From Raves to Reverence / Onlynumbers

A rising force in the electrifying realm of techno music.

Combining elements of euphoria, percussion, and hard techno, Onlynumbers has carved out a distinct sonic niche that reverberates throughout the hard techno scene. With a penchant for infusing his productions with soul-stirring energy, he captivates audiences with every performance, leaving a lasting impression wherever he goes. Born from the creative depths of France and now living in Czechia, Onlynumbers burst onto the scene in September with a meteoric rise. Since then, he has graced the stages of Europe’s premier venues, delivering unforgettable sets that leave crowds craving more. His influence extends far beyond the confines of the stage, as his productions have become staples in the sets of the biggest DJs in the scene. Tracks like “Miss the Rave,” “Euphoric Night,” and his explosive EP “My Heart is Raging” on Taapion Records have solidified his status as a trailblazer in the genre. Onlynumbers ‘Ha Ha’ released 20th February, presale link here.

Your journey started with “Toxic waste buried” and its raw, industrial ethos. How does the spirit of rebellion manifest in your work as Onlynumbers? Is it evolution or revolution?
I see it more as an evolution. T/W/B was built on industrial energy and a strong sense of rebellion, which still shapes everything I do. However, after T/W/B, I took a break that let me reflect on my goals and the kind of music I really wanted to create. That time away made me realize I could reach a wider audience without losing the intensity that defined my earlier work. With Onlynumbers, I have combined that rebellious streak with a more euphoric approach, creating a sound that is both powerful and more accessible. It is still about pushing boundaries and channeling deep emotion, but now it feels more expansive and refined!

With “Embrace the pain”, you’ve explored an ominous, cinematic soundscape. What personal battles inspired this track, and how do you channel vulnerability into a hard techno anthem?“Embrace the Pain” was born from facing my own struggles head-on. Rather than ignoring discomfort, I used it as fuel for the music. A big part of that intensity came from being inspired by John Williams’ “Duel of the Fates.” That track has a relentless force and drama that resonated with me, and I wanted to capture some of that spirit in a hard techno context. I focus on honesty in each sound, ensuring that every kick and synth conveys the catharsis of confronting pain. The cinematic atmosphere emerges from diving so deeply into those feelings, allowing listeners to tap into their own vulnerabilities and find a sense of power within them.

You transitioned from drum school to mastering tracks for icons like Shlømo and Rebekah. How has this technical mastery refined your ability to craft euphoric yet gritty soundscapes?
I studied drums from age five to fifteen, which gave me a solid foundation in rhythm and how it shapes a track’s energy. Later, starting my post production company in 2018, I had the privilege of advising and mastering nearly 2000 tracks for artists like Azyr, Basswell, Shlømo, BLK, and Trym. Through that work, I learned how small adjustments can elevate a track to its fullest potential. Both experiences remind me how much there is to learn. My drum school days influence the drive and flow in my productions, while my mastering background helps me maintain balance and clarity. 

“By blending a passion for powerful rhythms with a focus on nuance, I aim to create soundscapes that are both euphoric and gritty, letting the music speak for itself.”

“Dying for you” gave fans an intimate glimpse into the 81 spirit, while “Embrace the pain” pushes into darker territory. How do these tracks reflect your internal dialogue as an artist and a human being?
Dying for You was a deeply personal tribute to my best friend who passed away. In that track, I tried to capture the heartbreak and gratitude I felt for the bond we shared. Writing it became a way of transforming my grief into something meaningful, and it showed a vulnerable side of me as an artist. On the other hand, Embrace the Pain takes a darker approach, looking directly at the struggles and fears we often try to avoid. It channels that intensity into a powerful statement about accepting hardship as part of self-discovery. Both tracks reflect different layers of my internal dialogue and shine a light on the 81 spirit, which is about harnessing deep emotions and using them as fuel for growth. Each release tells a piece of my story, from navigating loss to facing personal battles head-on, and together they offer a glimpse into who I am both as an artist and as a human being.

Your collaborations with Basswell on tracks like “Lunar” and “This is war” are electric. How do you balance creative control and synergy when working with another force in the scene?
Working with Basswell has been a unique blend of our two worlds. He brings the club perspective, focusing on the structure and how it will hit on the dancefloor, while I draw inspiration from music you can listen to at home and more focus on create the sound design, mix and mastering. We combine these ideas so each track finds a balance between creativity and pure club energy. Our roles naturally complement each other, that what made this connection really special !

