From inspiring some of the most legendary techno music to actually beaming it to space, during Sonar Festival in Spain, in search of an alien civilization, extraterrestrial exploration has been baked into the core of techno music since its inception. Perhaps, we are extrapolating that the human instinct to respond to the rhythmic beating of the drum would be replicated in all intelligent life. After all, rhythm is hypnotic and connects us beyond the barriers of language.
Adding to the fabulous releases that follow this theme, last November, Mohit Tyagi, a New Delhi, India based Dj/Producer who represents MOCID, released his hypnotic techno EP ‘Bioterror’. After rave reviews for his single ‘Lost in Andromeda’, ‘Bioterror’ expanded on the sound skills in Mohit’s arsenal. The EP is based on MOCID’s active meditation, made through defined low end frequencies, rhythmic pulsing fat bass grooves and flying modulated synthesisers. In his words, it ‘relates to a space traveler exploring the Universe, searching for intelligent beings and establishing a first contact with them through rhythmic sound vibrations, also known as Techno by some developed civilisations’.
The EP opens with the title track with a compelling rhythmic drum pattern that forms the crux of the entire track. As the track evolves, the higher frequencies are filled with seemingly random patterns of squeaking synth noises set against the backdrop of a pulsating bass that complements the drum pattern. It is very subtle, but the track amps up as it reaches its closing before moving to the next track ‘Poltergeist’.
One of the most recognisable elements of hypnotic techno is the kick pattern that holds the composition together. On ‘Poltergeist’ as well we open with a thumping kick pattern that stands as the backbone for a rhythmic melody and percs in the higher bands. Building a hypnotic techno track from start to finish requires the patience to let every sound develop and find its own space, which MOCID has very ably done over the course of the EP.
The last track of the EP, ‘Voodoo’, is different from others from the get go. It starts with a surreal pad and a pulsating bass and takes on a more melodic approach to hypnotic techno while still making you groove to the rhythm. It is almost as if it stands as a placeholder between this EP and MOCID’s next work. His uplifting and dark music is made of fast, rhythmic and mental techno that keeps you on your toes throughout the galactic journey.
We spoke to MOCID about his journey since the release of the EP.
The answers below have been edited for readability.
1. What was your intention when you first set out to make the EP and how did it change over the course of making and releasing it?
I started writing these tracks during the Covid lockdown of 2021. I was impacted by the world scenario and thought of channeling it into a new musical project. So my first intention was to set out a form of art that I believed in and that would contribute to the music industry during the troubled times. Eventually as my thoughts came to life in the form of tracks, I picked up the pace of production and finished this EP. Not much changed for me as I finished the EP exactly how I wanted it to be – fast, hypnotic, dark yet groovy for the dancefloor.
2. How do you think things have changed for you since you released the EP?
As a producer, when you sit down to make music, you pile on a lot of unfinished projects. You write music that sometimes you’re unable to finish, sometimes you’re unsatisfied with. Ever since I released the EP, I have gained a lot of confidence, recognition, appreciation and artistic vision. Apart from contributing my unique sound, I also feel like this would educate the listeners on this unique genre of techno & give them something fresh to hear.
3. How do you feel about the response to the EP? How important is it to your creative process? What are the learnings you’ll take from this EP?
I’m really grateful for all the positive feedback I’ve received so far. It was a challenging project, and I’m proud of how it turned out. At the same time, I recognise that there’s always room for improvement, and I’m taking the constructive feedback to heart as I plan my next steps. I’m excited to keep creating and collaborating, and I can’t wait to share what’s next.
4. What does the future hold?
As for music careers, the music industry is constantly evolving and adapting to changes in technology and consumer behaviour. While the industry has faced challenges in recent years due to the rise of streaming and changes in the way music is consumed, there are still many opportunities for those interested in pursuing a career in music.
