Feudo began the production in 2016 and he released his first vinyl on Less is Techno, a label that he co-founded with his friends David and Milena. Today, he introduces his “Astra EP” on Empreinte Records, his own label. “Astra EP”, including a remix by Donor, unveils four tracks characterised by a deep-minimalist sound plunging listeners into an hypnotic atmosphere. The Lyon based defender of the vinyl culture speaks about his inspirations, the concept behind Empreinte Records, main difficulties to run a  label, memories from Berlin…

Welcome, a glass of?

A glass of white Martini with ice would be perfect!

How was the music environment in which you grew up?

I didn’t grow up in a family where music played a major role. My father listened to Rock’n’Roll, Jazz, and French pop, but mostly in the car. At home, it was quite rare that we played music. I had my own radio and was sometimes given CDs. One of my cousins used to make me compilations, mostly English pop rock. I loved listening to them in my room. I didn’t understand the lyrics but I liked the sound.

How did you discover electronic music?

When I started middle school, I became interested in electronic music. My best friend’s brother used to listen to it, and I ended up buying an MP3 player and loading it with all his tracks. Not long after that, one of my friends bought a sound system. From then on, we hosted all our friends’ parties. We played all kinds of music — that’s when I felt the urge to learn how to mix. Around the same time, my father installed the internet at home, which allowed me to explore a lot: music, labels, artists, and also information about deejaying.

Who are your main influences?

I really admire George Paar’s work on his label Par Recordings, it's powerful, with rich atmospheres. Donor, who remixed one of the tracks on the first Empreinte Records vinyl release, also inspired me a lot. I love the broken and stripped-down quality of his sound. In another genre, Alva Noto is a true master. His synthesis work is minimalist, clean, and seemingly simple… but in reality, it’s incredibly complex. Creating tracks, like this, is a real challenge. On the new projects I’m working on now, he’s one of my biggest inspirations.

Which format do you prefer the most?

Definitely vinyl for many reasons. Even before talking about the sound, when you browse records in a store, the first thing you see is the cover. It can be simple or very elaborate, and what it reveals about the music can be surprising. I really enjoy the visual and graphic side of vinyl. I also like the sound. It’s human, with its strengths and imperfections, and the more you care for it, the fewer flaws it has. But the main reason I prefer this format is for mixing. You can touch it, there is no screen, no interface, no superficial info… just the sound! Its only downsides are the weight and its sensitivity to dust or vibrations.

Could you describe your sound in a few words?

It’s hard to define because my tracks can be very different, especially in the energy they give off. But I try to create minimalist music, with a special focus on atmospheres and textures. I like incorporating parasitic sounds like crackles or interference. I tend to avoid melodies. Rhythm and sound design are at the heart of my approach.

What’s the philosophy behind your own label Empreinte Records?       

At first, I thought about creating a label to self-release my music. I talked about it with people around me: family, friends… I got a lot of advice about the legal structure, the artistic direction, and the long-term vision. It really pushed me to reflect deeply. I wanted a label that truly represented me, and to achieve that, I had to define its values and identity. Beyond the music, the label’s philosophy is to offer complete artistic experiences combining photography, artwork, and video. Artistically, I don’t set limits. I’m drawn to minimal and refined aesthetics. I avoid melodies and grooves which may sound strange, since many labels offer this kind of music but I prefer doing something different while staying true to myself. A label is a living entity that evolves over time. It’s about electronic music, mainly techno, but the story will unfold through human encounters.

Where is your studio? What are the gears you used to produce your “Astra EP”? (streaming below or click here)
My studio is at home. When I produced Astra EP, I was working on Logic 9. I had some hardware: an Elektron Analog Rytm, a Moog Sub 37 Tribute, and two Eventide pedals (reverb and delay).

What about next releases or producers you would like to collaborate with?
Unfortunately, I can’t share anything concrete at the moment. It’s not a secret, but nothing is fully defined yet. I’m not particularly trying to collaborate with big-name artists. The music industry moves very fast, but I work at my own pace. I have ideas for the future, but I can’t announce anything right now.

As a label head, what kind of difficulties do you face today?

