To celebrate Joton’s release “Shadow Pulse” on the respected imprint Illegal Alien Records, we sat with the Spanish artist to ask him a few questions, reflecting on a DJ and label managing career spanning over more than two decades, including a recent tour in the U.S.
Dirty Epic: First of all, congrats on this new release, «Shadow Pulse» is definitely a fine 10“ addition to one’s shelves, can you tell us more about the creative process behind this EP?
Joton: Thank you! «Shadow Pulse» was born out of experimentation and layering textures to create a balance between hypnotic rhythms and raw energy. I spent a lot of time fine-tuning the sound design to ensure each track had its own identity while still feeling cohesive as a whole.
DE: Speaking of machines, which ones are your favorites? Tell us more about the sound you shape and your influences.
Joton: I’m a big fan of Roland, Moog, and Electron… especially the Analog Rytm for their versatility and depth. The Moog Slim Phaty also plays a key role in my productions, especially for creating rich basslines and atmospheric textures.
My influences are rooted in the classic techno sound from Detroit and Birmingham, combined with the industrial edge of artists like Surgeon and Regis. However, I always aim to fuse these elements into something unique and personal.
DE: You recently toured in the US—NY’s Basement, Boston with Infra, the LA area with Dirty Epic & Kenopsicevents, and Phoenix, Arizona with Techno Snobs. What are your impressions on the US scene compared to the European scene?
Joton: The US scene is vibrant and growing fast, with an incredible energy and passion from the crowds. What struck me most is how diverse it is—each city has its own character and vibe. Compared to Europe, I’d say the underground scene in the US feels a bit more intimate and raw, which I really enjoy. It’s exciting to see how much the love for techno is spreading there.
DE: What is and how went your first experience with techno?
Joton: My first experience with techno was in a small club in Spain when I was a teenager. The sound completely captivated me—it was raw, hypnotic, and unlike anything I’d heard before. That night sparked a deep passion for the genre, and it wasn’t long before I started experimenting with production and DJing myself.
DE: After that, any involvements with a collective or role in your local scene?
Joton: Absolutely. Early on, I joined forces with some friends to organize events in my hometown. We wanted to bring quality techno to our local scene and create a space for people to connect with the music. This eventually led to the creation of Newrhythmic, which started as a records shop and has grown into a platform for releasing music over the years.
DE: Regarding Newrhythmic, it’s been almost 20 years and still standing strong, any special projects in the making? Any new physical releases planned?
Joton: It’s hard to believe it’s been nearly two decades! We’re working on some exciting projects for 2024, including more vinyl releases and collaborations with up-and-coming artists. The goal is to keep pushing boundaries while staying true to the label’s identity.
DE: What are your favorite releases from 2024? Can we find them in your monthly selection video mix?
Joton: There are so many great releases this year!
A few that stand out include works from Rødhåd, Yan Cook, or Oscar Mulero, and some emerging talents who are really pushing the envelope. You’ll definitely find a mix of these tracks in my monthly video mix—it’s my way of sharing what inspires me with the audience.
DE: What is your favorite? Club, festival, or warehouse?
Joton: It’s tough to choose, but I’d say warehouses have something special. There’s something about the raw, unpolished environment that complements techno so perfectly.
DE: Any gig memory? What’s the most unusual place you played in?
Joton: One of the most memorable gigs was in an old abandoned factory in Eastern Europe. The acoustics were insane, and the vibe was unmatched—it felt like the perfect setting for techno. It’s always special to play in unique spaces that amplify the music’s energy and atmosphere.
DE: What’s your oldest piece of equipment?
Joton: My oldest piece of equipment is my Roland MC 303. I’ve had it for years, and it’s still one of my go-to machines. It has a unique character that no plugin or modern gear can fully replicate.
DE: What are your favorite and most meaningful releases on Newrhythmic?
Joton: That’s a tough question, because every release is special in its own way. Maybe for me, the albums celebrating the 100 releases, like the first releases of Quelza or Alarico’s careers, and my two albums… I don’t know, it’s difficult. Like I said, they’re all special to me.
-Interview by Rudolphe Vidal
Links
RA: https://ra.co/dj/joton
SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/joton
Bandcamp: https://joton.bandcamp.com
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