From the South of France to stages around the world, Teho has steadily carved out a unique space in the realm of melodic techno. Known for his cinematic soundscapes and emotionally charged productions, he now takes another major step forward with the release of his debut EP Meteor on Nora En Pure’s Purified Records. As an artist deeply committed to authenticity and innovation—both in the studio and on stage—Teho shares insights into his creative process, the inspiration behind his sound, and the evolution of his journey so far.
You’ve just released your debut EP on Purified Records – ‘Meteor’. How did this partnership come about, and what does it mean for your career?
I had my eye on Purified for a while, they release amazing music that really resonates with my own sound. I always wanted to send them demos, but for some time I was focused on releasing music through my own label, Labo T. In 2025, I decided to take a break from Labo T and focus on new exciting projects. Releasing music on Purified was one of my goals and I’m really happy to see it come to life now!
Can you talk us through your studio sessions? Do you have a set format when making music or is it a free flow of creativity?
It’s definitely a free flow of creativity. I try to go with my emotions and let them guide the process. I avoid using the same workflow every time, because I feel that would lead to making copies of copies. I want every track to come from a real, personal moment, and to sound unique.
What gear or software do you rely on most when producing your tracks?
I use a mix of hardware and software. On the hardware side, I mainly use the Moog Subsequent 37, Korg Monologue XD, Roland Juno-X, and even small devices like the Korg Monotron. For plugins, I use Native Instruments Komplete, the Arturia Collection, U-He Diva, and Xfer Serum. These are probably my go-to tools.
Teho, your sound is often described as cinematic and immersive. What are some non-musical influences – like films, books, or places – that inspire your music?
Funny you ask, I had this exact conversation with another artist recently. To be honest, I try not to get too influenced by movies or books because they already carry someone else’s story. I prefer to draw inspiration from real-life experiences, my travels, the people I meet, social interactions, and my emotional state. These are things I can speak about with honesty through my music.
Techno is a broad genre. What drew you specifically to melodic techno, and how did you find your unique voice within it?
What pulled me into melodic techno is the emotion it carries. My early influences were artists like James Holden, Nathan Fake, early Stephan Bodzin, and Gui Boratto. They all had this strong melodic signature already. Also, where I’m from, in Montpellier/South of France, there used to be an after-hours club called Bar Live that really championed this kind of sound. That place had a huge influence on many artists from the region, including myself. It’s probably where my journey into melodic techno really began.
The electronic music scene can be intense and competitive. How do you stay grounded and focused on your artistic vision?
I definitely feel the intensity of the scene, but I try to avoid the competitive mindset. I’ve always believed that music isn’t a competition, it’s a matter of taste. Some people’s favorite artist is someone completely unknown, and that says a lot. I stay focused on my own path. I’m not chasing success, I just want to create something personal and meaningful. If it becomes successful, that’s great. If not, that’s fine too.
What role do you think technology plays in shaping the future of electronic music?
Technology is at the heart of electronic music’s evolution. The tools we have today make the creative process much easier than it used to be, and I’m sure it will keep evolving fast. My only concern is how AI will develop. I think it’s an incredible tool with huge potential, but I really hope it won’t replace real musicians. I’m keeping a close eye on this, only time will tell where it leads.
As someone who’s toured globally and performed live extensively, what’s been one of your most memorable moments on stage?
There have been so many memorable moments, each with its own vibe. But one that stands out recently is the premiere of PACT, a new live project I created with my friends Joachim Pastor and Joris Delacroix. The idea was to reinterpret our own music with a new twist and even involve the audience directly on stage. We built custom machines for them to interact with us during the performance. The first show was in Paris last month, I was a bit nervous about it, but in the end, it turned out to be such an incredible experience!
Finally, what advice would you give to aspiring producers trying to break into the melodic techno scene today?
Just be yourself, work hard, and be patient. If you create music with real passion, I truly believe it will connect with people at some point. Focus on your own sound, that’s what makes you stand out.
