François x

For over a decade, François X has been a defining figure in the techno world, constantly evolving and reshaping his identity as an artist while maintaining his place as a leading force in the genre. With his roots deeply intertwined with the underground scene of the early 2000s, François X brings a unique perspective, blending his love for fashion, tennis, and intense clubbing experiences into his creative process. After the upheaval caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, François X not only adapted to a new reality but found new ways to connect with the emerging generation of techno enthusiasts.

From his early days as an artist to his ongoing mission of pushing techno’s boundaries by incorporating pop and rap influences, François X has always strived to stay ahead of the curve while remaining true to his artistic core. In this profile, we explore his reflections on his journey, the shaping forces behind his music, and his vision for the future of techno.

François X’s trajectory in the techno scene is as eclectic as it is inspiring. Having spent over a decade mastering the art of DJing, producing, and connecting with audiences worldwide, his career is a fascinating blend of serendipity, determination, and boundless creativity. Though now recognized as a leading figure in techno, François X’s path was far from conventional. From his early days as a resident DJ to headlining at major clubs, he’s remained committed to his craft while embracing an ever-evolving sound.

One of the pivotal moments that defined François’ career came during his residency at Five Beats, where he was unexpectedly thrust into the headlining spot. “Juan Atkins had to cancel at the last minute, and I stepped in to play the headlining slot. The crowd didn’t even realize the switch at first, but after the set, the praise rolled in, and people were surprised to learn it was me behind the decks.”

This experience proved to be a turning point, not only boosting his confidence but also solidifying his role in the burgeoning techno scene. However, it wasn’t just early victories that shaped his evolution; the challenge of emulating the mastery of DJs like Ben Klock and Marcel Dettmann pushed François to redefine his sound and elevate his artistry.

“Watching them create groundbreaking records while ruling the DJ booth set a very high bar for me,” François recalls.

His drive for excellence has been a consistent theme throughout his career, continually striving to reach new creative heights.

Transitioning from a finance career to becoming a full-time artist brought its own set of trials.

“I had come from a very structured, corporate environment, where everything was pragmatic and logical. Stepping into the music industry with idealistic dreams, I quickly learned that it’s not just about creativity; it’s also a business.”

Navigating the music world involved understanding how to balance passion with practicality. Yet, his diverse influences—from his background in fashion to his love for tennis—helped him maintain an authentic creative identity, even while learning the ropes of the music industry.

“Staying true to my roots has always felt natural. My passions fuel my creativity, and I believe that’s what keeps me fresh and grounded.”

Post-COVID, François’s approach to creativity expanded dramatically. He describes the pandemic as a period of liberation, where he embraced a wider range of influences beyond just techno. Through his platform XX LAB, he began exploring fashion, design, and broader musical landscapes.

“The more I allowed myself to explore, the more my creativity expanded. It helped me break out of old constraints and embrace a more open creative path,” he reflects.

No longer confined by old definitions, François X has emerged with a renewed sense of artistic freedom, blending elements of pop, rap, and fashion into his techno productions. His career now sits at an interesting intersection—between the history of the genre and its future.

“I stay relevant by staying curious and open. It’s not about adapting to trends but staying connected to the youth and fresh ideas.”

François X has spent more than a decade carving his name into the landscape of electronic music. Reflecting on how he’s managed to keep evolving, he says:

“It’s been over ten years now, and I can say I’ve learned to adapt to the industry’s shifts, especially post-COVID. The pandemic changed everything—how we perform, and how we connect. I realized I had to reinvent my connection with the audience, especially the younger crowd who were experiencing techno in a new context. But I always try to stay relevant without losing my core identity, while also looking at new ways to stay fresh.”

His response highlights a key aspect of his career: the ability to not only withstand the turbulent shifts within the music industry but to embrace them as opportunities for growth. Adapting to this new landscape has been a conscious effort, a way for him to stay connected with an evolving fanbase.

“You can’t just do what you’ve always done. You have to be open to new experiences and willing to experiment. But while I experiment, I also remain true to what has always made my sound unique. It’s about finding that balance.”

The key to François X’s unique sound can be found in the diverse experiences that have influenced him. He credits his early years of intense clubbing in the 2000s as a major formative experience, but that’s only part of the picture. He’s also drawn inspiration from the unexpected realms of fashion and tennis, infusing these in- fluences into his music.

“Growing up, I was clubbing heavily in the early 2000s, and that intense experience of being in the crowd, feeling the energy, has shaped everything I do musically. It’s the foundation of my sound. But beyond that, fashion has had a big impact on me—how it evolves, and the way it influences culture. Tennis, too, surprisingly. There’s a discipline to it that has affected my mindset as an artist."

