Berlin-based collective Voxnox celebrates 10 years with a worldwide tour and a new EP from mainstays Blame The Mono and DLV.
For a decade now, VOXNOX has challenged the status quo when it comes to techno. Born from the mind of Fabio Venezia, the label promotes an open-minded and inclusive environment for people of all backgrounds to express themselves. Over the years the label has become a breeding ground for high quality techno talent in Europe. Some of the most popular names to come from the label include Sept, Alignment, Chippy Nonstop, DLV, Blame The Mono, and Lars Huismann to name a few.
Known for their legendary parties in the Griessmühle, VOXNOX have decided to celebrate a decade in style with a worldwide tour which has saw them take the experience across Europe and the US hitting festivals such as MELT, E1, and ADE along the way.
Their landmark tour has also coincided with a release from the two of the group’s core contributors, Blame The Mono and DLV. ‘Demons And The Ghost EP’ features four hard hitting, dancefloor-oriented techno cuts that stay true to the VOXNOX spirit.
Berlin-based duo Blame The Mono entered the label with their contribution to the labels Serpent Series VA with ‘Youkounkoun’. Since then, they have seen releases on Taapion, Possession, and Akronym.
Vienna-born artist DLV entered the label with his 4-track EP Rufmord back in 2022 and has carried on in the tradition of successful VOXNOX affiliates. Known for his skill behind the decks, he has recently joined the ranks of Amelie Lens EXHALE with releases and performances for the label. Additionally, he has also released mixes of Boiler Room, Slam Radio, and Hör Berlin.
We caught up with Voxnox, Blame The Mono, and DLV on the labels latest release ‘Demons And The Ghost’, favourite memories, and the importance of the label.
How did you become affiliated with VOXNOX in the beginning?
BTM: Even before starting Blame The Mono together, VOXNOX’s catalogue was a reference for us. EPs like ‘Direction’ by Sept and Lars Huismann’s early work marked our first steps into what was techno back then. It also shaped the musical soundscape we now associate with the city of Berlin.
When moving to Berlin in 2019 and starting to produce together, VOXNOX automatically came up as a label we wanted to send demos to. We did so and we’re then thrilled to see our track ‘Youkounkoun’ confirmed on their Serpent Series VA. In parallel, we met the crew when going to their legendary parties at Griessmühle and started receiving early support from both the artists and the label’s team.
After another contribution to their VA series and a remix for Lucinee last year, this Demons And The Ghost vinyl is the perfect cherry on top of our long-lasting relationship with VOXNOX.
DLV: I became affiliated with VOXNOX when I discovered their Serpent Series Vol. II release in 2019. Their music captivated me with its unique and compelling sound. VOXNOX stood out to me because of their innovative approach to electronic music, the high-quality productions they released, and the talented artists they represented. It quickly became one of my favourite labels.
Talk to us about the EP. How did the collaboration come about, and what was the inspiration behind it?
BTM: We met DLV in early 2022 and felt a very personal human connection from the beginning. We knew the next step was to cook something in the studio together. During the summer last year, as we just arrived in our studio to start a sesh, we discovered our computer had broken down.
After dropping it at a nearby repair shop, we had nothing else to do but meet up with Danny in his home studio and start working on some loops. Then unfolded a crazy afternoon where we excitedly shared our ideas and laughed over nerdy music production related jokes. Danny’s grounding in hip hop, our common love for DnB and breaks plus our similar vision of club music and DJing fused together into some wild studio sessions. The result is a pure 4-track dancefloor experience that we’re super proud of!
What was it like working together on the project? Can you describe the workflow?
DLV: Working with Blame The Mono on the project was a unique experience for me as it marked my first-ever collaboration, and not with just one person but with two individuals simultaneously. We focused on effective communication, respect, and finding common ground to work together.
This approach built a strong foundation, valuing everyone’s ideas. Everyone had their place in the collaboration, with each person contributing their strengths. When it came to the overall idea and vibe of the project, we always ensured equal contributions from all team members. As we progressed, our workflow improved, and we achieved a successful and fulfilling project outcome.
On your website it states that VOXNOX are ‘COMMITTED TO CREATING OPEN-MINDED INCLUSIVE ENVIRONMENTS THAT RESPECT INDIVIDUALS OF ALL BACKGROUNDS. WE AIM TO BE AN IMMENSE, UNCOMPROMISING VOICE AGAINST DISCRIMINATION AND INEQUALITY.’ Why is this important to you and what moved you to foster this culture within the group?
Voxnox: Techno, like many genres, was born out of a need for expression and escape, offering a safe space for everyone regardless of their background. In the midst of a world witnessing rampant discrimination and intolerance, it is more vital than ever to preserve and elevate music’s role as that safe haven. At VOXNOX, we deeply value this legacy of techno and music in general.
It’s more than just beats and rhythms; it’s about community, understanding, and inclusivity. Our commitment to combating discrimination stems from this very ethos of music being a safe space for everyone. We wish not only to produce great music but also to ensure that our platform, our brand, and our community are reflective of these ideals.
What is your favourite memory since you joined Voxnox?
BTM: One memory that is definitely engraved in our minds is when we stood above the Griessmühle main floor during Sept’s live set in 2019. The unique ‘boxey’ sounding PA combined with the flashing lights has been a beacon of the techno club experience for us ever since. An amazing recent memory was with the VOXNOX family in Kassel, where we played alongside Sept, Lucinee and CLTX at Graf Karl.
What is one thing you have learned over the years that has been vital to the success of VOXNOX?
Voxnox: Over the years, one major lesson I’ve picked up is that staying ahead of the curve is essential. Always be on the lookout for what’s next in the scene. It’s also super important to show appreciation to the people who’ve been with you from the start. You’ve got to give back to those who support you. And honestly, it all boils down to passion. If you’re in it for the wrong reasons, it’s gonna fade or die out. So keep that passion burning and stay genuine to your cause.
Why does electronic music need Voxnox?
DLV: VOXNOX brings a unique and essential element to the techno scene. VOXNOX’s significance lies in its ability to push the boundaries of techno, incorporating a distinct flavour of resistance against the establishment. Unlike simply following trends, VOXNOX encourages artists to find their own voices and embrace individuality.
This approach is vital for the evolution and diversification of electronic music as it fosters creativity and originality, leading to the emergence of new sounds and styles. VOXNOX’s commitment to breaking away from conformity and promoting artistic freedom makes it a valuable and influential force in the electronic music landscape.