His candid thoughts on why club culture needs fresh sounds and the exciting shifts happening worldwide.
Breaking into electronic music from a rock drumming background, A2N shares his unique journey, creative mindset, and sonic philosophy that shape his boundary-pushing productions. From instinctual rhythm design to hybridizing genres like trance, techno, and psytrance, he offers rare insights into his signature sound and the future of the EDM scene.
From Rock Drummer to Electronic Visionary
A2N’s musical beginnings were far from the underground clubs and festival main stages where his music now thrums powerfully. Starting as a drummer in a rock band, he became fascinated with Electro House by doing drum covers of tracks by ear. But after creative differences fractured his band—and the pandemic shuttered local venues—he refocused on solo production and live DJ streaming. His discovery by mentor Takahiro Yoshihira ignited his transformation into a serious producer.
“COVID-19 was a turning point. I realized I wanted to create and control music entirely on my own.”
Inside the Creative Process: Foundation First
A2N’s method is deeply rhythmic, honed by his drumming roots. Using FL Studio, every track begins with designing the perfect kick drum from scratch in Xfer Serum, ensuring sub-bass and kick interlock for an unshakable groove. Only once this backbone is locked does he add melodies and other elements, driven by instinct and acute attention to rhythmic detail.
Interestingly, many of his ideas arise outside the studio: during baths, commutes, or moments of rest, his subconscious simulates sounds and textures automatically.
The Sound: Needles, Running, Hard
A2N defines his sound through three words:
- Needles: Sharp, piercing elements that slice clean through the mix.
- Running: A relentless, sprinting momentum pushing the listener forward.
- Hard: Raw, uncompromising low-end power anchoring the tracks.
This triad delivers a fusion of high-speed techno grooves blended with trance emotion and psychedelic intensity—his hallmark style that defies easy genre categorization.
Influences and Signature Style
Mentor Takahiro Yoshihira laid the technical foundation for A2N’s production, but his influences stretch widely across EDM:
- Modern techno and mainstage artists like Maddix, Will Sparks
- Melodic trance legend Armin van Buuren
- Dark techno artists Space 92, Lily Palmer
- Festival powerhouses Blasterjaxx
- Psytrance pioneers Blastoyz and Skazi
From these points of reference, A2N crafts complex rhythmic layers with meticulously programmed fills and ghost notes. He contrasts his aggressive custom Serum kicks with uplifting trance atmospheres, creating a unique synthesis that’s both underground and mainstream.
Debunking Genre Expectations
Despite being labeled “Mainstage,” A2N’s music carries underground structures and core edges uncommon in commercial EDM. He aims to push mainstage boundaries by creating tracks that seamlessly bridge genres—able to mix fluidly into psytrance sets or long techno mixes.
“Try mixing my tracks with Psytrance or Techno and you’ll be shocked by how perfectly they interlock.”
Spotlight on Break the Code: A Tactical Sonic War
His latest release, Break the Code (with Mike Mooie and featuring EVO-K), marks a milestone. More independent and raw than prior collaborations, the track conveys themes of military warfare with enormous sonic impact.
The kicks hit like nuclear strikes, atmospheric layers evoke airstrike desolation, and EVO-K’s vocals embody battlefield grit. The production is intensely strategic, designed for peak-time tactical transitions.
“Every sound and transition went exactly as planned—perfect execution from start to finish.”
The Artist’s Take on the Current Electronic Scene
A2N critiques the stagnation in local commercial club culture, which clings to decade-old hits and non-DJ guest performers. Globally, however, he sees an exciting evolutionary period where blurred boundaries between techno, trance, and psytrance are ushering in bold hybrid sounds.
“The era of surviving on one typical sound like bigroom or progressive house is over. Today’s scene rewards those with distinct, cross-genre identities.”
Conclusion: The Rhythm of Completion
For A2N, a track is done when all elements—kick, bass, lead—lock flawlessly, achieving a perfect internal rhythm with no element wanting to change or move. This precise interplay mirrors his drumming discipline and underpins his relentless quest to create sharp, driving, and hard-hitting electronic music.
Follow A2N Online
Stay connected with A2N’s latest news, music, and live sets across platforms:
- Instagram: @a2n_musicpd
Follow for behind-the-scenes content, track previews, and updates. - X (Twitter): @promothiona
Quick updates, announcements, and interaction with fans and the EDM community. - Spotify: A2N on Spotify
Stream official releases and curated playlists. - Official Website: a2n.pages.dev
Central hub for all releases, news, and booking info. - Mixcloud: A2N Mixcloud
Access A2N’s live sets, mixes, and exclusive radio shows. - Beatport: A2N Profile
Purchase and preview tracks with Beatport, the home of electronic music.
