Flour, SAILØ, ATÉ & SALIN, and Uphoria share insights about their tracks in EXHALE’s latest compilation, VA006.
Amelie Lens has dominated the techno scene for years, delivering pulsating tracks and unforgettable performances. She has also played a pivotal role in nurturing emerging talent through EXHALE. Initially starting as an event series, Amelie Lens envisioned expanding this community-driven brand further in 2020. Since then, EXHALE has hosted showcases worldwide and released tracks that highlight the brightest stars in the techno genre.
One of EXHALE’s hallmark projects is the VA compilation series, which kicked off in 2020, focusing on the evolving sounds of underground techno. This year, it marked its sixth volume, featuring 15 innovative tracks from artists globally. Among the standout contributors to VA006 are Flour, SAILØ, Uphoria, ATÉ, and SALIN. They took the time to share their inspirations behind their tracks, upcoming plans, and more.
Listen to VA006 on Spotify or your favorite platform, and continue reading for more insights from these talented artists!
Flour
What inspired the creation of “Galattica”?
‘Galattica’ emerged from my profound fascination with the cosmos; the sky has always been my greatest muse. This track encapsulates one of the most impactful narratives I’ve expressed musically.
What does being part of the EXHALE community mean to you?
Being part of the EXHALE family is everything to me. It was a dream I had long before I began producing. As a raver, I felt a deep connection to this vibrant community, and now, as an artist, it’s beyond words.
What’s next for you this year—any upcoming shows or releases?
This year is shaping up to be significant, with new music on the horizon and my first headlining show in Europe next month in Sofia, Bulgaria. There are additional projects in the pipeline that I can’t reveal just yet, but I’m eager to share more soon.
Uphoria
What inspired the track “Rave Dance Drink”?
I aimed to craft a track that genuinely represents me, particularly as I often find it challenging to connect with the current industrial hard techno scene. My influences lean towards orchestral, melodic, and euphoric sounds. Melody has always been central to my creative process, stemming from my musical journey since I was eight, starting with classical guitar and then piano. These elements—harmonies, emotional chords, female vocals—are integral to my sound and guided the creation of ‘Rave Dance Drink’.
What does being part of the EXHALE family mean to you?
Joining EXHALE is a significant milestone for me. It’s one of the rare projects where I truly resonate with the artistic vision. Having Amelie Lens select my track for this compilation is an incredible honor; she’s a massive source of inspiration, and I’m thrilled to be on this journey with so many talented artists.
What’s on the horizon for you this year—any live shows or new releases?
I’m looking forward to an exciting year ahead. I’ll debut my Live Show 2.0 on April 30 in Montpellier, France, co-produced with REBORN, the collective I co-founded. It will be a fully immersive hardware live performance featuring my machines, centered around a full light show and custom scenography. Additionally, I’ll be touring in Asia and performing at various festivals, including Verknipt France. With REBORN, we’re launching our own label to support emerging artists who align with our vision, and I have several unreleased tracks slated for release this year. I can’t wait to share everything with my community.
SAILØ
What inspired the track “Nobody”?
The track truly came together when I discovered the vocal. Upon hearing it, I envisioned a narrative that inspired the track’s direction. I wanted to create something that balanced aggression with emotion, which became a defining aspect of ‘Nobody’.
What does being part of the EXHALE family mean to you?
Joining such a remarkable label excites me immensely. It is home to many of my favorite artists, and being part of it has long been a dream of mine. This release on EXHALE motivates me to continue pursuing my passion, confirming that I’m on the right track toward achieving my goals.
What’s in store for you this year—any upcoming shows or new music?
I have a wealth of music I’m eager to share. I’m currently seeking the right labels for some tracks while also planning independent releases and collaborations with artists I admire. There are some upcoming shows in the works that I’m not ready to announce yet, but I’m focused on expanding my reach as an artist and sharing my music internationally.
ATÉ & SALIN
ATÉ: Instagram | Spotify
SALIN: Instagram | Spotify
How did “Mess” come to life, and what was the inspiration behind it?
‘Mess’ was our first collaboration as ATÉ & SALIN, inspired during a period of personal confusion, often feeling like “I’m a mess.” Sharing these feelings with Salin sparked our hook line. Interestingly, Salin wore socks that read “Play With Me,” which perfectly aligned with our theme, adding a playful twist that references our back-to-back sets.
This track beautifully merges our unique styles, with ATÉ’s vocals blending with SALIN’s dynamic lead, showcasing our mutual love for rolling bass and impactful drops. The lyrics “I’m a mess” reflect our clumsiness, while “play with me” captures our passion for sharing the stage and supporting each other.
What does being part of the EXHALE community mean to you as artists?
Joining EXHALE feels like a dream realized, aligning perfectly with our vision of exploring new artistic territories. We are incredibly grateful that Amelie Lens recognized our track and welcomed us into this vibrant community! EXHALE’s global events foster connections between artists and audiences, creating a vast family that unites individuals from diverse backgrounds. The genuine support among everyone involved is inspiring, and we eagerly anticipate where this journey will lead us!
What can fans expect from you this year—any upcoming shows or releases?
We have thrilling plans for this year! We’ll be performing at Tomorrowland Belgium 2025 on the Atmosphere stage hosted by EXHALE during the summer. Additionally, we’ll take the stage at the Athens Epidavrus Festival and the Phaex Festival in Corfu, along with more live shows with Velocity Collective in Athens. We’re also working on an EP featuring both energetic and emotive tracks. Stay tuned for what’s ahead!
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