Hailing from Paris, Steel Tone is a French producer crafting analog-driven, hypnotic soundscapes filled with deep, mysterious vibes. He blends soft melodic techno and progressive house. His music strikes a unique balance between emotional depth and dancefloor energy. Inspired by electronic music pioneers like Pierre Henry, Kraftwerk, and Pierre Schaeffer, Steel Tone creates tracks designed to move both body and mind. His sound is especially suited for after-hours sets, where emotion and rhythm merge to create a transformative listening experience. In this interview, we dive into his creative process, inspirations, and what drives his timeless approach to music.
He will be collaborating with Shemsu and Galø on Mind Control. The release will be out on June 27 via Tanzgemeinschaft Records. Check out what he had to say in the interview below.
Connect with Steel Tone on Soundcloud / Instagram / Spotify
When you first started working with Shemsu, did you already have a clear vision for the track, or did the sound evolve naturally during the process?
We went for something quite spontaneous, with no set direction. Each of us contributed elements that corresponded to us equally. The track was made quickly, generally a sign of a good flow.
What did Shemsu bring to the table that surprised or inspired you during this collaboration?
For me, it was the first time I’d worked on a track of my own that included singing parts. In addition to the other elements brought in by Shemsu, it gave me something new and refreshing.
If you had to describe the track in three words, what would they be — and why?
Energetic, Joyful, Melodic
The why is more difficult to transcribe. It’s a fairly spontaneous track due to the ping pong between Shemsu and me, and also between our styles. I’d say it’s a track that I perceive as quite sunny. It fits in well with the spring/summer period, and it’s good that it’s being released at this time.
It’s a track that moves forward towards a goal with no hidden aspects. I imagine people dancing on it under the sun.
How do you personally feel when you listen to Galø’s remix? Does it reveal a different side of the original you hadn’t noticed before?
Completely, I’d say it’s a real remix, not a simple variation of the track. He’s completely appropriated the track with a different style, which makes it a real alternative proposal on the EP.
Collaboration often requires trust and flexibility. How do you approach working creatively with others without losing your artistic voice?
Already, this collaboration is special because Shemsu speaks the same language as me and lives in the town next to mine. It all happened so naturally that neither of us asked the other to remove elements from the track.
When egos don’t clash, you can collaborate without losing your identity. Then it’s complementarity, and that’s important.
Would you say this collaboration has shifted your approach to music production in any way?
I feel that I can allow myself to add singing parts without completely losing my more underground search.
Are there any dream collaborations or remixers you’d love to work with in the future?
Andy de Gage recently remixed one of my tracks, due for release in September on Krafted Underground. I liked his approach of starting from notes rather than sounds. I think he’s someone I could work well with.
And working with Hannes Bieger must be a memorable experience!
What’s motivating you most creatively right now — any themes, sounds, or moods you’re itching to explore next?
Even if it’s not the style I want to do, at the moment I’m interested in the sound design of certain psytrance tracks.
The kick part and the tempo of this style don’t suit me. However, there’s more innovation in sound design than in progressive house or melodic techno. It’s quite interesting, especially Astrix’s Moonclips project with its more mellow sounds.
Thank you.
Mind Control will be out on June 27 via Tanzgemeinschaft