1st Elemental is rapidly establishing himself as one of the most exciting emerging names in Peak-Time Techno, driven by a powerful blend of resilience, reinvention, and an unwavering passion for underground music.
Known for fusing high-energy rhythms, massive riffs, and emotionally charged melodies, his productions are crafted to ignite dance floors while delivering immersive sonic experiences. Signed to Reload Records, the acclaimed Techno label owned by The YellowHeads, 1st Elemental has already achieved notable success with his EPs Broken Laws and Sound of Duality, which climbed to #37 on Beatport’s Top 100 Releases and #9 on Best New Hype Techno shortly after release. Through relentless creativity and a forward-thinking approach to sound design, he continues to push the boundaries of modern Techno while building a growing international following.
His latest EP, Set The Tone, further showcases his artistic vision through two powerful tracks designed to captivate listeners both physically and emotionally. The title track, “Set The Tone,” embodies the spirit of self-expression and freedom, with 1st Elemental describing it as “creating your own energy unapologetically—the kind of energy that makes people forget the world around them and express themselves freely through movement, emotion, and sound.” The second track, “Codes,” explores a more hypnotic and mysterious atmosphere, blending warped textures, acid-infused elements, and evolving arpeggios to create a deep, immersive experience. According to the artist, the track was inspired by the idea of “deciphering a mysterious message hidden beneath the noise,” inviting listeners to surrender to an unfolding sonic journey that reveals new layers with every listen.
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
Your story is rooted in resilience and reinvention. What were some of the defining moments that shaped you into the artist known today as 1st Elemental?
Throughout my life as an artist, I’ve had to face so much adversity and challenges that honestly, I should have stopped myself from continuing, but those were the moments I chose to channel my pain into purpose. My last EP “Sound of Duality” was during a time of much pain and uncertainty so I created both tracks with the intention to interpret moments that will come to challenge you, but you must persevere. Personally, facing my own shortcomings and setbacks was the inspiration for the track “Kali” (the demon slayer). Some of the most defining moments for me happened when I faced my greatest challenges head on and despite the results, it’s who I became that really mattered. As an artist, this only made me want to continue and to create to help others overcome their challenges and face uncertainty.
Your music blends massive riffs, emotional melodies, and peak-time energy. How would you describe the emotional experience you want listeners to have when they hear your tracks live?
From the very first kick drum with a commanding low-end, to the massive driving riffs, and emotional melodies, I want the listener to be drawn to a sound that takes them on a hypnotic journey yet invoke emotion. I continuously create music with emotion because I believe that is what makes us human and connects all of us the most. We all relate to emotions and if I can help you feel strong, excited, hyped, empowered, then I succeeded as an artist in my vision to take you on that journey.
Signing with Reload Records marked a major milestone in your career. What did that moment mean to you personally and creatively?
That was the moment I knew that the belief in myself had truly paid off. I’ve always viewed myself as a successful artist long before I was signed to Reload Records, but once I was signed, it only fueled my passion to continue to make music. To have your music played throughout the world is truly a gift and something I am very grateful for, and Reload Records only helped to cement my vision for listeners everywhere.
Your EPs Broken Laws and Sound of Duality gained strong recognition on Beatport shortly after release. Did that success change your mindset or approach to producing music moving forward?
The success of both Broken Laws and Sound of Duality really helped me to see that there is a big audience for what I create. I believe my music does not follow the typical rules and I make music with intention. The intention to make Techno with emotion but keep it massive and driving can be seen as an opposing force to some. But seeing that so many people enjoy what I create, it has encouraged me to continue to make the music I love and to share my creative interpretation of Peak-Time Techno.
Your sound feels cinematic and immersive, almost like telling a story through tension and release. Where do you draw inspiration from when building those sonic journeys?
Great question! I have listened to music since I was in grade school, so my ears have heard so many genres which include from artists like Pink Floyd, Led Zeplin, Eagles, Linkin Park, Beastie Boys, BT, Paul van Dyk, and film composer Hanz Zimmer to name a few. The variety of sounds, arrangements, vocals, to massive orchestral instruments have inspired me in such a way that I owed it to my father and brother for showing me so much music throughout my life. But one artist in particular blew my mind, his name is BT. The tracks are called “Godspeed” and “Dreaming”. In my opinion one of the greatest electronic tracks ever made! The way they bend sounds and progress throughout the track while using such emotional vocals and melodies, deepened my love for electronic music. I’ve been so fascinated ever since that I decided to make every track with the intent to tell a story and have it unfolded progressively while utilizing massive riffs which are inspired by Hanz Zimmer orchestral masterpieces. I am constantly challenging myself to create Peak-Time Techno that converges my love for sounds and tones that pulls the heart strings.
Your new EP Set The Tone carries a powerful message about freedom of expression. What inspired the concept behind the title track, and how does it reflect your identity as an artist?
Freedom of expression… something we all secretly crave in some way. “Set The Tone” was created to remind the listener that their expression and interpretation of the music matters. It’s not about fitting into anyone’s mold or adhering to any specific rules. The track features a modular synth which warps and ducks throughout the song and it carries the track, while also containing distorted rhythmic stabs which can evoke a sense of strength. The energy that unfolds when “Set the Tone” is played is unlike anything and it doesn’t follow the vibe, it truly sets a tone! I want the listener to set their own Tone and embrace freedom through expression. As an artist being able to create Techno that’s different and embraces freedom of creation is where Set the Tone comes in to establish my vision and identity.
Listen on Spotify
“Codes” has a hypnotic, almost otherworldly atmosphere with warped textures and evolving arps. Can you walk us through the creative process behind crafting that track?
With “Codes” I sought out to create the track with the intention to make it hypnotic yet with a driving energy and an evolving arp that can put the listener into a trance. The breakdown was to build up tension and then to have a release at the drop but to allow the kick drum to do all the talking. “Codes” for me is about continuing the vibe and letting the sounds and arrangement take you on an evolving sonic journey.
Listen on Spotify
Techno often thrives on connection between artist and crowd. What’s your favorite moment during a live set when you know the audience is fully locked into your energy?
I would compare that moment to a “State of Flow”. It’s when you’re truly letting go and just enjoying yourself fully while playing music that makes everyone dance. That state is unlike anything, and it is one of the reasons why I love performing. Connecting with the crowd in those moments is priceless and it’s something I enjoy very much. My favorite part about it is connecting with the crowd and literally vibing at the same frequency and moving in unison almost as if the music has connected everyone in the room through an invisible force.
Beyond music production, you’ve spoken about building a movement through immersive visuals and forward-thinking artistry. What does the bigger vision for 1st Elemental look like in the years ahead?
Connecting with my fans is at the forefront of my creative vision and I intend to build upon my success with my music to further connect and share moments together. I am currently working on releasing platforms that I will announce to my fans and will include ways to communicate more and connect in a more in-depth way. Music is meant to connect with others and to also help people get through what they are going through. My vision is to embrace that philosophy and create ways to share my creations and visions in a way where everyone can be part of the journey. It won’t be long, so stay tuned!
For listeners discovering 1st Elemental for the first time through Set The Tone, what do you hope they take away from the experience once the music stops?
Setting the tone is about being your true self and expressing that through music. I hope that first time listeners to Set The Tone embrace their freedom of expression and remember to set their own Tone!
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