Exclusive interview with Pyramidal Decode

«Compounds»: PHYR RECORDS' vinyl debut, a techno masterpiece

Today we have the pleasure of having a chat with Pyramidal Decode, a Techno-focused producer. Born in Italy in 1998, he is known for his unique sound, characterized by intense percussion, analog flashes, and a hypnotic atmosphere.

Pyramidal Decode's music is praised for its dark quality, leaving its mark on labels such as Axis, Warm Up Recordings, MORD, Semantica, Attic, Dynamic Reflection, Loopaina Records or Nachtstrom Schallplatten. Highlighting releases such as the Cosmic Paradox album on Jeff Mills' prestigious Axis Recordings label, followed by important EPs such as Dysfunctional System on Dynamic Reflection and Logical Inference on Warm Up Recordings. This year we were also able to check out their 12″ vinyl called Isteria, edited in the Spanish label Loopaina Records.

Now, he is embarking on his new project with the creation of his own label, PHYR RECORDS.

Taking advantage of the launch of the first reference in PHYR RECORDS, an album in Various Artists format that features great artists such as Oliver Rosemann, Irazu, Unkle Fon, PWCCA and Pyramidal Decode himself, we will explore the details behind the birth of his label, analyze his first reference and discover details about Pyramidal Decode, an artist known for his relentless energy, constantly rising within the electronic scene, who continues to leave his mark with his unique vision and his growing impact on the world of Techno.

Let's start with your beginnings as an artist, how did you start your career in electronic music and what led you to focus on Techno?

I started my musical career at the age of 12, playing guitar and exploring various genres. It was through a friend, DJ and producer Rhoowax, that I discovered Richie Hawtin's MINUS label. This prompted me to download FL Studio and Ableton, where I took my first steps into electronic music production.

You started very young and that has allowed you to discover different genres and artists, surely influencing your creativity as a producer. What influences and names have marked your style as Pyramidal Decode?

Jazz is, without a doubt, my favorite genre. Artists like Thelonious Monk, Joe Anderson and Dave Brubeck have been crucial in my musical evolution.

In the techno realm, I have been deeply influenced by Oscar Mulero, Rrose, Mike Parker, Reeko and Barker, who have left a significant mark on my style.

How would you define the evolution of your sound from when you started until now?

Since my early days, I have been committed to pursuing a more complex and precise sound. I have always been fascinated by hard-hitting rhythms and hypnotic sounds, and over time I have learned to integrate them more effectively into my music.

The studio is where you create all your musical art, and the list of major labels that support your creativity is not short. What tools or equipment are essential for you when producing music? And how do you stay inspired when producing?

As for tools, I'm a big fan of Elektron machines; I currently own an Analog Four MK2, a Digitakt, a Machinedrum and a small modular system. However, most of my productions are done exclusively in Ableton Live, using its native devices.

To keep myself inspired, I like to build new instruments using Max for Live and Ableton. This allows me to create new sounds and sequences that stimulate my creativity. I spend a lot of time in the studio, always ready to capture those flashes of inspiration; there are weeks when I write five songs and others when I barely manage to get a good kick.

We recently got to hear your solo vinyl for the Spanish label Loopaina Records, “Isteria”, a 12″ with four tracks where we could hear the powerful sounds you create in the studio. Is this the direction that Pyramidal Decode will follow?

Yes, “Isteria” represents my style and the atmosphere I seek to create with my music. My hard-hitting rhythms, along with hypnotic and varied sounds, emerge spontaneously in this work.

We are facing your new project, PHYR RECORDS, what motivated you to create your own record label?

I have a great passion for music and creation. I wanted to have the freedom to release my own works and take care of every aspect of each release.

We know that creating a label is not easy. It takes a lot of effort and dedication. How was the process of planning and creating the label? What challenges did you face along the way?

The process of planning and creating PHYR RECORDS has been quite smooth, as I have been preparing for this moment for many years. With over a decade in music, I have a clear vision of what I want to achieve. Although I faced some typical challenges, such as the logistics of releases and promotion, my experience has allowed me to approach them with confidence.

What is the vision behind PHYR RECORDS and how do you plan to differentiate it from other labels within the techno scene?

The vision of PHYR RECORDS is to offer a platform for innovative sounds within techno. I seek to differentiate myself by carefully curating each release, ensuring stylistic and artistic coherence.

