Hi Max, thanks for taking the time to talk to our audience. It’s a pleasure to have you here today! How are you doing?
Thank you for the invitation, I am doing very well, thanks!
Can you tell us about your background and how you got into music?
I was always into music since my early childhood. My sister had a big influence on what I listened to as she brought new CDs into the house back then. I also used to play the drums, the piano, the flute and the violin. I loved going out – which I started doing super late in my early 20s – to discover new music or artists or listen to sets after university for hours. After a big festival I decided to buy a DJ controller just for fun. A few months later I started to look into production and went down the rabbit hole. (laughs)
Who are your biggest musical influences? How have these influences shaped your sound and approach to music production?
This is a tough question as there are many great artists that influenced me, but the most impactful were Recondite and the album “Road to Nowhere” by Kas:st. It was so different, minimal and dark, melancholic – exactly what I loved about techno. Also Rødhåd with his label “Dystopian” had a big impact on me.
I believe my taste got shaped by listening to music 24/7 and digging through different styles until I found something that resonated with me on a deeper level. Regarding music production, there were no direct influences. In the beginning, I checked YouTube tutorials, tried recreating sounds I’ve heard or watched masterclasses and developed my own style over time. Usually, I am a very technical person, so when I faced a problem I tried to read about it and dig deeper to understand all the details about it.
What has been the highlight of your career so far? Do you have any good tour stories to share? And what was the worst job you ever had?
One major highlight was finally playing my first Mexico tour in 2023 after a postponed hiatus since 2020. It was amazing to finally meet my friends and fans there after so much time. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to travel, connect with new people, and experience so many different cultures and perspectives.
Oh, there are so many crazy things that happened while touring or playing somewhere – where should I begin? (laughs) I once organised a small festival when a guy showed up demanding all our money or else we’d be in trouble. We soon realised he was from a well known local gang. Thankfully, a friend of mine knew them and managed to diffuse the situation – it was a pretty weird experience.
The worst gig I played was at a small festival in Germany. They booked me knowing I play techno, but the lineup was mostly commercial EDM. After two tracks, the crowd cleared out, leaving only a few of my fans that showed up that day. It was very early in my career and taught me a valuable lesson that not every offer is worth it if the style doesn’t fit.
Can you share some of the challenges you’ve faced in your career and how you overcame them?
I believe the biggest challenge for any musician is handling rejection. It’s part of the game, but for young artists, it can feel especially discouraging. I now see rejection as redirection, a push to work even harder toward my goals. Believing in yourself is key, and you shouldn’t let others bring you down without reason. Constructive criticism is valuable and helps you grow, but in this industry, surrounding yourself with the right people who uplift and support you makes all the difference.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music? And what would you be doing if you weren’t a musician?
I would describe my style as hypnotic, melodic, and cinematic, with industrial elements. It’s intricate and not immediately understood – you have to listen closely to catch every detail.
There’s no other job I’d rather do than being an artist. I’ve worked in many jobs, from bartending to managing a café during my studies, and as an environmental scientist after university. But music is where my heart truly lies. I honestly couldn’t live without it.
Can you walk us through your creative process when writing and recording a new track?
Most of my workflow revolves around sound manipulation and resampling my own designs. I love sound design and creating everything myself. When I find an interesting sound, I record and process it further. For me, atmosphere and emotional depth are key! I want to translate that into my music. I usually start with a kick and groove, but sometimes a melody pops into my head first. I experiment a lot with chords, create atmospheres, and play around with textures. It all depends on my mood and life circumstances at the time.
What advice would you give to someone trying to make it as a professional musician?
Surround yourself with supportive, honest people, stay true to yourself, and don’t chase trends. Work hard, never give up and it will pay off in the end.
Can you tell us about any upcoming projects or collaborations you’re working on?
Right now, I’m getting ready to launch my label “møde” on March 28th, and I’m really proud to finally showcase it. I’ve put a lot of thought and effort into bringing it to life. I’m also working on some collaborations, EPs for different labels, and planning my next tours with my agency. There are a few guest mixes lined up for the year as well!
Can you tell us more about the label and idea behind it? When did the first idea to create the label come about?
I’ve always had the idea of creating my own label to express myself without restrictions or compromises. Since I produce a lot and have many unreleased tracks, it felt like the right time to have a proper outlet, so launching my own label was a natural step. I have a specific sonic vision for the label, with a carefully curated sound that reflects my taste. Every release is intentional, shaping a cohesive identity that stays true to my artistic direction.
How many releases do you have scheduled? Who is involved so far?
So far, I have four of my own EPs scheduled for this year – two solo EPs and two remix EPs. While I can’t reveal the names right now, the remixes will be by established artists who have shaped the scene for decades and who I look up to. I’m not sure if I’ll release music from other artists this year, but I’m always open to suggestions or demos if they align with the label’s style.
When you’re looking for new music, what are key elements and factors you look for, apart from it obviously being a great track?
It has to evoke a feeling; that’s just as important as being well-produced. For me, the low end is key, and the track needs to be cohesive – both harmonically and stylistically. When I search for new music, I always look for that deep, dark sound. There’s a particular structure and sound design that draws me in every time, as it reflects my vision of techno.
What sites or apps do you use to listen to/find new tracks?
The real gems often come from unknown producers who send unreleased tracks or ones that only a few artists know about yet. That’s why I love to dig a lot on Bandcamp and SoundCloud, but sometimes YouTube or TIDAL also recommend some amazing music.
What impact does streaming with Spotify have on the economic situation of an indie label?
Most streaming services pay ridiculously low royalties, making it tough to earn financial rewards from streaming alone. Bandcamp does a much better job of offering a fair share, but outside of that, it’s really challenging, especially if you’re in a specific niche or just starting out. Streaming is and probably never will be the best way to earn money as a musician.
For the producers out there sending in their demos via email, what tips would you give them when they send in their tracks?
Listen to the label’s sound carefully and send a few tracks to showcase your style range. Introduce yourself briefly and make sure the link/file is accessible – avoid sending disappearing links.
Feel free to send your music over, I’m always happy to provide feedback and help.
Thank you for your time!
Pre-sale of “Memories of the Future” is available now via Bandcamp!
SoundCloud – Instagram – Resident Advisor – Beatport – Spotify
