I'm excited to share some news that honestly caught me by surprise – my track "Astrological Layer" is featured on the upcoming "Hardwired" compilation, curated by my friend JakoJako for Air Texture. The compilation releases July 11th, 2025, and features 23 tracks digitally with 9 selected for vinyl pressing.
What Makes This Release Special: JakoJako's concept for "Hardwired" draws from synthesizer terminology – as she explains: "A hardwired synth has connections already soldered into the machine—it comes with certain functions without needing to patch cables externally. As a hardware producer, I feel whenever I meet someone who creates music as I do, we have this immediate connection, like a hardwired synthesizer."
This idea resonates deeply with me. When I think about my time in Berlin's electronic music scene, there's definitely something to this instant connection between hardware producers. You can spot it immediately – that shared language of oscillators, filters, and modulation that goes beyond words.
Looking Back at "Astrological Layer": I'll be honest – "Astrological Layer" is about two years old now, and it definitely doesn't represent where I am musically today. My sound has evolved significantly since then, especially with my focus on the Groovy side of Techno. But there's something nostalgic about hearing this older version of MORDIO again.
The track sits at position 9 on the digital release and B2 on the vinyl edition, which feels surreal when I look at the full lineup.
The Incredible Company I'm Keeping: What truly amazes me is the caliber of artists I'm sharing this compilation with. The lineup includes heavyweights like Rødhåd, Acid Pauli, The Field, and Neon Chambers, plus collaborative tracks between JakoJako and Frank Wiedemann, and JakoJako and Mareena.
Being on the same release as these artists – people whose work I genuinely admire and who have shaped the electronic music landscape – feels like a massive honor. It's one of those moments that makes you pause and reflect on the journey.
About JakoJako and Air Texture: For those who don't know JakoJako, she's established herself as one of electronic music's most intriguing voices, exploring the territory between technical precision and emotional expression. A Berghain resident with performances at Dekmantel and Fusion, to the Royal Albert Hall and the Barbican, she's released music on prestigious labels including Tresor, Mute, and Leisure System.
Air Texture, founded by James Parker Healy, emerged from New York City's late '90s rave scene, carrying forward the fundamental PLUR (Peace, Love, Unity, Respect) ethos with a collaborative and curatorial focus. The label has a reputation for thoughtful compilations that showcase diverse electronic music perspectives.
Personal Reflection: This release represents something interesting for me – a bridge between where I was and where I'm going. While "Astrological Layer" might not reflect my current artistic direction, it's part of my story. It's a reminder of the experimental phase that led me to develop my current approach to sound design and community building.
The timing is also interesting as I continue to explore how technology can amplify creativity without replacing the human element. JakoJako's hardware-focused curation aligns perfectly with my belief that the best tools serve creativity rather than dominate it.
Looking Forward: "Hardwired" will be available for pre-order with the first preview track already available. While this track looks backward to an earlier version of my sound, I'm using this momentum to push forward with new material that better represents my current vision.
It's experiences like this that remind me why community matters so much in electronic music. Sometimes the music you made in the past finds its perfect home when you least expect it, connecting you with artists and listeners in ways you never imagined.
The compilation drops July 11th – I'm genuinely excited to hear how my track sits within JakoJako's broader vision of the hardware producer community.
Thanks to JakoJako for including me in this celebration of hardware-driven electronic music, and to Air Texture for continuing to support thoughtful electronic music curation.
You can pre-order "Hardwired" on Air Texture's Bandcamp and hear the preview track "Passage" by Regent.