DJ LIFE sits down with one of modern techno’s biggest stars following a stellar set at Miami’s Ultra Music Festival’s MegaStructure.
Sometimes it’s best to catch a DJ right after a big, exhilarating gig while he’s still basking in the afterglow. Lucky for us, we were able to snag a few minutes with British techno sensation Eli Brown not long after his rousing set at Ultra Music Festival in Miami Beach this past March 28… and from most of his answers, you can tell that this was no ordinary show.
No, he wowed the throng inside the Resistance MegaStructure with a late-afternoon set that included a string of his furious faves like “Wavey” and “Be The One.” In addition to dropping evergreen cuts like Fatboy Slim’s “Star 69” and Da Hool’s “Meet Her at the Love Parade,” he broke out “Coming in Heavy,” his new collab with Pan-Pot, the 100th release on his Arcane imprint. Then, he revealed a genuine surprise, as trance titan Armin van Buuren joined him onstage to debut their new collab “Silence.” Yes, madness ensued.
As his modern version of techno continues to rise – it’s generally harder, faster and somewhat more dramatic than previous versions – we caught up with Eli Brown, one of the genre’s genuine stars.
DJ LIFE: I really enjoyed the MegaStructure set. What’s it like playing daytime techno in an airplane hangar?
Eli Brown: Thanks, mate – I had such a great time at Ultra. Going on around 6 p.m., worked out really well, I think, because people were still full of energy and dancing from start to finish. The Resistance Megastructure is an iconic and massive stage, I’ve been looking forward to playing it – and it didn’t disappoint.
DJ LIFE: Creatively, how did you approach “Coming In Heavy,” your new banger collab with Pan-Pot?
Brown: I sent some stems over to Pan-Pot, and then we went back and forth testing out different ideas. They’re absolute legends, and I really respect what they do, so working on the track has been a great experience. I think we managed well to bring both our sonic identities together on this track – U.K. meets German techno!
DJ LIFE: Generally, how do you approach collabs? How do you share and bounce ideas?
Brown: For me, the best collaborations happen organically. It usually starts with a rough idea or groove, and then we’ll go back and forth, trying different things and leaving each other space to explore. That’s where the interesting stuff happens, when it’s not forced and you end up somewhere you wouldn’t have gone on your own.
DJ LIFE: Musically, what were your first influences? What made you want to pursue music?
Brown: I’ve always been obsessed with music and my friend’s sister used to bring back tapes from raves. But going to raves myself as a teenager changed everything. That feeling of being in a room where everyone’s connected through sound… I think that’s what made me want to do this, to try and create those same moments for other people. Early on, it was all about jungle and drum-n-bass, and artists from that scene had a big impact on how I hear rhythm and bass even now. Later on, seeing DJs like Carl Cox play was a big moment as well, as it opened my mind to where I could take things.
DJ LIFE: You grew up in Bristol, a town known for its musical diversity – everything from Way Out West to Massive Attack – how did that town’s music and club scene influence you?
Brown: Bristol had a massive influence on me. It was such a melting pot of sounds and all happening at the same time: jungle, drum-n-bass, rave, house, techno. I went to local nights in Bristol all the time and was just soaking it all in. That openness really shaped how I approach music. Growing up in that environment taught me not to be boxed into one genre, but to take different influences and turn them into something that still feels like your own.
DJ LIFE: So, how has your sound evolved over the years? It’s dark and aggressive, but with memorable moments – huge drops and builds – perfect for big gatherings. Where did that come from?
Brown: A lot of that comes from my early experiences going to raves in Bristol. I was always drawn to music that had a darker edge, but also something memorable that sticks with you after the night. Over time, I’ve tried to bring that into a more modern techno context, especially playing bigger stages. Balancing that underground feel with something impactful enough to connect with a large crowd, without losing the identity of the sound.
DJ LIFE: What are your main studio tools?
Brown: I mainly work in Ableton Live, as it’s easy and convenient, especially when travelling. I love creating ideas on planes when I’m limited with sounds, as it forces me to be creative and think outside the box. My set-up is fairly streamlined. I don’t rely too heavily on loads of hardware, but I’ve got a few bits I’ll use for sound design and texture when needed.
DJ LIFE: For years in America, techno always seemed like the “cool kids’ music,” in that it was a relatively insular hipster scene that almost seemed to enjoy its own relative anonymity. But in the past decade, the genre has broken through to a much bigger place – especially here in the U.S. – and you’re one of the artists that’s helped put it in that place. How do you view the genre, its scene and your place in it now?
Brown: Not sure I would say techno has ever been a genre for hipsters, but I think techno has definitely grown into something much bigger over the last decade. There’s upsides and downsides to it, but I like to focus on the positive, which is that more people are open to exploring the genre of techno and are curious, especially in places like the U.S., where the scene has expanded massively. For me, personally, techno is and always will be about connection, on the dancefloor and beyond. That’s what drew me to it in the first place, and that’s what I try to bring across in my music and my sets.
DJ LIFE: What are three tracks that are always in your “DJ box” and why?
Brown: Da Hool’s “Meet Her at the Love Parade.” This track embodies that ’90s rave feeling, and it works for small clubs, as well as big stages. My own “Be The One.” This track changed a lot for me and, to this day, people still absolutely love it. It’s a great feeling to see it connect with new audiences over and over again. Also, Zombie Nation’s “Kernkraft 400.” What can I say? This track never gets old.
DJ LIFE: What are a few of your favorite clubs to perform?
Brown: Space Miami because nothing beats the sunrise, coconut water and C02. Motion in Bristol – it’s sadly now closed, but I cut my teeth there and it will always hold a special place in my heart. Also, Brooklyn Storehouse – it’s not really a club, but a massive dark warehouse where techno goes hand-in-hand.
DJ LIFE: What’s next for you?
Brown: I’ve got a lot in the works at the moment. I’m constantly in the studio, and there’s a lot of new music coming out soon, which I’m really excited to share. I’m also putting a lot of focus into evolving the live shows, making them bigger and more immersive, as I’m playing some of the biggest shows of my life this year. My label Arcane is also doing very well – we just celebrated our 100th release, which is an incredible milestone. So yeah, there’s lots going on, but that’s how I like it. Standing still is not an option for me.
