Chris Veron is a rising star in techno, known for his cosmic style blending melodic grooves with dark, driving energy. With over 4 million Spotify streams in the past year, releases on top labels like Codex and SayWhat?, and his own KickFire imprint, Veron has solidified his place among techno’s elite. His tracks consistently hit the Beatport Top 20, earning him a spot among the platform’s top 25 best-selling techno producers. Supported by icons like Adam Beyer and Amelie Lens, Veron has performed at renowned clubs like Sisyphos and KitKat Club and is a resident at SEA YOU Beach Republic festival.
Interview with Chris Veron:
Hi Chris, congrats on your newest EP Pulse Series” EP with AXXX7en. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind it?
Hey Loudlife Team, first off, thank you so much for having me! I am super happy with the initial results of the Final Pulse EP, it’s received incredible feedback from DJs and producers worldwide, which means so much to me. The journey really began with the single release Raving Pulse on Ramon Tapia’s Say What? label (which is unfortunately missing on this EP). The track garnered significant attention, and with the launch of my own label, I envisioned creating a series of singles that would ultimately culminate in an EP. My goal was to evolve with each release, pushing for greater power, refinement, and elevated sound design, which I would like to say is, up to now, my masterpiece and the highlight track on this EP. That said, who knows? Maybe I’ll work on a follow-up! 🙂
You’re known for your “cosmic techno” style that combines melodic grooves with darker, hard-hitting elements. How did you develop this unique sound?
I’ve always been a fan of that signature ‘cosmic techno’ sound, but over time, with the sheer number of promos I received, it started to feel like everything was blending together, sounding too similar and losing its uniqueness. That’s when I came up with the idea to stay rooted in this cosmic style while blending it with harder, darker elements to make it more unique. For me, so much of my music is shaped by my current emotional state. However, ‘dark’ might not be the best word to describe it, I’d say it’s more powerful and full of energy, as I aim to incorporate those qualities into every track. I’ve always had a deep appreciation for melodies, which is why a lot of my influences come from the soundtrack genre, for example.
Groove has always been in my blood, and it naturally flows into the tracks I create. I think I’ve found a strong balance that lets me produce tracks with a sound design that feels distinctly my own, something where you’d recognize it as a Chris Veron track. That’s always been my goal, which is why I incorporate recurring elements from my past work into new creations.
Coming from Freiburg, what’s the techno scene like in your hometown, and how has Germany’s techno culture influenced your career?
The scene in Freiburg has become quite small recently, as many clubs closed during or after the pandemic. However, there’s still a passionate community of people who love to rave and listen to techno. In my opinion, Freiburg hosts one of Germany’s most beautiful electronic open-air festivals, Sea You Festival – Beach Republic. As a resident there, it’s always an absolute highlight to play at such a fantastic event.
During the off-season, things tend to be quieter. I’ve held a residency at Drifter’s Club for 18 years now, but there aren’t many opportunities to perform during this time. Summer, on the other hand, is incredible thanks to Freiburg’s perfect climate and sunshine. You’ll find plenty of amazing underground open-air events as well as larger festivals like the Zelt-Music-Festival and Schlossberg-Festival, which are both a joy to perform at.
My journey with the German techno scene started in Frankfurt in the mid-90s. I was first exposed to it through HR3 Club Nights on the radio and unforgettable nights at Omen and Dorian Gray, with legends like Sven Väth and Talla 2XLC shaping my love for techno and trance. That’s when I bought my first turntables and taught myself to DJ and mix. When my parents moved to the Freiburg area in the late 90s, I quickly connected with the local scene. In 2001, I discovered the Exodus Parkhaus (R.I.P.), and by 2002, I became a resident there. That was the start of everything for me. German techno culture has been a fundamental part of my journey, and I can truly say I was immersed in it from the very beginning
What’s been your most memorable experience performing at iconic clubs like Sisyphos and KitKat?
The most unforgettable experience at Sisyphos was definitely my performance in the Hammahalle after the Rave The Planet parade in 2023. I had the main slot on Saturday after the parade, and when I arrived at the club, the line outside was endless, it was impossible to see where it ended. The venue was completely packed, and with the perfect sound system, incredible vibes, and no smartphones allowed, it created an unparalleled atmosphere. Those four hours felt like pure ecstasy. I’ve never experienced a crowd like that, it was like a dream. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity and hope to return soon.
