THE ECLECTIC INTERVIEWS RETURN
To unearth the mind behind authentic techno, we get the low-down from from the legend that is LNT Mike.
THE LOW-DOWN WITH LNT MIKE
ARP: What’s your earliest memory of music?
I remember playing 7-inch records in my bedroom, including Kraftwerk, Jean-Michel Jarre, and some 80s pop hits, when I was around 6 to 8 years old. 𑠀 It was the mid-80s, and although I didn’t have many records back then, every single one was excellent. Those were the good old days and this is still inspiring me !
ARP: Are there any artists that made you stop and think about their music from within and beyond the electronic scene? If so, who and why?
I enjoy many genres, but if I had to choose just one artist, it would be Aphex Twin. I especially loved the Polygon Window album Surfing on Sine Waves, though not exclusively. I could also mention many other artists from the same era who were avant-garde and innovative, such as Damon Wild, Leo Anibaldi, and Thomas Heckmann.
ARP: Your music has authentic underground techno stamped all over it, what motivated you to go ‘techno’?
Techno is the genre that resonated with me the most, especially on an energetic level. It naturally followed from my exposure to acid house, new beat, and new wave. My first rave at Cherry Moon or PK Studio in Brussels, with performances by old-school legends, completely captivated me from the very first listen. Additionally, having the privilege of spending time with the first generation Belgian DJs truly got me hooked on this music and we organized, played many events.
ARP: How you manage to achieve such an authentic and genuine sound in your music. What might your top two production tips be for artists looking to achieve something similar sound palette?
I do recommend “recording from vintage (or not) hardware unit”s. These days, you can find high-quality clones of classic Roland units like the Roland TB-303, TR-909, SH-101, and Juno-106, so there’s no need to deal with the headaches of DIN sync anymore.
Invest in a good recording audio interface unit—UAD offers top-notch hardware with analog emulations that are incredibly convincing. Also, consider investing in a solid analog synthesizer and drum machine. This approach allows you to “capture the moment” organically, rather than relying on fancy automation tools that often lack authenticity.
You’ll also need a hardware mixer, and many of these consoles now come with integrated multi-effects units. Working with hardware lets you authentically develop your own unique feel in the music you create. You can record and capture those moments, and with enough skill, you’ll even be able to produce full tracks just by playing with your machines.
That said, I highly recommend post-recording processing to add that final polish to your tracks. And for acid music having good distortion / overdrive is a big plus
ARP: If your music could be translated into a physical space, what would it look like and how would people interact with it?
It’s a bit abstract to fully define, but it would definitely be some kind of warehouse filled with positive energy and colorfull decors. A space where people are immersed in quality underground dance music—especially acid—and where everyone is having the time of their lives. It would be a place of pure connection, freedom, and shared experience through the music.
ARP: How did the name LNT Mike come to light?
The name “LNT Mike” has its roots in both family and military tradition. It’s a reflection of values and influences that have been passed down through generations. The “LNT” is inspired by a military rank or code, tying back to discipline, respect, and structure, which are key aspects of that tradition. “Mike” is just my nickname 😊😊 LNT can also be an acronym that I leave open to imagination : it could be : Late Night Tales, Leave No Trace or many other combination. Feel free to find new ones
The combination of the two creates a name that not only stands out but also holds deep personal significance. It serves as a reminder of where I come from and the principles that have shaped who I am, both in life and in music. This connection gives the name authenticity, tying my personal journey to my creative work. This might be a little philosophical but I also wanted to keep the alias simple for a DJ Name. Music production came much later in my journey.
ARP: What happens to the communal aspect of techno—born from clubs and shared spaces— when many people are consuming it alone on streaming platforms? How do you think artists can keep the sense of connection alive?
While it’s true that a lot of people now consume music alone on headphones, especially through streaming platforms, the communal aspect of the music still exists in many ways. Techno remains an integral part of dance parties, festivals and events, where people can connect, network, and share in the collective energy. However, when consumed in solitude— during commutes, workouts, study sessions, or even as background music for gatherings (aka appetizers!)—it often becomes a focused experience or the necessary background ambiences. I also know poeple that use playlists for home party too. Even in these solitary or networking moments, techno (and all electronic dance music) has the power to connect on a deeper and more intricate level if you experience it right.
The key for artists is to create music that speaks to both individual and collective experiences, whether it’s a track that resonates deeply during a quiet moment or one that gets the crowd moving on the dance floor. All this By maintaining authenticity in their sound.
ARP: Imagine a Time Machine that could only use it to change something about the course of music / the music industry! Would you use it and what for?
