Groove as a Gateway: System 97 on Movement, Authenticity and the Healing Power of Techno

In a world of trends and algorithms, System 97 stands firm in raw emotion, ritualistic rhythm, and unfiltered truth. From his home studio in Germany, the artist opens up about the deeper philosophy behind his sound — one built on authenticity, movement, and techno's timeless ability to heal and transform.

Hi Michael. Nice to talk with you! Could you tell us where you are doing this interview and how has your day been so far?

Hi, thanks for having me. I’m doing this interview from my home studio in Germany – surrounded by my setup, fresh ideas, and a lot of caffeine. My day’s been solid so far: worked on a few new loops, bounced a mix down, and now I’m happy to dive into this conversation.

You launched System 97 as a fresh project in 2024, and you’ve already hit the charts multiple times. What sparked the creation of this alias, and how does it differ from your previous work?

System 97 was born from a deep urge to express my musical vision without compromise. I wanted to create an alias that stands for energetic, hypnotic techno – raw, functional, and emotionally charged. Compared to my earlier projects, System 97 is more focused and club-driven. The creative framework is tighter, but that actually gives me more freedom to go deeper into the sound I truly connect with.

The name “System 97” also ties back to my birth year, 1997 – a time when techno was already a strong cultural force. It’s a subtle nod to the era that shaped my musical roots and mindset.

Your music fuses the soul of 90s techno with a modern, energetic edge. How do you approach blending nostalgia with innovation in your production process?

I try to extract the timeless essence of 90s techno – the groove, the grit, the directness – and reinterpret it with modern tools. I often start with loops that could’ve worked in 1996 and evolve them into something new. For me, the vibe comes first. Before I even think about technical perfection, I want the loop to move something inside me. That’s where the magic lies – often in the imperfections.

The groove in your tracks feels both timeless and immediate. Can you walk us through your mindset when building a track — do you start with rhythm, melody, or a feeling?

Most of the time, I start with rhythm. A driving, rolling groove is the foundation – if it works, it carries everything else. From there, I add textures, subtle melodies, or atmospheric layers. But the core always comes from a feeling. If a loop doesn’t move me emotionally or physically, I don’t move forward with it.

You’ve released on labels like We Are Existence, Existence Limited, Mal-function, Say What?, and Unity Records. How do you decide which label is the right home for a track or EP?

I follow my gut. Every label has its own vibe, aesthetic, and community – and if a track resonates with that, it feels right. Sometimes I write music with a specific label in mind, because I respect their vision and artists. But ultimately, the music has to feel authentic in that context.

I also want to give credit to the Swedish artist Dahl, who first introduced me to We Are Existence. That connection opened a key door for me. I’m incredibly grateful to Danny Fontana and Annie Hill for believing in me and supporting my work on the label. And a huge thank you to my longtime friend Plaxo, who helped me get started with production. He taught me techniques and was always there when I had questions. Without that early support, System 97 wouldn’t be where it is now.

Growing up surrounded by electronic music, was there a defining moment that made you say: “I want to build a career in music”?

There wasn’t a single moment – it was more of a series of experiences. Countless nights in clubs, the first time feeling a bassline run through my body at a festival, watching how a DJ can control energy with minimal elements. Eventually, I realized I didn’t just want to be part of that world – I wanted to shape it. Music has always been a release for me, but it became something more: a calling.

Your sound feels purpose-built for the dancefloor. How important is the club or festival setting when you’re producing music? Do you envision the crowd while creating?

Definitely. I often visualize the dancefloor when producing – how a break feels, how tension builds, how a drop hits. Physicality is everything. But I also aim to embed something deeper into the tracks, something that lingers. A strong dancefloor tool can still hold emotional weight – in the club, on the way home, or in the memory of the moment.

Behind the grooves and hooks, is there a philosophy or emotional core that drives System 97?

System 97 is about movement – technically, emotionally, spiritually. It’s about momentum and ritual. Repetition becomes a tool for transcendence. I believe techno is more than function – it can transform spaces and people. That duality – energy and depth, body and mind – is what I aim to channel in every track.

What have you learned since launching this alias — either about the scene or about yourself as an artist?

I’ve learned that clarity of vision is everything. Since I fully committed to System 97, everything feels more aligned – my productions, my communication, my collaborations. I also realized how important it is to stay authentic, even when trends shift fast. The scene is always moving, but honesty in your sound creates longevity. And most importantly: trust your intuition. It rarely lies.

Does the creative process ever feel spiritual or meditative to you? What kind of headspace do you enter when you’re fully locked into producing?

Yes, 100%. When I’m deep in the zone, time disappears. It’s a space between focus and flow – almost meditative, but with energy and intensity. I don’t overthink in those moments – I just feel. Those are the sessions where the best ideas come out. I try to set the conditions for that state to happen, but it often arrives unexpectedly – and that’s when the real magic happens.

In a scene full of trends, how do you stay authentic while also evolving your sound?

By regularly looking back at what inspired me in the first place, while keeping my ears open for new ideas. I don’t chase trends, but I stay aware of what’s happening. I’m always refining my sound – improving mix downs, experimenting with new techniques – but the essence remains the same: groove, energy, functionality, and soul.

What kind of impact do you hope System 97 will leave on listeners — not just on the dancefloor, but emotionally or culturally?

I hope System 97 can create moments where people truly lose themselves – in the best way possible. Dancefloors aren’t just for partying. They’re spaces for release, connection, transformation. If my music can support that – whether in a club, a car, or alone with headphones – then I’ve done my job. And culturally, I want to contribute to keeping the raw, uncompromising side of techno alive and evolving.

And if you could leave one message behind through your music, what would it be?

Movement is healing. No matter where you are – mentally or physically – lose yourself in the groove, and you might just find yourself again.

Thank you for the interview and all the the best for the rest of 2025!