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, he is respected and admired across the techno world, courting favor with both his peers and more established heads. Poised to unleash his debut album ‘The Second Renaissance’, Atroxx continues to embody the core ethos of techno, looking ever forward in his pursuit of higher states of musical consciousness.
‘The Second Renaissance’ is a culmination of the last eight years, incorporating a wide range of styles from tribalesque rhythms to minimal aesthetics, experimental to all-out techno all rooted in his own individual sound. Atroxx’s aim is to tell a story, using the album format to really explore the many shades and textures within techno and beyond. The album signifies a rebirth, a new phase for the artist who continues to push himself, artistically, and personally. His core intention is to break down elitism; from within the techno world, to wider society, government, and beyond in the name of equality, fairness, and humanity. Music has the power to affect change and this album has been created to stimulate shifts and encourage transformation, juxtaposing powerful frequencies with moments of contemplation to touch the mind, body, and soul. The music is open to interpretation, with Atroxx refusing to impose his own narrative on the productions, allowing the listener to elicit their own feelings and emotions from the album.
To celebrate ‘The Second Renaissance’ release, Atroxx shares his top 5 tips he applied on the LP’s production process.
1. Less is more
This is something that was taught to me when I was learning from Maher Daniel. It took me years to actually understand the concept but less really is more. The track needs to breathe. Take a good listen to your track and if it feels too busy, it may confuse the listener. Strip down the track one by one until the track has enough space to breathe yet still tells the story you wish to portray.
2. Know when the track is finished.
Be content with the music you make, so many times I have seen producers go well beyond the finish line and completely destroy a legendary track. It is important to be happy with what you have done and not overthink your art. In any case when you are feeling some major changes, always save a new version 2, 3, and so on and label them. Version two changed kick +2db on hats. Whatever changes were made, trust me I’ve been there.
3. Expand your music
Challenge yourself, don’t just make one genre. If you like hip hop make hip hop beats. Evolution cannot happen without change and combining elements. You would be surprised how much you can learn from other music to influence your main goal and make you completely unique. It is important to find your own sound and stand out. You want people to know it’s you. Distinguished sound is everything to me.
4. Delay
Delay can be your best friend, depending on how you EQ it, you can slap it on anything. It is a great way to create a groove and even more so you can make some big-sounding kicks with the right chain. Don’t be shy to experiment with the audio effects. As my father told me “Learn the rules like a pro then break them like an artist”.
5. Sound test
Test your track on every speaker you have your hands on. The best way to find balance is to reference every speaker from iPod headphones to studio monitors and my all-time favourite the car test, Your own car, friends family as many as possible. Go for it all, you will find your sweet spot. The better you know your speakers the more you will know where to compensate the less checking you may need to do.
Atroxx’s ‘The Second Renaissance’ is now available via AnalyticTrail Rec. Grab your copy here.
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