Artist of The Month, Shadowmaw: Revolutionizing Dark Techno in Eastern Europe

Eastern Europe's underground music scene has seen many talented artists, but few have captured the raw energy and intricate sound design like Shadowmaw. Known for his moody dark techno, Shadowmaw is not just a DJ or producer; he is a storyteller who crafts immersive journeys through sound. His work stands out because it combines tension and release with layers of melodic and psytrance elements, creating a unique experience that resonates deeply on the dance floor.

Shadowmaw

Mastering the Art of Tension and Release

One of the most critical aspects of electronic music, especially in techno, is the balance between tension and release. Shadowmaw has mastered this art, making his tracks compelling from start to finish. His productions build anticipation with robotic stabs and dark, brooding synths, then release that energy in waves that keep dancers engaged and moving.

This technique is not just about making music that sounds good; it’s about creating an emotional connection. When Shadowmaw performs, the crowd feels every rise and fall, every pause and burst. This connection transforms a DJ set into a shared experience where music and dancer become one.

A Sound That Goes Beyond Traditional Techno

Shadowmaw’s sound design sets him apart from many of his peers. While rooted in dark techno, his tracks incorporate melodic layers and psytrance influences that add depth and complexity. These elements create a rich sonic texture that is both hypnotic and energizing.

The robotic stabs he uses add a mechanical edge, giving his music a futuristic feel without losing its underground authenticity. This blend of styles makes his sets unpredictable and exciting, drawing listeners into a world that feels both familiar and new.

Creating a Journey Through Music

What makes Shadowmaw truly exceptional is his ability to craft a cohesive story throughout his DJ sets. Each track connects seamlessly with the next, forming a continuous narrative that many DJs struggle to achieve. This storytelling approach keeps the audience engaged for hours, as the music evolves and shifts, guiding the crowd through different moods and intensities.

This journey is not just about the music itself but about the atmosphere it creates. Shadowmaw’s sets are immersive experiences where every sound contributes to the overall vibe, making the underground scene feel alive and vibrant.

The Future of Underground Music in Eastern Europe

Shadowmaw represents the future of underground music in Eastern Europe. His dedication to quality production and innovative sound design pushes the boundaries of what dark techno can be. By blending different genres and focusing on emotional impact, he keeps the underground scene fresh and exciting.

His work proves that underground music is not just surviving but thriving, evolving with artists who understand the importance of connection and storytelling. Shadowmaw is at the forefront of this movement, inspiring a new generation of producers and DJs.

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Why Shadowmaw’s Music Resonates on the Dance Floor

The dance floor is where Shadowmaw’s music truly comes alive. His tracks are designed to move people, not just physically but emotionally. The combination of tension, release, and layered sound design creates an atmosphere where dancers lose themselves in the rhythm.

This effect is powerful because it goes beyond simple beats and basslines. Shadowmaw’s music invites listeners to become part of a larger story, making every set a unique experience that stays with the audience long after the music stops. We had the oppunity to do an excuslive interview with Shadowmaw and this is what the had to say.

Treavor:

First of all, thank you for your time. I appreciate it, and congratulations on your recent

success in the Hype Charts. Beatport, the leading platform for DJs is the sponsor of this interview.

Treavor:

Describe your experience in the Bulgarian rave scene. And how did you get into it?

Shadowmaw:

I entered the Bulgarian scene in 2015, right at the pivotal moment between the old guard and the new generation of artists. I initiated my journey by organizing my own events in my hometown, Veliko Tarnovo, and soon expanded to multiple cities across the country.

This progression naturally led to the creation of my own event organization, Crypt, which eventually evolved into Crypt Music as a record label. One success led to another, and I swiftly established myself, forging connections with both established figures and emerging talents in the scene.

Throughout my career, I've collaborated with most of the major Bulgarian DJs and organizations, equipping me with the expertise and confidence to host significant events like Street Parade Veliko Tarnovo for multiple years, as well as large-scale Crypt events featuring international artists. I've shared lineups and performed alongside renowned artists such as UMEK, YellowHeads, Cosmic Boys, Daniel Weirdo, T78, Kaiserdisco, Carbon, Lampe, Matt Sassari, TiM TASTE, NoNameLeft, and Mateo.

I've performed at some of Bulgaria's most iconic venues, including Yalta Club, Plazma Club, PR Club, Varna Airport, Fabrica 126, and Hidden Beach Bar, each contributing to the evolution of the local underground culture.

These experiences have profoundly shaped my career and deepened my understanding of the Bulgarian underground scene—defined by a strong community, raw energy, and an unwavering drive forward.

