Los Angeles Producer tesh Introduces a Unique European Sound to the West Coast
In recent years, the underground music scene in Los Angeles has increasingly embraced European influences. One of the standout artists leading this wave is tesh, a versatile producer blending UK Garage, house, and techno.
Genres like happy hardcore, hard groove, and drum and bass are beginning to infiltrate the vibrant Los Angeles rave culture. Among these genres, UK Garage is gaining traction, and tesh is poised to elevate its presence. His latest single, “FINGERTIPS,” showcases a mix of influences, delivering a breaky, hypnotic, and infectious beat ideal for a hot DoLaB or Yuma set at the upcoming Coachella.
This track is a preview of tesh’s debut EP, Cycles + Repetitions, set to drop on April 25 through San Holo’s label, bitbird. The EP is inspired by the fictional world of Oroboros, an industrial city drawing from the influences of Los Angeles, New York, and London. It promises to be a distinctive project, reflecting tesh’s unique sonic and artistic identity.
Bringing a fresh perspective to electronic music, tesh is a thrilling and impactful addition to the ever-evolving industry. Following his breakout single “FINGERTIPS” and ahead of his EP release, we caught up with tesh for an insightful conversation. Don’t miss the exclusive mix he recorded at Clubhouse FM and gain insight into the mind of this rising innovator.
Stream EDMID Guest Mix 458 || tesh on SoundCloud:
Hey, tesh! Thanks for chatting with me today. Your single FINGERTIPS, a blend of UK garage, house, and hypnotic electro, is the lead track from your upcoming EP Cycles + Repetitions and has received fantastic feedback. How does it feel to see the first glimpse of your debut EP embraced so positively?
It’s exhilarating and motivates me to share more. Releasing music can come with a mix of doubt and fear, which ties into the themes of my project. Actually getting these tracks out there is something I look forward to, and I’ve definitely felt the love from the feedback.
FINGERTIPS operates at 138 bpm, aligning with the growing trend for faster beats among ravers and club-goers. Have you always favored a quicker tempo in your music? Who are some of your biggest inspirations?
I haven’t always leaned towards a faster tempo. Early on, I created more relaxed R&B tracks inspired by the Soulection catalog, but I’ve always loved 128 bpm electronic music from artists like deadmau5 and Avicii. I had a significant phase where I listened to Flume, but more recently, I’ve delved into quicker sounds with breaks and techno. Attending various shows has also shaped my appreciation for faster beats, leading me to artists like Ivy Lab, Villager, STÜM, and MPH.
In a time when society is addressing an epidemic of loneliness, intimacy challenges, and vulnerability fears, you release FINGERTIPS, focusing on the warmth of fleeting feelings. What do you hope listeners take away from the song’s message?
FINGERTIPS carries several narratives, leaving it up to the listener to interpret their feelings. There’s a nostalgic emotion in the track, which can be either uplifting or unsettling—it all depends on the context. I hope listeners find a sense of escape and draw their own conclusions from it.
The concept of Oroboros surrounding Cycles + Repetitions is fascinating. It depicts a hyper-industrialized, dystopian world where residents creatively navigate their situation. What inspired the idea for Oroboros, and how does it reflect your own experiences?
Oroboros was a thrilling concept to explore. I developed it alongside my other project, Port London, which consists of me and three friends. The EP felt so conceptual that it deserved a visual narrative. Oroboros satirically mirrors our real world, allowing the music to convey genuine emotions within this synthetic environment we’ve created. Combining both elements results in a sprawling theatrical narrative that’s been incredibly fun to develop and share.
There’s something beautifully eerie yet sonically discomforting about FINGERTIPS and the visuals for Cycles + Repetitions. The mix of industrial alchemy and anarchy, along with your choice to wear a balaclava, adds depth. What does anonymity mean for your art and the EP?
The anonymity helps me detach my ego from the project, allowing the art to take center stage. I’m not entirely anonymous, but for this project, it felt appropriate. Given Oroboros’s mysterious nature, the balaclava reflects that in my visuals.
Cycles + Repetitions is set for release on April 25 via bitbird. What can listeners anticipate from the EP? How are you feeling about sharing your creation with the world?
Expect the unexpected! I designed this EP to encompass a wide musical range, offering various vibes and emotions. It won’t be limited to just “club bangers” or “emotional house tracks.” It’ll be whatever it needs to be while staying rooted in electronic music. I’m genuinely excited about the complete project! By April, we’ll have shared three singles, with four additional exciting tracks for listeners to explore. I can’t wait for that day!
How did your collaboration with bitbird come about? Are there any future collaborations we should look forward to?
A shoutout to Cooper at Coop Recs for being an early supporter of the tesh project and connecting our teams. I genuinely appreciate the bitbird team—they fully embrace the visual and artistic elements I’ve brought to the table. It’s still early in my career, so who knows what the future holds.
To wrap things up, where do you envision yourself in the coming years?
I want to acknowledge Clubhouse FM, a non-profit live music initiative by the Afters Clubhouse team. It’s a unique way to start an answer, but I’m grateful to be part of this initiative that highlights local talent while supporting good causes in LA, particularly wildfire relief. I’m eager to continue building this community and fostering localized efforts throughout the city.
The underground music scene in LA is thriving, and I hope to contribute to the growth of this emerging Euro electronic niche. Alongside this, I aim to push my musical boundaries, explore deeper narratives, and potentially work on albums, as I love the concept of albums.
