The Muffin Man: Shaping the future of techno with "Sewer Grooves"

With a name that’s as distinctive as her sound, The Muffin Man is making waves and setting new standards in the electronic music scene. This Italian-born, London-raised DJ and producer is rapidly becoming a name to watch, thanks to her fresh, genre-bending style and remarkable rise through the ranks of techno.

The Muffin Man’s musical journey began in a little coastal town of Italy, near the Adriatic sea where the sounds of merengue and bachata, brought by friends from Santo Domingo, painted her early years with vibrant rhythms. These Caribbean beats, a clear contrast to the typical Italian radio fare, ignited a passion for music that would shape her future. The influence of these lively genres can still be heard in her work today, as she seamlessly blends them into her techno productions.

At the age of 12, The Muffin Man relocated to East London in pursuit of better opportunities. It was here that she encountered her first taste of electronic music through HOUSE FM, a pivotal moment that exposed her to tracks like “I’m Hungry for the Power” and “Around by Solomun.” These experiences were instrumental in her development as an artist, embedding the fundamentals of house music into her young mind and setting the stage for her future in techno.

The Muffin Man’s passion for music crystallized during her childhood. Although she explored various hobbies such as ballet and football, none captured her interest like music did. The turning point came when her younger brother began taking music lessons, sparking her curiosity and leading her to enroll in music school.

“When I switched to music school, I quickly realized how much I loved playing the piano and learning about music theory. It felt like I had finally found something that truly excited me”.

Her journey into electronic music began in earnest post-COVID, when she attended techno parties in London and connected with key figures in the scene. It was at these underground events that she honed her craft, experimenting with decks at after-parties and refining her mixing skills.

“I believe my career's progression has been driven by the support of those who believed in my talent and gave me opportunities to showcase my sound to various audiences”.

The support from the techno community, coupled with her dedication to perfecting her sound, helped her gain recognition and land opportunities at renowned venues such as Khidi, RSO, and Intercell.

“Shortly after the COVID restrictions were lifted, I started attending my first sets of techno parties in London. Through these events, I formed friendships with several techno artists. Initially, I practiced on the decks at after-parties, the more I played the more opportunities arose”.

The Muffin Man’s career has been marked by several significant moments that have propelled her into the spotlight. One of the most notable was receiving her first set of CDJs from a family friend. This gift, coupled with a collection of tech house compilations, sparked her fascination with the genre and laid the foundation for her distinctive sound. Thus The Muffin Man was created

“From the very start, the choice of my name was intentional. I didn’t want to adhere to the typical expectations of what a techno artist should sound like or take myself too seriously. I wanted a fun name that almost sounds like a joke (though I do take my work very seriously). This approach allowed me the freedom to experiment and create the sound I wanted, without being restricted to playing only techno”.

Another pivotal moment was the release of her first two podcasts, which played a crucial role in expanding her audience. The exposure from these mixes, coupled with the opportunity to perform live for the first time, provided her with the confidence and momentum to pursue her musical aspirations seriously.

“Signing with Robin last October with the Elevenfive agency also opened up a lot of opportunities, it has given me the push and support to head in the right direction with my career”.

The Muffin Man’s debut international gig with Zurich’s ZIMA collective was a milestone that marked her transition from local talent to an internationally recognized artist. This experience, combined with her performance at Tbilisi’s iconic Khidi and her recent festival appearance at Glastonbury, has solidified her reputation as a rising star in the techno scene.

What sets The Muffin Man apart (aside from her singular name) is her unique sound, which she describes as “sewer grooves.” This innovative style is characterized by its gritty, slicing basslines and minimalist approach.

The concept of "sewer grooves" emerged from my preference for sounds that don't always conform to traditional techno. I gravitate towards tracks that are minimalist in nature, avoiding those with an abundance of synths, and favoring those that are straightforward in their execution.

A defining characteristic of my sound is the "slicing" bassline, which I prefer over the aggressive combination of kick and bass. I aim for a rolling beat that harmonizes with the other elements in unison. These types of sounds are often found in tracks with a lower BPM, and when sped up, they reveal an intense, "sewery" quality that defines my sound.

The term “sewer music” reflects her preference for raw, unpolished sounds that deviate from traditional techno, creating a distinctive and captivating auditory experience.

Her creative process involves a meticulous approach to production, beginning with a notepad filled with inspirations and ideas. Whether it’s a catchy voice sample or a memorable track snippet, The Muffin Man draws from her collection of ideas to create something fresh and exciting.

“I keep a notepad filled with all sorts of crazy ideas and inspirations that pop into my head. It could be anything from snippets of tracks I love, whether they're electronic or not, to quirky voice samples that catch my ear. When I'm ready to create, I dive into these notes and see what sparks my imagination”. She notes.

“Inspiration can be a bit of a rollercoaster, but I believe in producing even when I'm not feeling it. Sometimes, the best surprises come out of those "just go for it" moments”.

Her production process is driven by experimentation and fun, allowing her to explore new sounds and push the boundaries of her genre.

