GET TO KNOW
Originally from Málaga, Spain, Guille aka GNRØ is a prominent figure in the Hard Techno world, known for his productions and DJ sets that evoke the Hard Te- chno/Schranz scene of the early 2000s with a unique emotional touch. His tracks, released on renowned labels such as AGONY and No Mercy, have reached high positions on Beatport charts and are supported by major figures like Amelie Lens and Paula Temple. GNRØ has made his mark on iconic clubs and festivals such as Blackworks, Fabrik Madrid and Dreambeach Festival, and he is a resident at Abstract in Málaga, constantly raising the standard of Hard Techno.
In our interview, he shared how he got started in music and what attracted him to Hard Techno, his creative process, and his life experiences. We will also discuss the recognition he has received, his collaborations, and future projects. GNRØ will give us his perspective on the evolution of Hard Techno and advice for young DJs and producers. We are excited to learn more about his career and his outlook for the future.
BEGINNINGS
At the age of 23, Guille decided to transition from being a mere enthusiast to becoming an artist. Upon completing his degree in Journalism in 2020, he took advantage of pandemic lockdowns to immerse himself intensely in music production, dedicating up to 10 to 12 hours daily. His debut as a producer quickly followed with well-received tracks, leading him to join the Abs- tract collective in Málaga in 2022. Since then, he has continued to refine his sound both in production and as a DJ, leveraging opportunities provided by Abstract and his music to grow and evolve in the electronic mu- sic scene.
GNRØ aims to convey deep emotions through his mu- sic, describing his tracks as designed for “dancing whi- le crying”. His sound has evolved while remaining true to his identity and enjoys how audiences recognize and associate his music with who he is.
“I understand music as a means of expression, and blending nostalgic or emotive melodies and atmos- pheres with the energetic and driving rhythms of Hard Techno serves this purpose for me. I am proud to see how my sound has evolved from my early tracks to to- day while remaining true to my style, and to see how people can recognize and associate it as something I can call mine.”
MUSICAL STYLE
GNRØ´s musical style blends elements from various genres, rooted primarily in a nostalgic Schranz style from 15 years ago infused with evocative melodies. Starting, he faced mixed reception due to the personal nature of his sound, but he’s gratified to see influen- tial artists like Paula Temple, Rebekah, O.B.I., and Tham now supporting and playing his tracks.
“I have been particularly influenced by the styles of pro- ducers like the latter two, always aiming for a percussi- ve and robust sound on one hand, yet with aggressive and melodic synthesizers. The emotional aspect has always been with me, stemming from a passion for Pro- gressive music since a young age, which further solidi- fied during my time in Milan, a city known for its vibrant Melodic Techno culture”.
Recent collaborations with emerging artists like Ven- dex (to be released) and releases on labels such as Agony Records, notably with the EP ‘Falling Down’, achieving weeks in Beatport’s Top 10 Hard Techno chart, have bolstered his career. He values the stea- dfast support of his local audience and emphasizes
the importance of building a supportive and respect- ful community within the competitive music industry. He advocates against divisive competition, believing in uplifting fellow artists and maintaining a healthy, co- llaborative environment. Even outside the Hard Techno circle, he finds appreciation for his work, which fuels his determination to continue evolving and innovating in his musical journey.
ABOUT ABSTRACT TECHNO
“As a resident of Abstract Techno, I joined the collective in 2022, three years after its inception as a response to the limited Techno scene in my city. Abstract’s core philosophy has always been to introduce high-quality events and artists that were rarely seen locally, along- side supporting local talent. Emerging as pioneers of Hard Techno in southern Spain post-pandemic, Abs- tract has hosted artists like Nico Moreno, Oguz, Dyen, Dax J, Rebekah, 6ejou, and Clara Cuve, many making their regional debuts. They focus on events in their city while expanding across Spain and recently into Europe with shows in Amsterdam, Nuremberg, and partners- hips with Terminal V in Croatia”.
“Abstract continuously innovates, offering events in di- verse formats from intimate clubs to large-scale club and open-air venues, all with top-notch production while maintaining a close-knit, familial atmosphere. They serve as a support platform for local talent, pro- viding opportunities to those they believe are dedica- ted and talented, exemplified by artists like myself who were given a chance to shine. While initially not exclu- sively focused on Hard Techno, Abstract has embraced various genres, fostering a broad spectrum of sounds and contributing significantly to the revitalization of the local scene in their city and making a strong impact on the thriving Spanish electronic music scene overall”.
SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCE
GNRØ uses social media primarily as a tool to direct people towards his music, though he doesn’t see them as the focal point of his career. He recognizes the im- portance of adapting to new communication forms to reach a broader audience, particularly in an environ- ment where visual and immediate content is valued by algorithms. He strives to create more human, intimate, and interactive content to authentically connect with his audience.
He views social media as an additional portfolio to showcase his work, maximizing its potential. However, he reflects on how the culture of likes and followers can sometimes divert attention from true musical quality, favoring more narcissistic personalities over artists with solid musical production but less visibility on social media.
“A recent anecdote was how some videos of a B2B set I did with my friend Oguz at an underground afterparty in Granada went viral on TikTok and Instagram, following our respective shows at the city’s top club that night. Many attendees recorded various moments, which gar- nered hundreds of thousands of views without me pa- ying much attention until many people from within and outside the scene mentioned how often the algorithm had showcased them. It’s an example of how something like this can be another gateway for many people to discover who I am”.
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