contemporary rap before finding her voice in electronic music, where she has carved out a textured, groovy, and hybrid style all her own. Her sets are fluid, emotionally charged, and unapologetically bold: built to move both body and mind. She has performed at some of Europe’s most iconic venues, including La Machine du Moulin Rouge, Le Rex, FVTVR, Peacock, Le Bikini, Macadam, Tresor, Renate, and Oxi. In July 2024, she brought her sound to South Africa, playing standout sets for Underground Africa at Mødular in Cape Town and The Nest in Johannesburg.

When reflecting on her thoughts going into this mix, Ey.rah noted: 

"I always find it hard to pinpoint exactly how I go about recording a set, but I usually think of it more as creating an atmosphere or space rather than telling a story, that just makes more sense in my head. This time the key words were Halloween at the robot factory. My goal is always to keep the emphasis on contrast and keep things playful and shifting, while still allowing for moments that can be a bit spooky or emotional underneath it all."

This mix is a reflection of an artist in full stride: raw, hypnotic, refined, and ready to take you somewhere unexpected.

UA Podcast #12 || Ey.rah

Support here: https://herenthere.bandcamp.com/album/pink-concrete-jazz-sultan-hnt003

The third chapter of hereandthere vinyl series, Jazz Sultan [HNT003], comes from Pink Concrete.

This full EP is dedicated to Frederick Bruce Thomas (1872—1928), often called the Jazz Sultan. Born in Mississippi, Thomas overcame the hardships of post-slavery America and personal tragedy to build an extraordinary life through jazz — from France to Moscow, where he became the first Black Russian citizen, and later to Istanbul, earning his legendary title. The EP honors both his triumphs and struggles, celebrating his role as a pioneer who bridged cultures and left a lasting mark on the European music scene of his time.  
credits
releases October 24, 2025
Artwork & Design: Asya Uppergrounds
Mastering: Paul Mac
Distribution: Triple Vision  

PREMIERE: Pink Concrete - Frederick Bruce Thomas [HNT003]

A central figure in the contemporary scene, Setaoc Mass delivers five tracks of intimidatingly dystopian techno for Fuse’s next release. Synth-heavy and melodically focused, the UK native brews moody tones over his signature percussion to provide a touch of improvisation for balance. In Static Rush, genres and influences collide under the persistence of concrete club music.
A haunting synth sequence opens FUSE10 with ‘The Sky Above’, showcasing Setaoc Mass’s intentions for the rest of the release. Playing with decay and sifting through shakers, the seasoned producer fills the spectrum with constant tension throughout the entirety of the A1. In ‘Shade’, whipping white noise over sixteenth synth notes, the pressure rises and falls with whistling accents on the transitions. Keeping the dancer on their toes with a lively arrangement, Setaoc Mass keeps his hands on all elements to maximise the record’s progression. Moving to the B side, Feeling blends harmony and robust tone. Claps thunder through the track’s warehouse acoustics, complemented by a sharp lead cutting through a heavy low end. The structure remains elusive and quick like the previous two, and it boasts a full, grinding sound destined for peak-time sets.
The end of Feeling then dips down into a two-track journey of ethereal sound designs and soft melodies. Keeping the rhythm swinging, Flutter By settles the atmosphere with an IDM-inspired iced synth and pads. This change of emotion pushes depth into the record, providing a welcome surprise in Static Rush. Setaoc Mass then signs off with the final contribution to the EP, Overload. Pushing further than ever into melody with hints of Detroit electro and a complete absence of a kick, the producer teases a slithering arrangement that ends his record with a bold conclusion.


Written and produced by Sam Coates
Additional mix down and mastering by Ahmet Altinbas
Artwork by Ahmet Altinbas
Layout by Studio Phazed
Text by Noah Hocker

Pre-Order

FUSE10 • Setaoc Mass - Static Rush

Duplicity 145 | @aidanruddmusic

We are super excited to present the 145th episode from Aidan Rudd!

Aidan Rudd is a Naarm-based Hypnotic Techno producer and DJ. Starting out in Hardgroove, his sound evolved into darker, loop-driven techno shaped by heavy sound design while maintaining a focus on groove. His tracks have been released on respected labels like Transition, Duplicity, Obscuur, and Suara, with support from Dax J, Chlar, Alarico, Richie Hawtin, Yanamaste and more. Known for layered multi-deck sets, Aidan has played across Australia and is steadily building his presence in the global techno scene.

Keep your eyes peeled for Aidan Rudd's Necromancer EP dropping on Duplicity in November, with remixes from Connor Wall and Obscur!

As usual, turn up the volume and enjoy the mix!
---
You can check out more from our guest here: 
 @aidanruddmusic

Instagram:
www.instagram.com/aidanruddmusic
---
Check out our other podcasts and socials here:  
soundcloud.com/duplicityedinburgh/sets/duplicity-podcast-series

Instagram:  
www.instagram.com/duplicityrecords

Bandcamp:
www.duplicityrecords.bandcamp.com/

Duplicity 145 | Aidan Rudd

Label: Mord
Artist: Chloe Lula
Title: Ego Sum EP
Art by Dennis Beutner
Cat No: MORD120
Format: 12" and Digital

Release date: 28-11-2025

A1 Myopia
A2 Sepiatone
A3 Rhythm Zero
B1 Ego Sum
B2 Ninth Knot
B3 Oath
D1 Order Of Magnitude [digi only]
D2 False Absolutes [digi only]

***
and even the trees we walked
under
seemed
less than
trees
and more like everything
else.
***


MORD120 - Chloe Lula - Ego Sum EP [Previews]

Track: The Spin
Artist(s): Zimer
Label: Abstract Syndicate
Catalog: [AT003]
Release Date: 15.12.2025
Format: Digital
Genre: Electronic
Style: Techno
Mastering: AES Dana
Artwork: Kirara

Artist links: 
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/zimertechno
Bandcamp: 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zimer_run/


Label links: 
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/abstract-syndicate
Bandcamp: https://abstractsyndicate.bandcamp.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abstract_syndicate/

Pre-Order Link: https://abstractsyndicate.bandcamp.com/

GTG Premiere | Zimer - The Spin [AT003]

INTENTION_2025-12-12

Belgium’s longest-running techno club.
Since 1994.

FUSE10 • Setaoc Mass - Static Rush

Fuse Brussels