Artist Spotlight - Chris Veron

We’re thrilled to chat with Chris, an artist whose passion for techno has propelled him from the vibrant Frankfurt club scene of the '90s to international acclaim. With an impressive catalog of releases, including a Beatport no.1 hit, and the recent launch of his own label, Chris has cemented his place as a driving force in electronic music. In this interview, Chris shares pivotal career moments, the story behind his new Pulse Series EP, and his reflections on the evolution of Germany’s iconic techno scene.

Hey Chris, great to have you here with us! What have been some pivotal moments in your career that helped shape your music and direction?

Hey Mixmag team, great to be here and thanks for the invite! There were some key moments that really shaped my direction and also my career. I grew up near Frankfurt which was the techno capital in the 90s, so I had an early close connection to the techno scene and would listen to DJs like Sven Väth in the legendary OMEN Club, which is when I made the decision to pursue my career in music. After moving from Frankfurt to the Black Forest in 2000 with my parents, I was fortunate to quickly secure a residency at the Parkhaus Club, one of the premier venues in southern Germany. This marked the true beginning of my career, leading to bookings across Germany, Switzerland, and France. It was also during this time that I first met Adam Beyer, who remains one of my greatest inspirations. His consistent support and feedback have been invaluable to my music and career development.

By the mid-2010s, I felt something was missing. Reflecting on my early years, I revisited my beginnings in production, where my childhood piano lessons proved surprisingly helpful in finding the right melodies. My first major breakthrough came with releases like Fury Road on IAMT, with Spartaque’s support providing a significant boost. This momentum culminated in my first number-one hit on Spartaque’s Codex in 2021. From there, opportunities to perform at bigger clubs and festivals flourished. In January 2023, I launched my own label, a decision that has been pivotal for my career. While my primary focus remains peak-time techno, my love for electronic music spans across melodic house and harder, faster techno. Let’s see where you’ll catch me playing next!

Congrats on your new EP. What inspired the concept behind your new "Pulse Series" EP, and how does it reflect your evolution as an artist?

Thank you so much! I'm super happy with the result and the incredible feedback it has received from DJs and producers worldwide. It all began with the single release Raving Pulse on Ramon Tapia’s Say What? label (although, unfortunately, it’s not part of this EP). The track garnered significant attention and set the stage for my next steps. When I launched my own label, I envisioned a series of singles that would ultimately culminate in an EP. The goal was to evolve with each release, becoming more powerful, refined, and achieving the best sound design I’d ever produced. This journey concludes with Error Pulse, which I consider my masterpiece so far. But who knows? Perhaps I’ll revisit the idea and create a follow-up! :)

How did the collaboration with AXXX7en come about?

That’s easy to explain, and want to know a secret that’s ready to be shared? AXXX7en is the embodiment of my darker, wilder, and harder creative side, a reflection of my journey into faster, rawer techno sounds. You can already hear hints of this energy in some of my latest tracks. Essentially, it’s a new pseudonym for me, showcasing a completely different dimension of my artistry.

The EP features multiple versions of "Error Pulse." How do the Intro Mix and Extended Mix differ in terms of their intended vibe or usage in sets?

The extended mix offers a longer version with a flawless DJ-friendly intro and outro, making it ideal for blending seamlessly into peak-time sets. The INTRO version, on the other hand, is specifically crafted for starting a DJ set in a prime-time slot at a big club or festival. Its rising synths and immersive sounds create an uplifting atmosphere, building momentum until it culminates in a powerful drop that launches the track with full energy. Get ready to raise your hands and let the crowd erupt to the electrifying build of this intro track!

What role has Germany's rich techno scene played in your development as an artist?

It's a complex question to answer, but I would say it’s both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, there are endless opportunities, countless clubs, and a massive techno scene. On the other, the focus seems to have shifted away from genuine talent and artistic development. Nowadays, it’s more about appearances, a strong Instagram presence, good looks, and having someone manage you who sees financial potential. This shift makes it disheartening because talent as a DJ or producer feels secondary.

