Interview with Trqer

Swiss producer and sound engineer Trqer returns to Shojiki Records with Stand Still, a five-track EP that moves between techno, dubby breakbeat and ambient. Following 2024’s Superfluid, the release reflects an artist whose approach to electronic music is shaped as much by sound design and experimentation as by the physical spaces in which music comes to life.

Based in Lausanne, with formative years spent in Berlin, Trqer resists settling into a single sound. From the razor-sharp breaks and sci-fi textures of ‘Over The Wall’ to the nostalgic, ambient drift of ‘Résilience’, Stand Still traces a path through contrasting moods and rhythms. Yet his interests extend beyond the dancefloor: the acoustics of a room, the atmosphere of a venue and the challenge of trusting an idea long enough to see it through all inform his creative process.

In this conversation, Trqer discusses the tension between experimentation and artistic conviction, the saturation of an increasingly trend-driven electronic music landscape, and the lasting influence of Portishead’s ‘Over’. He also looks ahead to a new studio setup and a growing interest in electro, breaks and leftfield techno, embracing the uncertainty of where these explorations might lead.

How would you describe your sound to someone who's never heard you play before?

It's constantly evolving, really. Stand Still, my latest EP on Shojiki Records, coming out on November 5th, is a good example of that. It features three rather straightforward techno tracks, alongside a dubby breakbeat opener and a melancholic ambient closing track.

What influences have shaped your musical identity the most, both inside and outside the club?

I'm constantly listening to different kinds of music, which naturally influences my own creative process. But beyond musical influences, I'm also very interested in the physical spaces where music is experienced. When producing a track, I always have in mind environments I attended, in which it might be played, and how the sound would interact with that space.

How does your approach to DJing change depending on the room, the crowd, or the time of night?

I don't really consider myself a DJ, as it's not something I'm trying to pursue seriously. But when I do play, especially in venues I've experienced myself as a visitor, I try to select music that I feel fits the atmosphere of the place. The room itself, the lighting, and the expected crowd all play a part in what I choose to play.

 What role does experimentation play in your sets and productions, and how do you balance taking risks with keeping the dancefloor engaged?

Speaking from a producer's perspective, I think taking risks is key to creating unique or groundbreaking tracks. But when you come up with an unusual idea, the hardest part is often trusting it enough to see it through to the end. That's something I personally struggle with, as my process of finishing a track can sometimes stretch over several months. An idea has to stand the test of time, and what felt exciting at first quite often does not feel the same a few weeks later.

Electronic music scenes are constantly evolving. What excites you most about the current underground landscape, and what do you think is missing?

I have mixed feelings about it. Making music has become increasingly accessible, allowing many talented artists to emerge. But it also brings tons of music following trends and patterns to fit social media short formats- "soulless" tracks, in my opinion- that often feel like noise in an already saturated musical landscape.

Can you tell us about a track, record, or musical discovery that has had a lasting impact on the way you approach music?

Definitely "Over" by Portishead. I still remember the first time I heard those drums kick in. It completely blew my mind. I think that moment played a big part in sparking my fascination with sound processing and sound design.

Looking ahead, what direction would you like to explore next, and is there anything you're keen to challenge yourself with artistically?

Lately, I've been drifting more towards electro, breaks and leftfield techno stuff, which I'm really excited about exploring further. On top of that, my friends Rødig and Nans and I are getting close to finishing our new studio. It'll be a completely new environment, with a lot more hardware gear, which will probably bring quite a significant change to my workflow, as I've mostly been working around the DAW with a small hardware setup until now. I have no idea where it'll take me creatively, but that's what I find exciting!

Trqer: Instagram - SoundCloud - Bandcamp

Shojiki Records:Instagram - SoundCloud - Website