SPACE 92 | DE 2024 #05

SPACE 92 has carved a niche as one of the foremost Techno Peak Time artists, consistently captivating audiences with his pulsating beats and electrifying performances. With an unwavering commitment to his craft, SPACE 92 has achieved remarkable milestones throughout his career, culminating in 2024, which has been hailed as his biggest year yet. This year marks the fourth consecutive year he has been recognized as the world’s best-selling Techno Peak Time artist, a testament to his relentless creativity and undeniable talent.

His influence in the electronic music scene extends beyond just his impressive sales figures. He has graced the stages of some of the world’s most prestigious festivals, including Awakenings, Mysteryland x Drumcode, Pukkelpop, and EDC Mexico. In addition to electrifying performances, his recent collaborations, including a high-profile project with Oliver Heldens under the moniker Hi-Lo, have further solidified his status in the industry.

As one of the most recognized names in the techno scene, SPACE 92 has carved an indelible mark on the global music landscape. Over the past four years, he has not only maintained his status as the world’s best-selling Techno Peak Time artist but has also continually pushed the boundaries of his craft. In this exclusive interview, SPACE 92 shares his insights into the pressures of sustained success, the importance of mental health, and the exhilarating experiences that have shaped his career.

I started our interview asking

You’ve been the world’s best-selling Techno Peak Time artist for four years now. That’s not just success, it’s sustained dominance. What does that title mean to you on a personal level? Does it feed your creative drive, or does it sometimes feel like a burden you carry?

“Oh wow, I’m going to keep that ‘sustained dominance’ quote, haha! More seriously, thank you so much, I feel immensely grateful and I really mean it. It’s been a wild ride in less than four years, and sometimes I really feel incredulous. On a personal level, I am proud that so many people, including world-class producers—some of them being my heroes—like my music, very obviously. But more than everything, I’ve gained the most loyal fanbase and this is what I care about. Of course, the pressure is gigantic: will my new release chart well? What if people are tired of me? I guess every artist goes through this, and I’ve accepted it.”

Despite his success, SPACE 92 acknowledges the unseen battles that often accompany such a high-profile career. He explains how his personal struggles have shaped his journey.

“I’ve inherited the worst combo ever, because I’ve always been an anxious person, and I’m also a perfectionist. Both are a curse and a blessing, because I will never take anything for granted, which in return fuels my constant search for improvement. I remember discussing this with someone, and realizing out loud that my worst fears are paradoxically the reason for my success. I never do things twice, I always look for fresh sounds, and I work like a maniac because it could all go away one day.”

The whirlwind of touring and performances often challenges the balance between his personal life and career. He candidly shares how he navigates this complex terrain.

“I can honestly reply that my job deeply impacted my personal life for a couple of years, but things have been better recently. From time to time, I take a day off and shut my phone down. As for my inner peace, I am proud to say I have been seeing a professional to help me deal with anxiety and stress. This has helped me tremendously and I recommend it, as mental health is crucial, especially in show business. When the party is over, what grounds me is the extremely solid network of people close to me that I can talk to at any moment. This includes my family, my friends, and my management, who usually accompany me in the field and take care of me.”

In the midst of his hectic schedule, SPACE 92 finds solace in simple pleasures.

“I like hiking and running; it’s a great way to release the tension and forget about work for a while. Otherwise, I like to hang out with my family and friends, and watch movies. Nothing too crazy as you can see, haha.”

This year has seen him performing at some of the most iconic festivals, which has offered moments of unexpected humility and reflection. One experience that stood out for him was at EDC Mexico.

“My goodness, these experiences were indeed extraordinary. I vividly remember going up on the EDC Mexico stage—I had never played in Mexico before—and there were tens of thousands of people looking at me. I was shaking my head in disbelief, while watching a fan in the front holding up a cardboard space rocket and feeling so humbled. I played one of my best sets there.”

Reflecting on a monumental B2B set with Reinier Zonneveld at ADE, he recalls the initial terror and eventual exhilaration.

