Get to Know Minimal Tech Daddy RN ISMO

Explore the unique sounds of “Minimal Tech Daddy” RN ISMO as he carves out a new niche within Detroit’s iconic techno scene.

Chicago native and current Detroit resident, RN ISMO, has carved a notable niche for himself over the past few years. As half of the duo Invite Only, alongside TekNoNo, they infuse a distinctive minimal flair into Detroit’s predominantly techno scene. RN ISMO has garnered support from diverse artists, including Lee Foss, Westend, and Solardo, and dropped releases on labels such as Repopulate Mars, Cuff, and Reelow‘s Reecords.

This year has been a productive one, to say the very least. RN ISMO’s latest single, “Stuck In My Mind,” was released on Huxley’s label, Dumb Safari, and features a remix by Solid Grooves Label Manager and Silky Records head, Ramin Rezaie. He also has plenty more in store for lovers of his Detroit Minimal Tech sound as he heads deeper into 2024.

Looking to gain some insight into RN ISMO’s career so far, we spoke with him to learn more about his upcoming plans in Detroit and the greater Midwest, the future of Invite Only, and his goals moving forward. Enjoy his exclusive guest mix and read on for the full conversation.

Stream EDMID Guest Mix 419 || RN ISMO on SoundCloud:

Hi, RN ISMO. Thank you for taking the time to answer some questions today. Let’s jump in by exploring your roots. Who were some of the earliest musical influences who left a lasting impression on you?

Since a young age, I have been immersed in electronic dance music. I was listening to Jean Michel Jarre and The Prodigy on repeat for years. Eventually, I fell in love with legendary artists like Tiesto, Paul Van Dyk, Paul Oakenfold, deadmau5, and more. Over the past decade, I went to hundreds of shows and festivals, immersing myself in a wide variety of dance music subgenres.

In 2017, I took a leap of faith and started to produce. I didn’t know where I would end up, but I kept swimming and learning more about myself through the process. In 2020, during lockdown, many professional artists stopped touring altogether and started teaching over Zoom. I was fortunate to learn my production foundation primarily from Dillon Nathaniel and Westend. They directly influenced my direction of production… house music.

I continued to work and craft my sound to the eventual support of Detlef, who is one of the most profound figures in the minimal tech subgenre. In 2021, I was blessed to find out that my remix of Detlef’s “Dub Clap” will be officially released on his label Issues. Dub Clap remix allowed me to dive deeper into the minimal tech subgenre and learn the unique works of such artists as Dennis Cruz, Michael Bibi, PAWSA, and Ricardo Villalobos.

Today, I am proud to exemplify a brand of “Minimal Tech Daddy,” all the while pushing a new subgenre of dance music: “Detroit Minimal Tech”

Did growing up in Chicago and then moving to Detroit impact your journey artistically? How has this helped your sound evolve over time?

I spent my formative years in the suburbs of Chicago, specifically Vernon Hills, before relocating to Detroit in 2013. It wasn’t until 2017 that I delved into the realms of production and DJing. Reflecting on that period, I failed to grasp the significance of my move to Detroit.

Detroit stands as the birthplace of dance music, with luminaries like Juan Atkins, Derrick May, and Kevin Saunderson pioneering Detroit Techno and laying the groundwork for electronic dance music culture worldwide. The city’s rich history continues to influence my sense of self profoundly. The bold experimentation and pioneering spirit of these iconic figures inspire me as I venture into the creation of a new dance music subgenre, “Detroit Minimal Tech.”

What are your thoughts on the current state of Minimal/Deep Tech? Where do you see it going?

From a North American perspective, minimal/ deep tech remains in its early stages of development. Even prominent figures such as Michael Bibi, PAWSA, and Dennis Cruz have yet to consistently grace the stages of the Midwest market, let alone across North America. Their presence has only recently begun to take root in cities like Miami and New York.

However, as audiences grow more accustomed to the sound of minimal/deep tech, their enthusiasm for it flourishes. Yet, patience is key as promoters are still acclimatizing to this sound, which has primarily thrived in the UK and Ibiza. Thus, they’re taking calculated risks on a concept not yet proven in the North American market. Nevertheless, I foresee minimal tech establishing firm foundations here over the next decade as its appeal continues to resonate and its influence gradually permeates the scene.

Your style has evolved over time. Can you discuss a pivotal moment or track that altered your current musical direction?