Running a label isn’t my main job, so I’m discovering the challenges as they come. I started this project seriously, but also with a bit of naivety. Developing a label takes a lot of time. You can’t do everything alone. You need a team and you need to prove that your project is serious. The music industry is huge. My goal isn’t to become famous, just to share music. But producing vinyl is expensive. If the records don’t sell, it’s financial suicide. You need a network, partners for communication and promotion. You also need to know how to sell yourself and that’s not my strong suit. But I’m learning!

Where can we find your “Astra EP”?

“Astra EP” will be available in record stores in Lyon at Unité Centrale and Onigiri, in Paris at Yoyaku, in Marseille at Mind Trip, in Montpellier at Discopathe, in Bordeaux at Gimme Sound, in Poitiers at Plexus, in Toulouse at Jim’s Prophecy, in Lille at Bohème Records or Besides Records. I also collaborate with Chez Simone in Aquitaine. It can also easily be found online, on the label’s Bandcamp of course and on other online platforms. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who helped me to grow the label. There’s a very human dimension to this project. People I’ve met have made the journey incredibly rich and meaningful.

A banger for you, in 3 words?

A contrast between powerful and silence. Surprising.

Could you speak about your travels in Berlin, any nice memories to share with us? 
I’ve had the chance to go to Berlin several times. Through a series of encounters, I met a Berlin-based friend, Daniel. He’s a multidisciplinary artist: Dj, photographer… He travels a lot and organizes events here and there. Thanks to him, I played in Berlin for the first time, alongside a French friend, Fabrice. It was at Morlox, a great experience. Later, again thanks to Daniel, I got to play in other places, often unusual venues: warehouses, basements, cellars… that Berlin charm! Then came Tresor! Right after our vinyl release on Less is Techno which is my first label with my friends David and Milena, David called me and asked if I wanted to play at Tresor. He knew Luca Landolfi aka Synthek, a talented techno producer who organized the ”New Faces” events at this legendary club. Luca liked our record and booked me. I did the warm-up in the main room, behind the bars… the room was packed, the smoke thick, the sound powerful… an unforgettable memory.

What do you think of the current music scene in Lyon?

To be honest, I don’t go out to clubs much anymore, so I don’t know the scene that well today. But I know it’s very active. There is a real energy with lots of collectives, Djs, and various artists. Many producers are releasing great music on highly respected labels. I’m thinking of Tauceti and Vardae, but the list is far from exhaustive. There is a good vibe in Lyon!

Your top 5 favorite places in Lyon?

Le Sucre for the sound, Taille Crayon to eat, drink, and play pétanque with friends ; Parc de la Tête d’Or for picnics, reading, or relaxing ; Unité Centrale and Onigiri for record digging ; Piscine du Rhône, for swimming and sports.

Your top 5 favorite labels ?

Raster-Noton, Semantica Records, Northern Electronics, Stroboscopic Artefacts, Samurai Music

Which artist is currently blowing you away?

There are so many impressive artists… but if I had to name one, it would be Arthur Baude. I met him a few years ago. He's passionate about video, teaches it, works as a VJ, and even builds his own machines. His approach is holistic and he has a strong artistic identity. I really love his work.

What do you think about AI ?

AI is a technological revolution, comparable to the rise of the internet in the 90s. Like the internet, it brings both the best and the worst. In terms of art, I think it can be a useful tool — though I’m not personally exploring it yet. What concerns me is that AI can now compose music on its own if you describe what you want in the right language. At that point, creating music loses its meaning. For me, part of the magic is knowing that a human artist crafted the track. Without that, the charm disappears.

Without music, life would be...

Dull and sad. Music is part of human history. It brings people together and conveys emotion. It’s essential.

Your top 5 new releases ?

- Reeko “Urmah #1”

- Agonis “Thermo” (Carrier Version)

- Valentino Mora “”IIIIIIIII1IIII2IIIIIIIII”

- Alva Noto “HYbr:ID Rehuman”

- Toki Fuko “Warble”

Your top 5 old releases ?

- Lucy “Follow the Leader”

- Percyl “Vision 1”

- Etapp Kyle “Lotos”

- Donor “Sense”

- Arcing Seas “Ophidian”

Finally, who is Feudo right now, in 3 words?

Enthusiastic, curious, inspired.

Anything else?

The last word goes to you, Sabrina. The Martini was excellent, and this conversation was truly enjoyable. Thank you so much !

Interviewed by Sabrina Bouzidi / photo (c)