Alongside his remarkable contribution to the series, we sat down with CHICH who shared his thoughts about his career, his label, inspirations & aspirations!
- Hi Chich, thanks for answering our paradoxical questions!. You’re in the scene since 1997 as a producer and maybe before as a Dj. What has changed in electronics in this period of time?
The biggest change is definitely the shift from analog to digital, both in the studio and in the DJ booth. Back in the late 90s, producing music required expensive hardware, and playing out meant carrying heavy record bags. Today, the tools are incredibly accessible. Anyone with a laptop can produce a track, which has democratized the scene but also flooded the market. The speed at which music is consumed and forgotten has also massively increased.
- I guess you also experienced a change in generations of Techno fans. Are they interacting with electronic music the same way as back in the days ? What have brought you to the Techno world?
The core passion for the music and the groove is still there, but the way people interact has shifted. Back in the days, the dancefloor was a place to completely disconnect from the outside world. Today, with smartphones and social media, people are much more focused on capturing the moment for Instagram or TikTok rather than just living it. However, when the vibe is right and the music takes over, you still see that raw, pure energy on the floor.
- Last summer, you had gigs in Asia (Japan & China). How was this experience?
It was an absolutely incredible experience. Returning to Japan after 20 years, I could really see how much the country has changed. Even though we are in 2026, it feels like the Japanese are already living in the future, haha! They still have a very deep respect for the artists and bring a unique, intense energy to the club. As for China, it was my very first time there and I only played in Beijing. I was positively surprised by the sound systems and the club scene. The people there truly live techno, are extremely attentive, and are just as incredibly respectful. It really showed me how universal the language of techno is.For several years now, I have been immersed in modular synthesis and its infinite possibilities. Through it, I explore basic and complex concepts such as FM synthesis, granular synthesis, and sound design. Sculpting new sounds and creating a sonic identity through sound sources seems truly magical to me.
- You launched your own imprint, MODULHERTZ with your partner in crime TUTTLE, in 2014. In which context did you come up with this idea? As a label manager, what were the main challenges you faced from the start ?
Tuttle is one of my best friends, and he always wanted to start a label. We eventually launched MODULHERTZ together because we wanted complete artistic freedom. We were tired of sending demos and waiting months for a label’s schedule to open up. We wanted a platform to release our own vision of techno, uncompromising and raw. As a label manager, the main challenge at the beginning was definitely visibility. Back in 2014, there was much less social media compared to today, so a lot of things still happened through word of mouth. Cutting through the noise and establishing a distinct identity for MODULHERTZ without those modern promotional tools took a lot of hard work, consistency, and patience.
- Do you have a precise moment in your career that you’ll never forget, or that was a key moment for you ?
There are many, but holding the very first vinyl release of my own music in my hands was a truly magical moment. In 1996, I released my first EP with my friend Danny Casseau from Belgium on the Subsounds label. The vinyl was called ‘Nr.5’ and it was pressed and sold over 3,500 times back then! Another major milestone was when Danny and I launched our own label, Black Pitch Music, with the motto: ‘Music is life; life is music’. Our first joint vinyl on that label, the ‘Indiram EP’, was played by the legend Jeff Mills for three months straight. That was a dream come true and an absolute honor for me. Jeff, if you are reading this: thank you so much! By the way, I was also the first one to bring Jeff Mills to Luxembourg in 2005, and he has returned often since then.
Another absolute highlight was my very first Japan tour in 2003, alongside Marco Bailey and Cristian Varela, where we played at the Liquid Room. Playing at Tresor in Berlin was another unforgettable club experience, as well as playing as the main act right after Carl Cox in Portugal. I could list so much more, but the interview wouldn’t be long enough for that! But I really want to say a huge thank you to all the artists I’ve had the pleasure of working with.I also want to give a special thanks to A.Paul and Cisco, two particularly good friends and producers who have supported me a lot.
- With this incomparable knowledge that you have of this techno scene, what are your thoughts concerning the current scene ?
It’s a double-edged sword. On one hand, techno has grown massively and is almost a pop phenomenon in some areas, which brings great opportunities and professionalization. On the other hand, a lot of it has become very formulaic and driven by social media algorithms rather than musical innovation. But if you look past the mainstream hype, the true underground is still very much alive, pushing boundaries and keeping the authentic spirit of techno breathing.
- Are there any new artists and labels focusing your attention that you want to share with us?
Do you have a precise moment in your career that you’ll never forget, or that was a key moment for you ?
There are so many great ones out there right now! I definitely have to mention the whole Hayes team from Portugal—artists like Temudo, Norbak, Vil, and Cravo are doing incredible work. From Spain, Joton and the legendary Oscar Mulero are always on my radar. I also really like what SHDW is doing with the Mutual Rytm label. On the production side, artists like Dextro from Portugal, Voltaire (who released COD3 QR), Dario Mass, D-Leria, R.M.K and Aöcram are really catching my attention. And of course, I have to shout out my absolute favorite labels: MORD run by Bas Mooy, Klockworks, and the iconic Underground Resistance. There are just so many producers and labels making mega tracks right now. Keep it up!
- As a DJ, you must come across loads of promos. What do you think about the current production in the techno circuits? Is there enough sense of creativity or innovation according to you?
Because production tools are so accessible, there is unfortunately a lot of ‘copy-paste’ music out there—tracks made from the same sample packs using the same templates. It can feel like there’s a lack of innovation at times. However, if you are willing to dig deep enough into the promos, you’ll find absolute gems. There are producers out there doing mind-blowing things with sound design. True creativity is definitely still there, it just requires more filtering to find it.
- What would be your advice to a young artist that is emerging on this scene ? Be focused on what is being released and go with the flow or always keep in mind what was done before ?
My advice would be to understand the roots, but don’t get trapped in the past. It’s crucial to know the history of electronic music to understand why things sound the way they do today. But never just blindly follow the current trends or try to copy what is number one on Beatport. The most important thing is: always stay true to your own style!! Find your own sonic identity. It takes longer to get noticed that way, but it’s the only way to build a sustainable and authentic career. And always believe in yourself! Don’t let anything bring you down. Into battle, Toreador!
- Can you give us a glimpse about your future projects?
We are currently working on some exciting new stuff for MODULHERTZ. There will be fresh releases from artists we strongly believe in, and I am also spending a lot of time in the studio finalizing my own upcoming EPs. Apart from that, I’m looking forward to touring again and playing in great clubs and at festivals worldwide. A special thanks goes out to my booking agencies, Paradox Techno and ōLITH. And remember: Music is life; life is music – Yours, Chich.
Thanks a lot CHICH, we hope to see you very soon somewhere, keep the good vibe on!
Love and respect