Interview: Dianthe talks about her new dark techno EP, “Intrusion”
Dianthe is a techno artist who has an ominous style combining dark atmospherics with thundering drums and intense melodies.
Dianthe is a techno artist who has an ominous style combining dark atmospherics with thundering drums and intense melodies. She is based on the West Coast of America, and recently debut on, The Aura of Music, with her new “Intrusion” EP. Dianthe’s music has also been a feature of other record labels such as Alula Tunes and SOLID AUDIO.
Before turning her hand to techno, Dianthe was a classically trained pianist with a passion for metal and heavy rock music. Her techno tracks combine the raw aggression of metal with the intricate melodies of her piano training, and the outcome is dark and cinematic.
We invited Dianthe for this interview so we could learn more about her “Intrusion” EP and background in music…
How did you first discover electronic music, and what made you decide to become a DJ?
Dianthe: “It really goes back to my childhood in Eastern Europe. I grew up listening to all kinds of music, but my most powerful memories are from going to the beach with my family in the ‘90s and hearing trance music. To this day, those are some of the best times of my life, so I’ve always associated electronic music—especially house, trance, and techno—with those happy memories.
Naturally, I just found myself drawn to it more and more as a teenager. The DJing part came later, though. In my early 20’s, one of my best friends was a DJ, and I loved his music and going to his shows. It was really inspiring, and it planted a seed.
It took me several years to finally pursue it. By then, I was living in Oregon and fell in with a great group of DJ friends. A few of them took me under their wing and started to mentor me. I played just for fun for a few years, but the real turning point was in 2018 when I started learning to produce. That’s when I decided to take the craft more seriously and really commit to it as my lifelong dream.”
Who are some of your biggest influences, and what makes them so inspiring?
Dianthe: “That’s a great question, and the answer for me is really tied into when I decided to start making my own music.
My influences have definitely evolved, but the person who was the catalyst for me to start producing was Boris Brejcha. I found his music in the summer of 2018, and I was going through a really challenging time in my life. His sound just hit me—it had this perfect mixture of darkness and uplifting vibes that I strongly resonated with.
I vividly remember finding his Cercle set at Château de Fontainebleau. When I learned that he plays all original music, something clicked inside me. It was the first time I felt driven to start learning how to make my own music.
What makes him so inspiring is that he gained his following by staying 100% true to his own sound, which he has said comes from the depth of his emotions. Nobody can quite replicate his sound, although many have tried. To me, that is the absolute definition of being a successful artist.
So, while Boris was the one who gave me that initial push, I’m now influenced by any artist who puts that same kind of emotional honesty into their work.”
At what point in your career did you decide to start making your own music?
Dianthe: “Yep, as I was just mentioning, that summer 2018 moment was really the catalyst.
But I’d love to elaborate on that, because I really hope it inspires other artists who might be feeling the way I did. The truth is, I wanted to start producing for many years before that, but I was just completely intimidated. I had this story in my head that music production was only for ‘tech-savvy’ people, or that I just ‘didn’t have what it takes.’
And I was so wrong.
What I’ve learned is that all it really takes is the drive and the desire. There are so many ways to be a producer. Since I started, I’ve had mentors, taken masterclasses, and seen so many different workflows—and they are not all technically complex. You can be a great producer with a simple setup. You just have to be open to finding your process and sticking with it.”
Can you talk through the concept of the tracks on your new Intrusion EP?
Dianthe: “I appreciate that you asked this question! I don’t often know exactly how my track names surface from my subconscious – generally speaking, I come up with track names on the spot and write down some ideas. I do believe that they come from my subconscious and relate to the themes in my life at the time of writing the music. After thinking deeply about the track titles, here is what makes sense to me. The Intrusion EP is deeply conceptual, and the two tracks really explore two different kinds of modern anxiety.
It starts with “Intrusion.” I built that track around a heavy, danceable groove, but the core of it is the evolving synth work and that “Intrusion Detection” vocal. For me, that track is a subconscious reflection of the times. I’ve been thinking a lot about the state of privacy and this pervasive feeling of surveillance. “Intrusion” is my way of capturing that dystopian tension—it’s a bit dark, but it’s presented in a high-energy way.