Techno is often described as catharsis through chaos. For someone who has “graced the stages of Europe’s premier venues,” what emotions do you aim to evoke in your audience when the bass drops?
When the bass drops, I want the audience to experience a moment of absolute release, where tension shifts into euphoria and any chaos turns into a powerful force of unity. It is about everyone embracing the music together, letting go of what has been weighing them down, and feeling completely alive. For me, techno has always been a channel for honest expression, and I aim for the crowd to connect deeply with both the energy of the set and each other. It all ties back to the spirit I bring to every performance, blending intensity and vulnerability so people can feel something truly transformative on the dancefloor. That’s also why I will never prepare a set, everything need to happen in the present.

Hard techno has always thrived on counterculture. How does Onlynumbers challenge the mainstream, and where do you see the genre pushing boundaries next?
Hard techno has always been linked to counterculture, but for me, it is not about challenging the mainstream. I believe those labels can sometimes create barriers that limit creativity. Instead, I focus on maintaining the energy and spirit of hard techno while welcoming a wider audience. I do not mind if people call it mainstream or underground my goal is to stay true to my sound and keep pushing my own boundaries.
In terms of where the genre is headed, I see more artists blending influences from all over the musical spectrum. That open mindset will keep hard techno evolving, allowing it to maintain its rebellious edge while inviting more people to experience the intensity it can offer. But I don’t think this genre is still underground. I mean, how can an underground music can sell that much ticket and make millions of streams?

From France to Czechia, and with a pivotal journey through Asia, how has your nomadic life influenced the global sound of Onlynumbers? Does place dictate rhythm?
Traveling from France to Czechia and spending time in Asia has completely changed my perspective on life and music. Living in France just did not feel right anymore, and I realized I needed an environment that truly resonates with me both personally and creatively. I found that space in Czechia and parts of Asia, where I have been happier and more successful. The environment you choose can define you if you are a fish trying to swim in the desert, of course you cannot go far. While a location does not dictate the exact rhythm I create, each place has its own culture, energy, and pace, all of which feed into my creative process. Being immersed in different surroundings allows me to bring new flavors into the sound of Onlynumbers, giving it a more global edge. Ultimately, finding the right environment has been crucial for my personal well-being, and that sense of freedom and inspiration naturally shapes the music I make.

Your hybrid set at Verknipt Arena redefined the club experience. How do you innovate the live performance medium to keep audiences in a state of perpetual euphoria?
I view a live performance as an immersive journey rather than just a playlist of tracks. And I wanted to show that I compose my Melodies with my keyboard and as something instinctive. At Verknipt Arena, one aspect that made the show unique was playing many of the melodies live on my keyboard, adding a more human, spontaneous feel to the set. It is about creating waves of tension and release, guiding the crowd through an experience where they can lose themselves in the moment yet still feel deeply connected. I also like to keep the audience on their toes by blending unexpected elements and transitions even if it’s not that much dj friendly hahahah.
I love to play breaks and no-drums part, it’s my way to fully enjoy the music! 

Your work is both ephemeral and enduring, resonating in packed clubs and iconic tracks. Do you view your music as a fleeting experience meant for the moment, or is it a lasting statement for the future of techno?
I do not see my music as something fleeting. I create it with the intention of it lasting far beyond any single club night or festival. Every track, whether it is played in the heart of a packed dancefloor or discovered years down the line, is meant to stand on its own and remain meaningful over time. My goal is for the energy and message to stay with listeners, even after the lights come on. I want it to be more than a momentary experience. I strive for my music to be immortal, something people can return to and still feel the same spark, no matter how much time has passed!

Touring exposes you to a variety of audiences and cultures. How do you adapt your sound to create a universal connection while still honoring the local techno scene?
I do not focus on honoring local scenes or traditions. Instead, I adapt my sound by playing what resonates with me most in the moment. I find that audiences from different backgrounds can still connect with the intensity and emotion behind the music, because those feelings cross cultural boundaries. It is about trusting my instincts on stage and letting the crowd’s energy guide me, all while staying true to my identity as an artist! 

From Raves to Reverence / Onlynumbers

Credits:

Artist: Onlynumbers / @onlynumbers_uju
Interview: Elena Murratzu / @elena.murratzu
Editor: Anca Macavei / @ancamacavei

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