Ambitious and dedicated to his vision of producing music the way he likes it – but not limiting himself to techno only. For Afem Syko – German dj and producer, who’s debut EP “RAS1” was released on R Label Group – it’s not about forcing a certain direction. It’s about letting the creativity grow as naturally as he does, with his taste evolving all the time.
This open-minded attitude brought him the opportunity to play at events and festivals such as DOOM, Respira Festival, Hardlab or Synoid Weekender, just to name a few. And invited by Theia Crush, Afem Syko will play on 5th October at Wroclaw’s Transformator club, and we asked him a couple of questions about his early beginnings, similarities between his former boxer’s life and his way to the techno top.
Agata Omelanska: Hello Afem, pleasure to meet you and I’m very happy that – knowing how busy you are – you found time for the interview. Let’s go!
Afem Syko: Thank you so much for having me! It’s a pleasure to participate in this interview, and I’m excited to dive into our conversation. Let’s get started!
As a bit tricky introduction, can you please tell us something about yourself – but without referring to music first? Who are you, what are you interested in, who (or what) inspires you and what’s your passion / favourite activity?
Hey, my name is Matthias, and I grew up in a small city in northern Germany. As a kid, I spent a lot of time outdoors, exploring nature and soaking up everything around me. I’ve always had a strong passion for sports, especially boxing – it taught me discipline, focus, and the importance of pushing my limits. Even though I loved my hometown, I knew early on that I wanted to explore the world beyond it. So, as soon as I had the chance, I left to seek out new experiences and broaden my horizons. This desire to discover more has always driven me, whether through travel, new challenges, or stepping out of my comfort zone.
What did your life look like before entering the world of electronic music? Or maybe you were, somehow, connected to the music industry at school / university, etc. from the very early start?
Before I got into electronic music, my life revolved around sports, particularly boxing. I was fully committed and on the path to becoming a professional, with many fights under my belt. During those early years, hip hop was the music I connected with most – it played a big role in shaping who I am today. It was my go-to sound until my interests gradually shifted, leading me to discover the world of electronic music.
This transition from the discipline of boxing to the creative world of music was a major turning point for me. Although they seem like very different paths, both require a strong sense of commitment and passion, which I’ve carried into my music career. The energy and drive from those early days have definitely influenced how I approach my work now.
If you could name one, but the most important life-drawn inspiration, what / who would it be? And why?
The last official Love Parade in 2010 is a defining moment in my life. It was not only my first-ever techno event, but also the spark that set me on the path to making music. The energy, the unity, and the music were unlike anything I had ever experienced – it was truly a cultural awakening for me. However, that day is also marked by tragedy, as many people lost their lives in a devastating incident. The duality of that experience has stayed with me: the profound joy of discovering techno’s power to bring people together, alongside the sobering reminder of how fragile life can be.
Okay, and now let’s bring the sounds on! Do you remember your first rave? Who brought you to the techno club and showed you the world that now is not only your passion, but also work? And which artists had the biggest influence on your style?
Ironically, my first rave experience was also my most important life inspiration. It wasn’t just my introduction to techno, but also the moment when my entire musical focus shifted. The energy and atmosphere stuck with me, and I knew right away that this was where I belonged. I actually wasn’t too keen on going that day, but my friends convinced me to join them. Looking back, I’m glad they did – it’s a reminder of how even small decisions can lead to life-changing paths.
As I started exploring the world of techno, I was drawn to artists like Paul Kalkbrenner, Richie Hawtin, The Advent and Industrialyzer.
Each brought something unique – whether it was Kalkbrenner’s melodic storytelling, Hawtin’s innovative approach, or the raw, driving energy of The Advent and Industrialyzer. They all played a crucial role in shaping my sound and fueling my passion for techno.
What is the origin of the Afem Syko project? What did your beginnings look like, when did you discover the sounds that suit you best and which genre of electronic music you are mostly focusing on right now?
The Afem Syko project came about because I felt the need for a fresh start after producing and DJ-ing under different names for a while. A few years ago, I decided it was time for a new alias that better matched my evolving artistic vision. With Afem Syko, I wanted a space where I could explore new depths without being tied to anything I’d done before.
In the beginning, it was all about experimenting – trying out different sounds and styles to find what truly resonated with me. I’ve always been driven by a search for new sounds that speak to me, and I don’t see that changing. For me, it’s not about forcing a certain direction; it’s about letting the project grow naturally as I do, with my tastes continuing to evolve.
Although I’m mainly producing techno, I’m always open to bringing in influences from other genres. The beauty of the Afem Syko project is that it’s a reflection of where I’m at in the moment, and it’ll keep evolving as I do.
How did this all lead you to R Label Group? How did you get in touch with Kobosil and had the opportunity to release your music on his label?