KitKat Club, on the other hand, has a completely different vibe. It’s always memorable because the people there seem like they’re in another world, feeling completely free. That sense of liberation makes it unique and special. I could probably share plenty of stories from KitKat, but don’t worry…none of them are X-rated haha!
With over 4 million streams on Spotify in just the past year, what do you think has contributed to this rise in popularity, and how do you engage with listeners online?
I would say this rise in popularity is the result of a combination of many factors. During the Corona period, I took the time to learn everything I could about Spotify and its algorithm, how to work with it, what strategies are effective, what to avoid, how to find the best private curators and submit tracks to their playlists, and how to craft the perfect pitch using Spotify for Artists. This knowledge was essential, as I was preparing to launch my own label and needed to plan my releases strategically.
Choosing the right distributor was another key step. I made sure to work closely with them to align on my goals and establish the right intentions for my label. Of course, some investment is necessary, but it’s just as important to know where to spend and where not to. Over the past few years, I’ve learned a lot and would now consider myself somewhat of a Spotify specialist. That’s why I created my Spotify Course for artists, to help others grow their monthly listeners and streams organically. To engage with listeners, I focus on platforms like Instagram and other social media channels by sharing my tracks and updates. However, the most important thing is having a solid plan, a strong profile, and well-curated playlists. With these elements in place, you can gradually build up great Spotify engagement.
If you’d like to dive deeper into this topic, I’m here for all DJs and producers. Feel free to contact me via Instagram for 1:1 coaching and a free informational Zoom call 🙂
Techno is constantly evolving. How do you balance staying true to your signature style while experimenting with new sounds or trends?
It’s definitely not easy, and there are moments when it feels discouraging, but over time I think I’ve found the right approach through small adjustments. On one hand, it’s important to stay current and align with the sounds people want to hear, otherwise, your music risks being overlooked entirely. On the other hand, you want to stay true to your unique sound and not compromise the identity you’ve built. I decided to make my sound slightly faster, which I really enjoyed, while still aiming to create strong peak-time tracks with harder elements and fresh variations in the kick and bass. I’ve also experimented with incorporating more vocals, which are hugely popular at the moment, as well as darker, rawer elements. Let’s see what 2025 has in store, I’m excited for what’s next!
How did it feel to gain support from techno legends like Adam Beyer and Spartaque, and has any of their feedback influenced your style?
I first met Adam Beyer in early 2000, and I have to say, he has remained one of my biggest inspirations. He has consistently given me new hope, and later on, even provided feedback on my tracks, which has been incredibly important for both my music and my career. Since then, I’ve had the chance to meet him around 1–3 times a year, and he’s always been kind and approachable. His Drumcode label has had a huge influence on my style, which I think is evident in my productions over the years. Releasing on Drumcode is a dream and goal of mine, and I work every day to make it happen.
My first releases, especially the breakthrough one on IAMT, Fury Road, with Spartaque’s support, were pivotal moments. They helped me grow, focus on real peak-time techno, and get noticed by some of the biggest names in the scene. It made me incredibly happy to earn support from Adam and his team. On Spartaque’s Codex label, I also achieved my first #1 hit in 2021. Who knows? Maybe Error Pulse will be the next!
Anything you would like to share with Loudlife readers?
In my opinion, peak-time techno and the scene is not dead, but it’s on the edge of collapse. That’s why I believe we all need to adapt, embrace change, and experiment with new things. I also think we need to focus more on nurturing the scene, the community, and the sense of togetherness. I wish the future emphasis would shift back to the music itself, rather than being all about Instagram, who posts the best pictures, or who gets the most likes from an event video.
I’m a huge advocate for no-phone policies. They completely transform the energy on the dance floor and allow us to fully live in the moment. When you reflect on those experiences afterward without a digital distraction, the memories are so much richer and evoke a deeper emotional connection.
The world would definitely be a better place with more empathy, love, techno, and cats. 😸 I hope you enjoyed reading this interview! If you liked it, please support my new track Error Pulse!
Thank you!
