CLTX | DE 2025 #02

The techno scene thrives on innovation, and few artists embody that spirit more vividly than CLTX. Hailing from Paris' raw and unfiltered warehouse rave scene, CLTX has risen to prominence as a driving force in modern techno, channeling punk rebellion, emotional storytelling, and an unmistakable flair for creative risk-taking. His signature sound, a fusion of aggressive beats and emotional resonance, has not only electrified dancefloors but also redefined the boundaries of what techno can express.

Now based in Berlin, the epicenter of global club culture, CLTX continues to evolve, crafting bold narratives through projects like Rave in Pink. The EP is more than music; it’s a manifesto—a sonic and visual exploration of individuality, freedom, and the collision of punk aesthetics with techno intensity. With his iconic smiling devil tattoo as a metaphor for his playful yet defiant ethos, CLTX is a beacon of artistic authenticity in an ever-commercialized industry.

In this exclusive conversation, we dive deep into CLTX’s creative universe. From the personal and pandemic-shaped origins of Rave in Pink to the transformative vision behind his new record label and event series, every facet of his artistry speaks to a relentless drive to push limits. We’ll also explore his venture into fashion, his philosophy of collaboration, and how he’s championing the next generation of talent.

Stay tuned as CLTX reveals the stories, influences, and future plans behind his multi-dimensional artistry, proving once again why he’s not just a name in techno, but a movement redefining its very soul.

When discussing his groundbreaking EP Rave in Pink, CLTX shared how Berlin’s underground scene and his personal journey influenced its creation.

COVID-19 was a turning point not only in my career but also in my creativity, giving me a lot of time to produce and think about my direction.

“As for emotion, it's always been present in my sets and my music, because that's why I love music. Also, my music is always evolving according to what's going on in my life. A new EP is on its way and will be out very soon, featuring two superb collaborations ready to get dancefloors moving!”

This period allowed him to refine his artistic identity and solidify his signature sound.

“I started releasing tracks with this psytrance bassline in 2022 with ‘My Bassline Drives You Crazy.’ Since then, I've never let go of my bassline, trying to update it and integrate it into my very rave music.

CLTX emphasized the emotional core of his music, which reflects his life’s highs and lows.

“Whether I'm very happy or very sad, I always try to express it in my current music,” he said.

With a new EP on the horizon, featuring collaborations designed to light up dancefloors, CLTX continues to push the envelope.

“First of all, I wanted to show that going out with friends is still an integral part of our daily lives. At weekends and during the week, we're always hanging out and having fun in Berlin. The outfits are very vintage, punk, and destroyed by Likeacasino, a unique brand made and customized by a friend”.

“The challenge was to fuse this rave track with the world of punk in the video. It's precisely the intensity of the clip that perfectly links these two worlds, with the carefree spirit and its values. It's simply the mundane daily life of a young punk joining his band. That was a side I wanted to explore and portray visually. There is also an upcoming video that will be out soon that takes a darker and sadder approach to things. I'm very excited about that as well”.

The music video for Rave in Pink is an extension of the EP’s intensity and ethos. CLTX described it as a “theatrical version of our daily lives” in Berlin, blending vintage punk-inspired outfits by Likeacasino with futuristic aesthetics.

The result is a visual masterpiece that captures the carefree, rebellious spirit of his sound. Looking ahead, he teased an upcoming video exploring darker, melancholic themes, showcasing his multifaceted artistry.

Launching a new record label is a bold move, especially for an artist whose identity is already well-defined. For CLTX, it’s about creating a cohesive universe that reflects his ethos.

We're talking about a new label, but not a new identity. This new venture, which will be a label, event series, and a new brand, will be more closely linked to the CLTX project and brand identity. It's all going to come together and make sense as a cohesive vision.

He revealed.

As for his musical direction, CLTX remains committed to evolution rather than reinvention. The label, part of the "Pink is Punk" universe, will integrate tattoo and punk culture while emphasizing quality and diversity in its music.

“My aim is always to improve the quality of my music and to be in tune with myself and my values. A new direction doesn't mean a new CLTX, but a different version that retains the same artistic signature. I'd like the CLTX signature to be recognized even through a less aggressive, faster track. I also want to talk about my emotions a little more—my joy or sadness. This will be the subject of the next video clip. It’s important for me to also express my artistic vision through imperfect and maybe almost unsettling art. I'm not looking to innovate within the limits of techno, but rather explore the true power of techno over people—what it provokes and how people react to different styles. I'm very curious while remaining close and faithful to my identity. CLTX will always be CLTX”.

He aims to retain his artistic signature while exploring less aggressive, more emotional tracks.

Collaboration has become a cornerstone of CLTX’s creative process, allowing him to infuse fresh perspectives into his work.

“First of all, I’m exploring collaboration, which I’ve never really been open to before,” he said.

Among these projects is a track featuring Kenyan vocals and another with a Spanish singer, blending sensuality with danceable energy. Inspired by trap and 90s trance, CLTX is incorporating new sounds and working with producers who bring their unique knowledge to the table.

“Mixing two generations is also a good way to further our knowledge,” he noted, highlighting the importance of blending cultural and generational influences.

These collaborations reflect his commitment to pushing creative boundaries and preventing stagnation within the techno scene.

“I was very attentive to everyone's professional projects and wanted to work with people whose music I liked, regardless of their status in the scene. My aim is also to be original, and this played a big part in my choices, such as intensifying the artistic side with a female singer, for example. This EP will be emotional and diverse. I’m currently working on the next one, which will be particularly punk with the most punk collaboration ever.”