“I was terrified. For real, haha. I hid backstage before playing, and I wouldn’t talk to anyone because I was shitting myself so hard. Then my turn came; I joined Reinier and in a split second, I became king of the world. That B2B with him was exceptional, and sooo fun. I loved every second of it!”

The diversity of crowds he encounters on tour continues to inspire him. When discussing his debut gig in Mexico, he shares a profound experience that showcased the universal love for music.

“These experiences were all incredible. My very first gig in Mexico took place in Ciudad Juarez; I had no idea what to expect, so I was a bit nervous. On top of this, the promoter tells us that we have to reach the DJ booth through the dancefloor—so basically walk in a straight line through the crowd. We go ahead, and people start realizing I’m Space 92. All of a sudden, everyone gets really quiet and starts standing aside, creating a perfect pathway. I felt I was basically Moses crossing the open seas at this point!! The tremendous respect the fans in Juarez showed that night meant everything to me.”

His travels have taken him to culturally rich locations like China, where he encountered a unique club scene.

“China was definitely a positive shock to me. My very first night there was in Chengdu—a city I knew nothing about, in terms of club life and crowd tastes. I got onstage and everyone was seated down—first big shock. That being said, an hour after I’d started, people were all standing up, dancing their asses off, and I even saw a chair flying at some point, haha.”

SPACE 92's collaborations reflect his ability to merge creative energies with other artists. His partnership with Hi-Lo (Oliver Heldens) has yielded remarkable results, highlighting the importance of synergy in the creative process.

“Working with Oliver is, and has always been such a joy. We had worked together on previous occasions, from ‘Mercury’ (one of the biggest hits of 2022) to ‘Arpeggio’ last year, so we are used to producing together now. We have great synergy together, and we understand each other. On a personal basis, Oliver is the sweetest guy ever—and he’s remarkably smart and talented.”

Through this collaboration, SPACE 92 has discovered new dimensions to his creative process. “Oliver was the very first producer I physically sat down with. My career as Space 92 had begun right before the Covid-19 pandemic, so my entire work, including with other people, was happening online. Everything changed with HiLo; he made me realize that the creative process in the presence of someone else is a much more stimulating, efficient, productive, and fast way to do things.”

One of the most surreal experiences for him was performing at the Aeroscopia Museum. Performing in the middle of a prestigious aeronautical museum, surrounded by rare airplanes, feels like something out of a dream, and SPACE 92 shared with me what that experience meant for him, the energy he felt was truly special.

“You’re right, Aeroscopia Museum is one of France’s major modern landmarks, and such an imposing and beautiful place. They have Concorde planes, various Airbus planes including the A380, Mirages, and Cessnas; it’s gigantic and gorgeous. Standing in that space, knowing that Toulouse is my hometown, and performing in front of my parents, relatives, friends, and about five thousand people… this was a dream come true.”

The unique setting of the museum also influenced his performance that night.

“The setting absolutely did play a major part in giving a new dimension to my set. My entire identity is based around the concept of space—the skies above, the planets, the cosmos... Playing surrounded by rare and prestigious aircraft made it fucking majestic.”

He's had so many tracks reach Number 1, like his remix for Layton Giordani’s ‘New Generation’ and ‘Robot’ on Filth on Acid. It seems like everything he touches turns to gold. I wondered if this could still feel surreal for him, so I asked him. If he still has that hunger to push himself even further? What keeps him reaching for that next level, even when he is quite literally already at the top?

“Thank you so much for these kind words. However, remember the curse and blessing I mentioned earlier? The hunger is here and will never go. I will never be satisfied with things just happening. I will always be driven to do more, to achieve new goals, to challenge myself. I will never take things for granted and will always work hard to not let my fans down.”

In the intimate setting of the studio, where every note and beat carries the weight of expectation, the artist's internal dialogue often dances between the pursuit of perfection and the instinctual pull of the music itself. He holds himself to high standards, striving for an ideal that can feel almost unattainable. A memorable moment comes to mind when he asked a friend in Costa Rica to film 27 takes for a 40-second Instagram Reel—a testament to his relentless quest for that perfect shot. “Rob, I’m sorry!” he quips, recognizing the absurdity of the situation. Yet, amid this meticulous attention to detail, he has learned to listen to the music. There’s a point when the track begins to speak for itself, where his gut feeling takes precedence over technicality.

