In 2021, Biometric-Audio was co-launched with Pure Basic, Faël, and Daniele Angelo, an Italo-Algerian label which has collaborated with prominent international techno figures as Sleeparchive, Elektrabel, Jamie Bissmire, Linear System and more recently Stanislav Tolkachev and DJ Shufflemaster. Immersed in the club scene for over a decade and belonging to a whole generation wishing to emancipate themselves from societal codes, the founders tell us more about their roots, the genesis of the label and their perception about the techno scene.

Welcome, a glass of what?

Pure Basic: Water, because it’s life.

Faël: A cup of herbal tea after a long day.

Where do you come from and how was the environment where you grew up?

Pure Basic: I come from Cirignano, a small hamlet in the Apennine mountains near Benevento. It’s a rural village of about 400 people. I wouldn’t say I come from an artistic family, but my father, from what I could understand, was a bit of an old-school hippie. I didn’t know him very well, but as a child I listened to a lot of music with him. My grandmother was the same, both of them were music collectors. The environment I grew up in had its ups and downs. I’m not ashamed to say it: Southern Italy in the ’90s was not easy. Still, my mother raised me in the best way possible, and I’m deeply grateful to her.

Faël: I grew up in Algiers, very close to nature, that's probably shaped me the most as a child. I was always connected to the earth, spending a lot of time outdoors. At the same time, my mother and her side of the family were very into art, especially music, so I was surrounded by that as well.

What about your influences?

Pure Basic: Basic Channel.

Faël: My influences mainly come from the Detroit scene, I’ve always been drawn to that raw, soulful energy. I’m also influenced by liquid drum and bass, ambient and experimental music.

How did you discover electronic music?

Pure Basic: I discovered electronic music mainly through an old record my grandmother owned, around 1996–1997. It was Kraftwerk. At home we listened to many different things, but ’80s synthwave was especially present.

Faël: I discovered electronic music through my older cousins when I was a teenager

Do you remember your first approach to DJing?

Pure Basic: My first approach to DJing came when I found some mid-’80s tapes with recordings of the first DJs mixing records in Italian clubs. That’s when I started to understand how DJing really worked. At that time, I met Salvatore Stallone, one of the greatest Italian artists, who was producing underground house music between the late ’80s and early ’90s. He is still considered one of the most respected and well-known figures in the Italian underground scene. Later, I connected with Luigi Romano, who was producing Detroit techno, and that was a complete revelation for me. Even though he’s probably quite old now, and I haven’t seen him in many years, he was one of the greatest artists I’ve ever encountered. Unfortunately, he’s not widely known because he stayed within his comfort zone, but when he performed, I truly believe that very few DJs today could reach that level. He’s one of those figures that come around once every thousand years.

Faël: My first real approach to DJing wasn’t that long ago about five years ago. After years of hesitation, I finally started playing during after-parties with close friends, in very intimate settings. In the very beginning, I was introduced to it by 3abdelkader from the Algerian Techno Movement collective (ATM interview here).

Your label Biometric-Audio in 3 words? 

Pure Basic: Rather than answering with three words, I’d like to answer with three names: Faël - Yuki - Daniele

Faël: Love- Unity- Expression 

The Bandcamp page is here but where is the label based?

Pure Basic: The label is Italo-Algerian, although it is currently based in Hamburg. We work together, operating between Algeria, Naples, and Hamburg.I’ve been living in Hamburg for about eight years, and in many ways this city has completely changed my life. The label is officially based in Hambourg but we operate across multiple locations, thanks to the internet.

How did you meet each other? What about the genesis of the label?

Pure Basic: It’s quite a long story, but it all started when I sent a promo to Faël. From there, everything began. We immediately built a strong connection, and I feel that in some way it was destined for us to meet and work together.

Faël:   The label was created through love for music, and for the human connection that brings us together. That’s really where everything comes from.

What are the main values of Biometric-Audio?

Pure Basic: The main values of Biometric-Audio are rooted in a simple idea: it’s like a family.

We work together in harmony, supporting each other and creating a space that stays away from the traditional systems that surround us. We strive to be unique in everything we do, especially in artistic and musical choices. Our goal is to provide an authentic musical experience, carefully crafted in every detail, bringing a sense of beauty and calm to everything we produce.

Regarding “PARADIGM OF TOMORROW”, how did you meet with Dj Shufflemaster, Stanislav Tolkachev-interview here - and decided to collaborate together?  

Faël: The idea of releasing  Shufflemaster came from Pure Basic, as he already had existing connections with him. We’ve all been following his work and appreciating it for a long time, so it quickly felt like the right fit for our third release. As for Stanislav Tolstachev, that was my idea. Pure Basic explained to Stanislav that the track should be written from scratch exclusively for me and for the Biometric-Audio release. We contacted him, and from there, things fell into place naturally. He'll be releasing with us very soon.

