FTFL is a DJ-producer based in Strasbourg and he belongs to the rising artists of the new generation to follow closely. In 2024, he began the production and he has signed his first Ep “Deerstalker” on Ignorance and one year later his album “Sine Collapse” on Diffuse Reality Records amongst others. As a member of Ignorance Collective, he aspires to defend techno culture and preserve its original soul. This month, he dropped his second Ep “Through the Veil” on Ignorance. And to mark the occasion, he shares about the philosophy behind his collective, his vision of the vibrant local scene and tells us more about his projects.

Welcome, a glass of?

A pint of IPA.

Do you belong to an artistic family?

Not particularly artistic, but music was always present in everyday life and naturally became important to me. From a very young age, I developed a strong interest in music and decided to pursue it more seriously. I received formal training in music theory and learned to play drums, which gave me, maybe, a different approach on listening to music today.

Who are your main influences?

I’m always listening to something different, so my inspiration comes from everywhere: psychedelic rock, abstract sounds, house, IDM and more. I need that variety to keep things interesting. Traveling, especially in Asia, also played a big part in how I see things now. But for sure, the most defining moments for me were on the dancefloor. Those endless nights at places like Berghain really changed how I perceive sound.

How did you discover electronic music?

I’ve gone from listening to house music with my mother at 8 to dance in techno clubs at 18, and it’s been a long evolution. My early years were shaped by a mix of mainstream airplay and my cousin's Skrillex phase, but by high school, I was already looking for something more radical. Finding Klockworks and diving into Giegling playlists at 14 or 15 really sharpened my ears. The true turning point, however, was stepping on a real dancefloor at 18. That’s when it stopped being just a hobby and became an obsession. I fell in love with everything: the community, the vibe, even the architectural aesthetics of clubs.

Your first approach to Djing?

I started out with a Pioneer DDJ-200 just to have a try with my house music playlist. At the time, I hadn't even set foot in a club yet.

What was decisive to become a producer?

What drove me was the desire to craft a unique sonic identity. I didn't want to rely only on other people's work, I wanted to find my sweet spot between experimental, hypnotic, groovy and powerful sound.

Last year, you released an album named “Sine Collapse” (stream below) on Diffuse Reality Records. How have you been connected with the label and decided to work together?

I connected with them through a standard demo submission, but the partnership fell short of expectations. It’s clear they prioritize building a massive catalog over actual artist support; without a top name status, you’re left with zero promotion or follow-up. Despite the work put into Sine Collapse, there were no premieres and no post-release backing. It’s a lesson learned: I’d rather work with labels that value quality over volume.

Your favorite equipment in the studio?

My go-to is the Syntakt by Elektron. I love the workflow because it feels like having an entire studio packed into a single machine. It’s incredibly versatile and powerful.

Could you define your sound in 3 words?

Minimalistic, raw, bleepy

Who is behind Ignorance Collective and what is its DNA?

Ignorance Collective emerged from a profound sense of disillusionment. We’ve witnessed both global and local Strasbourg’s scenes slowly dismantle the foundations that were meticulously built over the last three decades. We are currently facing the mainstream era of electronic music, a shift where the depth of the culture is being sacrificed for the gratification of IG Reels. It’s a reaction to a passive audience that consumes without reflecting, entering our sanctuaries without the intention to integrate, understand the history, or respect the long-standing codes of our community. We saw too many new collectives on the local scene chasing trends like mindless herds, diluting the essence of what we love. Alongside Carla, and a circle of like-minded artists, we built this collective as an act of cultural resistance. Our DNA is defined by this refusal to conform. We aren't just throwing music, we are defending a space for those who truly value the music and the heritage over the hype. We are here to keep the soul of the underground breathing.

How do you choose artists you invite?

A balance between heritage and the avant-garde. I look for artists in favor of deeper, more mental sounds. Whether they are established legends or unknown talents, they must represent the uncompromising essence of techno.

What about the electronic scene in Strasbourg?

Strasbourg is a polarized scene. For clubs, Kalt remains the undisputed reference because it’s run by true purists with a true techno culture, they’re actual enthusiasts who prioritize the narrative and selection of a set over social networking unlike some others spots. Beyond the generic hard techno trend, we actually have a few solid collectives doing great things in different styles, along with a small, driven underground sphere of artists. That’s where the real energy is; it’s about people who still care about the soul of the music. Techno has always been in Strasbourg.

You’ve made a collaboration with Clarence Rise on the label 31Hertz. This label is also a promoter in Strasbourg. Is it an example of crews you mentioned above? Could you briefly name some other collectives in the same move as you?

Yes, 31Hertz is the kind of crew I was talking about. To be honest, most other collectives in Strasbourg have a vision that’s a bit too diluted for my taste. 31Hz is different because they actually prioritize the sound. For our official stage at Fête de la Musique, they were the first ones to go all-in and rent a massive Void system without even knowing if they’d break even. This is the kind of thing that I like ! Their sound is definitely on the funkier, groovier side compared to the mental and minimal depth we push on our side, but we’re in the same move.

Any rituals before a gig?

A nap and cigs

A banger in 3 words?

Drums, Dirty, Uncompromising

Your top 5 favorite labels?

I would say Soma, Sublunar, PoleGroup, Ostgut Ton and Non-series

Your favorite record stores?

Locked Grooves in Strasbourg. I’m a digital DJ, so my vinyl purchases are rare. I’m only looking for physical copies for my Ostgut Ton collection

What are your top 5 places in Strasbourg?

Kalt Club, Contre-temps Festival for curation. The Krutenau district and the riverside boats for drinks. And maybe the Parc de Pourtalès in the summer.

Your second passion?

Cooking

If you could have a short conversation with an artist...

Boris (Dolinski), without a doubt, and for a long one please. He’s a rare example of someone whose career is as deep as his kindness. Seeing his own passion stay so pure just grounded me.

Without music life would be...

BORING

Your Top 5 new releases?

-Oliver Rosemann “Thought becomes thing”

-Red Rooms “Endurance”

-Quelza “Above The Clouds I Finally Found Peace”

-Justine Perry “Hollow Bounce” (Justine Perry’s interview here)

-Cirkle “Fading Trails”

Your Top 5 oldies?

-Vril “V8”

-Maurizio “Domina” (Carl Craig’s Mind Mix)

-Function “Against The Wall”

-Steffi feat. Virginia “Yours”

-Dario Zenker “Hassel”

Your projects for 2026?

To start, my EP « Through the Veil » drops 9th May on Ignorance, also some great things with my collective are coming. I’m also planning a new album for the end of the year and of course to get my production to a higher level and close to what I want.

And finally, the current FTFL in 3 words?

Passionate, Motivated, Real.

Interviewed by Sabrina Bouzidi / Photo by Carla-Marie Frazzi.