CLTX’s smiling devil logo is more than a symbol—it’s an emblem of rebellion and individuality.

“I got this tattoo two years ago on my left hand because I like disturbing, uncommon art that is aesthetically destroyed,” he explained.

“It also has a strong significance on how I feel behind the decks—smiley but devilish. The world of fashion is used today as a great means of rebellion through campaigns and collections. It's one of several universes in which we can convey a message”.

This iconography has naturally evolved into a cornerstone of his brand. “Pink is a symbol of rebellion. It breaks all the traditional codes and color rules, creating a beautiful contrast with the punk movement. I hope to give a feeling of freedom and encourage everyone to be the person they want to be, not followers of social pressure. Over time, it became a reflection of me—this happy devil behind the decks. It felt natural for it to become my logo, representing the energy and mischief I bring to every performance”.

His latest fashion collection draws inspiration from tattoo and graffiti culture, blending raw, handwritten designs with edgy visuals.

CLTX also draws from his admiration for designers like Alexander McQueen, whose emotionally charged and rule-defying creativity inspires him.

“I studied courses such as fashion history and fashion marketing. I think music and fashion have always been very connected in this world, and the two can intensify each other. I love mixing different worlds and cultures, like techno and rock, or pink and punk. I'd like to push back certain boundaries by simply not playing by any rules and mixing the values of each universe. At school, all my presentations were on Alexander McQueen, a designer I particularly admire. I was a big fan of his vision, and his very dark creativity guided by emotions”. CLTX shared.

“Music played a very important role in his shows in the 2000s, bringing incredible intensity and atmosphere. I’m still really inspired by this today!”

CLTX’s upcoming event series promises to be a transformative addition to Berlin’s nightlife.

“The overall vibe will focus on a strong pink branding with a punk-inspired edge,” he explained.

I’m inspired by where I started, with illegal warehouse raves in Paris. These events will push boundaries with diverse lineups and a punk attitude while still keeping things safe and fun for everyone.

Reflecting on his roots in Paris’ underground warehouse raves, CLTX emphasized the importance of community and inclusivity.

“There’s no right or wrong way to party—the important thing is the music’s power to bring us together,” he said. His events aim to unite people from all walks of life while providing a platform for emerging talent.

“Some of them are now touring the world,” he added, underscoring his commitment to nurturing the next generation of artists.

In a world saturated with music that often feels formulaic, CLTX emerges as a force of defiance and originality. His interview left me not only impressed by his artistic ethos but deeply moved by the vulnerability and authenticity he brings to his work. Here’s an artist who isn’t afraid to strip away the layers, revealing the raw emotions and rebellion that define him—not just as a musician but as a person navigating the complexities of creative expression.

CLTX’s willingness to share his journey, including the moments of self-discovery that shaped Rave in Pink, is striking. He speaks of finding his musical signature during a time of global uncertainty, and it’s hard not to see the parallels between his personal growth and the evolution of the world around him. As he described the emotional core of his music, he emphasized that it reflects the highs and lows of his life. “Whether I'm very happy or very sad, I always try to express it in my current music,” he said, a sentiment that resonates deeply with anyone who uses creativity as a way to process life’s challenges.

What stood out most is CLTX’s philosophy on imperfection. He embraces the messy, chaotic beauty of life and channels it into his art. From the smiling devil logo tattooed on his hand to the punk-inspired visuals of his music video, his work reminds us that rebellion isn’t just about breaking rules—it’s about embracing individuality. He sees imperfection not as a flaw but as a form of authenticity. In a world obsessed with polished perfection, this perspective feels revolutionary.

His music video for Rave in Pink epitomizes this ethos, blending vintage punk aesthetics with the euphoric intensity of rave culture. It’s a bold visual statement, reflecting not only his artistic identity but also his personal philosophy. As he explained, the video is a theatrical portrayal of daily life—a celebration of friendship, community, and the reckless joy of youth. “Pink is a symbol of rebellion. It breaks all the traditional codes and color rules,” he said, highlighting how he uses both music and fashion to challenge societal expectations.

One of the most compelling aspects of CLTX’s vision is his dedication to community. He doesn’t see his success as an individual achievement but as part of a larger movement. His new label and event series aim to unite like-minded artists and fans under the banner of “Punk Emotional Rebellion,” creating a space where creativity and individuality thrive. As he explained, “There’s no right or wrong way to party—the important thing is the music’s power to bring us together.”

This sense of unity extends to his collaborations, where he seeks to merge different genres, cultures, and perspectives. Whether it’s incorporating Kenyan vocals into his tracks or working with a Spanish singer to create a sensual, danceable atmosphere, CLTX views collaboration as a way to grow both personally and artistically. “Mixing two generations is also a good way to further our knowledge,” he said, revealing his openness to learning and evolving.

Philosophically, CLTX embodies a duality that many artists strive for but few achieve—a balance between chaos and precision, rebellion and connection, individuality and community. He’s not just creating music; he’s crafting a cultural movement that challenges norms and inspires self-expression.

As I reflect on his interview, I’m struck by how much his story resonates beyond the confines of techno. His journey is a reminder that art, in its truest form, is about more than aesthetics or trends. It’s about vulnerability, connection, and the courage to be unapologetically yourself. CLTX’s music, fashion, and events all converge to create a powerful statement: that individuality and imperfection are worth celebrating.

In a world that often demands conformity, CLTX offers a different path—one where rebellion is a form of love, and every beat is an invitation to embrace your true self.