French techno DJ and producer AIROD first started to produce when he was 15 years old, on a demo version of Fruity Loops.
"At first it was mainly dubstep, and I had some gigs at the same time around 16-17 years old, so I learned to DJ during that time also," he says. "Quickly I went deeper into production to make some rap instrumental, drum and bass, and then in 2014 I discovered techno. By 2016 I was already releasing my 'Universe of 90s Techno Parties' that made the beginning of my career and then it got really serious."
AIROD describes his sound as, "a reflection of raw emotion and boundless creativity, designed to transcend the boundaries of the current techno scene."
"I strive to craft music that speaks to the heart, blending intense rhythms with melodies that resonate universally," he says. "Whether fast-paced or slower in tempo, each track carries the same intensity and depth, inviting listeners to feel something real and connect on a deeper level. My music is about following my instincts and staying true to what I love, creating a space where energy and emotion co-exist seamlessly."
His forthcoming release is "Kiss Girl."
"[It's] a true representation of who I am and my core essence as an artist," he says. "With this track, I wanted to stay authentic & innovative while keeping my signature sound. It’s a fusion of driving grooves, heavy basslines, and melodic elements, all balanced between minimalism and complexity, while staying relevant to today’s sound. I played the track many times already and it's a dancefloor killer, so I can’t wait to hear how people connect with it!"
As for gear: "I produce all my tracks entirely on a computer," AIROD says. "I don’t use hardware for production; although I’ve tried it and find it amazing for improvisation or live performances, it doesn’t suit me for pure production work. Hardware tends to make me indecisive, and I lose focus on making concrete choices. My main tool is Fruity Loops, which I have installed on all my computers. I’ve always produced primarily with headphones, and I’ve been loyal to the same model for nearly 10 years now: the Sennheiser HD25."
"For VSTs, I rely heavily on Massive, Sylenth, and Serum to create all my synths and ambient sounds," he continues. "What I love most about this setup is the freedom to produce anywhere, without needing to be in a dedicated studio. It allows me to immediately capture an idea as soon as it comes to me, without delay. When I’m at home, I primarily use my studio for production sessions, mixing, mastering checks, and reviewing mixes. But overall, my process is about staying flexible and capturing inspiration in the moment."
Looking ahead, AIROD has plenty planned for 2025.
"2025 is shaping up to be full of exciting surprises, from new productions and sets to collaborations with other artists," he says. "For a long time, I rarely collaborated with others, but this year I’m looking forward to opening up more and showcasing to my audience the true direction I want to take with my artistry. There are two major releases planned on the biggest labels in the scene, along with self-releases like Kiss Girl, which will reflect my creative choices and ambitions for this year. While I can’t reveal all the details just yet, I can share that there are some unique dates coming up, one of them being the Kappa Futur Festival in Italy this summer, just to give you an idea of what’s ahead. Additionally, I’m working on an audiovisual project that we’ll be developing progressively throughout 2025, with the hope of fully realizing it in 2026. It’s a very exciting time, and I can’t wait to share all of this with everyone."
AIROD's self-released track “Kiss Girl" comes out on January 23.