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Treavor:

How did the name Shadowmaw originate, and why has it remained significant to you?

Shadowmaw:

The name Shadowmaw holds a profound significance for me. It embodies a darker, introspective side of my personality, shaped by my experiences growing up and feeling somewhat outside the mainstream. Additionally, I stumbled upon the name during a late-night session of my favorite game, World of Warcraft, and it immediately struck a chord with me.

It perfectly encapsulates the sound I aim to create—deep, mysterious, and powerful. Over time, Shadowmaw evolved beyond a mere nickname; it became an identity that seamlessly aligned with my music and artistic vision.

Treavor:

Who are the people who inspired you musically? When did you realize music was

your passion?

Shadowmaw:

Richie Hawtin stands as one of my most significant and early influences. His work, particularly from 2016 to 2018, profoundly shaped my approach to electronic music. I distinctly recall experiencing his and Dubfire's performances on separate nights at Cacao Beach, where their professionalism and minimal-techno aesthetics captivated me. These moments fundamentally shaped my understanding of world-class techno.

Maceo Plex is another major influence in my journey. His distinctive approach to music and his exploration of different identities through multiple aliases showcase a vast spectrum of musical complexity, and I deeply admire that artistic freedom and depth.

Music has always been an integral part of my life—both of my parents are pianists, and my grandparents were musicians, so it surrounded me constantly. As a child, I struggled to connect with any specific genre, and it took years to find something that felt like home. Discovering electronic music, particularly minimal and techno, was a revelation. It was then that I realized this was more than just listening; it was a passion I wanted to dedicate myself to.

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Treavor:

Your sound is polished and well-structured. Where did you learn your

production techniques?

Shadowmaw:

I didn't really take production seriously until 2020, when everything shut down and clubs closed. Suddenly, I had all this time, and it felt like the perfect chance to finally dive into music production. Once I got started, I realized how much I loved it—but also how complex and deep sound design and arrangement can be.

At first, I didn't have the best setup or environment, and I made a ton of mistakes while learning. But through that process, I learned that production is all about constant evolution—repeating things, learning, sharpening your perception, and gradually building your skills over time. In many ways, it feels like leveling up a skill the more you stick with it.

I mostly picked things up by watching tutorials, experimenting, and just trying stuff out. As time went on, my sound got better, and putting out more music really boosted my confidence.

A big influence on my journey has been Bultech, a good friend and fellow artist who ended up mastering tracks for Crypt Music. His insights and feedback helped shape a lot of my tracks and were crucial in refining my sound.

Shadowmaw

Treavor:

Let’s talk Production. I love the way you structure your music. You know exactly

where to put some tension and release. Those small pauses really are fantastic. What is

your process for an amazing structured track?

Shadowmaw:

I usually start with a rough plan for the arrangement and tweak it as the project moves along. To me, every track tells a story—it's like narrating on the dancefloor. I aim to give listeners the groove and energy they expect, but I also like to surprise them with unexpected twists. That contrast is a big part of my unique sound.

Tension and release are super important, but so is keeping the listener hooked. Sometimes that means making subtle changes, and other times it involves big shifts in rhythm, texture, or intensity. Both methods work, depending on the story I want to tell. The goal is always to keep listeners curious and emotionally connected from start to finish.

Treavor:

I’m absolutely obsessed with Bulgarian techno! What sets it apart from techno in other parts of the world? What do you envision for the future of Bulgarian techno? It's incredible to see so many Bulgarian artists, including yourself, making waves on the Beatport hype and main Techno charts!

Shadowmaw:

Bulgarian techno stands out with its unique character, largely thanks to its people. The rave and club culture here is genuinely authentic. International guests often remark on the distinctiveness of the Bulgarian crowd—attendees arrive with high expectations and reciprocate with immense energy. Dedicated ravers actively share tracks, curate playlists, and significantly shape the underground narrative.

Organizations like Metropolis and Yalta have been instrumental. They brought the biggest names in techno to Bulgaria, providing exposure to an entire generation of artists and fans, including myself, who deeply connected with the underground sound.

Many Bulgarian techno artists today began as passionate fans and DJs in this vibrant environment, which set high standards and refined our taste. This influence is evident in the quality and professionalism of the music emerging from the country now.

Looking ahead, Bulgarian techno is poised for international growth. With more artists climbing the Beatport charts and crafting their unique sound, the scene is gaining global visibility while staying true to its underground roots.

Treavor:

Mechanical Duality skyrocketed to number one on the Beatport Hype Techno charts and stormed into the top 10 of the main techno charts! It’s an exciting experimental track!