«Compounds» is the first vinyl release for PHYR RECORDS. What does it mean to you to release this work in physical format?

It is a very significant moment. It was always a dream of mine to have my own label and release it in physical format. For this occasion, I chose a red vinyl, which symbolizes passion, blood and fire, representing the constancy and strength that I want to transmit.

The vinyl design is spectacular. How was the process of creating the art and design of the vinyl?

The artwork was developed by Lazly Bateman and 5599Studio. Lazly’s typography and 5599’s textures are crucial elements for a professional and attractive design.

It is a Various Artists album for this first release. How did you select the producers (PWCCA, Irazu, Unkle Fon, Oliver Rosemann) who are part of this album?

I have known PWCCA for a long time and have collaborated with him through his Hardtools label, which allows me to appreciate his great production. Regarding Oliver Rosemann, I have always admired his music, and when I asked him about participating, his response was immediate and enthusiastic. Unkle Fon is a close friend, former manager and the mastering engineer for my label. I heard a demo from a talented artist; although the idea was interesting, the sound quality and pre-mastering were not suitable for vinyl. Days later, Manu (Unkle Fon) mentioned some new tracks he had worked on with Irazu, and upon hearing “Decálogo”, I knew I had to include it on PHYR.

Your track, “Resistenza” (A1), opens the album. What emotions or narrative did you try to capture with this track?

“Resistenza” is a special track for me, one of the ones I enjoy the most. I wanted to achieve something that was complex but static, hard but elegant. It is a minimalist production, composed with only five channels.

The collaboration between Irazu and Unkle Fon on “Decálogo” (B1) is powerful. What do you find special about this combination of artists and what does their collaboration bring to the release?

Both Dani and Manu are outstanding artists with unique visions. The combination of Irazu’s sound design alongside Unkle Fon’s technical skill creates a distinctive and exciting result.

PWCCA (A2)’s “Half Human” has a particular energy. What caught your attention about this production and how do you think it’s playing out in the scene?

PWCCA always delivers high-quality compositions. This track fit perfectly on PHYR, with its minimalist and hard-hitting approach. Furthermore, it was played by Oscar Mulero at the iconic Stone Techno Festival, which has resonated in the scene.

To finish off this magnificent album we have Oliver Rosemann’s track, “The Truth About Unicorns” (B2). What led you to include this track as the closing track of the album?

Oliver's theme is very emotive and minimalist. The atmosphere it creates is ideal to close the first release of my label, adding a touch of elegance and class.

In terms of sound, what were you trying to convey with the variety of tracks on “Compounds”? Is there a unifying concept behind the EP?

I chose these tracks to make the vinyl versatile, while maintaining a common thread of minimalism and strength. I wanted each piece to represent the uniqueness of its artists, avoiding a release of four similar cuts.

For me, vinyl has a special appeal for collectors and techno purists. What prompted you to release “Compounds” on this format instead of just digitally?

While digital music is useful and accessible, I feel that vinyl has an intrinsic value. It represents permanence and emotional connection with music. That's why I decided to release it in this format, which will always have its place in music culture.

How do you assess the current situation of vinyl in this scene that is increasingly tending towards digital?

I don't consider vinyl to be the only valid format for releases. Although I am a vinyl lover and have started DJing with it, I recognize that the necessary equipment can be expensive and not very accessible for the new generations. Musical evolution has changed the dynamics, and today, the presence of turntables at home is less common than it was 30 years ago.

I accept that there are those who think that a great performance can only be delivered using turntables, but I believe that each artist should explore the tools that best suit their creative expression. I also recognize that the current system can be a challenge for artists, as purchasing digital files often does not benefit the creator. Therefore, I believe that purchasing vinyl is a valuable way to support artistic work and vision.

And as for the listener, how would you describe the experience of listening to tracks on vinyl compared to a digital platform?

Vinyl offers a very appealing warmth and richness of sound. Personally, I appreciate the ritual of listening to a record. However, I recognize that current digital quality is hard to beat, especially in terms of clarity.

Pyramidal Decode continues to push the boundaries of techno with his passion and innovative vision. With PHYR RECORDS as his new canvas, it is clear that the future of this producer will be bright and deeply influential in the electronic scene.