“There were only 3 occurrences where I immediately knew I had something solid. All three tracks went Number 1 in the charts after being released.”

It’s those serendipitous moments where intuition leads the way that remind him of the delicate balance between aspiration and surrender.

When collaborating with fellow artists, he finds that these interactions can be transformative, revealing new facets of himself and his artistry. Each collaborator brings their unique energy, which often challenges his perspective while also resonating with his vision.

“If everyone had the same vision as I, things would get boring very quickly!”

he reflects, appreciating the variety of ideas that collaboration can inspire. However, he recognizes that a radically different vision can sometimes be exhausting. Fortunately, he has yet to encounter such situations. Instead, he enjoys the blend of inspiration and challenge that collaboration can bring, pushing him to explore new sonic landscapes without venturing too far from his core identity.

As he gears up for significant events like Awakenings x Drumcode at ADE, the butterflies in his stomach serve as a reminder that the thrill of performing never fades.

“I will always be anxious in these types of situations, but I’ve survived Ultra Miami, the Ziggo Dome, EDC, and many other big events, so I guess I’ll survive this one,” he acknowledges with a mix of humor and determination.

The nerves remain a part of the process, but he has learned to embrace that anxiety as a sign of passion and commitment. Each performance becomes a cherished moment in his journey, especially in a vibrant city like Amsterdam, which feels electric during this time of year. His touring experiences are peppered with unforgettable stories, too.

“I have so many hilarious stories from touring, the latest being me trying not to break my neck slipping in my own sweat puddle in Dublin,The club was piping hot, even with the ventilation and three fans surrounding me – but that gig was so raw and fun. There was also this other time in China when a lady backstage thought my (heavily tattooed and female) comanager was a DJ and started hitting on her. When told I was the DJ, she looked at me, then us, rolled up her eyes and left haha. Lastly, in Costa Rica I almost had a heart attack while I was playing - I saw someone fall off the roof and stop mid-air in front of me. Turns out it was an acrobatic dancer, you know, the ones with the skimpy outfits and the ribbons. We were not told they would be there; I had bum-bums in fishnets dangling in my face for a while.”

He shares, recalling the fun and raw energy of the night. Each experience, each note played, and each collaboration not only shapes his music but also deepens his connection to the world around him.

Reflecting on Space 92’s journey feels like a personal conversation with a friend who truly understands the complexities of life. His music transcends mere entertainment; it’s a lifeline that resonates with my own struggles and joys. When he opens up about his experiences with anxiety and the pressures of the industry, it strikes a chord deep within me. It reminds me that we’re all navigating our own paths, grappling with our fears and insecurities. His vulnerability gives me courage, encouraging me to embrace my own journey with authenticity and grace.

Every time I step into a Space 92 set, it’s as if I’m entering a sacred space. The energy is electric, yet intimate—a beautiful blend of excitement and connection that makes me feel alive. Whether it’s a festival, a club, or a unique venue like the Aeroscopia Museum, I feel a shared heartbeat with everyone around me. It’s in those moments of unity, lost in the music and the rhythm, that I find a sense of belonging. Space 92 has this incredible ability to create a space where we can let go of our worries, dance freely, and just be ourselves. It’s a reminder that we’re all part of something bigger, something beautiful, and that we can find solace in community.

Ultimately, Space 92's artistry feels like a gentle nudge from the universe to embrace our individual stories while recognizing the common threads that connect us all. His journey inspires me to explore my own passions and to approach life with an open heart. It’s a personal invitation to cherish the moments of joy and to seek out the beauty in vulnerability. As he continues to evolve as an artist, I find comfort in knowing that he will always be there, guiding us through the dance of life with his music, reminding us to embrace every beat of our existence.