EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
For over a decade, François X has been a defining fi- gure in the techno world, constantly evolving and res- haping his identity as an artist while maintaining his place as a leading force in the genre. With his roots deeply intertwined with the underground scene of the early 2000s, François X brings a unique perspective, blending his love for fashion, tennis, and intense clu- bbing experiences into his creative process. After the upheaval caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, François X not only adapted to a new reality but found new ways to connect with the emerging generation of techno enthusiasts.
From his early days as an artist to his ongoing mis- sion of pushing techno’s boundaries by incorporating pop and rap influences, François X has always strived to stay ahead of the curve while remaining true to his artistic core. In this profile, we explore his reflections on his journey, the shaping forces behind his music, and his vision for the future of techno.
THE EVOLUTION OF A VISIONARY: OVER A DECADE OF STAYING RELE- VANT
François X’s trajectory in the techno scene is as eclec- tic as it is inspiring. Having spent over a decade mas- tering the art of DJing, producing, and connecting with audiences worldwide, his career is a fascinating blend of serendipity, determination, and boundless creativi- ty. Though now recognized as a leading figure in tech- no, François X’s path was far from conventional. From his early days as a resident DJ to headlining at major clubs, he’s remained committed to his craft while em- bracing an ever-evolving sound.
One of the pivotal moments that defined François’ ca- reer came during his residency at Five Beats, where he was unexpectedly thrust into the headlining spot. “Juan Atkins had to cancel at the last minute, and I stepped in to play the headlining slot. The crowd didn’t even realize the switch at first, but after the set, the praise rolled in, and people were surprised to learn it was me behind the decks.”
This experience proved to be a turning point, not only boosting his confidence but also solidifying his role in the burgeoning techno scene. However, it wasn’t just early victories that shaped his evolution; the challen- ge of emulating the mastery of DJs like Ben Klock and Marcel Dettmann pushed François to redefine his sound and elevate his artistry.
“Watching them create groundbreaking records while ruling the DJ booth set a very high bar for me,” François recalls.
His drive for excellence has been a consistent theme throughout his career, continually striving to reach new creative heights.
Transitioning from a finance career to becoming a fu- ll-time artist brought its own set of trials.
“I had come from a very structured, corporate envi- ronment, where everything was pragmatic and logical. Stepping into the music industry with idealistic dreams, I quickly learned that it’s not just about creativity; it’s also a business.”
Navigating the music world involved understanding how to balance passion with practicality. Yet, his di- verse influences—from his background in fashion to his love for tennis—helped him maintain an authentic creative identity, even while learning the ropes of the music industry.
“Staying true to my roots has always felt natural. My passions fuel my creativity, and I believe that’s what keeps me fresh and grounded.”
Post-COVID, François’s approach to creativity ex- panded dramatically. He describes the pandemic as a period of liberation, where he embraced a wider ran- ge of influences beyond just techno. Through his plat- form XX LAB, he began exploring fashion, design, and broader musical landscapes.
“The more I allowed myself to explore, the more my creativity expanded. It helped me break out of old constraints and embrace a more open creative path,” he reflects.
No longer confined by old definitions, François X has emerged with a renewed sense of artistic freedom, blending elements of pop, rap, and fashion into his te- chno productions. His career now sits at an interesting intersection—between the history of the genre and its future.
“I stay relevant by staying curious and open. It’s not about adapting to trends but staying connected to the youth and fresh ideas.”
François X has spent more than a decade carving his name into the landscape of electronic music. Reflec- ting on how he’s managed to keep evolving, he says:
“It’s been over ten years now, and I can say I’ve learned to adapt to the industry’s shifts, especially post-CO- VID. The pandemic changed everything—how we per- form, and how we connect. I realized I had to reinvent my connection with the audience, especially the youn- ger crowd who were experiencing techno in a new con- text. But I always try to stay relevant without losing my core identity, while also looking at new ways to stay fresh.”
His response highlights a key aspect of his career: the ability to not only withstand the turbulent shifts within the music industry but to embrace them as opportu- nities for growth. Adapting to this new landscape has been a conscious effort, a way for him to stay connec- ted with an evolving fanbase.
“You can’t just do what you’ve always done. You have to be open to new experiences and willing to experiment. But while I experiment, I also remain true to what has always made my sound unique. It’s about finding that balance.”
THE FRANÇOIS X DNA: A FUSION OF CLUBBING, FASHION, AND TENNIS
The key to François X’s unique sound can be found in the diverse experiences that have influenced him. He credits his early years of intense clubbing in the 2000s as a major formative experience, but that’s only part of the picture. He’s also drawn inspiration from the unex- pected realms of fashion and tennis, infusing these in- fluences into his music.
“Growing up, I was clubbing heavily in the early 2000s, and that intense experience of being in the crowd, fe- eling the energy, has shaped everything I do musically. It’s the foundation of my sound. But beyond that, fas- hion has had a big impact on me—how it evolves, and the way it influences culture. Tennis, too, surprisingly. There’s a discipline to it that has affected my mindset as an artist.”
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