He can be described in many creative ways – but the best one to get to know him is through his sound. Ø [Phase] is known for his style, which defies time and space – he has released his music on such prestigious labels as Mote Evolver or Token, but he also runs his own label, Modwerks, with commitment and passion. He is a frequent guest at Tresor, Berghain, RSO, Basement, KHIDI and Fuse, and at the invitation of daisy cutter, resident of Jasna 1, Ø [Phase] visited Warsaw again.
The last Wild At Heart series took on 21st March, so we decided to ask him a few questions about music. Agata Omelanska talks with Ø [Phase] about his latest album, „White Pills”, his return to Live performances, his collaboration with Luke Slater and Phyxix, and which producers he values most.
Agata Omelańska: Hello, Ashley, it’s a pleasure to speak with you! I have been following you for years – for me, you are one of the artists who introduced me to the sound of techno that today is the closest to my heart and which has become a permanent part of my life. Thank you!
Let’s start with your latest achievements. In 2025 you released your new album, “White Pills”, four years after the previous one. You also have released numerous EPs, both those on your own label, Modwerks, and on Mote-Evolver and Phyxix, among others. What other important events or projects took place? And how did these elements influence the sound of “White Pills”?
Ø [Phase]: Besides preparing the LP and the accompanying Live set, my main focus has been developing Modwerks over the past few years. All of that has kept me very busy outside of my regular touring.
As far as influences on the LP go, broader philosophical influences did play a part. The title “White Pills” is a reference to the “Red-Pill / Blue-Pill” analogy, originating from the Matrix movie. In what sometimes feels like an increasingly chaotic world, “White Pills” (as opposed to “Black Pills”) is about optimism and staying positive.
How long did you work on this album? What was the process like and was the vision immediately translated into doing the work in the studio?
Many of my ideas stay in sketch form until I need them or get inspired to bring them to completion.
Others come together in a shorter space of time. This LP was no different. As I began to gather the different pieces together, a body of work began to emerge and I started to feel how they would work together as an LP. I specifically wanted it to be to the point, not too long and very much floor orientated this time. The creative process I suppose took a couple of months (probably a touch more) from conception to the tracks being fully finished. I certainly don’t tend to rush and I change my mind a lot too!
I can’t also omit the latest remix for Ignez – your reinterpretation of his track ‘Ethereal’ surprised me with its energy, added musicality and a stronger, club-oriented feel to the original. How did you work on this remix and, more broadly, on all the remixes you do? What is the first element you start from?
Honestly, I’ve never had a specific formula for making music or remixes.
I may have an idea in my mind of where I want to go, and that can inform my approach, but generally that differs each time.
For the Ignez I think I started by playing around with the bass and kicks to try and get the rhythm and movement I was envisaging. The rest then followed on from there.
Do you check – or perhaps: how often do you check – your music before releasing it? I am referring to both the reactions of the audience on the dance floor and the voices from the industry. Is either of them more important to you, or do you completely disregard opinions and follow your inner compass?
I used to find it helpful to bounce new music off a label manager for feedback, but since most of my material now goes out on Modwerks, I no longer have that outlet. It’s definitely helpful to test dynamics out in a club setting but in terms of content,
mostly I try to trust my instincts and experience these days.
After a few years’ break, you’ve returned to Live performances. You chose the Fuse club in Brussels for your first ‘comeback after all these years’ – what made you decide to play Live again? And I hope we will hear you playing live more often soon, am I right?
I played my last Live set around 2020 – just as the world went sideways – and had been feeling in any case that I wanted to have a break and put my focus into building the label and DJing for a while. I’ve only ever played Live at very specific events and venues anyhow. Releasing the LP last summer inspired me to revisit playing Live again and prepare a new set. I have a few dates coming up with that now, amongst my regular DJ appearances.
What does the live format give you, and what does DJ-ing give you? Are these two formulas different for you in terms of preparation? And where do you start when working on specific performances or sets?
Playing Live, for me, generally feels that bit more personal as it’s all my own material. The sets involve a lot more preparation than DJing. I spend a lot of time deconstructing my music into its component parts, so I can reconstruct them during the performance in a multitude of different ways.
When you play, your favourite moment in the club is…
Finding my flow state, and in turn sensing when the rest of the room connects to that and comes along for the ride.
It’s not without reason that I mentioned two labels at the very beginning, Mote-Evolver and Phyxix. Following the thread to the source, and following the labels to the artists behind them and the projects you create together. Together with Luke Slater, you perform as Roog Unit, and with Matrixxman as Phyxix. What do these collaborations give you? What have you learned from your partners and how does this affect you as a solo artist?
From a production standpoint, I enjoy collaborating immensely. Combining creative approaches has the potential for really powerful outcomes, especially if each artist has something unique to contribute. A lot of the collaborative process can simply be deep discussion and exploring ideas and concepts etc. I would do it more if there was more time available in our respective schedules.
Performing together is also a lot of fun, especially once the synergy is locked in.
Do you ever disagree on certain issues or have different opinions, while working with Luke and Charles? I’m asking in the context of the vast experience, knowledge and skills that each of you have – but after all, every challenge can be approached from many angles.
Personally I have found the experience positive in both cases. All relationships bring a unique kind of connection and that affects how things come together in a musical sense. Generally though, I haven’t experienced negative disagreement while collaborating. As long as everyone is open minded towards hearing the ideas and approaches of their respective partner, differences can be easily understood and used positively.
Looking at today’s electronic music scene, who do you admire, support and cheer for the most? Whose tracks do you play most often and who should we pay special attention to?
A lot of very very good young producers have risen to prominence over the past 5 years or more – too many to mention in one sentence.
That said, Alarico, Stef Mendesidis and Rene Wise are firm favourites.
I play a lot of Kashpitzky records too – a way underrated producer IMO. Anné is delivering quality productions. Also been digging into Regent’s classy material lately.
I should also mention Saag and Toru Katsuta from my label. It’s genuinely pleasing to see these two develop respectively, and their work attracting the attention of bigger DJ’s.
And what kind of music do you listen to yourself? I’m not limiting the question to electronic music, all genres and artists are welcome – and as so is silence.
I’m open to most music. Some I prefer more than others. Some I can take or leave. Outside of Techno and Electronic music, I normally reach to rock music/punk/post-punk/and folk music etc.
Last but not least, on 21st March you played in Warsaw at the Wild At Heart event series. What three words best describe what happened that night at Jasna 1?
My intention was to show:
some Depth, some Energy and a Journey of sorts!
Thank you so much for the interview and your time, Ashley!