Honestly, I wouldn’t change anything. While I have a deep appreciation for the 90s and the unique vibe of that era, I also embrace the advancements in new technologies. Both periods have their own value and contribute to the evolution of music in different ways. The 90s gave us unforgettable sounds and a sense of authenticity, but today’s technology has opened up endless possibilities for creativity and accessibility. In the end, I believe every phase of music has something important to offer, and I wouldn’t want to alter that balance.
Rather than trying to change the course of music history, I’d rather celebrate the strengths of each era. The past gave us timeless classics and revolutionary movements, while the present offers unprecedented access and the freedom to experiment with sound in ways that were unimaginable before.
ARP: If any of our readers wanted to remix your music, would you give them Carte Blanche to do what they liked or would there be boundaries?
I’m all for a free and experimental approach when it comes to remixes—there are no strict boundaries. I love when artists break the rules and push the limits of creativity, so I’d be excited to see how others interpret my work. For me, the beauty of a remix lies in the ability to take the original ideas and transform them into something new and unexpected in the same music genre.
ARP: You find yourself in a temporal time-warp. As a DJ, which three tracks would be on a loop for eternity?
Mad Mike -The Martian – Stardancer (red planet) Subsonic 808 – Blue Label 2 – Positiv (Dj.Ungle Fever) Equinox – Pollux (Vortex Records)
And many more..
ARP: You curate many tantalising and engaged playlists. Do you have any tips for those submitting to playlists? For you, are there any dos and don’ts?
When it comes to submitting music to playlists, my first tip would be not to put all your eggs in one basket.
Relying solely on playlist pitching is not a sustainable growth strategy. While getting on playlists can definitely give your tracks a boost, it should be part of a broader, more organic effort to build your fanbase.
Being featured on niche playlists that align with your style and include similar artists can be a huge plus. It helps the algorithms recognize your music and pushes it to the right audience, Combining playlist submissions with other strategies—such as targeted meta ads, blog features, and social media content —creates a more effective and well-rounded approach to growing your presence and connecting with your audience
When you understand the true investiment into advertising, you’ll realize that services like SubmitHub offer a really affordable and often impactful option. Even if curators decline your track, it’s important to continue supporting them—remember, one or two successful placements from your campaign on a playlist that costs just a few dollars can be as valuable as running an ad campaign on your own, which would cost you significantly more (hundreds!). Don’t get discouraged by rejections, just keep refining your approach, and find the right playlists that align with your sound and show genuine interest to the curator’s playlists especially those that send you a considerative and personable feedback. Filter out those who send obvious generic answers with a low listening time.
Then submit your music often to them. That will worth it eventually, 100% approval is not realistic even if the playlist is a 100% match. If you’re not happy it often means your music is just not good enough, not mainstream enough (too niche) etc …. so the last option is to become your own curator but this require a considerable investment.
ARP: As streaming platforms continue to dominate, should the evolution of techno music and techno artists’ music adapt to algorithms that prioritise mass appeal or should techno remain relatively niche?
While this may sound a bit blunt, in my opinion, there are really two paths to take. You can either follow the trends and create music that sounds like everyone else, or you can focus on your own unique vision, innovate, and create something distinct. The first option may offer a higher return on investment in the short term, as it aligns with what the algorithms and mass appeal prioritize. But the second option, while more challenging, is far more rewarding in the long run.
The key to success in the second approach is to avoid imitating what’s already out there. Instead, you should focus on innovating, finding your own sound, and carving out your niche within the genre. This is how you build a truly engaged fanbase. It’s not about chasing vanity metrics like follower counts—if your followers aren’t engaged, they likely won’t even notice or care about your next track. Focus on quality, engage with your community, and connect with your fans on a deeper level.
Trends come and go quickly, and trying to please the mass market is both unrealistic and, frankly, inauthentic. Every style of music has its own niche, and the beauty of techno is that it thrives in those spaces. By staying true to your craft and your sound, you’re much more likely to find a dedicated audience that truly values your music, not just a fleeting viral moment.
ARP: Do you dance when you are writing music? I’m asking for a friend.
I wouldn’t say I “dance” in the traditional sense while creating music, but I definitely engage with the rhythm and groove in my own way. When I’m working on a track, there’s a kind of subconscious movement that happens—more like a physical response to the sound I’m creating. It’s not so much about dancing with full body movement, but rather a subtle shifting or swaying that happens as I feel the rhythm and flow of the music take shape. It’s an instinctive thing.
The process is often intertwined with the music theory and structure I’m working with. It’s about feeling how the elements fit together—the bassline, the beats, the melodies—and adjusting them with a sense of intuitive balance.
CHECK OUT LNT
Interesting read 😍⭐️🌞