Artist Profile: Teho
Blending emotive melodies with technical precision, Teho has carved his own path through the dark corridors of electronic dance music to craft a sonic experience that resonates deeply with audiences worldwide. With a career defined by innovation and a commitment to musical excellence, Teho has solidified his place as a leading figure in the electronic music scene.
Photo Credit: Teho – Guilhem Canal
Hailing from France, Teho’s musical journey began at a young age, inspired by a diverse array of influences ranging from classical composers to contemporary electronic artists. His early forays into music production were marked by a dedication to mastering his craft, honing his skills in sound design and arrangement to create compositions that evoke profound emotional responses.
Central to Teho’s artistic vision is his emphasis on live performance, where he leverages his technical expertise to deliver unforgettable experiences for his audience. Armed with an arsenal of synthesizers, drum machines, and controllers, he orchestrates dynamic performances that blur the lines between DJ set and live act, captivating crowds with his infectious energy and virtuosity.
Teho’s breakthrough came with his debut releases on esteemed labels such as Parquet Recordings and Traum Schallplatten, garnering attention for their intricate melodies and immersive soundscapes. Tracks like ‘Anywhere’ and ‘Into the Wild’ showcased his ability to seamlessly blend organic instrumentation with electronic elements, creating a rich tapestry of sound that captivated listeners.
“When I started making music, I never imagined I would be able to make a living from it, it was like an unrealizable dream. And yet, after many years of work, I made this dream come true. I had the opportunity to play all over the world, participate in exciting projects, meet great people including my biggest idols, and even become friends with some of them,” says Teho.
However, even with the success of a burgeoning career that many others would die for, something wasn’t feeling right as of late. “But despite this, I couldn’t be happy… Something deep inside me felt wrong… Something buried was preventing me from moving forward…Regularly, during my travels on tour, I had panic attacks without even knowing the real reason…“
Nonetheless, navigating this frame of mind, Teho began production of his third studio album. While his second studio LP would see him exploring dimensions and space through the concept of ‘Infinity’, this new adventure would come to connect on a highly personal level as he delved deep into his psyche.
“My goal was to understand what was wrong and, above all, to overcome it. I tried many things to get better, such as finding time for my other passion, skateboarding, spending as much time as possible with family and friends, or even meditating…All this helped me a lot but ignoring this unhappiness was not the solution.” Teho explains.
In turn, the creation of ‘Shifting’, Teho’s third full-length album, became so much more than a collection of carefully selected tracks cut from the same concept or emotional trigger. Through the beats and the melodies, ‘Shifting’ evolved into a process that provided a gateway for Teho to connect with the root of his conflict while providing him with the answers he needed.
“When I was a child, the absence of my father was very difficult to cope with, and this trauma resurfaced when our daughter was born, without realizing it. And it was this parallel during my travels, which haunted me. It would have taken me a while to understand it, but that’s it, I finally understood.
It is now with immense relief that I am now ready to share ‘Shifting’ with you, my third studio album. I would like to thank all the people who participated directly or indirectly in this project, but above all thank you all of you for supporting me all these years. I put my whole heart into this album, it’s the one that will forever be engraved in my memory, like a therapy that brought me a sense of inner peace. I hope you will like it, and now this album is yours.” expressed the French artist.
Beyond his solo endeavors, Teho has also collaborated with a diverse array of artists and musicians, further expanding his burgeoning catalog and pushing the boundaries of his creativity. His collaborations with vocalists and instrumentalists add a human element to his productions, infusing his music with depth and emotion.
Teho’s influence extends beyond the dancefloor, as he remains committed to exploring the intersection of music and technology. Through his experimentation with live visuals and interactive installations, the artist seeks to create immersive experiences that engage all the senses, transcending traditional notions of electronic music performance.
One has only to look inside Teho’s revered Labo T. imprint. Founded in November 2016, the idea for the label came to its creator with the desire to create a sound laboratory, a place where artists can try new things, a place where they can cross genres, styles, and work both in electronic and acoustic music.
“The main purpose was to create a label where I was totally free artistically speaking, but also to give this same freedom to some of my friends, and enable them to make whatever they wanted to do. It’s a kind of laboratory where artists can try different things and step out of their comfort zone. The meaning of Labo T. is a play on words in French. Labo T. sounds a lot like “la beauté”, which means “the beauty” in English. But also Labo stands for laboratory and T for Teho.” he explained to EG back in 2022.
And the sense of a laboratory expands beyond the music, exploring endless possibilities through the randomness and playfulness of the process behind their instantly recognizable artworks, which see the implementation of different techniques using epoxy resin with an integration of inks
At the heart of Teho’s artistry lies a deep emotional resonance, as he channels his personal experiences and emotions into his music. Whether through melancholic melodies or euphoric crescendos, his compositions possess a raw authenticity that speaks to the human condition, forging a deep connection with his audience.
As he continues to evolve and innovate, Teho remains a guiding light for electronic artists around the globe, inspiring them to embrace experimentation and push the boundaries of their creativity.
Teho’s new album, ‘Shifting’ is out now via Labo T. Purchase your copy here.
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