A Chat with Melbourne’s Techno Veteran: Vohkinne

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A Chat with Melbourne’s Techno Veteran: Vohkinne

If you think you know the Melbourne techno scene and don’t know who Vohkinne (aka Craig McWhinney) is? Then think again.

Vohkinne is a central name to local underground dance music, having started his career and label (Atrophic Society) in our homeland. He is also a founding member of the renowned Melbourne Techno Collective, and is on the set list for the upcoming sold out Tresor 25th Anniversary show in Melbourne alongside DJ Pete and Marcelus. This man does it all.

Ahead of his Wind Shadows EP release on Berlin-based record label Kynant, we were lucky enough to have a chat to him about juggling personal life with music, working with Ben Sims, and his favourite gigs.

Henry (HR:) For those that don’t know about you, tell us about Vohkinne. How did you first start making music and what led you to producing techno specifically?

Vohkinne (VK): I started making electronic music when I was 26 which was a few years after I started DJing. I think it was just a natural progressions of being a DJ with a drum playing background. I released under my own name and ran a label called Haul music with some fellow Melburnians, and was making a fairly broad range of music. I’ve always been a techno DJ, so a couple of years ago when I decided to focus my work on techno and darker music, I came up with the alias and started a new label to release the music on.

HR: How did Atrophic Society first start? What have been some of the highlights for you running the label so far?

VK: As mentioned, the label came about as part of my decision to re-focus my efforts on techno. I think the biggest highlight, which is continual, is the connection with people that you get through releasing music. I constantly make new acquaintances and develop friendships, which I think is the the best thing about what I do. Working with great artists like Brendon Moeller and Ben Sims is also a highlight, I learn so much from them through osmosis it’s hard not to be inspired.

HR: What was your vision in making ‘Wind Shadows’? What was the creative process like?

VK: It started as a machinedrum, Octatrack and MFB522 jam, with lots of drum patterns being sequenced….. but as I added the synths and atmospheres, I felt they needed to get more of the attention so I stripped the drums back to the barer skeleton that is in the final track. It was cool to whittle it down in this way as it forced me to concentrate on the necessary elements and create a dynamic structure with what was available.

HR: What are your studio must-haves when you start work on an EP?

VK: My lava lamp must be on, and the lava must be moving. Then I fire up my machines and get the juices flowing in rhythm with the lava lamp.

HR: What’s life like for someone being a label head, techno producer, husband, and father? Do things ever get stressful/difficult? What gets your mind back on track if they do?

VK: It’s not as stressful as it may seem. Obviously I work a lot, and I have a very understanding partner. Mostly I just set targets, make lists and do my best to achieve what I need to in the time available. I could sleep a little more, but even then it’s not like I’m up all hours of the night unless there’s a gig I have to play. If I’m feeling flat and exhausted I give myself a break, after a couple of days the motivation usually comes back on its own.

HR: What are your thoughts on the Melbourne techno scene at the moment? How has it changed throughout your experience living in the city?

VK: I think it’s particularly healthy at the the moment. It seems to have changed back to having a lot of musical options and people who are enjoying the scene. Some events are better than others, but generally speaking it seems like the smaller crews are the ones carrying the torch and making it good again.

HR: Who are some of your favourite Melbourne/Australian artists at the moment? Why?

VK: Big fan of Ground Loop and Daze. Really good stuff. Material Object and Echologist are also right up there for me at the moment, though they’re not a local.

HR: Obviously you’re someone who’s played a lot around Melbourne, but what have been some of your favourite shows you’ve played? Any specific stories?

VK: They all kind of blur into one at some point, so it’s hard to pick one out of the recent gigs, which have all been great. However, I think playing at Sunshine people NYD 2004  is probably the biggest standout. I was playing a vs set with Matt Radovich, and we were supposed to open the room but they had some issues with sound so the room opened late. The promoter (Richie Rich) gave up his slot so we could play at a fairly peak time, right before CJ Bolland who was headlining. I remember it so well because it was my first time playing to a big appreciative crowd at peak time slot. We had an absolute ball, and I always strive to find that vibe at any gig I play even to this day.

HR: What’s next for you?

VK: After the Kynant release in June, I have a VA release planned for Atrophic Society. Which is to be released in September featuring Material Object, Echologist, DJ Spider and myself and is a really brilliant record. On the gig front, June is full playing for Green Fetish, MTC, Machine and finally at the Melbourne leg of the Tresor 25 year anniversary.

Vohkinne’s Wind Shadows EP is set for release on the 17th June, via Kynant, and will be available on 180g vinyl as well as digital. Have a listen to the tracks below in preparation for this mammoth EP. Catch Vohkinne as Craig McWhinney this Friday at Bunker Presents Tresor 25th Anniversary at Substation in Melbourne!

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