“Another pivotal chapter in my career was my residency at Concrete in Paris. It was a defining period where I had the opportunity to showcase my sound to an entire generation of ravers and techno lovers. Concrete wasn’t just a venue; it was a major platform that helped me gain international visibility. The residency allowed me to share the decks with some of the best artists of that moment, and it shaped me as a DJ. Learning how to control the flow of energy over long sets, connect with a crowd, and play alongside the biggest names in the scene was transformative for my career. My sound evolved significantly during that time, and my career took off globally thanks to the exposure and experience I gained at Concrete. Another big challenge for me came from being a huge admirer of Ben Klock and Marcel Dettmann around the late 2000s. They were dominating the scene at Berghain, and their level of artistry—both as DJs and producers—was incredible. Watching them navigate the weekend as top-tier DJs and then create groundbreaking records during the week set an extremely high bar. For someone just starting, trying to mimic their sound and style was incredibly tough, but it also pushed me to evolve and strive for excellence”.

These diverse elements come together in a fusion that keeps his music fresh and compelling. As a result, François X has managed to navigate the delicate balance between pushing the boundaries of techno while honoring the genre’s roots.

“I want to push the limits of what techno can be. That’s why I’m experimenting with incorporating pop and rap influences into my work. For me, it’s about expanding the genre without losing its essence. Techno is about energy, about movement, but it can also evolve to include other genres while staying true to its own identity.”

François X is acutely aware of how technology has changed and continues to evolve. His perspective on the future of the genre is informed not only by his years of experience but also by his openness to change and innovation.

“Techno has gone through so many phases, but right now, it’s exciting because it’s becoming more global. You have influences from all over the world shaping the sound, and that’s only going to grow. I think the future of techno is about blending—not just blending genres, but also blending cultures and experiences. And there’s more room for creativity now than ever before.”

He acknowledges the growing influence of mainstream elements but sees this as an opportunity rather than a threat.

“There’s always the fear that techno might lose its underground roots, but I think it’s evolving in a way that keeps its spirit alive. The core of techno will always be there, but artists are finding new ways to express that energy, and that’s what keeps it exciting. We’re not stuck in the past, and we’re not afraid to explore what’s next."

François X’s insight offers a hopeful view of where the industry is heading, highlighting the importance of embracing change while preserving the essence of what makes techno such a powerful genre.

Writing about François X, it becomes clear that his journey is not just about surviving in an ever-changing industry but thriving by staying true to himself. He balances his innovative spirit with the disciplined approach he’s gained from his eclectic influences, whether that’s from the clubbing scene of the 2000s, fashion’s cultural reach, or the mental endurance found in tennis. His commitment to keeping techno’s core alive while also pushing its boundaries with pop and rap influences sets him apart as a visionary who’s never content with the status quo.

But what stands out most about François X is his unyielding dedication to finding new ways to connect with his audience. After more than a decade in the scene, he’s continually looking ahead, not afraid to evolve alongside the genre he loves. The future of techno, as he sees it, is vibrant and ever-expanding—and François X is set to remain at the forefront of that movement, shaping the sounds of tomorrow while never forgetting the roots that ground him.

François X’s journey over the last decade is one of constant evolution, not just as an artist but as a visionary who has weathered the industry’s ups and downs. In a post-COVID world, where music and nightlife have transformed dramatically, François X has found a way to adapt without losing the essence of what makes him unique. His ability to connect with new generations—while staying true to the raw, driving force of his early days—is a testament to his understanding that relevance isn’t about chasing trends but about finding the threads that tie past and present together. He’s never lost sight of his roots, even as he pushes the boundaries of what techno can be.

His music draws on the intensity of those early 2000s club nights, where the energy and chaos of the dance floor ignited his passion. But his world isn’t just defined by music; fashion and tennis have also played significant roles in shaping his perspective, giving him a multifaceted approach to his art. He’s not afraid to mix the unexpected—incorporating pop and rap influences into his techno soundscape, bringing something fresh while still keeping it undeniably François X. His music is a reflection of who he is: complex, and unpredictable, but always deeply authentic.

When François X talks about the future of techno, it’s clear that he sees beyond the here and now. His vision is one where techno evolves without losing its soul, blending new influences while still holding onto its underground essence. As the genre grows and changes, so does he—ready to embrace what’s next while staying rooted in the passion that started it all. François X is not just following the evolution of techno; he’s leading it, one boundary-breaking beat at a time.