Max HeyraudAzyr reflects on early beginnings, creative influences, and what’s next as he cements his place at the forefront of hard techno.
Azyr has rapidly established himself as one of the UK’s most talked-about techno artists, emerging as a defining face of the hard techno scene. What began as a bedroom pursuit during lockdown has since propelled him onto some of the world’s most coveted stages, from Glastonbury to Time Warp, with his relentless, high-voltage sound earning him a reputation as one of the scene’s brightest young talents.
Winner of DJ Mag’s Best of British Breakthrough DJ award, the Blackpool-born artist is now pushing the boundaries of the genre with his own imprint, Speed Limit Records, and a forthcoming EP that distils the raw intensity of his sets. With a deep affinity for UK-influenced sounds, a special bond with Ireland and a career moving at full throttle, Azyr’s ascent shows no sign of slowing down.
I read before that you started DJing and producing during lockdown. What was your relationship with dance music prior to this?
I started attending festivals and music events from the age of 17 and fell in love with it instantly. I never pictured myself on the other side of the dancefloor before I started DJ’ing, but with COVID, it gave me the opportunity to learn a new skill, and two years later, I went on to doing music full-time. Dance music has always been something I’ve been really passionate about, and now I can do this as a job; it’s a dream come true.
Can you give us some insight into the name Azyr’?
This must be one of the most asked questions I get, and honestly, I just made the name Azyr up myself when I was 12 years old, as it was my Xbox gamer tag. I then went on to make a YouTube channel under the same name, and it became my nickname in high school. When I was deciding on a DJ name, there was only one obvious choice.
Can you tell us a bit about your first gig in Blackpool?
Before I signed with my agency, Jinn Artists, I ran an event called ‘Visionary’ in my hometown, and we actually booked Bad Boombox before he blew up. The first gig I did was a free party at Bootleg Social, and it sold out in a matter of weeks. I played an all-night long b2b set with a female artist called ‘Dujour’, and it was my first time playing in front of a crowd. It was such a special moment having all my friends and family around me, and it was just the start of what was to come.
How did you first get introduced to the Teletech crew?
I was attending Teletech events way before I started to learn how to DJ, and this is where I truly fell in love with the scene and the music I play today. I was introduced to the Teletech crew through ‘Kander’ – a Teletech regular at the time, and he was the first artist to recognise me and play my music. He recommended my name to Tom & Anton, the owners of Teletech and a few weeks later they booked me for their New Year’s Day show at Hidden. From there, the rest is history.
What other producers inspire you?
When I first started to make music, my early influences were the likes of 999999999, Shlomo, Amelie Lens, etc. Now my inspiration can come from anywhere; there are so many underrated producers in the scene that make unbelievable music, and it constantly keeps you inspired and thinking of new ideas.
You’ve a special relationship with Ireland, do you remember the first time you played here?
Reboot events were the first team to recognise my talent, and they booked me for numerous shows across Ireland. My first time there was so special, and I connected with the people instantly. I love everything about this place, and every time I return, the reception I receive is incredible. I’m so excited to make my return to Emerge festival this year and make my Electric Picnic debut this summer too.
Who’s your favourite Irish DJs / producers at the moment?
There are honestly so many to choose from. Ireland has always produced some amazing artists, such as the likes of Sunil Sharpe, Kettama, Tommy Holohan, etc. If I had to choose one that’s more underrated, it would have to be Revoxx. I’ve been playing his tracks for many months now, and we’ve made a collaboration together that will be released on my label ‘Speed Limit Records’ in a couple of weeks. I believe he has a bright future ahead, and I’m excited to see his growth.
You recently played Glastonbury, how was that?
Playing Glastonbury festival two years in a row was honestly a dream come true. To play such a prestigious festival in the UK was a surreal feeling, and to close the Lonely Hearts Stage with Teletech was the perfect way to do it. Glastonbury will always be one of my favourite places on this planet, and if I could play here every year, I would.
You won the prestigious Best Of British Breakthrough DJ Award at the DJ Mag Awards —congratulations! How did that feel?
I really didn’t think I would be even in contention for this award so early into my career, but to go on to win was one of my proudest moments I’ve had as an artist. To know so many people voted for me across the globe made me feel so special, and it was a huge sense of recognition for all the hard work I’d put in over the years.
Were there particular spaces or moments that fed into your forthcoming EP “I’M HERE ONCE AGAIN”?
This is my first EP I’ve released since my ‘Speed Masters’ EP in 2023, and I’ve never been more excited to release new music. I produced these tracks when I felt the most inspired after playing shows, and I’m so happy with the outcome. I really tried to show the full depth of my production style with full throttle energy in mind, and teamed up with some incredible producers to make a six-track EP with three collaborations. This is a true reflection of my sound and what you can expect from me as an artist in the years to come.
You play at Emerge Festival in Belfast at the end of the month. What can we expect?
This will be my second year playing at Emerge, and I can’t wait to come back. Last year’s show was such a good experience, and I’ll be returning with even more energy and a ton of unreleased music to test. You are all in for an insane ride.
Can you leave us with some words of wisdom for someone who is looking to break into the music industry?
I always give people the same advice in regard to breaking into the industry, and that’s to stay true to yourself. If you can create your own identity and your own sound and be someone that people can relate to, it goes such a long way. Originality is so important in such a saturated scene, and if you can be recognised as an artist that pushes boundaries or can innovate, then you have a much higher chance of breaking into the industry.