Shadowmaw:

Mechanical Duality came about when my buddy Mindslash and I decided to team up on a whim. We both had some downtime, so I hopped on a train to Plovdiv to chill at his home studio—right before he upgraded to a full-on professional setup. We just went with the flow, recording custom sounds that made the track stand out while keeping a solid groove going.

We struggled a bit with the vocals because we’re both pretty picky. But eventually, we nailed it with a robotic vocal that fit perfectly after some tweaking. We threw in a few signature touches from each of our styles, and everything just clicked. The name “Mechanical Duality” came later, capturing the mix of friendship, teamwork, and the blend of our styles while working together.

Hitting #1 on the Beatport Hype Techno charts was awesome—especially since it was my second track in a row to get there, following Warrior Within the previous month. What was even cooler was reaching #3 on the main techno chart. Seeing our track up there with top artists was beyond what we expected, and it gave me a massive confidence boost, knowing my friend was right there with me on this journey.

Treavor:

Cryptography stands out as one of Spotify's most popular tracks. The tension and release are masterfully executed, especially right before the break—an incredible break! Breaks are truly an art form, and this track exemplifies the artistry involved. The pause is captivating, and I appreciate that it extends beyond 6 minutes. Often, we focus too much on track length, but this piece proves that a well-written, structured, and produced track can achieve significant plays without being under 4 minutes. What do you believe contributes to a track's success in terms of plays?

Shadowmaw:

Success in music can manifest in various ways, but the most fulfilling is often when it occurs organically—precisely what transpired with Cryptography. This track was a collaboration with my colleague Bultech, approached similarly to Mechanical Duality: by merging our individual styles to craft something cohesive and distinctive. I opted not to create a radio edit, as the track was inherently structured to captivate listeners from beginning to end, which naturally resulted in strong play counts.

Nonetheless, I have come to understand that algorithms and shorter formats now significantly influence music consumption. Tracks under four minutes are more accessible for listeners, and streaming platforms have drastically altered listening habits. When I initially developed a passion for electronic music, it was common for tracks to span 8–10 minutes, offering a truly immersive experience. Today, with a vast array of music readily available, maintaining listener engagement for extended durations has become more challenging.

I now release both radio edits and full-length tracks. I’m not afraid to let a track breathe and take its time, but I also understand the realities of modern consumption. Striking that balance between artistry and accessibility is part of what makes a track successful in today’s landscape.

Treavor:

Let's discuss the Second Wind. That baseline is exceptional, boasting both rhythm and dark elements. It maintains a moody atmosphere and serves as a brilliant example of tension and release. The strategic pauses and transitions from hard to soft create an unexpected dynamic that works remarkably well, not only in the track but also in sets. You truly capture the essence of the underground vibe. What was your production process for this particular track?

Shadowmaw:

The percussion, stabs, and arpeggios in Second Wind are truly remarkable. When arranging them, they formed a seamless connection, transforming the project into one of those rare instances where an accidental element exceeded expectations. My initial plan was to release it around Christmas that year. Although it wasn't finished initially, I set the project aside temporarily. Upon returning, it felt like a "now or never" moment, inspiring the name Second Wind. Ultimately, I completed it just in time for a pre-Christmas release.

Beyond the title, the track embodies a vision I have for 2025: releasing music that seamlessly blends psy, minimal, and techno into a unified sound. The tension and release within the track mirror the real-life pressure I place on myself to advance my production, aligning with a fresh sound while staying true to my identity. It stands as both a personal and musical declaration, capturing a pivotal moment of transition and renewed energy in my creative journey.

Treaovr:

What are your go-to plug-ins? What is a must-have piece of hardware in your studio?

Shadowmaw:

I use FabFilter’s bundle a lot for mixing and shaping sounds, and for synths I mainly work with Serum 2, Wavetable and Vital. ShaperBox is also a favorite for adding movement and texture. I also find a lot of the stock Ableton plugins are underrated—they’re simple, reliable, and excellent tools on their own.

For hardware, I recently upgraded to Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro headphones, which are essential for me since I spend a lot of late nights in my home studio. I also use an Arturia Minilab mkII to come up with melodies and browse presets, and Focal Shape 65 monitors complete my setup. Having reliable headphones and monitors is critical for being able to hear subtle details, whether I’m mixing, designing sounds, or finalizing a track.

Treavor:

Another piece I particularly admire is Return to Earth I am fond of the title, and it's

one of those compositions in which I can truly immerse myself. Could you share the inspiration behind this track? What were your thoughts during its creation?