Undoubtedly, my remix for Detlef’s Dub Clap marked a pivotal moment in my career trajectory. At that time, I was in the midst of discovering my sonic identity, leaning heavily towards a tech-house aesthetic. However, upon receiving Detlef’s support and being signed with his label Issues, my affinity for creating, experiencing, and DJing minimal/deep tech became unmistakably clear.

I embarked further down the rabbit hole of minimal and deep tech, a journey that ultimately shaped the position I currently occupy in the industry.

Could you share a bit about your song “Stuck in My Mind” on Dumb Safari? What’s the story behind this track specifically?

Back in 2022, I decided to join the Mixmasters production retreat in Ibiza. The retreat is a seven-day music production led by industry professionals, in which artists have to have 1-track done to present in front of Graham Sahara (AandR for MicroHertz, Edible, ClubBad, and more). The week that I went was the week Huxley and Ramin were leading the charge.

I developed a great relationship with both of them. They respected my work and spoke highly of me to the Mixmasters team. In 2023, Mixmasters brought me back to work during the fall season as a production retreat manager. Over two months, my relationship with Huxley and Ramin blossomed into a brotherhood.

Initially, I was sincerely nervous about playing a record to Huxley, but he immediately loved it! He even mentioned that he can get Ramin on remix duties! I was blown away! Two of the most influential people in my career are working together on crafting a special release. It is a divine blessing.

You also have a project with TekNoNo, Invite Only. How did this project come to be, and how do you differentiate your work between the two aliases?

I first crossed paths with Noah (TekNoNo) back in college around 2014, when he was dating one of my classmates from nursing school. Our interactions were minimal at the time..pun intended. Fast forward to 2020, amidst the COVID pandemic, we reconnected. I was hosting DJ live streams, and he joined one of them, dubbed the “Short Staffed Livestream.” Our shared passion for music quickly forged a deep friendship between us.

The concept of INVITE ONLY and the “Bald Daddies” branding emerged organically from our immersion in the Detroit scene. We didn’t sit down and deliberate over a plan; it simply evolved as a reflection of our close friendship. One day, I felt the need for a name that embraced inclusivity, and “Invite Only” resonated with both Noah and me instantly. From that moment, it became our identity, and the journey unfolded naturally.

Regarding our creative process, Noah takes the lead in generating ideas, while I contribute from a technical standpoint. The RN ISMO brand, on the other hand, is my exclusive domain, reflecting my standards of production and personal expression as a whole.

How do you approach the challenge of keeping your sound fresh in the ever-evolving landscape of dance music?

I try to not focus on trends and create from a place of authenticity and full artistic expression. I trust the universe to continue to unfold on its own accord, all the while embracing RN ISMO project as a whole.

Piece of advice: don’t chase trends; chase your inner why, and things will unfold in front of your eyes.

Beyond your work as a DJ and producer, you’ve also been mentoring other artists. What aspects of mentoring do you enjoy the most?

Passing on knowledge to aspiring artists has been incredibly fulfilling for me. Witnessing my students take proactive steps toward their aspirations is immensely gratifying. I’ve observed that many of them tend to overanalyze the creative process initially. However, once they break free from this mental barrier, dive into production, release their work, and eventually achieve success independently, it’s truly a rewarding experience.

Furthermore, cultivating deep connections with fellow artists has been another deeply meaningful aspect of my journey. To me, this is the essence of it all.

As we approach the second half of 2024, what are your main goals for the rest of the year?

I prefer not to set rigid time constraints and instead remain attuned to the present moment. In late 2023, I launched my label ISMOS, dedicated to fostering artistic expression beyond one’s comfort zone while staying within the groove. The label will provide artists with the freedom to fully express themselves while embracing the ethos of minimal and minimal tech. Anticipate exciting releases in the latter half of 2024.

In May, I’m thrilled to join forces with my brother TekNoNo as INVITE ONLY for the official Movement AfterParty during the KMS Showcase on Sunday, May 26th. Sharing the stage with Kevin Saunderson and Saunderson Bros. is a significant milestone in our careers, and we’re deeply honored.

For a specific goal, my sole aspiration as an artist is to be signed to Solid Grooves. Solid Grooves has impacted my creativity and expression throughout my career; it’ll be a tremendous honor to release music under their banner. Beyond that, I’ll continue to nurture RN ISMO and let the project evolve organically. I’m truly enjoying the journey.

I really appreciate your time, looking forward to what is next!