Interview with Tjelvar on Sound, Identity & Evolution in the Underground Scene
An introspective conversation with Swiss producer Andreas about artistic growth, digital culture, and the power of creative connection.
Hello Andreas! How are you today, and what have you been up to lately?
First of all, I’d like to thank you sincerely for the opportunity to do this interview. I’m doing well under the circumstances – I hope you’re doing well too. Right now, I’m focused on a few different things, especially motorcycles and traveling with them.
Can you briefly share when you started producing music, your first piece of equipment or software, and reflect on your debut release?
I started making music in the 1990s. You couldn’t really call it “producing” back then – it was more like taking my first steps with synthesizers and DAWs. My early tools included Cubase 5, the PlayStation Music Maker, and Propellerhead Reason. I also had the Access Virus as a desktop version, the Clavia Nordlead – and of course some of my favorite VSTs then and now, like Spectrasonics Atmosphere, now known as Omnisphere.
What do you consider the highlight of your career so far, both as a DJ and a producer?
A specific highlight? Hm … that’s hard to say. I see everything as part of an ongoing learning process. If I singled out one moment as the highlight, I’d be downplaying many other valuable experiences. Every connection I’ve made with other artists throughout my journey has become part of our music – whether during DJ sets in clubs, small performances, or countless hours in various studios.
How did you first learn about The Audio Atelier (& sublabels) and could you mention some of your favorite releases on the labels?
I first discovered Audio Atelier by chance, during a visit from one of your artists at my studio. He introduced me to Patrick, aka Bynomic, and over the years we developed a close friendship.
My favorite release – without taking anything away from the others – is Be The Light. This track is especially close to my heart, because it led me to meet a wonderful artist from your label who gave the song its finishing touch with her voice. A big thank you again to He1d1 K. for the professional collaboration and to Patrick for organizing everything. The warmth and openness at this label is truly next level. I’m deeply grateful to be part of this puzzle.
Many artists have a signature sound or style. How do you balance staying true to your artistic identity while also experimenting and evolving as an artist?
I think every musician or artist has this inner feeling – that sense of: “This is me, this is my sound.” That feeling has remained fairly consistent for me. Of course, I’m always working on my skills and open to new ideas. I enjoy experimenting and trying new things.
The hardest part for me is still breaking out of loop structures – I think that’s a challenge for many artists. The key is just to start and dare to create freely.
The music industry has undergone significant changes in recent years, with streaming platforms and digital distribution reshaping the landscape. What are your thoughts on the current state of the industry, and how have these changes affected your career?
These days everything moves incredibly fast. I used to go to Zurich twice a week to dig through vinyl in record stores. Today, almost everything is digital – and unfortunately, that also affects social interaction, which is becoming less frequent. On the other hand, digitalization opens up new ways to connect with artists globally much faster.
What are some of your favorite record labels, and do you have a specific goal or aspiration to release your music on a particular label in the near future?
I don’t have a single favorite label. Every label has its genre-specific strengths and offers the right platform for different artists. I believe everything happens at the right time – you just have to go with the flow of the universe.
Can you share some insights about the current underground music scene in your Switzerland?
I think that era is over, especially considering how many clubs are closing. And at this stage in my life, going out doesn’t have the same priority it did 30 years ago.
Besides music, do you have any other passions or hobbies?
I have many passions and hobbies: cave diving, motorcycle riding, paragliding, climbing, mountain biking, windsurfing, canyoning … Unfortunately, I don’t have time to regularly practice all of them. That’s why I truly enjoy spending quality time with my kids and family these days.
Are there any books, documentaries, podcasts, or TV shows that you'd like to recommend to your fans and fellow artists?
Some recommendations:
The Bible
Black Mirror
3 Body Problem
Zwischenwelten
Your Soul Is Immortal
Heal
Matrix
The Crow
Could you share some of your all-time favorite tracks or songs that have had a significant impact on your musical journey?
Various worship music, like Adonia – Mit mim Huus
Tillmann Uhrmacher & Peter Ries – Free
Flutlicht – Ahmea
Michael Jackson
Queen
Kunz
Patent Ochsner
What can we look forward to from you in the near future?
Stay tuned and be surprised! If anyone is interested in a collaboration, I’m always open to new projects and excited to connect with new people.
You can follow or contact me on Instagram at @tjelvarofficial, and on Facebook and SoundCloud under Tjelvar. I appreciate every follower!