SoundSex is back with a brand new remix, TENSION 3.0, a track that once again redefines the boundaries of Techno Music!

With over ten years of Hits, countless gigs, and a sound that inspired thousands of music producers worldwide, SoundSex and Decoding Jesus join forces on the new remix of the band’s Hit Tension, giving new life to the track and marking a brand new chapter in their artistic career!

Today, at Planet Singer, we have the great pleasure of discovering more about Miko Franconi (SoundSex) and his music, with an exclusive interview!

Hi Miko, thanks a lot for being here today at Planet Singer. Your work with SOUNDSEX is iconic and signed one of the best ages for Techno music, so we are thrilled to know more about your recent collaboration with talented Decoding Jesus, producer and label owner of let’s beat milo records (lbmr). So let’s start from the beginning; how did you discover your passion for music, especially Techno music?

I was born into it, basically spoon-fed techno since a pre-teen. I grew up in the electronic music industry. All of my older brothers were involved one way or another. DJ’s, Promoters, Radio… it’s in my blood; what can I say; blessed.

You recently released a new version from your popular track Tension, originally produced by Chase Wiggs, Jacob Bailey, and yourself in 2012. This new remix, titled TENSION 3.0, is more than just a new variant of the original track; it is a powerful mix that gives new life to an already brilliant track. Decoding Jesus’ outstanding work provides freshness to the song without losing its original appeal. How did this project come to life?

Tension was my first release and has always been one of my favorite releases. Decoding Jesus actually found the song on my Myspace page back in 2009 and contacted me about a possible release on his label; I had no idea it would be the beginning of my career in dance music. It felt fitting to bring it back to life. Decoding Jesus reached out to me about the idea of 2021’s remake, and I was all in.

When releasing a new version of a very successful song, there is always the risk of disappointing old fans, but this seems not the case as the new remix has been very well received. What’s the secret to gain new fans without losing old supporters?

Honestly, I try not to think about “what people will think about it” when working on music. Keeping it to what I (or we) like currently is always the priority. Tastes change all the time. I can honestly say some of my past work doesn’t resonate with me anymore, but at the time, it did, so doing a remake of something that still hits home for me was an easy project to get into. I guess the “secret” is: keep focused on what you love. If others love it too, you’ll be successful; if they don’t, f”ck it, you’re still doing what you love, and it won’t become a “job.”

The last couple of years have been tough on the music industry, especially for live events. Techno music and Dj sets are coming back. Do you have any dates scheduled?

Yes, things are coming back into swing more than I could have imagined. I’m doing regular gigs in my hometown Hawaii 2-3 times a week right now and just got back from playing shows in Vegas and Denver. My next gig is scheduled in Boston for the INFRA family on Sept 11th. I’m really looking forward to that one they get dowwwwn.

With a successful career of over ten years, tour dates, and collaboration, Miko, is there any advice to young producers and songwriters making the first steps into this genre?

Don’t let it become work. Keep focused on why you do it. If you’re doing it for the right reasons, success is virtually guaranteed and will be lasting.

In tracks like Tension, and even more in the new TENSION 3.0 is evident how a great song can reach a brand new dimension through a new arrangement. Tension’s excellent sound structure put the bases for this incredible remix. Can you reveal what your creative process is? How does your music come to life?

The original Tension was recorded on a beach on the North Shore of Hawaii. Chase, Jacob, and I were daily working on music and made lots of foundations that didn’t quite make the cut. When we found ourselves in the middle of Tension, we realized we were on to something. We kept adding elements of things that got us moving. It was a couple of weeks grinding before we were satisfied enough to post it on Myspace. The vocals of my heavy breathing and the 2 minutes long build-up/breakdown inspired the name.

Your music entertains and explores the vast world of Techno and Electronic music, but it also contributes to their evolution. Do you think with the progress of technology, it will be easier for producers to create music, even with the risk of losing that curiosity and natural approach to sound research?

It’s definitely a double-edged sword. It becomes easier to create sounds, but having more tools sometimes complicates things and can be intimidating. A producer I looked up to once told me, “don’t worry about what you don’t know, and make music with what you do know.” That advice has kept me engaged with production for over a decade when I was scared to dive in at the beginning.

What inspires you?

I find inspiration everywhere. But specifically, the first time I saw people vibing on the dancefloor to my music was the defining moment that I knew I was in my element. That inspires me to this day. Seeing people’s connections on the dancefloor is the most beautiful thing in the world to me. I’ve even been invited to DJ a wedding for a couple that met on my dancefloor and got married three years later. They asked me to play the reception (techno, not traditional wedding hits lol) because the night they met, I was the DJ, and they said it sparked their forever love. Those moments are what fuel me.

Decoding Jesus has such a unique style you recognize from the first seconds. Are you guys planning any new track together or other remixes of your previous Hits?

We’re always working together and have stayed connected since day one. No doubt there will be more collaborations from us in the future. If he’s down, of course. 🙂

If you could collaborate with one of the artists who influenced you the most, who would you like to work with on a track?

I have a huge place in my heart for dark disco and would love to work with Damon Jee, AFFKT, Darlyn Vyls, Olivier Giacomotto, Third Son, man the list goes on. These guys are gods of indie-dance/dark disco, in my book.

Tension 3.0 is one of those songs that, through heavy-breathing vocal samples, an exciting crescendo, and the clean, minimal, dark-techno arrangement, catapults the listeners towards one of the best releases of 2021. What was your first reaction after listening to the final mix? Did you feel the two tracks, the original and Decoding Jesus’ remix, were like the two sides of the same mirror, each one the reflection of the other, each with its own identity?

Both are different yet the same in many ways. We originally were going with the techno mix only, but I have a love for breaks that’s deep, so Decoding Jesus and I talked about adding a break-beat mix to the release. I am really happy we did. The release feels well-rounded to me now.

What are your plans for the future?

Keep making music and getting back on the road more often, the dream.

Miko, it was such an honor having you with us today. Your music keeps inspiring thousands of young artists, and we can’t wait for your next project. Is there anything you would like to say to our readers?

Thank you for the interview and the great questions. It’s such a treat for me to circle back to thinking about some of the things you brought up. It helps me remember WHY I do what I do, so thank you for that.

Check the links below, discover more about Miko Franconi, SoundSex, Decoding Jesus and their music, and don’t forget to add TENSION 3.0 to your favorite playlists!