Beyond the Beat: The Rise and Resilience of Space 92

From his humble beginnings as a teenager in the South of France to a globally renowned French techno maestro, Space 92 has significantly reshaped the techno music scene. With his distinct fusion of trancey techno and distorted acid genre percussion, embodied in his chart-topping track "Planet X," he has earned a reputation as an innovative and influential artist. This innovation extends to his live act "Turbulences," a collaboration with fellow producer POPOF, which showcases their energetic synergy.

Having overcome a career low point under his initial moniker Matt Minimal, Space 92 chose to continue his musical journey, crediting his success to the unwavering support of his fans. He offers a piece of advice to aspiring producers, encouraging them to stay true to their unique sound rather than following trends. Whether performing solo or as Turbulences, Space 92's aim remains the same - to spread joy through his music, a mission he's dedicated to pursuing in the future.

How did your journey in music production begin?

I discovered electronic music and raves at quite a young age, as a teenager growing up in the South of France. I was immediately hooked, and I decided there and then to become a producer too. So, I did, and I started performing in clubs where I barely was old enough to play. It’s been more than a decade now!

What gravitated you towards ‘80s Sci-Fi and how has it influenced your signature sound?

I think that one of the reasons is that I’m extremely attracted to the sound of vintage synthesizers. If you think about it, 99% of old Sci-Fi or Fantasy movies from the ‘80s or late ‘70s have very heavy synth-based soundtracks: from John Carpenter’s “Escape from New York”, to Blade Runner, to Ladyhawke. As a kid who grew up in the ‘90s, I suppose there was some sort of residual influence left on me through the TV or the radio. So, I guess synthesizers have influenced me both visually, and musically.

Who are your greatest musical influences and how have they shaped your music style?

There are a few, but I would say Stephan Bodzin, with his debut album Liebe Ist, has influenced me greatly. I was just a kid into dirt bikes when I listened to it, and suddenly, I couldn’t stop myself from thinking about this album all day, every day.

What is your approach when dealing with creative blocks, and how do you discover new sources of inspiration?

I try to take a break, go hiking, to take my mind off production for a moment. I also constantly explore new sounds, new tools, and new libraries; for me it’s exciting. Sometimes also, I ask a friend or someone from my management to sit down and listen; I’m extremely open to criticism and I accept it. I have zero egos.

How does your creative process evolve when you're collaborating with others compared to when you're working alone?

Well, obviously when working with others you need to be more flexible about what you want. Working with someone is usually a longer and more tiring process, whereas when working alone I usually know what I want and how I want to achieve it.

What is the synergy like when you and POPOF are performing as Turbulences?

It’s incredible. We become a two-headed beast because we are so much alike. We complete each other, and we’re also good friends so we enjoy ourselves. We work super hard on our sets because we want to offer something fresh, fun, and different every single time. Then when it’s time to perform, we let it all out.

What is the synergy like when you and POPOF are performing as Turbulences?

It’s incredible. We become a two-headed beast because we are so much alike. We complete each other, and we’re also good friends so we enjoy ourselves. We work super hard on our sets because we want to offer something fresh, fun, and different every single time. Then when it’s time to perform, we let it all out.

What is your mindset when performing a solo set vs. performing a live set?

Pretty much the same because I’m out there to kill and it doesn’t matter if I’m solo or with Alex. Time passes the same way: very, very quickly.

You have accomplished so much, what is next on your bucket list?

Thank you, I am indeed very blessed. It’s so crazy. My first artist moniker was Matt Minimal, and as such I had hit rock bottom a few years ago. I had decided that I was either going to quit producing or start afresh from zero. I chose the second option and went for Space 92 around 2019.

So, to answer your question, I don’t need a bucket list because all I ever wanted was to keep making music and I’m more than lucky to have been given a second chance. I owe it all to my fans.

What's the most unusual place or situation where you've found inspiration for a track?

Does a shitty, stained, vermin-infested Airbnb couch in Little Havana, Miami count? That place was so ghetto. We had literal gangs of feral roosters roaming the streets, singing at the top of their lungs at like three in the morning!

Where do you see yourself and your music in the next five years?

I have no idea, but I do see myself making people dance and that’s pretty much all I want!

What message do you have for young, aspiring producers who look up to you?

Never, ever lose faith. Keep trying, listen to your gut instinct, don’t chase what’s trendy because you’ll become trapped.

What is going through your mind during a live performance in front of a massive crowd?

Pure happiness. I live for this.