The Swedish techno icon has remained one of the most relevant DJs in the world for nearly two decades through a relentless dedication to rhythm. RA's Todd L. Burns investigates.

Just finished reading this. An interesting piece, as is usually the case here on Mondays. While I haven't listened to too many of his records, his sets are more often than not top notch. His Fuse mix is something I still spin every now and then.

The man is capable off playing the most hostile yet dancable techno after beinig awake for god knows how long and yet his mixes stay above average. An Ice cold techno gaint how seems to eat vinyl for breakfast ;0) Very nice article.

Good read!

Class act!

awesomeness

Awesome read! Beyer is a true champ. Never fails to impress.

Good article! I also still listen to the Fuse mix a fair bit. Can't wait until he releases another mix cd!

Thank you Adam for giving us such a Thorough Interview. Very interesting and an enjoyable Read ! x

Beyer never disappoints when playing live, like the interview states it's all about the consistency, you know exactly what you are getting. Still love his fabric mix from a few years back

great piece - well said Adam. Keep up the great work.

Great interview-amazing artist-incredible labels-keep it moving

Awesome interview! Keep on Adam...

I totally adore that guy!!! can't wait to see him next week again!!! those 7 hours 10 days ago were definitely not enough! superb read, Todd!

great read again, interesting insight.

Well what a great interview this is! Very clear picture of exactly who he is. Rare to hear someone describe their experience of the world , their life, their art (over a long time span)- and have it so closely match your perception of them both then and now. Genuine to the core! Especially liked how he expressed so perfectly his thoughts on unique techno sound and how it differs from that of Liebing et al. Naming rhythm as the essential defining element. While I'm glad techno is finally being appreciated in my

local scene, it's definitely been focused primarily on sounds ranging from very minimal to thick driving Liebing-ish stuff! I still desperately long for the more rhythmic sounding techno with that "differnt swing to it"(funny that i often use those same. words in fact) that has always been my preference! ADAM-thank you for providing some of the soundtrack to my life!?

"But I'm still actually playing CDs". Hm, is "still" really the right word.

Quote
"If there's one word to describe Adam Beyer, it is consistency. "

Consider Leonardo. The guy was mega diverse. Hundreds of books have been written about him. What made him tick, how could he turn his hand to so many genres. TALENT, DIVERSITY and of course GENIUS. If he were around today he wouldnt get a look in unless he painted the same landscape over and over.

Consistency is what I want in my kettle or toaster, NOT my music artists. Shock me, confront me, anger me, make me think, do something other than regurgitate the same stuff over and over for 20 years.

This is not a personal insult toward Adam who has been one of the better techno artists but never the less has been predictable. This is really aimed more to those who suggest wrongly that consistency in art is the triple A must have attribute. Of all the forms of art this sameyness embracing attitude is most rampant in the EDM scene.

One look at the Beatles short but mega fruitful seven year career really drives this point home. Compare their first album with Sgt Peppers. That was a mere four years after their first album. Wow, I repeat WOW.

Austyn, I agree and disagree.

Some musical styles sure: the artist can go mental, try something extreme, evolve, develop and not be afraid to mess things up.

For a techno DJ, whose focus is strictly techno, I don't think this is so important.

Super interview. I just heard Adam for the first time this year in Toronto and he reminded me why I used to love reeeeeaaallly goooood techno. The way it can be emotional and unrelenting at the same time, like amazing sexual tension or something. Marvelous achievements Adam! Come to Salt Lake City someday!!!!

He constructs a lovely flow of morphing techie beats.

Great interview. Beyer really is a legend and quite inspirational for budding young djs.

Adam Beyer = hero

"The Swedish techno icon has remained one of the most relevant DJs in the world for nearly two decades through a relentless dedication to rhythm."

If I see one more person or thing described as 'relevant' I'll literally shit a brick.

How does a DJ become 'irrelevant' - anyone know? By not jumping on every bandwagon taht rolls by, presumably? So surely being 'relevant' is, actually, quite a bad thing?

No, lets just clear it up right now, this word is meaningless journalistic hot air. For the love of God, please stop using it. Immediately.

And, as for 'remaining relevant through relentless dedication to rhythm'', umm, that pretty much IS techno. You meant, then, famous techno DJ Adam Beyer is still playing techno? And there's me thinking he'd pioneered that new UN-rhythmic techno that I've been hearing so much about!

Top intro.

Love Beyer though.

This is a very relevant article.

@Dusk
I'm in total agreement @ the inappropriate overuse of "relevant" both as a word and
a concept. I would argue however that the majority of techno (minimal) that has been the "trend" in recent years absolutely lacked all rhythm (bored me to tears as well). Thankfully we've moved on and true techno (i.e. the kind w/ rhythm) has been. restored!?