An Interview with Space 92: Techno’s French Kingpin
Space 92 is a name that needs no introduction for anyone who’s spent time on a packed dancefloor or scanned Beatport’s Techno charts in recent years. Since 2020, he’s held the title of best-selling Techno Peak Time artist, earning his reputation with an unmistakable sound that blends melodic depth, acid textures, and gritty percussion. Born and raised in the South of France, Space 92’s productions carry a nostalgic nod to his love for vintage 80s Sci-Fi, giving his tracks a futuristic yet familiar edge.
With releases on heavyweight labels like Drumcode, Filth on Acid, and Factory 93, Space 92’s discography reads like a who's-who of techno's most respected imprints. His collaborations are equally impressive, including work with giants like Reinier Zonneveld, Carl Cox, and Hi-Lo. On top of that, his remixes for Nicole Moudaber and Layton Giordani have held top spots on the Beatport charts, earning his place as one of the genre’s most consistent producers.
Whether headlining Resistance Ultra Tokyo, playing legendary clubs like WOMB, or igniting festival stages at CRSSD and Ultra Miami, Space 92 delivers a level of precision and energy that keeps him in demand across the globe. And if his solo sets weren’t enough, his collaborative live/hybrid project Turbulence with French artist POPOF has been raising the bar for techno performances. Featuring exclusive tracks and tailor-made edits, Turbulence has already torn through Resistance stages in Tokyo, Seoul, and Miami.
From chart-topping tracks to marathon sets and a ceaseless pursuit for the studio, Space 92 is in a league of his own. Dive into our full interview to hear more about his process, his quirks, and the journey that’s taken him from Toulouse to the biggest stages in the world.
What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?
Many people don’t know that I’m French, including French people! Also, I really like cheesy 80s’pop music. :)
If you weren’t a DJ/Producer, what would you be?
I’d probably still be a computer geek!
What’s the most memorable moment of your career?
There are too many of them to just pick one. I’d say, not in any particular order: my first Beatport Number 1, my first post-Covid show, my first award as a producer, my first mega festival, my first tour outside Europe, and the launch of my own label (spoiler alert!).
Who’s an artist that inspires you right now?
Mathame, Anyma for the melodies. Then I would also say upcoming talents such as Linska, Dok & Martin, Pablo Say, and Karla Blum.
What’s a track you play when you want to get the crowd hyped?
My latest sounds are super pumped-up and dancefloor-oriented, and I’ve been very successfully testing them these past months. So, I’d say any T1 2025 Space 92 track!
What’s your go-to snack or drink before a show?
Definitely a gin tonic. Not too many of them though, because I try to be reasonable. I usually have a couple throughout my entire set – except when I’m in Poland because my fans over there keep sending me shots when I’m playing, and, you know, I’m polite. I drink them. Haha.
What’s your favorite city to play in, and why?
I would probably pick Buenos Aires because the crowd is so incredibly warm, knowledgeable, and energetic. I honestly feel so much at home every time I go back. BA is a gorgeous city and culturally so rich. I also love New York, Tokyo, Beirut, and Shanghai for the same reasons.
How would you describe your sound in three words?
Ass-kicking, melodic, trancey.
What’s one non-music-related thing that makes you happy?
FOOD (and hiking).
What’s a track that always brings you back to your roots?
Cirez D - On Off.
If you could collaborate with any artist, dead or alive, who would it be?
What’s your favorite non-music-related hobby?
Movies (and hiking).
If you could time travel to any era of music history, when would it be and why?
The late 90s'/early 90s' when all the trance classics were released one after the other. The majestic Tiesto / Paul van Dyk / Armin van Buuren / Hardwell /etc. era. I was too young to fully comprehend what was happening musically at the time.
What’s a record that never leaves your crate or USB?
My collaboration track with Hi-Lo, ‘Mercury.’ I cherish it so much.
If you weren’t touring or in the studio, where would we find you?
There is a 90% probability you’d find me on my couch in my underwear watching a movie and trying to recuperate from touring!
What’s a fun fact or hidden talent that has nothing to do with music?
I ate chicken feet and duck tongues in China, and my tour manager convinced me to eat giant smoked ants in Colombia; all of which I did not particularly enjoy. Haha.
What is simple that makes you smile?
A silly joke, my manager’s outfits, cheesy pop music.
What’s a memory you never want to let go of?
None of them; the bad and the good.
When do you feel at most peace?
When I’m with my family.
What are some things you forget but feel better when you are reminded about?
That I’m fucking lucky to be able to do what I love the most and make a decent living off of it.
What personal prison have you built out of fear?
My anxiety. I struggled to keep it in check for many years, but I’m doing better now, and I’m seeing a professional. Mental health is a very serious matter.
What’s something normal to you that other people find weird?
Most people around me cannot comprehend why I would fly 13 hours to a country on the other side of the globe, land, perform, and leave on the same day. My reply would be: because of obligations.
If you could compliment yourself, what would you say?
Your nose is perfect!
From a production perspective, what’s the most expensive mistake you’ve ever made in an effort to put on a kick-ass show?
None, because I’m such a pro.
As someone who deals with technology and computers to write music, has there been a gut-wrenching story where you lost your music or the track/beats you were working on?
Thankfully, no, but someone tried to steal my USB once after my show. My manager chased and caught the culprit, so it’s all good.
What makes you cringe when you listen to your early material?
I used to make minimal techno, suffice to say.
What do you find yourself obsessing about most in the studio? From every perspective of creating a track.
I’m both a perfectionist and a control freak, so I obsess about everything. It can take me months to find the right sound.
What is your favorite set time and duration?
Probably the 1 AM to 3 AM slot. Two or three hours is good. That being said, I did six hours once in Barcelona, and I had a blast.
If you had the power to erase & abolish one musical genre, which one would you abolish for all eternity?
None of them. Diversity is good. Someone from my management made me listen to an atmospheric Doom track once (Hello, person from management here: Hagazussa soundtrack by MMMD. Cheers.), and I hated it, but I wouldn’t erase it though.
