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Spherical – the eagerly anticipated debut long-player from multi-faceted Spanish producer, DJ and label boss Ian Axide – is out today via his very own Emphatic Records imprint. A career-defining moment for the now London-based artist, the ten-track Spherical opus marks Ian Axide’s most extensive and innovative body of work to date and pertinently showcases the inexhaustible creativity of one of the most prolific acts in underground techno right now. Known for his highly experimental soundscapes and hard-hitting atmospheres, Ian’s uniquely underground treatment across the entirety of Spherical is both wonderfully dark and hypnotic, whilst maintaining the impressive quality of engaging the listener from the very start. Complete with incredible complexity, energy and intricacy across its ten-track duration, Ian capitalises on his innate ability to draw you into a dark, industrial construct, as he explores a remarkable array of timbres from across the techno spectrum. We sat down with the London-based Spanish producer to find out more…

Hey Ian, we’re very happy to have you here at DMC World! How are you?

Hi guys, I am very well, thank you!

First things first — huge congratulations on the release of your debut album ’Spherical’. What is the key concept and message behind the project?

I would say this album is deep and hypnotic but also energetic. When I listen to the album tracks I can think in different situations and places. That’s why my goal is always to create music to listen in a club, festival and also in your house or driving your car. This is for me the key of this album.

How long did the album take to create from start to finish?

I started several projects for it 2 years ago but last year I had a lot of track requests from different labels so i never had the chance to focus properly in the album. This year, during the pandemic, I had the time to finish more than 20 tracks and I could complete this album finally.

Can you tell us about a couple of your favourite tracks on the album?

Hard to pick just 2, but if I had to I would say “Blue” and “Birmingham”

Who were some of your biggest Techno influences growing up? Were they a big inspiration when creating the album?

One of my biggest influences on Techno music when i was young was Jeff Mills, also artists such as Planetary Assault System, Joey Beltram and Regis. I think there is a bit of mix from all the artists I have been influenced by in this album.

What is it about techno that you love so much, compared to other genres of electronic music?

Techno music really blows my mind since I was young, hard to explain that feeling. I have been into Techno music for more than 20 years and still enjoy it like day one.Honestly I am not much into any other electronic genres.

If you had to pick one defining moment of your career, what would it be and why?

That’s a difficult question. I have had really nice times doing gigs, mostly from 2006 to 2011 but the big moment which has defined my career was when I moved to London in 2013. My vision of Techno music changed completely, in the good way. There is big Techno culture in this city, great clubs and the environment to create music is amazing.

You’ve performed at many venues all over the world during the course of your career. Are there any locations that hold a particularly special place in your heart? If so why?

I played in an amazing festival in Slovenia few years ago, the energy and good vibes from local people there was totally unexpected for me. I really enjoyed that gig. Would like to come back to that country some day.

What do you like to do when you’re not making music?

I am a quite busy person honestly. Apart of making music and doing gigs, I work as engineer at Central London during the week. I also manage 2 record labels, Emphatic Record and Black Codes Experiments (with Cristian Varela). I do all the artwork designs, masterings and editing video promo for my labels. When I have free time, I like watching movies, documentaries and spending time with my family and friends.

Finally, what can we expect from you after this album? Any big plans for the rest of the year?

I am making new tracks for the label Children Of Tomorrow and I will release another EP on Black Codes Experiments this year.

Thanks Ian!

Thank you guys!

Ian Axide’s debut album Spherical is out now via Emphatic Records