AKKI is one of techno’s most exciting new names, with releases on 1605, Filth on Acid, Terminal M, and Alaula, millions of streams, and strong editorial support. Born in Munich and introduced to electronic music in his teens, he started producing at 18 and studied music production in Frankfurt. His sound blends emotional melodies with hard-hitting basslines and genre-crossing rhythms, always pushing creative boundaries. In 2023, he launched his own label, From The Soul, and now marks a new milestone with his debut release for Amelie Lens’ EXHALE, titled ‘Lost In Time’.
Your debut on EXHALE, “Lost In Time,” was released recently with much support from Amelie Lens and Charlotte de Witte. What does it mean to join the EXHALE roster? How are you satisfied with the feedback so far?
It was my dream for years to become a part of the EXHALE family and it meant the world to me when I got the message that Amelie signed me. I‘m 100% satisfied with the feedback so far. The reactions of the crowds are incredible. Even with the first notes of the melody people keep recognizing the track and start screaming. This gives me chills every time!
What was the creative process behind “Lost In Time”? Was there a particular story or emotion you wanted to channel?
I wanted to create something unique and cinematic. I tried to tell a story with the track – that’s why I used many strings and choirs combined with a heavy acid line to create a bigger contrast with a big drop where all tension gets released.
You’ve carved out a unique sound blending emotive melodies with heavy, technoid energy. How did that hybrid style evolve for you?
I always wanted to make melancholic and emotional music but I also love the harder styles. That’s why I tried to create my own sound that combines both worlds.
Coming from Munich, how did the city’s scene shape your journey into techno—and how does it compare to what you’ve seen internationally?
Honestly not really much. I lived in Munich for the first 10 years of my life and at this point I was too young to get into the scene. The night life in Frankfurt had a much bigger impact for me, especially all the people I met during that time and all these long nights dancing in the middle of the crowd. Even today I often go into the crowd before and after my sets to get a feeling of the vibe.
Your rise has been incredibly fast, with releases on Terminal M, 1605, and Filth On Acid. What’s been the most defining moment of your career so far?
Definitely when I got told that Amelie Lens signed me to EXHALE. I worked so hard to achieve this and I had instantly tears in my ears when I received the phone call.
Millions of streams and big-name support can add a lot of pressure. How do you stay grounded and creative in the middle of all that?
I had problems for many years to find a good balance between my DJ and private life. It was hard for me to find peace and happiness in the time when I was not on tour. I think when I’m on stage in front of hundreds or thousands of people and they come to see you and enjoy your music, that’s my 100 percent happiness that I can’t achieve in your normal life. That’s what I had to learn and accept. My close friends were a big support during this phase and helped me to enjoy life again – I’m very grateful for that.
Speaking about your sets, what kind of journey do you aim to create for your audience during a performance?
I always want to tell a story with my sets. I start with a lot of energy to get the attention of the crowd but also give them time to breath in the middle part, just to increase the energy even more at the end.
Which tracks do you catch yourself playing a lot?
I‘m a big fan of Alignment and I love to play his tracks because I think we both try to combine emotional elements with a lot of energy and hard hitting drops.
Looking ahead, what can fans expect from you in 2025, any exciting projects or collaborations in the pipeline?
I’m currently working on a three-track EP and I’m excited to hear what Amelie Lens has to say about it. I’m also releasing a lot of new stuff on my own label “From The Soul” this year. So there’s a lot of music to look forward to.
