Techno artist, Weska from Toronto, Canada is not only an excellent producer, young and humble and is now on tour stopping in Germany and London next month. He has so far released on Filth On Acid, Cocoon and most recently his collab EP with Bart Skils on Drumcode, which is still sitting high in Beatport's Techno chart. Plus opened for Eric Prydz and then played at Creamfields alongside Eric on the Steel Yard stage. Weska is a dedicated producer and DJ that always strives to make all his wishes and crazy dreams into reality.

What was the moment or place when you realized you wanted to be a producer?

“I’ve always been into music, playing the guitar and piano, and singing a bit when I was younger, so I’ve always had the drive and desire to make music. It was after I had been doing music for a couple of years that I wanted people to dance to my own tracks, so it was at that point that I started to get into production. When I got my first support from some of the bigger guys in the scene like Adam Beyer was when I really started to kick my production time into overdrive though. My crazy dreams and goals felt attainable.”

You’ve collaborated with iconic techno artists such as Bart Skills and among others, who is your all-time dream collaboration?

“Tough question! I’ve always been a huge fan of Tiga, he was one of the first electronic artists I listened to, I remember playing his music at 17 years old full volume windows down when I first got my driver’s license. So that would be super cool. I’m really into film scores though, and I would have loved to have collaborated with Johan Johansson one day. He sadly passed away last year, but his music and production techniques still remain a huge influence to me. I would love to collab with Daft Punk too, their first album ‘Homework’ remains as one of my favorite electronic albums of all time. That would be a special one.”

Your track ‘Alpha Rhythm’ made it to Drumcode A-Sides Vol. 8, what were your feelings when you first discovered the succession?

“I was really stoked when Adam told me he wanted it for A-Sides, as its one of the biggest techno complications around. We went back and forth on a couple of tracks but together we decided it was the best fit for the comp in the end. It’s one of my harder tracks, and I really loved working on the sound design, and I don’t play it every set so it’s had its special moments. I remember playing it last month in Santiago and people going wild, so I’m definitely excited this one made it out, and on Drumcode.”

A testament to the growth of Adam Beyer’s scene-leading label, Drumcode annual A-Sides Vol.8 is the brand’s biggest yet. The 25-track strong compilation features standout cuts Beyer has received over the last 12 months, but been unable to find room for in Drumcode’s regular release schedule, such is the volume and high standard of music that’s submitted. The highlight-rich compilation includes Jamie Jones & Darius Syrossian’s buzzy Drumcode debut ‘Eyes of the Night’, Nicole Moudaber’s first DC release in 5 years with the mesmerizing ‘This Is Us’, Will Clarke’s bass-drenched re-work of Adam Beyer & Bart Skils ‘Your Mind’ and Joey Beltram’s first Drumcode release in 11 years with the retro-tinged ‘Can You Feel It’. The beloved Alan Fitzpatrick returns to the fold with the searing ‘Heiße Rakete’, alongside label mainstays Layton Giordani, who drops the stirring chord-driven ‘Chrome’ and Wehbba with ‘Mantra’, combining techno classicism with future-focused groove. There’s a troupe of debutants donning the Drumcode jersey for the first time, including BEC, Shelley Johannson, Anthony Castaldo, Avision, Zimmz, Woo York, SAMA (in a terrific collaboration with Secret Cinema) and Ilija Djokovic, who delivers a shimmering highlight with ‘Aura’, a particular favourite of Beyer’s over the last year. Raxon also debuts on the label after a couple of quality additions to the Truesoul back catalogue. Exciting young guns Weska and Juliet Fox bring heat to the compilation, while Veerus and Timmo follow up strong DC releases with a repeat dose. Elsewhere faithful contributors Ramon Tapia, Jay Lumen, Luca Agnelli, Marco Bailey and Mark Reeve craft powerful dancefloor weapons.

What are some goals as a producer that wish to accomplish?

“I want to be able to convey my feelings and emotions as best I can through music, however that may be, and if people like it, or it can have an effect on someone, well that’s just magic, isn’t it? Releasing on Drumcode was a huge accomplishment for me, I guess you could say it was a dream come true. But just being able to make music every day is a gift and playing it to people around the world is surreal.”

Outside of music he has a lot of outdoor passions plus a huge camping fan, loves to mountain bike, skate, and snowboard as well as health-conscious. Surrounded by the great outdoors, he grew up skating, snowboarding and mountain biking, which is where he started to listen to music from M83, The Chemical Brothers and Daft Punk.

When you’re skating, snowboarding, mountain biking - is that where you get your inspirations for new music?

“Honestly, I get inspiration from everywhere and it sometimes comes at the most random times. Getting out of bed to go open up the laptop and write an idea down is hard when you’re half asleep or just waking up haha. But sometimes the ideas turn into beautiful pieces, so it’s worth it in the end. I get a lot of ideas when I’m biking, I don’t know why. Cycling through the streets just makes me so happy, maybe it’s because I’m not focused on anything else, just pedaling and listening to the wind in my ears.

What advice do you have for underground and upcoming producers trying to make a name for themselves?

“Make as much music as possible and get all the feedback you can, from your friends, family, record labels, etc, but still trust your own judgment and don’t stop! Putting your music out there and making it available for the world to hear is super key, all the while making sure it’s the best work you can possibly make. I found going out to parties and meeting people in person helped me out a lot too, it’s great to make the face to face connects with people as well as having your music.”

Over the course of your DJ career have you encountered any hardships or difficult times?

“All the time, every week. Sometimes you just can’t make music. Sometimes I can’t even listen to music. That’s just life though. I’ll go to the gym, or do something outside, and just forget about it for a day or two and then get back into it. If something isn’t working out musically, I never force it. It’s the worst thing you can do, and I often end up hating the idea in the end and therefore just wasting time. Now I know when to stop and when to push through though.”

What separates you from the other techno DJs in the community?

“I try to bring a bit of progressive to my sound while at the same time I like to keep my tracks heavy but groovy as well. So, I guess you could say there’s a bit of genre crossover in my sound. I always try to keep it techno though.”

You’ve toured in places like the US and Europe is there a special city that you love most to perform at?

“I really love playing in Montevideo in Uruguay. The people there are really special and every time I’ve been I’ve had a great time. The crowd is good, the venues are good and the promoters I’ve worked with are lovely. I can’t wait to go back.”

What is on the horizon for Weska?

“I have a special edit of one of my favorite artists that I’m putting out soon that I’m really proud of. It’s gotten great feedback over the past few months so I’m really excited. Some other exciting things are coming up too, but I can’t say just yet. I’ve almost finished soundproofing my music studio here in Berlin, just in time for the winter season. With that being said though I will definitely be hitting the mountains with my snowboard at some point soon!”