The pandemic brought drastic changes. Before that, I grew step by step, thrilled to be part of this vast scene, sharing my music, and connecting with crowds. But now, for artists without a "big name," it’s increasingly difficult to compete with influencers or those who treat DJing as a superficial trend. It’s sad to see the sense of community that defined the scene for decades being overshadowed by follower counts and social media metrics. Personally, I don't care about likes or followers. My focus is on making people happy with my music, telling a story through my sets, and creating genuine connections. I’m not interested in performing theatrics behind the decks. That's why I strongly support policies like no-phone rules in clubs, which can help bring back the authentic vibe of the scene.

To emphasise music's importance, I’m shifting my efforts to platforms like Spotify, aiming to reach the world with my tracks. I’ve also started helping other DJs by creating a "Spotify for Artists" course, sharing insights on how to build a career through music. For anyone who wants to pursue this path, feel free to reach out!

Your releases have appeared on notable labels like Codex and SayWhat?. How do you decide which label is the right fit for your tracks?

With my own label now, things are much simpler. But for younger DJs looking to get signed, here’s my advice, always research the label thoroughly. Make sure their sound aligns with your music style, check if they invest in good promotion, and evaluate their reputation in the industry. Look at their release frequency and the caliber of artists they’ve worked with, it’s a good indicator of their standing. Personally, I focus on 3-5 major labels that I want to work with. If they’re not interested in signing my tracks, I release them on my own label instead. This approach works well for me. Avoid spreading your music across too many labels; instead, focus on building long-term relationships with a select few.

What’s been the most memorable moment in your DJ career so far, and why?

Choosing just one standout moment is incredibly difficult because there have been so many special gigs, like those at Sisyphos or the Sea You Festival, which hold a special place in my heart. However, one moment that truly brought me to tears was on March 21, 2021. I knew my track “Drift Line” (released on Codex) was performing well, already sitting in the Beatport Top 10. Out of curiosity, I checked Beatport around midday and what I saw was unbelievable. My track had hit number one in the Techno world!

The pride and joy I felt in that moment are indescribable. I screamed with excitement, popped a bottle of champagne, and celebrated by jumping naked into the snow. It was the best feeling I’ve ever experienced!

The EP is described as being tailored for peak-time and late-morning sets. How do you approach creating tracks for specific times of a rave?

I wouldn’t say I have a specific method for creating tracks for particular times of the day or events. Usually, I start with an idea that’s been circling in my mind, focusing on the kick and bass first. From there, the flow (when it comes) often guides the rest of the process. Sometimes, inspiration strikes when I’m out in nature, at a rave, or experiencing a unique emotional moment. Those feelings often fuel new ideas, and I try to capture the essence of those moments in my music. That could lead to creating something melodic and uplifting for early morning sets, or harder, more intense techno for the night.

Of course, there are times when a track remains unfinished, those moments are reserved for my cats as the sole audience!

What are your goals for your label KickFire in 2025, and how do you see the label evolving?

The growth of the label has exceeded my expectations, and I’m incredibly proud of everything we’ve achieved with KickFire in under two years. With several top 20 tracks and over 4 million streams on Spotify, the progress has been remarkable.

Our next goal is to break into the top 10 and expand by bringing on even more talent, including some major artists. At KickFire, we’re passionate about every artist we work with, whether they’re newcomers or well-established names. We give our all to ensure each release shines. We’re also actively accepting demos and carefully reviewing each submission to see if it fits our genre. If you think your music has what it takes, send your tracks to us at [email protected]!

What’s next for you? Are there any exciting collaborations, projects or gigs coming up?

There’s a lot happening right now as I plan and create new projects for 2025. Some exciting releases are already lined up for KickFire, including my own tracks, a special V.A. collection featuring the best of KickFire so far, and a major collaboration that I can’t reveal just yet. We’re also finalising the signing of our first big artist for KickFire! On my sublabel, AAD, I’ll be releasing a melodic track this January, and I’ve sent out some demos to major labels, so keep an eye on your inbox! For live shows, I already have my first festivals and gigs in new cities confirmed for 2025, and I’m thrilled for what’s to come. But first, my focus is on completing the new Pulse Series EP, followed by some well-earned rest and recovery time with my cats and family. Wishing everyone a fantastic end to the year, and I can’t wait to rave together in 2025!