Previous outings on record labels like Carbone Records, Gomboc, and ARTCORE Records have certainly made Italian techno producer CHRS one to watch.
His next release will see him return to Indira Paganotto’s ARTCORE imprint, as he features on their forthcoming November VA compilation.
We spoke to him briefly to ask about the new release, how 2024 is going for him so far, and what else he’s looking forward to in the near future. Read the full interview with CHRS below.
How are things in the life of CHRS right now?
Musically, this is one of the best moments of my life. But life is not only about music, what always seems perfect through social media turns out to be full of sacrifices and sometimes even disappointments in real life. Speaking frankly to you, a few months ago I ended a long love affair, which scarred me a lot.
I wrote a lot of music, because as you know I only write when I’m full of emotions, I use music as therapy, it’s the only thing that makes me feel good in fact. In the next productions you will find some very nostalgic tracks with the hope of being able to convey my emotions to you, but the rest you will discover.
2024 has been a good year for you, with multiple releases, including your debut on Indira Paganotto’s ARTCORE Records?
Yes of course, 2024 was an important year, the release with ARTCORE marked the beginning of my all-round artistic career and in general in 2024 and I played at numerous important parties in Sicily such as Phase 2, Blackworks Teletech, Unreal Germany, and in numerous clubs and festivals thanks to the world tour with ARTCORE.
And you’ll be returning to the label again next month?
Of course, I will release on the next VA with a very special track, groovy old-school sounds. And I’m working on an EP for 2025 together with a singer, but I cannot reveal anything at the moment.
You’ve also released music with imprints like Carbone Records and Gomboc in the past, what’s your typical process in taking a track from the studio to getting it signed?
I rarely make music specifically for labels, when I produce I try to transfer my feelings into my productions, once I have finished a track and listened to it several times, I try to send it to some label that’s in line with the sound. Nowadays, thanks to Soundcloud – it’s easy to connect with artists and labels.
Which other labels might we see you on in the near future?
This is top secret, but small spoiler, there will be some very important news in 2025.
Do you have any upcoming gigs planned that you’re particularly excited about?
Yes, the next gig will be for one of the most important techno acts at the moment, Unreal Germany, I can’t wait – I’m pumped and excited.
And what’s something you’re hopeful for in 2025?
In 2025 I hope to push even harder, to expand my fan base by introducing as many people as possible to my sound and my emotions, this world has given me so much and keeps me alive. I hope to repeat my last ARTCORE world tour, it was a unique moment.
Is there anything else you want to mention before we finish up?
I want to thank all the people who support me day after day and give me the chance to move forward. I want to thank my ARTCORE family and my agency Beatside together with Indira Paganotto and my manager Alex Avanzato, and the whole team, who gave me this great opportunity.
Not everyone is lucky enough to have such a close-knit team, every event is something exciting, we have lunch, dinner together, we spend unique moments together beyond the events, I felt part of it from day one, and I hope to be a part of it forever – ARTCORE until I die!
Besides ARTCORE, I want to thank my other team PHASE 2 (Catania), my second home where I’m a resident, it has given me so much for my personal growth and I can only thank it for life. I also wanted to say a special thank you to the Sicilian public who set after set give me indescribable love.
What can I say, I am lucky, I wish this for everyone.