“My sound is rooted in specific musical elements I seek when digging for tracks. I describe my sound as “sewer music” because I aim for a gritty, slicing feel that sets it apart from conventional techno”. She explains

Maintaining a high-energy performance is a crucial aspect of The Muffin Man’s approach to DJing. Her sets are designed to captivate and engage the audience, with a focus on adapting to the crowd’s energy and preferences. This adaptability allows her to tailor her performances to different venues and time slots, ensuring a dynamic and enjoyable experience for her listeners.

“Fortunately, my passion for playing different genres of electronic music allows me to avoid the pressure of conforming to the current trends in the techno scene. I focus on believing in my unique sound and pushing it forward. I think what sets me apart is the distinctiveness of my music, which isn't widely represented in the scene right now”.

The Muffin Man’s ability to connect with her audience is rooted in her genuine enjoyment of performing. She believes that a great set is not just about technical precision but also about sharing the joy of music with the crowd.

This connection enhances the overall experience, making her performances memorable and impactful.

Identity is key for her, this is something you can really see on the artists she admires the most.

“My musical influences come from all over the place! Within the techno world, I'm a huge fan of Adam Beyer. His influence shows up in the driving, powerful beats and the sense of identity I strive to create with "sewer music." I mean, how cool is it that he pushed his unique sound and turned Drumcode into a massive subgenre of techno?

“Outside of techno, tech-house has a special place in my heart. I kicked off my DJing days with sped-up tech-house CDs, and that experience totally set the vibe for my sound. The punchy, no-nonsense beats of tech-house got me hooked and still inspire my music today”.

Crafting a high-energy DJ set is an intricate art form that balances personal creativity with audience engagement.

“As a DJ, ensuring your sets are both engaging and high-energy requires a deep understanding of your music, audience dynamics, and the ever-evolving landscape of nightlife. I like to experiment, especially during opening sets where there's less pressure to maintain high energy constantly. These early slots are a great opportunity to test new tracks and gauge how they resonate with the audience. By observing the crowd and their reactions, I can fine-tune my sets to keep everyone happy and dancing"

The Muffin Man has ambitious goals for her career. She aims to establish her own label, providing a platform for emerging artists and fostering a community of like-minded creators.

This vision reflects her commitment to supporting the next generation of techno talent and contributing to the evolution of the genre.

The current state of nightlife and club culture presents both challenges and opportunities. The Muffin Man is optimistic about the future, embracing the diversity and innovation that characterizes the techno scene.

“It's an exciting period for techno! Contrary to what some people think about the sound being too hard, I believe there's plenty of room for diverse styles to emerge. DJing is all about expressing your individuality through sound, so if it brings you joy, play and dance to whatever you love!”

“With social media becoming essential for music careers, some artists might need to adapt and make it part of their job. I hope this leads to more freedom in enjoying and exploring different facets of techno, without the pressure of toxic opinions. Let's embrace the variety and keep the dance floors vibrant and inclusive”.

Emerging trends such as innovative venue setups and live streaming, offer new ways to connect with audiences and enhance the live music experience. The Muffin Man is particularly excited about how venues are using space in innovative ways. The “Face 2 Face” events by Adrian Mills and his 240mh label as a prime example of this trend.

“It’s refreshing to see a new party format that you can also watch online”.

Another example she highlights is the UNFOLD parties in London, known for their distinctive setup. By placing the DJ booth in the middle and enforcing a strict no picture/no camera policy, these events enhance the connection between the music and the crowd.

“This setup really enhances the connection between the music and the crowd, making the experience feel more personal and engaging,” she explains.

Looking ahead, The Muffin Man sees the genre evolving in several exciting ways. He anticipates that more collectives will experiment with different party formats and venues.

“I think we’ll see more collectives trying new things with their parties, experimenting with different formats and venues,”she predicts.

The Muffin Man is enthusiastic about future projects that align with these emerging trends. One project she’s looking forward to is organizing a party with a distinctive atmosphere.

“Putting together a party with a vision in mind is a great way to show identity as an artist”.

As she looks to the future, The Muffin Man has clear aspirations for his career within the techno scene.

“I hope to see the sound I pride myself on becoming an example of how you can be an artist in your own unique way,” she says.

She aims to inspire new DJs to break the mold and explore their individuality. Encouraging others to find their own path and not feel confined by traditional expectations is a significant part of his career goals.

She also hopes to influence the broader electronic music landscape by promoting openness and appreciation for the diverse aspects of techno.

“It’s important to embrace the diversity within techno and encourage innovation”.

Building a legacy takes time, and he is focused on influencing the next generation of artists. By doing so, he aims to inspire them to explore their individuality and push the boundaries of the genre.

As The Muffin Man continues to make her mark on the techno world, she remains dedicated to pushing the boundaries of the genre and inspiring others to explore their unique sound. Her journey from a small town in Italy to international stages is a testament to her talent, passion, and resilience. With a growing presence in the techno scene and a clear vision for the future, The Muffin Man is poised to leave a lasting impact on the world of electronic music