In the Philippine dance music and techno scene, John Odin and Mikhail Arce-Ignacio, aka Razor Cult, are prominent figures. For the first time, these two artists have collaborated on a dark and sinister project: Tenth Circle, an EP released perfectly in time for Halloween. Midnight Rebels had the opportunity to interview this wicked duo about their latest creation.
You guys have a long history as friends and colleagues, but is this your first musical collaboration?
J: Yes, we’ve talked about it before, but it never came to fruition. Mike and I have performed many shows together and even created mixes occasionally, but we’d never done a full project. This one is very special to me. Mike is a dear friend and mentor, and I’m a huge fan of his work, so this project was both a joy and a great learning experience.
M: I agree, it’s special. I’m glad we finally did it, as it’s one of the best ways we can collaborate given our current geographical distance. John is one of the few friends who shares my aesthetic vision without much explanation needed.
The Creative Process
How was the creative process of developing not just a single track, but a full collaborative EP? Your established chemistry must have helped.
J: Mike and I share an interest in macabre and occult themes. We didn’t need to say much; it was a meeting of the minds.
M: We understand each other well. We’re both passionate about storytelling. An EP allows us to expand on our world and ideas, fully immersing listeners in our vision.
Balancing Artistic Vision and Dance Floor Appeal
During the process, did you consider creating tracks that would resonate with techno DJs broadly, or did you prioritize artistic expression?
J: I’d say both. But we were primarily focused on making a project as friends, driven by our shared passion for techno and macabre themes.
M: I think we balanced both aspects well. John excels at creating arrangements suitable for DJs. My solo work under Razor Cult is often more experimental and art-centric, almost formless at times. This release showcases our individual strengths.
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This is Oliver Queen’s second remix for you (with Odin). How did you meet him? He certainly complements your music.
J: Asia Music sought out an artist who fit our style. Steve was amazing in creating this remix. He’s a friend of Ryan Pamatmat and Pav Parrotte, the label heads.
Experiencing the EP
How do you want people to experience this EP?
J: We’ve had various promotional events and launch shows; we hope it gets the recognition it deserves. A club setting is ideal—you really need to hear it live.
M: I also hope listeners understand the narrative element. I think electronic music has potential beyond fleeting popularity. It’s an incredible medium for self-expression, pushing creative boundaries. There’s no better place to experience this music than in a dark warehouse with a quality sound system.
Future Plans
You both clearly have confidence in your music. Where do you hope to take it next? Any dream stages or cities?
J: It would be amazing to play a set together anywhere, with Mike, using this EP. It doesn’t matter if it’s an intimate setting or a massive stage.
M: I agree! I miss playing with John and would love to perform anywhere in the world. We’ll always focus on creating the music we love, while pushing our boundaries. This EP saw us experiment with granular synthesis and other new techniques, which we’ll continue to explore in future collaborations.
Musical Influences
What genres or artists outside of techno and dance music do you currently enjoy? Anything that influences your music?
J: Darkwave. Synthwave.
M: Within the electronic sphere, I listen to industrial and dark ambient. Artists include Maenad Veyl, Restive Plaggona, Roly Porter, Abul Mogard, Lorn, Emptyset, and Surachai, to name a few. And I was in bands before I was a DJ, so groups like Health, Humanity’s Last Breath, Infant Annihilator, and Lorna Shore.
Tenth Circle is a collaborative EP by techno producers John Odin and Mikhail Arce-Ignacio aka Razor Cult, two artists who share a passion for the macabre and the occult. The EP showcases their strengths as both friends and musicians, balancing dance floor appeal with artistic expression. The Oliver Queen remix is a perfect addition. They hope listeners experience the EP in a dark, high-quality sound system venue. They plan to continue pushing creative boundaries and experimenting with new synthesis methods.
The Tenth Circle EP is OUT NOW and available on Beatport and Spotify.
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Read also: How to Build a Successful DJ Brand from Scratch?
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