And that leads into the track, “Strange Games.” The name came to me from two places. First, I got obsessed with chess this year. But that fascination with strategy led me to a deeper, metaphorical idea. The track is really a commentary on human interaction. I find it fascinating how we often don’t interface transparently—we say one thing, mean another, and make relating to each other so much harder than it needs to be. It’s an observation on how our collective fears and traumas lead us to play these ‘strange games’ instead of being direct.”
How do you approach making a new track, and what studio equipment is essential to your sound?
Dianthe: “You know, it’s funny, my setup has always been super minimal. It started that way because I had to, and now I just prefer it for my workflow. I’m almost entirely ‘in-the-box’—just my laptop with Ableton, VSTs, and a good pair of headphones.
I’m big on keyboard shortcuts, and I’ve found that I can get ideas out really fast that way. When I’ve tried integrating hardware synths in the past, I found the setup and routing just slowed me down and got in the way of the creative part.
Plus, it’s practical. I move and travel a lot, and my desk is also my office for my day job, so having everything contained in the computer is a lifesaver.
I do have an Arturia MiniLab 3 that I’ll pull out to test sounds or record automation, but that’s about it. Don’t get me wrong, someday, when I have a dedicated studio room, I’m sure the gear collection will begin. I absolutely love that rich, buttery sound of a solid analogue synth—that’s not easily replicated. But for now, this minimal setup just works for me.”
Your new Intrusion EP is out on a record label called, The Aura of Music, how did you first make contact with the label, and which other imprints have you worked with?
Dianthe: “Yes, The Aura of Music is a special one for me. I connected with them a couple of years ago on Instagram. They’re a Moscow-based collective, and since I’m originally from Russia, I feel a strong connection to what they’re building.
They’re doing really wonderful things for the underground scene—throwing parties, flying in international DJs, and just working hard to push that sound. They’re great people, and when they started their label, I was really excited to release with them and support their mission.
I’ve been lucky to work with other great labels, too. I’ve released on SOLID AUDIO and Dense Audio, both of which are run by Maksim Dark. And then from other parts of the world, I’ve worked with German labels like Alula Tunes and Subios Records, and US-based ones like Shadow Wulf and Lucid Kat, among a few others.”
In your opinion, what sets DJs apart from bands or other performing artists?
Dianthe: “I think it boils down to the kind of skillset required. For a band or a dancer, so much of the work is in the rehearsal. They perfect specific songs, specific choreography, and then go on stage to execute that plan.
A DJ, on the other hand, is in a constant, live feedback loop with the audience. While all performers read the crowd, for a DJ, it’s not just part of the job—it is the job.
You might have your tracks and transitions down, but there’s far less emphasis on a pre-planned show and way more on pure adaptability. The technical side, learning the gear, might have a lower barrier to entry, but the actual performance skill—knowing what record to play right now based on the energy in the room—is a completely different discipline.”
What are some of your passions outside of music?
Dianthe: “A huge one for me is actually classical piano. It’s funny, I played a lot as a child, took a really long hiatus, and just last summer felt this pull to start again. Now I’m back in lessons and working on becoming an advanced pianist so I can finally tackle some of my favourite composers’ pieces.
And, as I mentioned earlier, I’ve gotten really into chess over the last six months. I’m still a total beginner, but I’m hooked and I try to learn something new every day.
Another massive passion is health and fitness. I’ve always been very active—I grew up as a gymnast and figure skater, so it’s just ingrained in me. I try to make it to the gym for weights 2-3 times a week, mix in a yoga or Pilates class, and get a ton of walking in. I find it’s essential. It helps me feel great and gives me so much more energy, whether I’m behind the decks or on the dance floor!”
Thanks for taking the time to do this interview, what else is coming up in your schedule, and is there anything you want to add before we finish?
Dianthe: “Thank you, I’ve really enjoyed this.
And yes, it’s a big night! Given that it’s Halloween, I’m playing a techno party in downtown LA. My main task for the rest of the day is to get my set ready and then make the drive up from San Diego.
Looking ahead, I have a couple more gigs in the first two weeks of November, out in Reno and Lake Tahoe. But after that, I’m planning to dial back on shows for the winter and just lock myself in the studio. I’m working on finishing a new EP, and I also have a few collaborations on the way, so I’m excited to focus on that.”
