Popof is the label owner of FORM Music, and Space 92 is one of the world’s biggest-selling techno artists.

Crowned the #1 selling Techno artist on Beatport for the second consecutive year in 2021, abounding French producer and undisputed man-of-the-moment, Space 92, is the name on everybody’s lips right now. Following a slew of chart-topping releases on the likes of Filth on Acid, Perfekt Groove and 1605 (to name just a few) the prolific, in-demand Frenchman now turns his attention to a label slightly closer to home, as he makes his eagerly-anticipated EP debut on POPOF’s long-standing Parisian imprint, FORM Music.

Hailed by critics as “one of techno’s most sought-after acts of the decade”, Space 92 now takes the next step in his already star-studded career as he joins head honcho POPOF for an incredible new three-part EP, titled Insomnia. Featuring a huge collaboration with POPOF and two inimitable Space 92 solo productions, the relentless, multi-faceted package is yet another impressive showcase in dark, cosmic, warehouse techno from Space 92, who returns to the forward-thinking Parisian label for its landmark 99^th release, following his debut back in March remixing POPOF’s Skylighter. We caught up with both artists to find out more…

POPOF

Hey Alex, how are you mate? What’s good and bad in your world?

Hello! I am fine, thank you! In my world, it’s more “good” than “bad” at the moment. A lot of projects are in progress that requires time, investment and organizational skills. Musically speaking I’ve been working on my label FORM Music’s 100^th edition due to be released in December. I’m also working on a couple of remixes for Dubfire and NTO. In parallel, I’ve been working on developing my label’s events to the max.

We’re digging the new release from yourself and Space 92 on FORM. Talk us through the package…What was it like working with Mathieu on a record for the first time? What’s the workflow like?

Working with Mathieu was quite natural and intuitive. We share the same vision when it comes to music so we were moving in the same direction. We took the time to exchange and sort out our ideas to get to this result and we are very proud of it.

This is the 99th release on FORM. Anything special planned for the big 100?

Well-spotted! I’ve been working on something a little bit special for this 100^th release but it’s a surprise ; )

What’s the most challenging part of running a label?

To find artists that inspire us and that we are proud of. Another challenge is to keep the label sustainable and to make it last – amongst other things by renewing itself and trying not to get lost in too many various musical directions… Even if we are very open-minded at FORM.

And the most rewarding?

Hosting so many incredibly talented artists, and becoming a family in the long run. It’s been a decade but the fun is not stopping.

Looking ahead, what’s your vision for the label in 2022 and beyond?

Discovering even more new talents and strengthening FORM family’s ties to create a like-minded unit, in order to better move forward together.

Anything else you’d like to share with us?

Simply produce your music with your heart and your ears. Don’t follow the hype.

 

Space 92

Hi Mathieu, tell us what inspired your latest one on FORM?

Concerning my latest EP on Form Music (“Insomnia”, out Sept 24^th ) I was mainly inspired by festival atmospheres – even if, at the time this EP was being produced, festivals had unfortunately not yet resumed! So, instead, I imagined the atmosphere and I created these new tracks.

How did you come to work with POPOF?

I don’t exactly recall how it happened, but what is certain is that it happened very naturally. In fact, he contacted me at the end of last year because he liked my productions and we hit it off straight away. I have a lot of respect for his work and the career he has been leading for so many years, and I was a fan myself when I was younger. So, it’s an honour for me today to be working with him because he is a very talented and creative person. Collaborating with POPOF was a great opportunity to put our talents to use.

You are currently one of the top-selling artists overall on Beatport, and the best selling Techno artist over the past two years – what is the secret to your success?

I don’t really know… I think I simply found my own “recipe”, which is a combination of melodies and Techno music. That being said, it took me 12 years to refine my style. I’d tried for years to pinpoint what my trademark identity was and I finally managed to succeed without trying to take inspiration from other things that worked or were trendy. Today, I’m very happy with the result.

What’s it like being back on the road and touring again? 

It’s a very special feeling. To not have done this for years and to not have connected with people for a very long time, and then finally getting together after all this anticipation…It’s an incredible feeling and an indescribable personal pleasure. All those long months of lockdown spent producing music were bearable because there was a purpose: to be able to share it live again. Being able to do so is the most beautiful thing that could happen to a producer.

Were you touring much before the pandemic hit?

Space 92 is a relatively new project of mine since it was born out of the pandemic so… to be honest, nope! I’ve been massively catching up though ; )

Can you talk us through some of your favourite pieces of studio gear?

I’ve used a lot of hardware but I think my favourite piece of equipment is the Ableton Push. I have used it to produce for many years; I have always produced via Ableton. It saves me a lot of time and increases my creativity. I can’t do without it.

While we’re on the topic, do you always have to be in the studio to produce or can you work on the road?

Well, I used to work on an iMac but I switched a few years ago to a MacBook Pro which allows me to work from wherever I want. I’m also more comfortable with the process because it allows me to save my ideas on the spot and then come back to the studio to finalize what I had in mind. I find that creating music, wherever you are, allows you to not be stuck and increases your creativity. This process suits me very well nowadays.

What do you do to get away from music? 

Sports! Especially running, which allows me to think about other things and take a mental break.

Finally, what’s next for Space 92?

I’m currently planning to launch my own label, and I’m also working, among other things, on a future EP due to be released on Filth On Acid.

You can pick up a copy of Popof and Space92’s new release on FORM from HERE