Cody Chase has been making waves in the techno scene with his dynamic four-deck sets and a groove-driven sound that refuses to compromise. We caught up with him to talk about his inspirations, career lessons, and why he believes dancefloors should be about connection, not screens.
Why music?
It’s the only language I speak fluently, and one of the few things – alongside my wife and children – that fills my soul with joy.
If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
Building something wild – and that’s already in the works.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
“Don’t wait for permission.”
What inspires you?
Crowds losing themselves to a groove I’ve crafted, and seeing someone’s eyes light up when the drop lands perfectly.
What’s the next big thing?
Techno with swing – bringing groove back to big rooms and reminding people that dancefloors are for connection, not just phones. Oh, and a return to 128–131 BPM.
Best club experience?
Playing at ADE at 4 a.m., with a packed floor still begging for one more track as the lights came up, feeling that collective “we’re not ready to go home” energy.
Worst job you’ve ever had?
Lifeguarding a man-made pond in high school. They dyed the water blue, and the worst part was enlisting little kids to fake-drown so I’d have to dive in and rescue them. I made 18 rescues in my career – not one of them real!
How do you know when a track’s finished?
When I can’t stop dancing to it and stop second-guessing every kick sample.
What was your last day job and when did you realise you could give it up?
Tech sales, which I left when gigs and music paid just enough to cover the rent!
Which song do you wish you wrote?
“Born Slippy” by Underworld – timeless and still capable of destroying dancefloors.
What’s the easiest way to make it in the music industry?
There isn’t one – just don’t quit!
What’s the worst track you’ve ever released?
An early tech house track that sounded like a washing machine stuck on spin cycle – an eight-bar loop that sounded like the machine turning on and off.
Recommend us a film.
It’s All Gone, Pete Tong.
Recommend us a book.
The Secrets of Techno Production – Attack Magazine.
What or who is underrated?
Warm-up DJs who actually warm up a room properly.
What or who is overrated?
Hype without skill.
What are you addicted to?
Coffee and basslines.
What do you lust over?
A Funktion-One system in a packed warehouse with a crowd that’s there for the music.
What is your greatest regret?
Not taking music seriously earlier.
What one thing would most improve your life?
Teleportation home from gigs would be life-changing!
What’s the worst gig you’ve ever played?
An empty bar, sound guy asleep, power cuts every 10 minutes, and someone asking if I could play “Closer” by The Chainsmokers.
Collaboration: rich creative experience or pain in the ass?
Rich creative chaos that makes you better if you let it.
What’s the secret to a great mix?
Four decks.
If you could only listen to one more track, what would it be?
“Opus” by Eric Prydz.
How do you relax?
Family walks, digging for vinyl, and cooking something slow.
What one piece of software/kit could you not do without? Why?
Ableton – it’s where my ideas come alive quickly, and it’s flexible enough for the weird ideas that hit me at 3 a.m.
Art or money?
Art, always.
Ronaldo or Messi?
Messi.
Strangest place you ever wrote a track?
In the car, parked in a grocery store car park while my baby slept.
Must-visit record store?
Phonica Records, London – a bucket-list shopping experience for me.
What’s your single biggest frustration in the music industry?
Talent overlooked in favour of follower count.
What’s your favourite label? Why?
Drumcode – quality control, big-room groove, and consistent energy.
What’s the worst thing about making music?
Chasing perfection.
What’s your motto?
Show up, shut up, do the work.
Name something timeless.
A good groove.
Tweet us a tip. Best production advice in 140 characters or less?
If it doesn’t move you, it won’t move them. Trust your body, not just your ears.
Complete: At heart, I’m just a frustrated…
Percussionist.
If someone saw one of your performances in 1,000 years’ time, what would it tell them about 2025?
That humans still needed to gather and dance together, even in a digital world – and that maybe one in eight of us is good at it, me not being one of them!
Can music change the world?
Yes – one dancefloor at a time.
What are you listening to right now?
Adam Beyer’s new album Explorer Vol. 1 and some unreleased weapons from friends – Charles D, talking about you, my boy.
What should you do before you die?
Play to a sunrise crowd in Ibiza and hug the people you love under that sunrise.
Find Cody Chase on Instagram. “Filthy Freq” is out now. Listen on Spotify.
Follow Attack Magazine
Attack Store
Dance Music Producers’ Power Book Bundle
Get 2 best-selling music production books. Buy more, spend less.
The Secrets of Dance Music Production
The world-leading book on dance music production. Comes with samples too.
The Producer’s Manual
Everything you need to take a mix, from initial recording to final master.
Secretos de la Producción de Música Dance
La guía definitiva para producir música electrónica de vanguardia.
Max For Live: Chance Engine V2
Add controlled yet random fluctuations to your most important parameters.
Underground Resistance: The Final Frontier Poster
Anti corporate, political, powerful and progressive the power house of Jeff Mills, Robert Hood and "Mad" Mike Banks needs little introduction.