Shadowmaw:

Return to Earth was conceived as a direct reply to Space Impulse, which I released a few months earlier. I wanted to explore a slightly different side of that sound, keeping the psychedelic elements but bringing a fresh perspective. The odd psy arp in the track was inspired by an old Phunk Investigation track—those guys were an early influence on me and helped shape my approach to melodic and hypnotic elements.

Treavor:

Your recent release with JNTN Voices is an innovative track that significantly explores

the boundaries of Psy-Techno. It possesses a dark quality, yet incorporates a subtle melodic aspect. It’sclear that you have crafted a distinctive sound. How do you determine your collaboration partners?

Shadowmaw:

Collaborating with JNTN was very natural because I’ve known him for a while—he’s released on my label, and I’ve remixed his work in the past. We approached the two tracks slowly over roughly a year, working in short, focused sessions and sending the project files back and forth. This allowed each of us to add ideas, refine sound design, and make sure every element felt right.

I’m always open to collaborations because they let you combine strengths and explore directions you might not reach on your own. With Jonathan, the process highlighted how two approaches can blend seamlessly while keeping each artist’s identity intact. By the time the tracks were finished, we felt confident that they were fully prepared for listeners and represented the best of both our styles.

Treavor:

Twisted Nightmare serves as the B-side to Voices, both featuring JNTN. Could you elaborate on how you and JNTN allocated production responsibilities? Or was the process more collaborative, with both of you actively participating in the studio and jointly refining the sound design?

Shadowmaw:

JNTN introduced unique elements to Voices EP, significantly shaping the track and giving it its distinctive character. I prioritize melody and its integration with the track's overall structure, so collaborating with someone who respects and complements this approach is crucial. Collaborations allow us to blend strengths and explore new directions. With Jonathan, our styles fused effortlessly while preserving our individual identities. By the time the tracks were completed, we were confident they were ready for listeners, showcasing the best of both our approaches.

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Treavor:

What advice would you give to an up-and-coming producer?

Shadowmaw:

My advice is to stay consistent and patient—results don’t happen overnight. Be open to exploring your own taste; you might be surprised at how your perception of music evolves over time. Collaborate whenever you can, but always stay authentic and make sure you’re bringing something meaningful to the table. Finally, pay close attention to what works and what doesn’t—being vigilant about your choices in sound, arrangement, and workflow is key to growth as a producer.

Treavor:

Tell us about your label, Crypt Music Label. How did it all begin, and what is its purpose?

Shadowmaw:

The label emerged naturally as I delved into music production, launching with strength and quickly capturing attention. Over the years, I’ve independently maintained it, and it’s been an incredible journey. We’ve released a diverse array of artists, from newcomers to seasoned veterans, each contributing something unique. Reflecting on our catalogue, it feels like a cohesive story.

I’m immensely proud of our achievements. Leading Crypt Music has been a tremendous learning experience, enhancing my growth as a producer and opening doors to collaborations, friendships, bookings, and chart successes. Witnessing our tracks receive support from industry giants fuels my confidence for future releases.

Exciting developments are on the horizon. While I can’t reveal details yet, I’m thrilled about what’s next—a new project that will build on Crypt Music’s legacy while offering a fresh perspective.

Treavor:

What’s next for Shadowmaw?

Shadowmaw:

2026 promises to be an exhilarating year with numerous releases lined up—originals, remixes, collaborations, EPs, and singles. I am determined to release on a top label while continuously refining my sound and building a robust, cohesive catalogue. Each release will resonate with more listeners and introduce my music to new audiences.

Several international bookings are on the horizon, including a Canada tour, which I am eager to embark on. Additionally, I will be organizing a series of connected events in collaboration with others, providing the opportunity to deliver the new sound of Shadowmaw directly to the crowd.

Following the success of recent tracks, I am confident about the future and excited to see how listeners will respond to my work this year. I am approaching it with anticipation and energy, ready to push my sound further and continue evolving as an artist.

Treaovr:

Once again, thank you for your time. We are looking forward to seeing what is in store

for the rest of 2026.

What Other DJs Can Learn from Shadowmaw

Many DJs focus on individual tracks or popular hits, but Shadowmaw’s approach highlights the importance of the set as a whole. His seamless transitions and careful track selection show how a DJ can build a narrative that captivates an audience.

For aspiring DJs and producers, studying Shadowmaw’s work offers valuable lessons in sound design, pacing, and emotional engagement. His success demonstrates that underground music thrives when artists prioritize creativity and connection over trends.

Buy on Beatport, Shadowmaw, JNTN, Voices [Crypt Music]