Today we premiere a new track from Candy Cox. "Keep On" comes off the big new v/a, GO HARD OR GO HARDCORE Vol. 2, curated by the one and only Rebekah. For over 15 years Rebekah has relentlessly championed the sounds of the underground’s most ferocious elements. As an outlet for releases, events, mixes and exclusive collaborations, GO HARD OR GO HARDCORE embodies Rebekah’s unyielding artistic vision and carves a path for future generations of artists to further delve into Techno’s most unrelenting subgenres.
The new release turns up the heat to another level, packing in 12 uncompromising hard techno tracks from a global mix of some veterans of the genre, artists returning to the label as well as space for supporting the up and coming producers who are creating waves with their productions. One of the v/a's highlights undoubtedly comes from Candy Cox. Active for two decades now, Cox has become a hard techno icon, pushing boundaries and bringing her sound across the globe. To mark her appearance on the v/a we spoke with the artist about her productions, today's sound and more.
Read the interview below and pick up the release at: https://gohardorgohardcore.lnk.to/Vol2
THE BRVTALIST: So first off we're here today because of your new track on the GHOGH v/a, "Keep On". Tell us a little bit about the track.
CANDY COX: Hello, it's a pleasure to speak with you here. When Rebekah asked me for a track for this V/A, I already had a clear sound in mind, I got driven and inspired by the energy of the new generation that’s been redefining all Hard Music styles, and I wanted to reflect this mutating phase: harder, more intense, and open to blending with other extreme styles, shaping a hybrid musical identity, which in my opinion, marks the beginning of a new genre I define as ‘Ultratech’ (a mutation of Hardtechno), presenting a sound that pushes beyond the conventional boundaries and now exists outside the underground. This release was the ideal home for this track, it inspired me to fully embrace this shift. Rebekah’s bold vision made it the right place for me to share something so personal, as I feel like closing one era and opening another in my artistic evolution, I’m returning more and more to the original / classic sound that shaped my roots and still defines who I am as an artist, realigning with my core vision.
TB: You have been in the Hard Techno world for a significant time now. Are there differences between Hard Techno now and maybe what it was 10-15 years ago?
CC: Yes, this year marks my 20th anniversary in the scene. The Classic Hard Techno, around 20 years ago, emerged as an offshoot of Techno, characterized by faster tempos, harder kicks, and a bit more distorted sound design. Around 2005, it was transformed into what became known as “Schranz,” a term initially unintended to be a genre name or label, but which ultimately defined this distinct, aggressive sound within Hard Techno. Since 2020, the genre has undergone a further mutation, unleashing a new, even harder, and more hybrid style that, as I mentioned above, I refer to as “Ultratech”. This sonic transformation reflects a shift toward a more experimental and genre-fluid sound, integrating influences from various hard electronic styles, and with a more commercial facet, so yes, it is very different now from what it was in the beginning.
TB: What are some things that inspire you when making a track?
CC: When starting a new track, I seek inspiration from sounds that offer me a fresh listening experience and allows me to express myself authentically. I always let myself be inspired by diverse genres that also resonate with me, beyond my usual style, which expands my creative palette. I build each track organically, selecting elements thoughtfully and letting the composition evolve naturally during my creation process. Though this system can be lengthy, it gives me creative freedom and ensures an original, genuine outcome that stays true to my musical vision.
TB: Do you think audiences now expect things to go harder and harder? Do you feel any pressure about that?
CC: In my view, younger generations are naturally drawn to harder music styles. Their energy, curiosity, and openness make them connect deeply with intense, extreme sounds, and this reflects the pace and rhythm of their lives and their need for emotional release and expression. For many, “raving” and clubbing become a deep meaningful act of freedom and connection, and as with all trends and cultural movements (and it’s constant shifts), tastes change over time, then one generation evolves, and the next brings their own spirit to the music scene, keeping it alive and fresh. Harder styles often open the doors for young people to discover who they are (both musically and personally), playing a vital role in the electronic music ecosystem. Some stay loyal to a harder music genre for years, while others decide to explore new paths, and that’s the beauty of it. It’s a natural rhythm of the social cycle, and it’s molded by age, influence, culture and self-discovery. I don’t feel any pressure to make my music harder and harder, but I like to explore the depth of all kinds of sounds in my own particular way and vision.
TB: What's coming up next and anything else you want to mention.
CC: I’ve been focused in the studio lately, exploring the nuances and edges of my Techno roots, starting to work on my debut album, set for release next year on my label, Robota Records. I'm still shaping it’s artistic direction and sound, this is a very intimate and personal project, and I’m genuinely excited about it.
At the same time, I’m preparing the next editions of my Robota events in Barcelona. Two years ago, we launched the first showcase with Rebekah, which was unforgettable. The most recent edition was a sold-out night with Dave Clarke at The Garage BCN, and I’m very excited to keep growing the platform. I’m also preparing for my summer tour dates and upcoming gigs, now, also as part of the Miracle Mgmt roster, it’s an exciting new chapter ahead.
Thanks for the invitation, it was a pleasure to share a bit about my current work, opinions and creative process.