Legendary artist UMEK delves into his collaboration with rising talent Sam WOLFE and shares his thoughts on the ever-evolving techno scene.
Slovenian techno pioneer UMEK has been a defining force in techno for three decades, known for his influential presence and dark driving sound. His vast catalog and innovative approach have continuously pushed the genre’s boundaries. Beyond his music, he co-founded Viberate, a leading music data company that provides insights for music industry professionals and tools for independent artists to see success in the scene.
Last month, UMEK teamed up with rising American talent Sam WOLFE to release their explosive new track, “Reloaded.” This collaboration merges UMEK’s decades of experience with Sam WOLFE’s fresh energy, resulting in a unique track for both producers. Released on Reinier Zonneveld’s label, Filth on Acid, the track showcases a relentless pace, driving basslines, and spellbinding vocals that create an irresistible atmosphere on the dance floor.
After releasing “Reloaded,” we sat down with UMEK to discuss the collaboration, his thoughts on the evolving techno scene, and what keeps him motivated after more than two decades in the industry. Read on for the full interview with this techno legend, and listen to his fresh tune with Sam WOLFE on Spotify or your preferred platform.
Hi UMEK, thanks so much for taking the time to chat with us today. We’re excited to dive into your latest release and hear more about your experiences and plans for the future. How did the collaboration on “Reloaded” come about, and what was the creative process like for both of you?
I’ve known Sam for a while now. We met during the COVID times and had many sessions together. We work freestyle—sometimes he works on my ideas, sometimes I work on his, and then the magic happens. It’s fun when you’re working with a guy like Sam.
How did you both balance your unique styles to create a cohesive track? Were there any challenges or surprising synergies?
We have unique styles, but we’re in the same genre, so the workflow is really easy. I love working with Sam; it’s fun and pure enjoyment. That’s how a collaboration is supposed to be, at least in my opinion.
Can we expect more collaborations between the two of you in the future?
Yes, we have one more collaboration, which has been in our sets for a while now. It’s a mental track with metal voices over this peak-time techno style. I know it sounds a little confusing, but the track is very original and different. So that will be our next project.
After more than 25 years in the industry, how has the music scene changed, and how have these changes influenced your approach to music today?
I’m still excited after 25 years. The scene has changed completely. Back then, I had about 40 synthesizers, compressors, reverbs, and all that stuff. Now it’s all on the computer. For example, it gives me the freedom to work while on an airplane. If I have 12 hours and don’t sleep on the plane, that means time for music. I can work in the summer while I’m on a hot island with my wife. Mobility is one of the things that has changed a lot because you used to need your own studio or a professional studio.
What keeps you excited and motivated in your career at this stage? Are there any particular projects or goals that you’re currently passionate about?
It’s actually the same as when I started. It’s always about learning new things, even if I already know a lot, but the learning never stops. There are always new plugins and new ways to explore music. From time to time, I see the new generation of producers whose brains are wired completely differently from mine, and I’m really surprised by how they see, hear, and feel the music—it’s always exciting. I think I will be this eager to learn all my life until I die—I have this feeling.
How do you feel about the current wave of young talent in the techno scene?
The techno scene is as popular as ever. We have the biggest stars right now, young kids, and exciting new DJs, but at the same time, it’s in the worst state it has ever been in. It’s unbelievable how many untalented people are playing around the world and have a lot of gigs. The reason for this is technological development because it’s never been easier to be a DJ. People with no technical skills or minimal technical skills but a big social media presence are taking advantage of this. In my opinion, some production and DJ skills are at an all-time low.
Finally, have there been any new music technologies or production methods that have recently caught your interest?
Yes, there’s always something that blows me away every week. I’m grateful that we now live in a digital age. It’s a bit easier to develop new machines within software because you used to need a lot of hardware. Then you had to find distribution, sales channels, and all those things. At the moment, many small companies are making groundbreaking developments. I check the internet every day for new plugins, and when I find something great, I use it in my production. I love this new workflow.