It all started when more and more friends began telling me that my tracks would be a perfect fit for R Label Group. They could hear the similarities in the energy and style of my productions and what was being released on the label at the time. Once I realized this myself, I decided to take the plunge and send over some demos for them to listen to.
Berlin can be a massive place, but in the music scene, it’s also surprisingly tight-knit. I knew a few people who had connections with the right folks, and through those channels, my tracks eventually got heard. It took persistence and a lot of demo submissions, but it paid off, and I ended up releasing an EP and contributing to three VAs on R Label Group.
For all the producers out there looking to get noticed by big labels, my advice is simple: don’t hesitate to reach out through various channels like email, SoundCloud, or even Instagram DMs. Be respectful and avoid spamming, but also remember that labels receive tons of messages, so your submission might get lost in the crowd. Don’t let that discourage you – keep trying, keep improving, and eventually, your persistence will pay off.
As far as new tracks are concerned, I definitely need to mention your most fresh piece, “Slingshot”, which has just been released on Amelie Lens’ Exhale label. Congratulations! Does it mean that more and more of your music is coming soon? Can you please tell us a bit of what you are currently working on?
Right now, I’m in a creative phase, exploring and refining my sound. I’ve recently finished a lot of tracks, but I’m taking my time to ensure they align with the vision I have. I’m currently working on new material that I’m really excited about. I enjoy the process of setting high standards because it drives me to create something that resonates deeply with both myself and my audience. While there might be a short pause before the next release, I’m focused on making sure it’s something I’m truly excited to share.
Okay, while waiting for your new releases, I must admit one thing: your podcasts / guestmixes list is impressive! BCCO, Slam Radio, HATE, Vault Sessions, just to name a few – what’s your selection based on? And how do you prepare tracks before your gig, and what’s the key to find the best tunes for podcasts?
To reach a wider audience, it’s essential to create mixes for well-established platforms with a strong reputation. I focus on channels that appeal with me, not just for their reach, but also for their aesthetics, artist selections, and overall vibe. The platform’s feel has to align with my own style.
When preparing tracks for a podcast, I approach it differently than a live DJ set. In the studio, I have the luxury to really fine-tune the mix and focus entirely on the sound, without the distractions of a club environment. I start with a broad selection of my current favorite tracks and narrow them down to fit the specific vibe I’m aiming for. I consider BPM, overall vibe, length, and genre mix. The shorter the set, the more focused it needs to be.
Once I have a clear narrative in mind, I experiment with track combinations to find the perfect flow. Some mixes require multiple takes – I’m a bit of a perfectionist, so I want every detail just right before I’m satisfied with the final result.
When you play, how do you want to communicate with your audience? And how do you want to be perceived, both by your fans and by the industry?
When I play, my main goal is to have fun and make sure the crowd is having fun as well. That’s what drives me.
I often hear that I’m deeply immersed in the music, and I think when people see that intensity, it encourages them to dive into the experience too. I’m not the best at keeping my head up or making eye contact with the audience because I’m constantly tweaking my mixes and working the equipment, always adding new layers to the sound or tweaking stuff. But despite that, I can still feel the energy of the crowd without having to look at them, and I believe they feel that connection too.
In terms of how I want to be perceived by both my fans and the industry, I hope they see someone who is truly passionate about what they do, someone who skillfully navigates different genres and is always ready to surprise with a mix of styles. I’m dedicated to the craft and constantly pushing boundaries. I want to be known for creating a genuine and intense experience through my sets, where the music takes center stage and fosters a powerful connection between everyone involved.
You had the opportunity to perform during events like Intercell, unreal or Agapē, among others. Knowing your syko side, what was the best, the craziest (or why not both?) event you’ve played so far?
Every event holds a special place for me, but what really gives me goosebumps are the massive stages. The experience that stands out the most was my first DOOM showcase in front of 8,000 people in Bogotá, Colombia. That was electrifying. While big stages don’t offer the same intimate energy as small clubs, where you can see each individual person, there’s something incredible about the way a huge crowd merges into one powerful, collective force. It feels almost unreal, like a dream – a rush that’s probably the best drug I’ve ever tried. So, if I had to choose, I’d say my first super big event with DOOM was both the best and the craziest experience so far.
And how much craziness are you going to bring to Theia Crush’s event, soon in Wroclaw’s Transformator? What can we expect from you and are you happy to make some noise in Poland again?
You can be sure that I’m always fully ready and prepared to give my very best and make the most out of every second of my set. Coming to a place I’ve never been before brings a whole new level of excitement and sets fresh expectations for me, so I’m determined to make this event unforgettable.
Poland holds a special place in my heart, since my family is originally from there, so coming back always feels like a bit of a homecoming. It reminds me of my childhood when I spent a lot of time in Poland. I’m really looking forward to making some serious noise and connecting with the crowd in Wroclaw. Let’s make this night something to remember!