Atroxx

by the partae
Where are you based? Montreal, Quebec, Canada Your debut album ‘The Second Renaissance’ will be released November 6 2020, what influenced its sound? Every emotion in my body and my love for Metal. In this album, the tracks are made anywhere from a couple of months ago to 8 years ago. Older tracks I revisited and cleaned up. The sum of it all tho is a collective of my emotions that express me.  What is the inspiration behind the title of the album? It expresses change, understanding one's past, and moving forward in a new light. A lot of the inspiration came from the animated series The Animatrix. We are entering a new era. How did you approach the recording and production process? Considering it was all done over an extensive amount of time there were many different processes at the beginning full digital and eventually a healthy mix of analog, vst, and samples.  How did you first start playing music and how did this evolve into electronic music? I first started playing music when I was 6 learning the piano, I eventually moved over to drums, later I joined a metal band called Bleeding Halo. We did some small shows and "tour" which was just one other province but In Montreal, we had many shows. From there I moved over to electronic music which became my obsession.  What’s your creative process like? I like to start my day with music. I open Ableton on an empty canvas and usually start with a kick. I take some time with the kick as the kick brings different emotions, heavy bass rumbling kick reminds me more of aggression as a small light kick with attack may bring something more melodic. From there I complete the drums and focus on the leads and hooks. All this is layered until I have the peak of the track. Once that's done I move over to layout.  Your label Starskream is named after DJ Starscream - Slipknot’s turntablist. How much do bands like Slipknot influence the techno you create?  An incredible amount, a large portion of my day is listening to Metal, I get so many ideas that I want to incorporate in my techno, from guitar riffs to drum rolls, screams, effects, and song titles.  Why did you decide to start your own label? As much as I love finding new music to share with the world, I wanted to do the same with talent. I wanted to be a platform for individuals to have a shot at showcasing their art. As well, I wanted a label that represents metal, healing aggression.  How has 2020 felt for you creatively? It has had its ups and downs, full of doubt, second chances, and ambition. Each day is never the same but I push through. I also have 2 alias which helps me stay creative. Melora is synthwave and Three Faces Of Eve is faster-paced techno.  What artists are you most excited about right now? Remy-X has been on my radar for some time I'm loving his music, Alexander Wittenby is swimming in talent, and Aahan another artist I've been watching climb to the top. These 3 are the first to come to mind. 
With releases on an array of respected underground labels, including his own Starskream, Atroxx is respected and admired across the techno world, courting favour with both his peers and more established heads. A drummer since his teens, he has a distinct approach to drum programming, with acute awareness of the power of beats and their critical role in techno music. As a DJ he is equally switched on, commanding the dance floor with powerful layered mixes, potent percussion and mesmerising atmospherics.   
The album is a culmination of the last eight years and incorporates 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. 
 
Surrounded by music when he was growing up – his father runs one of the oldest music schools in Montreal – it was inevitable Atroxx would become a musician himself. The album signifies a rebirth, a new phase for Atroxx 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.

 

Where are you based?

Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Your debut album ‘The Second Renaissance’ will be released November 6 2020, what influenced its sound?

Every emotion in my body and my love for Metal. In this album, the tracks are made anywhere from a couple of months ago to 8 years ago. Older tracks I revisited and cleaned up. The sum of it all tho is a collective of my emotions that express me. 

What is the inspiration behind the title of the album?

It expresses change, understanding one’s past, and moving forward in a new light. A lot of the inspiration came from the animated series The Animatrix. We are entering a new era.

How did you approach the recording and production process?

Considering it was all done over an extensive amount of time there were many different processes at the beginning full digital and eventually a healthy mix of analog, vst, and samples. 

How did you first start playing music and how did this evolve into electronic music?

I first started playing music when I was 6 learning the piano, I eventually moved over to drums, later I joined a metal band called Bleeding Halo. We did some small shows and “tour” which was just one other province but In Montreal, we had many shows. From there I moved over to electronic music which became my obsession. 

What’s your creative process like?

I like to start my day with music. I open Ableton on an empty canvas and usually start with a kick. I take some time with the kick as the kick brings different emotions, heavy bass rumbling kick reminds me more of aggression as a small light kick with attack may bring something more melodic. From there I complete the drums and focus on the leads and hooks. All this is layered until I have the peak of the track. Once that’s done I move over to layout. 

Your label Starskream is named after DJ Starscream – Slipknot’s turntablist. How much do bands like Slipknot influence the techno you create? 

An incredible amount, a large portion of my day is listening to Metal, I get so many ideas that I want to incorporate in my techno, from guitar riffs to drum rolls, screams, effects, and song titles. 

Why did you decide to start your own label?

As much as I love finding new music to share with the world, I wanted to do the same with talent. I wanted to be a platform for individuals to have a shot at showcasing their art. As well, I wanted a label that represents metal, healing aggression. 

How has 2020 felt for you creatively?

It has had its ups and downs, full of doubt, second chances, and ambition. Each day is never the same but I push through. I also have 2 alias which helps me stay creative. Melora is synthwave and Three Faces Of Eve is faster-paced techno. 

What artists are you most excited about right now?

Remy-X has been on my radar for some time I’m loving his music, Alexander Wittenby is swimming in talent, and Aahan another artist I’ve been watching climb to the top. These 3 are the first to come to mind. 

Available now on Beatport: https://bit.ly/3jA4XfG

https://www.facebook.com/atroxxofficial

https://www.instagram.com/atroxxofficial

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