Could you describe this release in 3 words? 

Faël: I think the title says it all!

Upcoming releases?

Pure Basic: Yes, there are several releases coming up.The next one will be our third vinyl volume, but we’ve also decided to create a digital catalog. The goal is to give new artists the chance to express themselves in different ways and to expand our vision of music. Of course , we have a new release coming very soon, on both vinyl and digital. At the same time, we’ve chosen to open a more digital path for the label, to support and showcase artists we deeply appreciate. This includes artists like klønn, ÖÖ- YSR, EHMARJ and Javfstrackt among others. It’s really about expanding the label’s vision and working with people we connect with artistically. More projects are on the way and you can stream all release by clicking here.

Any ritual before a gig?

Pure Basic: I try to relax as much as possible before a live set. However, in the beginning, I felt a lot of anxiety, but over time, this feeling has completely disappeared.

Faël: Before any gig, I usually tend to avoid listening to music, which might sound a bit paradoxical. I prefer to stay in silence and disconnect, so I can arrive with a clear mind and fully focus on the moment.

How do you feel about the German scene?

Pure Basic: The scene in Germany is very interesting, although I think it’s becoming quite mainstream, generally speaking, like in many places. The main issue, in my opinion, is that few artists truly dedicate themselves to the music. What bothers me most is that often artists seem to focus more on image rather than on sensitivity and expression through music. That’s my point of view.

Faël: The electronic music scene in Germany is extremely diverse. I really feel that everyone can find their place within it. It ranges from more mainstream sounds to very underground scenes, covering a wide spectrum of styles so there is truly something for everyone. What I appreciate most is this openness and variety; it allows people to connect with the scene in their own way.  I also want to give a shout-out to a concept I deeply respect, My Grooves in Leipzig, with whom I’ve already had the chance to play, and Groove On The Carpet based in Berlin, both founded by Algerian artists years ago.

If you could have a conversation with an artist…

Pure Basic: Great question, and I have to admit it’s a bit difficult to answer. If I had the chance to speak with an artist, I’d love to meet Jeff Mills, for some of his experimental ideals and because I consider him a highly cultured person. I would also have liked to meet Vangelis, but sadly he’s no longer with us. I’d also like to meet Brian Eno or the singer Sade Adu.

What part does the production take place in your life? 

Pure Basic: Sometimes I like to produce music just for myself, in a relaxed environment. There’s nothing more beautiful than listening to your own music.

Faël: I’m still in a learning process when it comes to music production, and I try to give myself the time and space to grow and evolve at my own pace, despite a busy life. I’m really grateful to everyone who supports and helps me along the way, especially Pure Basic.

Which materials do you use for production?

Pure Basic: I prefer not to go into details, as I’m quite reluctant to reveal the sounds I use. One thing is certain though: I used my heart, because during that period I put all of myself into that track.

What does vinyl represent to you?

Pure Basic: For me, vinyl represents a different kind of sound, compared to what we usually hear. But above all, holding a vinyl in your hands is like touching the music itself, having it like a person you can care for. Vinyl works this way: if you take care of it, it gives you great satisfaction; if you neglect it, it can cause many problems. A bit like humans, from my point of view.

Faël: For me, vinyl is a more physical and intentional way of listening to music. There’s something very real in the object itself and in the gesture of playing it. It’s not about opposing digital music, which is essential and very practical, but vinyl offers a different experience, more immersive, more personal, and slower.

Pure Basic, how many records do you have in your private collection ?

Pure Basic: I have almost  3.000 vinyl records in my collection.

The last record you bought?

Pure Basic: The last record I bought was at a flea market: it’s “Voyager Autor du monde”, which explores Algerian music from the 1950s. A true masterpiece of that period, and I think it’s also quite rare.I also picked up some bossa nova, and right now I’m just relaxing by listening to a lot of light music.

Faël: Honestly, I don’t really remember the last vinyl I bought, because I usually don’t shop for records in Algeria. And when I travel, I tend to buy several at once rather than just one, so it’s hard for me to pinpoint the very last one. But I do remember the last vinyl I was given was a gift from Pure Basic. It was a record from Drissi El Abbassi ( Raï Sidi Bel Abbes) it’s an underground compilation, a release I had been waiting for a long time.

Mountains or ocean?

Pure Basic: Honestly, both. It depends on my mood and what I need at that moment.

Faël: Why choose when we can have both at the same time!

Interviewed by Sabrina B. / photos (c).