Despite 2020’s unprecedented circumstances, the year proved to be highly significant for Mathieu Mourareau’s newly established Space 92 techno pseudonym, scoring numerous Beatport hits which resulted in him becoming their best-selling techno artist of the year.
To continue his fine form, the talented Frenchman has just released a sublime 3-track ‘Atlas’ EP on Reinier Zonneveld’s revered Filth on Acid label, so WWD thought it was time to catch up with Mathieu to talk about his musical journey, COVID-19 in France and much more. He has also kindly provided WWD with a fresh and exclusive 1hr mix for your listening pleasure.
WWD: Hello Mathieu Mourareau AKA Space 92, welcome to When We Dip, thanks for taking the time to speak to us.
Hey guys. Thank you for taking the time to interview me. Pleasure is mine!
WWD: As Space 92 is a relatively new name on the scene, a good place for us to start would be if you can please tell our readers a bit about your background and your journey to becoming Space 92…
My trajectory is a little bit original. I started at 16 under a different alias; altogether I have 12 years of musical production under my belt. Then, about three years ago I started thinking about setting up a more personal project, which would have a very specific sonic and musical identity. But in order to do so, I had to fully know myself first: what was I standing for, what were my likes and dislikes. I eventually did, and when I started my new project Space 92 I immediately felt free. In terms of musical influences, there are a lot of them obviously, but artists such as Stephan Bodzin, Tale of Us and UMEK are major to me.
WWD: We understand your name was inspired by your interest in space, why do you think Space and techno music go so well together?
I indeed chose my artist name because I’m passionate about everything related to space in general, including vintage Eighties Sci-Fi. Then I picked the number 92 very simply because I was born in 1992 so that was a real no-brainer! I think that Techno music goes very well with a space theme because it’s made of electronic – electrifying even – sounds that can also be quite spacey or trippy. I think it’s a great combo.
WWD: You achieved great success last year and became Beatport’s best-selling techno artist of 2020 – a result of a succession of #1 techno releases including your ‘Planet X’ collaboration with The YellowHeads which held the #1 spot for four consecutive months. How does it feel to know your music is being so well received and uplifting people within this difficult time? Also, with this achievement already under your belt, what are your goals for 2021?
I still can’t believe the success my music had in 2020. I’m very grateful for this, and even though times are hard and I can’t perform in public the traditional way, I’m very happy to be able to uplift people in these difficult times. I’ll continue in 2021 in the same vein as 2020, i.e. to regularly release new tracks for the people who enjoy my music, and to explore new musical horizons. I also hope that the situation will improve so that I can perform on stage and play my compositions. I’m optimistic; I know in my heart better times are coming.
WWD: You’ve recently released your new 3-track ‘Atlas’ EP on Filth on Acid. Please tell us a bit about this EP and how it feels to have it out in the world?
I am thrilled to release this new EP on Filth On Acid. I composed its three tracks without really thinking beforehand about which label I could release them on. But after finishing the tracks, I immediately thought of sending them to Filth on Acid. The label was, in my opinion, a perfect match: the tracks sounded more. aggressive than my previous ones and had a more assertive Acid Techno touch. It’s a very good thing for me to start 2021 with this new release.
WWD: You’re a prolific new producer, what inspires you and how do you write your music – do you have a set studio routine or do you just write whenever an idea comes into your head?
Despite the fact I have spent twelve years working in studio production so far, I challenge myself every day when trying to find new ideas. Weirdly enough, most of the time I pick new ideas in random everyday life situations, when I’m not doing something in particular. All of a sudden, an idea pops in my head so I take out my iPhone and I record the melody in order not to lose the idea, then I come back to the studio to implement what I had in mind. Or, at other times, I get to the studio without any precise idea in mind and everything comes naturally. I draw my inspiration from everywhere; it’s not necessarily from Techno music, weirdly enough. I get my ideas from everything that I listen to; movie soundtracks/scores, for example, inspire me a lot.
WWD: You’ve previously collaborated with the likes of The YellowHeads and Twins Project, who else would you like to collaborate with and why?
I’d like to collaborate with UMEK because I have been following his music for quite a long time and I think a collaboration between the two of us could definitely work. This said, I do have every exciting collaborations planned for 2021 but I can’t tell you more right now ; )
WWD: You’re from France, how do you feel about the way in which your government has reacted to the impact that COVID-19 has had on your own music scene with regards to supporting music venues, festivals and artists?
Culture-wise, I think our government’s COVID-19 crisis management has been scandalous so far. Our profession and our scene have absolutely not been supported; it’s as if we weren’t really essential. I am aware that it is logistically very complicated to organize anything given the situation, but the government could at least have supported the venues where we perform. A lot of clubs have closed as we speak and I don’t know in what state the clubbing scene will be in France after the crisis. I remain hopeful for the future, though.
WWD: Looking ahead, what else do you have planned for 2021?
So far, 2021 will see new EP releases, collaborations, remixes … There’s also a new livestream that my team and I are thinking about right now.
WWD: Last but not least, please tell our readers a bit about the exclusive mix that you’ve kindly provided for us below…
So, I obviously incorporated the tracks from my new Atlas EP on top of other tracks from various artists. My mix is very energetic all along. I really hope your readers will enjoy it and that it pleases as many listeners as possible.
Thank you for having me guys, cheers!
Space 92 – Exclusive 1hr Mix – Tracklist
Dr.Motte & Eric Sneo – We Are Here (Original Mix)
Dusty Kid – Kore (Cosmic Boys Remix)
Actwin Lander B – Other Fine (Original Mix)
Space 92 – River of Darkness (Original Mix)
Union Jack – Red Herring (UMEK Remix)
Space 92 – Drone (Original Mix)
Space 92, The YellowHeads – Planet X (Original Mix)
Space 92 – Atlas (Original Mix)
Space 92 – ID (Unreleased)
Audiomatiques, Stiv Hey Feat.AzZ – Save Your World (Original Mix)
FIND SPACE 92 ONLINE:
https://www.facebook.com/space92music
https://www.instagram.com/space92__official